For 40 years people of Banagher and Cloghan have supported relief work in Tanzania

LSU nun Sister Annette Farrell addressed the congregations in Banagher and Cloghan on Saturday evening appealing to them for financial support for vital relief work in Tanzania.
Sister Annette addressed the 6.30pm mass in St Rynagh's Church, Banagher, and the 8pm mass in St Mary's Church, Cloghan. After each address she was given a round of applause by the congregations.
Parish Priest Father Patrick Kiernan introduced the nun on both occasions. He pointed out that for almost 40 years Sr Annette has worked in Tanzania with the poor and the oppressed. “She is on holidays at the moment,” he remarked, “and she wishes to talk to you about her work with the order.”
Sister Annette said she was very grateful for the opportunity to give a brief update on the Holy Union Mission, “which is an Irish mission which you fully share in through your support. Through God's grace we bring peace and relief to many people. Through following Christ's example we bring relief and comfort to many people, to communities and families living in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Together, you and us, we are playing our part in the missionary outreach programme of the Irish church.
“We sisters try to relieve immediate poverty and we try to effect long term change through education. Our founder Jean Baptiste Debrabant believed Christian education was the building foundation of hope for the youth. This is as true now as it was in his time during the turbulent and difficult history of 19th Century France.”
She pointed out that Tanzania has undergone a major population explosion since its independence in 1961. Tanganyika, as it was then known, had a population of 16 million in 1961. 61 years later that has risen to 62 million. “This population explosion,” she continued, “puts a huge burden on the government and explains somehow the poor level of resources. There is high unemployment in Tanzania and there is vast overcrowding in the schools. Classrooms can have 200 children in them, overseen by just one teacher.
“The care and education of children are the focus of the LSU mission. We run a primary and a secondary school. Our aim is to give a high quality education, at an affordable price, to represent the leading practices in education today.”
They also assist three primary schools in Tanzania which are teaching thousands of pupils. “We give the primary schools equipment and books. Last year we added another classroom at one of the primary schools.”
She said some of the children have been orphaned by AIDS; some have been rescued from traffickers. “We provide teachers, pastoral care and very importantly a daily breakfast of nourishing porridge. Many of the children have gone on to university. Many have done very well.
“At our HOPE Centre 250 children and their guardians attend. It is free of charge because the children come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Hope Centre is noisy, cheerful and positive.”
She said the nuns also have to contend with backward ideas among locals, backward ideas concerned with physical and mental handicaps. In Tanzania there is a link between witchcraft and handicapped conditions.
“I am often asked by people in Ireland why our order is in Tanzania. 50 years ago the African Bishops appealed to the European church calling for help with health and education in a number of African countries. La Sainte Union responded by establishing its mission. Our mission's purpose is to try and help God's poorest. We help the sick, the old, children, the hungry and homeless. For some, HIV seems to be suffering without hope.
“The challenges are vast in Tanzania. The country faces a difficult future. It's a country with not enough work opportunities, no OAP, little or no social welfare, no children allowances, no unemployment benefits.
“For 40 years the people of Banagher and Cloghan have supported our work. We are enormously grateful. God knows all the details of your benevolence and God will repay. Thank you.”
To contribute to Sr Annette's appeal for LSU Mission in Tanzania envelopes are available in both Churches or if preferred please use the Bank details as follows: La Sainte Union Mission Fund IBAN; IE41 BOFI 9016 5083 5073 75 BIC:BOFIIE2D. For more information on the Mission see www.facebook.com FriendsofHolyUnionTanzania