Family, Mission Impossible? What do families really need in today’s
society? What is the biggest challenge that family life is facing? How can we integrate
faith and day-to-day living? These are just some of the questions that 41 religious
sisters from all five continents are hoping to find answers to over the next three
weeks in their General Chapter here in Rome. They are the Congregation of the Sisters
of the Holy Family of Nazareth and their mission is family.
“This General Chapter
is one of election, but also of looking at how we can answer the needs of the family
in today’s world”, says Superior General Sr. Janice Fulmer.
With cohabitation
and divorce on the rise and the recent economic downturn putting added strain on many
households, Sr Janice says that the needs of families are changing .
“We really
try to meet the needs of families today, we ask what is their need and then we try
to address it”, adds Sr. Janice.
But the sisters do more than just talk about
supporting the family. They are there on the front line.
“We work with families
in a variety of ways. We are particularly concerned with the religious and moral
education of children and adults. We are involved in schools to help parents educate
their children appropriately. We are also engaged in hospitals, because this is the
time when families feel very vulnerable when one of their loved ones is ill”.
The
congregation is also engaged in a variety of other social service areas, it has child-care
services, as well as services to care for mentally and physically challenged children
and adults.
One of these needs is without doubt giving young girls and women
who find themselves alone and expecting a child, a place to call home, encouragement
and family support.
“We have homes for unwed mothers so they are encouraged
to keep their children rather then having abortions or unnecessary adoptions. If
they want to take care of their own children, we try to really help them to do that”.
Founded
in 1875, the international congregation of vowed women religious, is dedicated to
the moral and religious renewal of family life. The Sisters live and minister in Asia,
Australia, Europe, Middle East, and North America. They are located in thirteen countries
around the world.
For more information on the Sisters of the Holy Family and
their services visit: www.nazarethfamily.org