Catechesis in Sicuani

by Sister Ancilla Maloney, IHM

Soon after Sister Eileen came to Sicuani in 1992 she went to work for 15 years on the Religious Education Team in the diocese. During that time, she realized the need for training programs for the dozens of catechists who were helping in the parishes in the villages spread across the Andes Mountains where there was no priest each Sunday. Joining with Father Paul Prendergast from New Zealand and his already trained catechists, she organized two conferences for these catechists each year. Usually the three-day conferences were held in June when the harvest was in, and then again in the fall
after the planting was done.

This October 17-19, (2022) another conference was attended by 28 Quechua speaking catechists from 11 different parishes. The focus was on the Sacrament of Confirmation and was led by the team trained by Father Paul and organized by Sister Eileen.

Sister Eileen was also preparing several couples to receive the Sacraments of Initiation with night classes covering a three-to-four week period. This is a requirement for a couple to be married. All the couples have raised, or are raising, their families, but now have enough money to have a wedding. Eileen also did the preparation classes for matrimony and has arranged for a married woman to give the final talks.

Sister Norma also has been preparing young people all year to receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Recently at a parent meeting for those whose children will be receiving the sacraments, it was discovered that the parents never had the opportunity to receive their first Communion and Confirmation so another RCIA class was inaugurated for them so that they can receive the sacraments with their children. Baptism was held for some of the youth and adults on October 15 in the San Felipe chapel.

An annual pilgrimage to a shrine of Our Lady of the Nativity on top of a mountain in the province Chimbivilcus, four hours away from the city, took place in late September. Norma brought 25 of her youth group plus three adult helpers who all slept in tents. The event began on a Friday in September and was an overnight religious experience. Our Pastor, Father Lucio, is beloved by the youth and his line for confession stretched up the surrounding hillside.

The Lord is with the sisters as they pour themselves out to preach the Word and incorporate their people into the community of faith in the parish of San Felipe.

Sr. Eileen

Retreat in Sicuani