The children sing and participate in the Sunday liturgy.
Two of the buildings at the center used for the children.
St. John’s Care Center is a special mission of our congregation. Located in Barberton, South Africa, the care center is home to over 30 children who were born HIV positive. The sisters together with a dedicated staff of lay people care for these children in body, soul and spirit.
The center is composed of three large buildings, a few smaller buildings and the convent. The large buildings provide dormitory space, dining and living areas and classrooms for the children. Many of the children have known no other home than the center and no other care givers than the sisters who minister at the center. Some came as infants, one was found soon after birth, abandoned to die, others came after their parents died or could no longer care for them. All came in need of special care and love.
A student hard at work on his math lesson.
As a member of the Provincial team for the United States Province, S. Frances Marie had the opportunity to visit St. John’s Center for a month this summer. She spent her time with Sisters Anece and Denise from the United States, Sister Frantiska from Slovakia and Sister Reena from India. What impressed her the most was the untiring love and devotion with which the sisters cared for the children and how grateful the children were for the care they received. The children helped with chores and daily tasks; even the smallest ones cleaned off their places before they left the table. With good nutrition, medicine, rest and constant monitoring, the children are living longer and are happy children with lots of energy. Sister observed first hand how the children are taught to keep God as their constant companion through daily prayer and participation at Mass. When S. Frances Marie returned to the United States, she left renewed knowing that the spirit of our foundress Mother Frances Antonia Lampel is alive and well in the lives and mission of the Sisters serving in South Africa. For more information on the care center, use the following link to their website: http://www.stjohnscare.co.za/
Students practicing a dance on the theme of new life in Christ.
Filed under: Catholic Lifestyles, education, Franciscan Values, Mission Activity, Peace, Justice, Integrity of Creation, Religious Vocations, Uncategorized
