High up in the Andes, at an altitude of around 13,000 feet (4000 m) above sea level, lies the diocese of Oruro. Covering an area of nearly 21,000 square miles (53,600 km²) it is larger than some of the smaller European countries, such as the Netherlands for example. Yet it is sparsely populated, with just around half a million people, at least half of whom live in the town of Oruro itself.
The 43 parishes of the diocese, needless to say, cover vast and often inaccessible regions. Consequently the work of the religious sisters in ministering to the Catholic faithful is of the greatest importance, engaged as they are in proclaiming the faith, catechesis, the youth apostolate and spiritual accompaniment of the people. Not only this, but at the same time they are often the only ones who are helping the people in their concrete, day-to-day needs. Especially in the area of healthcare and education, these religious sisters make a huge contribution. And in addition they run soup kitchens for the poor and other similar establishments.
But this selfless work of service comes at a heavy price for the sisters. The cold, the rigours of the high altitude, the difficult and often dangerous roads and the deserted landscape, and the difficult social environment – all this is hard to endure. But the sisters know well that their help and support are urgently needed. And so they continue their work, for sheer love of God – since they receive no payment of any kind.
Bishop Krzysztof Bialasik cannot speak too highly of the wonderful work the sisters are doing in his diocese. But since his diocese is also very poor, he has asked us for help for the support of 27 religious sisters belonging to 9 different congregations. We have promised him 14,730 Euros.
