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In mission with poor, Working with poor fisher folk is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. In 1975, at the invitation of Redemptorist Father Thomas Kocherry, 4 Medical Mission Sisters began mission in Poothura, a Catholic village along the coast of India. "Many people appreciated our option for the poor, and the simple way of life," recalls Sister Theramma Prayikalam, one of the 4 pioneers. Our Sisters became involved in all the parish activities. They introduced a new method of teaching, and gave classes to the local girls. Slowly, as the Sisters entered more deeply into the lives of the people, the traditional fisher folk became more organized. Eventually, their struggle to retain long-held fishing rights became known to the world. "We got involved in…fighting for the rights of the poor and oppressed," says Sister Theramma. "It was our conscious choice to live and work among the poor. So we decided to face all the consequences." Those consequences included difficult moments, such as confrontations with local authorities, a fire that was set in the Sisters' thatched house, and political strife within the village. "During that time, our spirituality gave us courage and strength. It was the sustaining force behind us," Sister Theramma shares. "After a lot of struggle, many of the recommendations and demands to protect the water resources and the rights of the fisher people were finally heard," says Sister Philomine Marie Thakadiel, who has been a tireless advocate for the people. Ongoing efforts are being made to implement and enforce new laws protecting the coast and traditional fisher folk. We also continue to help empower the women of the fishing communities. Sister Philomine Marie serves at the National Fish Workers Office. She also facilitates reflection and sharing for the many candidates of religious congregations, both men and women, who visit Poothura to see our mission there. Our Sisters continue their education work in Poothura as well. "The struggle to establish the people's traditional and customary rights over natural resources for their livelihood…is also to establish a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of development for all," Sister Philomine Marie says.
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