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“Every time I’m here in Sucre it
is a reminder to me of how I need to be as dedicated as the religious in
this area.”
Though the countries are on different
sides of the equator, the songs of two languages demonstrated how the countries
are linked by one international language—love.
“Everything we get is a gift from
God, and we need to share our gift with others. The D’Arcys have done that,”
said Bishop Imesch.
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The Sisters of St. Anthony of Padua Congregation have added
44 children to their family. The sisters run the orphanage and care for
the city’s abandoned youth, some of whom had been living on the streets
of the second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Ranging in age
from newborn to 6 years old, some were born into desperate poverty and
abandoned. Most suffer from a complicated physical or mental illness for
which there is no opportunity for adequate care. “Sometimes they don’t
know how to walk or talk,” commented Nirka Escalante Malne, a Catholic
physical therapist for the facility.
“Every time I’m here in Sucre it is a reminder to me of how I need to be as dedicated as the religious in this area.” That’s how Franciscan Sister Dolores Zemont of St. Mary Parish in Mokena described her heart-felt feelings to a crowd gathered April 3 at a blessing of a new wing to the orphanage called Tata Juan de Dios Huerfanato. The nun has led University of St. Francis students to Bolivia for the past five years. Sister Zemont was part of a small Joliet Diocesan delegation that traveled with Bishop Joseph L. Imesch April 1-6 to Sucre for the dedication of Christ of the Americas Hospital and a new wing at Tata Juan De Dios Huerfanato. The dedication ceremony was simple, but full of love, just like the children housed at the orphanage. Shortly after the daily siesta, 75 people gathered under the hot mountain sun to bless the renovated patio area, which was painted bright red, yellow, green and blue. Three new sleeping rooms and two new bathroom facilities were also opened. Like any child attending a large family gathering or festive wedding, these parentless youngsters scampered about, playing a simple game of hide-and-seek and swinging on the nearby swing set. Innocent and unaware of the events leading up to the blessing, they attracted loving attention from their U.S. visitors. Talking over the youthful chatter and sounds of children laughing, St. Anthony Sister Nelba Caro, director of the orphanage, began the ceremony by playing the national anthems of the United States and Bolivia. Though the countries are on different sides of the equator, the songs of two languages demonstrated how the countries are linked by one international language—love. The master of ceremonies then introduced Father Joaquin Sanches, commissioner of Health for the Sucre Diocese. Father Sanches reminded the crowd that the facility was not just a place to corral unwanted children, “This is a home,” he said. He continued to stress the family atmosphere by pointing out that the architect for the addition invited his mother to the special occasion. Archbishop of Sucre Jesus Perez Rodriguez stepped to the forefront, pausing briefly to look out over the international crowd. He credited his brothers and sisters in North America with providing the children with a more humane environment. Previous to the construction, the nuns had to keep two children in one crib, now there will be one bed for every child. Bishop Imesch expressed further gratitude as he stood in front of the crowd. He thanked specific individuals whose financial contributions helped fund the orphanage’s addition—the D’Arcy family of Plainfield and Sister Zemont. “Everything we get is a gift from God, and we need to share our gift with others. The D’Arcys have done that,” said Bishop Imesch. John D’Arcy, a white-haired, husky gentleman with a gravely voice, appeared somewhat humbled by the occasion. His voice cracking slightly, D’Arcy told the crowd he was pleased to be on-hand for this special occasion. “We are delighted to play a small part in it,” added the parishioner from St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield. Three generations of the family were present for the dedication; his wife Jeanette, son Terri and grandson Chris D’Arcy. Sister Caro later told the Catholic Explorer that she was grateful to the D’Arcy family for their generous gift. “It’s also very special because it comes from a family,” which is exactly the kind of atmosphere the sisters are attempting to create at the orphanage. Sister Zemont was instrumental in securing $5,000 for children’s beds. While working with a group of Mokena seniors from St. Mary Parish, she discussed her experiences from a previous visit to Bolivia. The group of seniors was so touched by her passionate description that they too offered some financial assistance. The pastoral associate for St. Mary Parish in Mokena also hand-delivered a portable, turquoise radio that was donated by the senior citizens. Persistent in her attempts to gain material goods for the orphans, Sister Zemont also collected a donation from one former Joliet resident. “His mother was (in Bolivia) last year and he was moved by it,” said Sister Zemont. Of course, the modest nun would not ask anything from another without first doing it herself. Sister Zemont explained that her own family made a contribution as well. The closing ceremony featured the bishops of the two continents, sprinkling holy water throughout the new wing and renovated patio. Natalie Bayci, who has visited the Bolivian orphanage several times over the past four years, was impressed with the renovation project. “The playground was all dirt and rocks, and now it’s full of beautiful grass. It’s a safer environment now,” she said. |
