Brazil | Nicaragua | Peru

Sisters of Notre Dame in Brazil

SND foundation established in 1962

The Sisters of Notre Dame minister in northeast Brazil among people who have been pushed off their lands. Our Sisters' work is concentrated in education and the development of cottage industries including lace-making cooperatives. One of our Sisters works with an Italian priest among the indigenous peoples of the northeast. Their major project is an alternative education program for the Indians in that region which involves help through traditional schooling and many aspects of daily life.

The Sisters live, pray, and work in direct service to the materially poor. Our Sisters accompany women, children, farmers, Indians, and others through ministries such as alternative health practices, Bible studies, adult literacy, community therapy, children's programs, women's cooperatives, and sustainable land efforts. Collaboration with others, including local non-government organizations, national programs, dioceses and other congregations is highly valued in these ministries.

SND in Mission: Dorothy Stang SND ~ Martyred February 12,2005 in Anapu, Para, Brazil

Ministries in Brazil:

• Education
• Social Service
• Justice, Peace and Community Action Work
• Business Development
• Pastoral Service
• Health Care
• Formation for Religious Life

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Sisters of Notre Dame in Nicaragua

SND project began here in 1981

Since 1981 Sisters of Notre Dame have been accompanying the poor in Matagalpa and Siuna/Mulukuku regions of Nicaragua.  

The Sisters’ commitment has led them to develop programs of education, health, community development and religious formation.  They are joined in this work by the Misioneras de Cristo, a native campesina religious community, Associates of Notre Dame, and Special Families of St. Julie Billiart. The latter is an organization supporting families of  children with challenging and different capabilities. The first Special Park for these children in Central America and the only Horse Therapy Program in Nicaragua have been set up in Matagalpa. Local women are currently engaged in these developments and are encouraged to become involved in on-going education, training workshops, café/yogurt-making projects, recycling etc.

In Mulukuku, a more rural mountainous area, several educational projects are growing: a Montessori pre-school, several one-roomed primary schools and an emerging program for women interested in becoming Sisters of Notre Dame.

Ministries in Nicaragua:

• Education  formal and informal
• Health Care
• Social Service
• Pastoral Service
• Religious Formation
• Community Development
• Leadership Development for Women

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