Working with the visually impaired is one of the hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today.

For over 15 years, Sister Fidelis Abad Santos and some of our other Filipina Sisters have been involved with a community of the blind in an area north of Manila. "Sharing with the visually impaired opened us to a whole new world," says Sister Fidelis. "Being blind and poor causes them to be doubly marginated by society, deprived of all opportunities for jobs to enable them to earn their living decently."

Our Sisters began a clinic in the area of Bagong Nayon, north of Manila, where 103 families with blind members lived. "This was our entry point into the community," explains Sister Fidelis. "We facilitated the formation of prayer and bible reflection groups where families prayed together …they realized the importance of an integrated approach to their problems, with sighted and visually impaired members pooling their talents and resources together for the common good."

The Balikatan Multipurpose Cooperative of the Blind was built upon this realization. "It is one of the few, if not the only, cooperative that was organized by the blind themselves and is owned and managed by them," says Sister Fidelis. The members made monthly financial contributions as initial capital. They established the Consumers' Cooperative Store, which sells basic goods to the members at low prices. Next came the Credit Cooperative, which helps the members to handle emergency needs, and pay for the education of their children. Thirdly, the Transportation Service Cooperative, which now has 5 jeeps, provides transportation for the blind, as well as livelihood for sighted members who drive, conduct, and maintain the vehicles.

"We believe that an important sustaining factor for the community is their ongoing reflection and formation," shares Sister Fidelis. "We have gained valuable insights into the world and culture of the visually impaired… they long to be treated as productive, conscientious members of the world."

She adds, "When we learn to trust in the ability of our so-called disabled or handicapped brothers and sisters, and to help them organize themselves for collective responsibility and action towards a better future, then we may be surprised at what a revelation they will be. The best is yet to come!"

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