The above photo are Sisters Judith Hilbing, Adele Human and Anita Cleary after loading up their vehicle and leaving for the airport.
For sixty years the lives of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield have been bound to the lives of the people of Peru.
This week several North American sisters travelled to join the sisters in Peru for a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Peru foundation and the 25th years in the Andean community in Jarpa.
Seven sisters and an associate, along with her daughter, are making the trip for the special event to honor a ministry that started long ago.
For Sister Mila Diaz Solano, this is a trip home. She was born in Peru and joined the congregation in 1995, making profession in 1998. For many of the other sisters who served in Peru, it also feels a bit like a homecoming of sorts.
Sister Judith Hilbing, who served 18 years in Peru working as an educational administrator, was encouraged and excited to return to a place she once called home.
“The relationships will always be remembered as the key to success of the ministry. I know the Dominican Sisters were part of the fabric of the lives of those who we touched,” said Sister Judith.
"The relationships will always be remembered as the key to success of the ministry." ~ Sister Judith
Sister Anita Cleary, who served in Peru 2002-2005, was honored to be included in the celebration.
“I anticipate being embraced by stories—both past and present—to laugh until we cry and to cry with the memories of those who are no longer with us. To celebrate what has been and what is now, and therefore have a glimpse into the future,” she wrote in an email.
Sister Adele Human, who ministered in in Peru 2004-2009, including a brief time in Jarpa, said she was excited to see the changes and her fellow sisters.
“Many things have changed in our missions in Peru since I left in 2009. I am so excited to see all the sisters and the people of Jarpa. I also anticipate seeing the new construction in both Jarpa and Lima,” she said, referring to the Lima center house completed in 2019 and a building in Jarpa that serves as the sisters’ convent and parish community center.
Sister Ann Elizabeth Little, whose ministry is in Jackson, Miss., is looking forward to reuniting with friends and having some fun on the dance floor. She served in Peru for seven years between 2002-2011.
“I anticipate seeing many people I know. I also anticipate dancing!” wrote Sister Ann Elizabeth in an email.
“I am very excited to return to Peru to see my ‘extended family’ with whom I shared daily life for many years. It truly feels like a “homecoming” after many years!” ~Sister Kathlyn
Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy said she is excited to see people she considers family, after eleven years in Peru between 1997-2009.
“I am very excited to return to Peru to see my ‘extended family’ with whom I shared daily life for many years. It truly feels like a “homecoming” after many years!” she wrote.
For Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, who directs the mission advancement office for the congregation, the trip will be a first.
“This is my first trip to Peru and I’m looking forward to seeing where our sisters live and are ministering. It’ll be a treat to take part in the celebration with them in Jarpa and to meet the people.” wrote Sister Kathleen Anne.
In 2003, Sister Judith Hilbing, documented the history of the Peruvian missions in a book titled Flavors of Hope.
“In the 1960’s concepts like ‘enculturation, insertion, liberation theology, inter-culturation, and mutuality in mission’ were not yet refine or nuanced,” wrote Sister Judith in her book.
During that time, Pope John XXIII encouraged religious communities to serve in Latin America. This prompted Mother Ida Marie Adams to pursue the idea, leading to the Peru pioneer sisters; arrival in La Oroya, Peru, in February 1964.
Sr Ann is a blessing to all she serves as a Chaplain at St Dominic Health.
Is Sister Mary Virgine still ministering in Peru? She was a first grade teacher at St John Bosco in Chicago in my youth.