The message of this video is summarised in its closing statement: Sisters embody a culture of care based on presence, encounter and service. The approach of Sisters to community engagement is rooted in three fundamental values, underpinning their unique contribution to global development. Presence: Sisters live among the world’s most vulnerable people, sharing their experiences, challenges and hopes. Encounter: Sisters welcome difference in all its forms, striving to recognise and value each person in their full human dignity. And service: Sisters are committed to promoting the empowerment of all people and the wellbeing of our common home, giving their time, their energies and even their lives in service of others.
Sister Mary John Kudiyiruppil, Associate Executive Secretary at UISG, says: “The foundational drive of most congregations of women religious has been one of care and nurture, especially where systems and structures have been weak in caring for the vulnerable. UISG is committed to supporting communities to care, as is evident in the number of its initiatives related to direct care and to support for care-givers. My wish and prayer is that people see this video, draw inspiration for their lives, tap into their fundamental urge to care, and support persons and structures engaged in care-giving.”
Sister Niluka Perera, Coordinator of the UISG initiative Catholic Care for Children International (CCCI), says: “CCCI supports religious Sisters, helping them to read the signs of the time and make their charism of care relevant to today’s context. The creation of the CCCI office at UISG is the result of Sister-led care reform in Uganda, Zambia and Kenya during the past few years. We are called to dream big in order to find a better, more sustainable future for the children in our care; we are called to let go of old ways of responding to issues related to caring for children. For this, we need to open ourselves to the new with an open mind, open heart, and open will, nurturing new ways of thinking, being, and doing.”