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Read about our relationship with Nicaragua

Becoming multicultural in vision and experience.

In 2001 our Franciscan Community (sisters and associates) formally gave birth to what we know as “Project ALL,” Project America Latina Ligada (ligada means connected). The concept came from our sisters and associates in Ecuador. Its purpose is threefold:

1. To promote the level of relationships of the associates and sisters in Latin America.

2. To promote relationships between the associates in Latin America and the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota.

3. To promote the relationship between the Franciscan Community in the United States and in Latin America.

These purposes are being fulfilled mainly through shared newsletters and annual immersion experiences in Minnesota and Ecuador. Friendships continue to develop and grow as more associates and sisters visit each other’s countries. Within Ecuador, too, the associates from the coastal and mountain areas have become good friends through their semi-annual gatherings.

What does the future hold? It is hoped that the Franciscan Community will grow to relish diversity in all its forms as we become familiar with other cultures of the world. Project ALL has helped in this endeavor, but we have really only begun to think globally and to incorporate into our daily lives those values, customs and worldviews of other peoples. May the day soon come when all people will recognize and cherish our unity as sisters and brothers in one global family!

Project ALL immersion includes Community Days

Fabiola Ávila de Loarte and Gloria Castro, chosen by the associates in the Quito area of Ecuador to be participants in the 2007 Project ALL immersion to the USA, arrived in Minneapolis with Sister Joan Gerads on the stormy evening of June 7. After overnight hospitality at Sabbath House, they came to the Motherhouse in Little Falls on June 8 to celebrate Mass with the Franciscan Sisters. What was extra special for them was that the Mass that day was for their long-time friend, Sister Bertha Gerads, on her first anniversary of new life.

At the center of the immersion experience was Community Days, when almost all of the sisters returned home for Community meetings. To enable the visitors to participate more fully, an interpreter was hired for the days of formal presentation and exchange. Using a portable mic, she spoke to the women, who wore earphones. During the more informal times, such as at table discussions and even at Mass in chapel, a number of Spanish-speaking sisters did the interpreting. What wonderful inclusiveness!

On Sunday, June 17, Fabiola and Gloria got a real taste of how the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls celebrate, as that was the date nine sisters celebrated their 60th Jubilee of religious life. (See page 4 for pictures of the jubilarians.)

All too quickly the two weeks in Minnesota ended and the visitors returned to Ecuador. Their memories, however, will last a lifetime! And, oh, what stories they have to tell back home!

— Judy Virnig

Learn more about Franciscan Associates ... click here.