Bangladesh PIME nuns mark 75 years

(December, 09, 2011) In Bangladesh, the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate, also know as the PIME sisters, on Thursday marked the 75th anniversary of their congregation by announcing they would expand their reach in the country through new mission work, including a programme of assisting people living with HIV/AIDS. About 2,000 Catholics, including six priests and 12 nuns, attended a Mass celebrated by Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi at Bonpara Catholic parish in Natore district to commemorate the occasion. Italian Sister Gianfranca Foiadelli, the local community superior, said after the celebration that the group has served people physically, mentally, spiritually and morally irrespective of caste, creed or gender. The nuns now plan to expand their mission to serving HIV/AIDS patients. She said they would also like to produce some lay missionaries who can work alongside them. In his homily, Bishop Rozario paid tribute to the PIME nuns saying his first catechism lesson was from them who subsequently prepared him for his First Holy Communion and Confirmation. It was they who inspired him to the priesthood he said. Founded in Milan, Italy, in 1936, the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate first came to what is now Bangladesh in 1953. Today there are 68 PIME nuns working in the country.