ACWECA: Catholic Sisters Appreciated for Humanitarian Assistance During Covid-19 Pandemic
Sr. Gina Marie Blunck delivering a message from Hilton Fund for sisters to the 18th Plenary Assembly
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Catholic Sisters in Eastern and Central Africa have been congratulated for their reaching out to the needy during the Covid19 pandemic period that has affected people’s daily life in the society as they seek to promote human welfare.
“One of the most important lessons the world has learnt during this pandemic, is how effective Catholic Sisters are reaching out to the under-served population,” Sr. Gina Marie Blunk said while sharing good will message from Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters with members of the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) during the ongoing 18th Plenary Assembly.
“Catholic Sisters have been unstoppable during this pandemic. They have been everywhere giving support and they have set standards for helping others,” Sr. Blunck the Executive Director of the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters narrated to over 170 online participants including major superiors from various congregations, ACWECA partners, observers and other invited guests.
According to Sr. Blunck during her presentation Thursday, August 26, non-religious organizations who partner with Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters acknowledged that joining forces with Sisters’ help organizations fulfil their dreams.
“Two non-religious organizations recognized Sisters as true humanitarians,” Sr. Blunck a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame (SND) congregation disclosed to the nuns and quoted from one of the partners saying “in response to Covid19 in India, we wouldn’t have been able to get the support to the people without Sisters…. Without them there was no way we could do anything.”
On behalf of Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters, Sr. Blunck assured members of ACWECA that the Hilton funds exist to support them and that for the past 35 years the organization has “given over 155 million United States dollars for projects in which nuns around the world are involved.”
“We fund immigrants, refugee services, anti- trafficking activities; services for women and children; education and communication; health care, clean water; and environmental issues affecting the quality of life and alternative energy,” Sr. Blunck highlighted urging the Sisters to continue writing proposals to get funded so as to “continue being unstoppable in supporting the needy.”
Emphasizing Sr. Blunck’s message to the Sisters about the funds, the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) Executive Secretary Sr. Pasilisa Namikoye narrated that “there are two emerging priorities the Sisters need to capitalize on as Conferences as look they for funds.”
“I want to remind the Major Superiors following this Plenary Assembly: let’s take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the funds to help as carry on our mission as women Religious in the region,” Sr. Namikoye a member of the institute of the Little Sisters of St. Francis (LSOSF) said during the Thursday conference.
She observed that the Sisters have “truly been unstoppable” during the pandemic period and have given various support including; sharing Covid messages and being in solidarity with the vulnerable and marginalized.
The AOSK Executive Secretary appreciated the support Catholic Sisters have received from Hilton fund for the past 35 years and assured the organization continued collaboration.
