SJM & Irma Dulce

"O que fazer para mudar o mundo? Amar. O amor, pode sim, mudar a realidade."

"What to do to change the world? Love. Love can indeed change reality."

                                                                 

                                                                         -Irma Dulce

Exciting news from the missionaries of St. John. We are now working with the Obras Sociasi Irma Dulce (OSID)/social works of Irma Dulce. Let's find out a little more . . . 

Blessed Irma Dulce was a Brazilian sister who worked with the poor of Salvador, Brazil (where we are at now!). Now, 22 years after her death her charitable works in health and education are flourishing more than ever. 

Recently a film came out about her life and has been a hit in Brazil.

Mission of Irma's social works: to love and serve the poor and needy, offering free care in health and social care, innovating educational activities.

Few facts:

4 million outpatient visits a year.

1,005 beds for the care of clinical and surgical pathologies.

10,643,000 surgeries per year (HSA).

1.2 million meals served per year for our patients and 537,000 for our employees

700 children and adolescents in situations of social vulnerability, seen at the Educational Center San Antonio.

Approximately 4,300 employees work in the Sister Dulce Social Work.

Inside the Church where we were privileged to watch the film with other volunteers. And finally we understood the life of one of the most talked about women of Salvador.

Visiting the remains of Irma. Blessed Irma Dulce pray for us!

Side view One of Irma Dulce's social centers where we will be soon giving English classes to adults twice a week, volunteering and also participating in their arts & craft classes. That way we can share our English expertise with the people of Salvador, practice our Portuguese and learn crafts to later teach them to our kids in Alto (the favela). So many win-wins. God is good.

Front view of the Irma Dulce center in Perulinho. Only a ten minute walk from the convent!

Our first craft lesson. Here we have Faith with such artistic precision painting a Christmas tree made out of recyclable materials: old magazines and tape holders.

With the arts and crafts teacher, Cris, who generously shared with the us her knowledge and skills of recycled crafts. Such a lovely soul . . . a picture can never do justice.

Our beautiful finished product. Thank you Cris and thank you Irma :)

Source: http://www.irmadulce.org.br/