This past May, 2014, I returned to the Zaña valley, Peru, with Sr Kitty (Stafford) and Nuccia McGrath. It was like a homecoming visit. Every where we went the people greeted us with hugs and good wishes. The older people in the village always asked about many of the Sisters who had journeyed with them through the years that the “Josies” were in Peru.
One particular memory stands out in my mind. Nuccia and I visited the Mocupe comedor (soup kitchen) supported by Heart-Links. Besides feeding the young children of the villages, the comedors also feed the very old. One of the visitors that day was a 94 year old woman, Carmela. She smiled at us and obligingly stood to have our photos taken with her. Nuccia and I asked her if we could help her carry her food home. On our way out to the highway we were met by an even older gentleman, who was Carmela’s husband, Francesco. They both gave us hugs and kisses and with tears in their eyes, could not thank us enough for supporting the comedor, for without it they would have no food.
This humbling experience certainly made us realize how important the work of Heart-Links is and how it continues in a small way to carry on the many good works started by the Sisters of St Joseph in Peru.
It is now been 20 years since Heart-Links began and so to celebrate we are inviting you to come and share in that history. Please join us on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at St Michael’s Parish Hall, 511 Cheapside, London, 11 am to 2 pm. Come and enjoy stories, music, silent auction, refreshments and more.
View the Flyer and read the Heart-Links Backgrounder
Loretta Brennan
CSJ Associate