Latin America Project: Peru|
 | For over a quarter century, the Sons of Mary, Health of the Sick were involved in missionary activity in the South American country of Peru. During that time, three missions were maintained, two high in the Andes mountains at the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco and also at Huancarama, and, by far the largest effort, in the vast urban slum area of El Agustino in Lima. At all three missions, medical, catechetical and social apostolates were initiated which included grammar and high schools, a technical school, catechetical and youth centers and medical clinics. The Brothers provided everything from first communion preparations to eye surgery. | | Unfortunately, we no longer have sufficient personnel to have Brothers in that country, but, through the generous effort of so many friends and benefactors, much of that good work is continuing even to this day. As was always the case in our missionary efforts everywhere, our priority has always been in the field of education. High in the Andes mountains, in the remote town of Chumpi, literacy programs have begun under the auspices of the Sons of Mary. Many of the townsfolk, especially women, were never afforded the opportunity to learn to read and write. But, it's never too late to provide people with the powerful tools that lead to information gathering and effective decision making over their own lives. In the photo above, one of the literacy classes proudly displays some of their "artesania", the beautiful embroidery for which they are justly famous throughout Peru. The sign on the table reads: LITERACY PROGRAM CHUMPI SONS OF MARY. | | In the photo at right, you can see some of the students, pencils ready, eagerly waiting for the late afternoon class to begin, even after a full day's work in the fields. Too old to learn? "Nonsense!" replies Aurora Pabon, director of the program, "I've never seen such enthusiastic students in all my years of teaching." Note the trendy "fedoras" adorning all the students, worn proudly to identify that particular geographical region in the Peruvian Andes. |  | | If you would like to earmark a specific donation to this project, or to other work the Sons of Mary continue to sponsor in Peru, please let us know and we will be happy to dedicate your generosity only to Peruvian endevors. If you would like more information on any of our missionary work in Latin America, please use the contact page. |
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