Helping the tsunami survivors get back to earning a living 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.

When the late December Indian Ocean tsunami destroyed, among other areas, the coastline around Tamil Nadu in southern India, our Sisters joined with many to provide immediate help to the victims, and also to plan for their long-term needs.

Medical, psychological, and spiritual assistance were offered first. In looking at long-term planning, Sister-Doctor Elizabeth Vadakekara, our Sector Coordinator in Asia, explained, "The greatest need is to get the people back to work, which is fishing." The boats of the fisherfolk in Kottilpadu, a Catholic village of about 600 families, were destroyed by the tsunami. Thanks to the generosity of our donors in North America, 96 boats with engines were ordered -- 8 boats for each of 12 Basic Christian Communities.

Sister Elizabeth was involved in helping each group identify families to receive and share the boats. On August 28th, the first 60 boats were distributed. Two families will share one boat. The beneficiaries signed a contract that they are accountable to the Basic Christian Community, and to the parish priest, for the use of "their" boat.

"We wanted a simple blessing ceremony at the beach itself, so that we were close to the reality," Sister Elizabeth explains. It was a bright sunny day, and the blessing was held outdoors. "It was heartening to note that most of the families went to the sea the very next day."

"I thank all of our donors for their generous support," she adds. "I am quite conscious of the massive destruction caused by Katrina … the poor people continue to be the victims of these calamities. Our prayers for God's mercy and protection for the affected people!"

home     
e-mail mmsorg@medicalmissionsisters.org