From December 28 through January 20, I had an incredible opportunity to visit the Sisters of St. Joseph in Perú. As the congregation’s communication director, it helped me to get to know the Peruvian sisters better and have some conversations with them about how to share their stories better.
Enjoy some photos of my adventure in Perú, where I had the chance to soak in some breathtaking views and immerse myself in the lives of these dedicated women. With my camera in hand, I experienced their daily routines, from quiet moments of reflection to the bustling energy of their ministry.
My home base for the trip was the Center House in the Jesús María neighborhood of Lima. Eight sisters live here full-time, and there are plenty of rooms to welcome visitors. Community is the center of the sisters’ lives as they gather for each meal in the dining room.
Sisters María Vásquez, me, Mauricia Carcasi, Agripina Morales, Gloria Zapata and Sally Harper visited the Pacific Coast at the port just north of Lima.
Sisters Mary McGlone, Anne Davis and Patty De La O visit the Shrine of St. Rose of Lima in downtown Lima. This well was used by her family in the 1500s; now pilgrims drop in letters with their prayer requests.
We visited the site of a new community and ministry site for the sisters in Pachautec, in the foothills outside Lima. Here, Sisters Maritza Jarro (center) and Sally Harper (right) walk up the hill from the sisters’ house to the school where they will teach.
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¡Feliz Año! We celebrated New Year’s Eve at the Center House. Peruvians decorate with and wear yellow to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.
Sisters Anne Davis, Patty De La O and Zaida Pérez welcomed us to their house in the Canto Chico neighborhood. They have an after-school program in their home and help their neighbors navigate extreme poverty.
Sisters Mary Ann Leininger, Ruth Matos, Mauricia Carcasi, María Elena Cáceres, Mary Luz Salazar and I visited Sister Ruth’s psychology practice in Carapongo, outside Lima.
Sister Maritza Jarro and I spent a few days touring the historic Incan sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. I couldn’t leave Perú without visiting Machu Picchu!
Thank you so much for the wonderful photos of our Sisters and places in Lima, Canto Chico. I am glad you had the opportunity to visit Peru. I would love to go myself.
Love,
Sister Elaine Coutu, L.A.