“The SSpS is already in Ecuador!”The SSpS project in Ecuador became a reality through the joint efforts of all the Provinces in PANAM. It was initially guided by the PANAM Coordinating Team and later on, the Province of Christ the King-Argentina North was given the responsibility to process the foundation and its evaluation. The SVD Province of Ecuador, which requested our presence here for years, assumed the task of renovating the existing house for the Sisters’ residence. The house is situated near the Virgin of Guadalupe Parish in Ventanas, Los Rios Province. On the 7th of December 2008, with a Holy Mass celebrated by Father Provincial Joseph Artienda SVD and concelebrated by other SVD priests, we began our SSpS presence in Ecuador. Sr. Pelagia Almada and Sr. Ana Claudia Buet, are the pioneer Sisters of this new foundation. Sr. María Ruth Christian joined them a few weeks later. We have already an Ecuadorian SSpS from this area, Sr. Carmen Rosario Figueroa (Charo). She wanted to be an SSpS and entered in Mexico. Two years ago she made her perpetual vows and is working in Bolivia. Sr Carmen Rosario was also present during the opening time of the new community. The following day, December 8, on the anniversary of the foundation day as a Congregation, we moved into the house even though the house was not yet in order. December 8 is celebrated as the foundation date. December 12, the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Patroness of the Parish where we are, the Bishop, Fausto Gabriel Trávez, officially presented us to the parish community and blessed our house. There are two SVD Parishes in Ventanas – one in the center, the Sacred Heart Parish and next to our house, the Parish of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Each parish is responsible for more than thirty communities or areas, some of which are situated quite a distance from the city and from the highway. Our plan is to collaborate with and be integrated into the Pastoral Team, while also being in the process of adaptation and inculturation. There are possibilities for socio-pastoral work with the women, in the field of health, in the liturgical formation of groups and in the Biblical Pastoral, Mission Animation and Vocation Promotion aspects. Source: SSpS Information Service No. 121 May-June 2009
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