Latin America

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.

The Amazing Grace of Sister Dorothy Stang: Martyred February 12, 2005 in Anapu, Para, Brazil

Resources on Sister Dorothy

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

Spanish podcast: LA MUERTE DE LA SELVA ES EL FIN DE NUESTRA VIDA

Peru

SND foundation established in 1970

We are Sisters of Notre Dame from Peru, Belgium, Britain and the United States who serve the people of Peru. We accompany children, adolescents and adults in Lima and its environs, as well as in the north in the Tambogrande Region. We teach, direct and administer Fe y Alegría Schools in the capital city and in the rural areas. We also accompany women in Peru who are discerning vowed life as Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

There is tremendous poverty in Peru. Those unable to work or without employment are incapable of feeding their families. They do not receive government assistance in aid for food or health care.  The scarcity of water is a major problem. For example, the people in some places have to use the same water twice, to wash dishes and to flush toilets. Yet in the midst of overwhelming need, the Peruvians have hope and a strong faith in God.

Ministries in Peru
  • Education
  • Social Service
  • Pastoral Service
  • Health Care
  • Prison Ministry
  • Formation for Religious Life

The Sisters in Nicaragua and Peru work closely together and now form the Peru/Nicaragua Province.