Support for the life and apostolate of 16 Poor Clare Sisters in Colombia
Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Project Code: 214-06-39

"We pattern our lives on the poor, humble and crucified Christ, and on the example of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi, who lived the Gospel,” the Poor Clare Sisters of Popayán, Colombia explain. Their daily life follows a structured pattern of contemplative prayer, silence, community life, joy, poverty and work.

Two years ago, given the steady flow of new vocations, seven of the Sisters left the convent here in order to establish a new convent in another part of Colombia. Since then there have been 16 nuns living here in the convent of Saint Clare. The eldest of them can look back on 74 years of religious life since taking her permanent vows. She is now 94 years old! The youngest – a postulant – is just 17.

Every year, dozens of young Colombian men and women opt for a life of service of their fellow men, whether as a male or female religious. Some 96.7% of Colombia's 46 million inhabitants are Christian, and one-third regularly participate in Church life. The number of vocations is high, and the need for priests, religious and lay pastoral workers is enormous, as the people of Colombia are living through a time of ongoing crisis.  For Father Werenfried, it was through the Contemplative Brothers and Sisters that the "sacred and spiritual" is made visible "in a world that is losing the sense of the sacred." 

The Sisters of Saint Clare pray daily for those struggling spiritually and economically.  Unfortunately, the extreme poverty affecting the country does not spare the Poor Clares.  As their prioress, Maria Letica of the Child Jesus, explains, their efforts to support themselves by their bakery, the embroidering of liturgical vestments and the manufacturing of candles and other items are simply not enough. The local people try to help, often coming to visit the Sisters, bringing them gifts from the little they themselves possess.

Humbly, Mother Maria asks us for financial support to sustain the lives of the 16 nuns. They will need an extra $2,178 simply to make ends meet.  Let us not abandon these Sisters, with their living faith and unshakeable trust in God. In return, they will not forget you, but will respond with the precious and priceless gift of their prayers for your own personal intentions.

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