Sisters have passionately served the most vulnerable populations of Peru for over 40 years.  Sisters first went to Peru from the congregation’s Syracuse location in 1967. At first, they taught in a school on a large sugar plantation in the village of Paramonga north of Lima.  By the mid 1970’s the sisters moved on to meet other educational, pastoral, and health needs of the people in fishing villages and rural villages along the Pacific coast north of Lima and later in mountain missions high in the Andes.  The The sisters consistently sought to train locals to take over the work, so the sisters could move to other areas of need. The schools and catechetical programs that the sisters developed continue today under the tutelage of some of the very same men and women they taught in years past.   The Sisters continue religious education and support of the townspeople where they serve.  Sisters are the energizers, the organizers; the dreamers, the mentors, and prayerful role models for all with whom they come in contact.

Some of the Sisters and the work they are doing.

Sister Christina Flores works out of the Diocesan Offices in Lima as a Supervisor of Religion.  She helps the Religion teachers improve their class preparation. In Peru, religion is taught in all Public and Parochial schools. Sister is a registered psychologist and donates her services in the local parish. She is also Director of the Formation Program – teaching native Peruvians who would like to become Sisters of St. Francis.

Sister Lastenia Paz-Reina is a nurse technician at the Naval Hospital in Lima and is a volunteer in the local parish as well as a member of the neighborhood bible study group. Sister was born in Chachapoyes, Peru.  She completed high school and education as nurse technician in Lima she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1999.

Sister Donna Evans is a teacher and pastoral minister with extensive experience in the US and Peru.  She was first missioned to Peru in the 1970’s and returned to the US in 1996. Then she worked in pastoral care in New Mexico Indian Reservations.  She has returned to Peru and provides classes in English as a second language to parishioners and neighbors and assists in the formation program for new sisters.   



Sister Reyna Jesusa Onton Nahui has completed studies in English language and pre-nursing courses in Lima.  She began her year of canonical studies in May of 2010.

Sister Francis Clare DeGracia works in an extremely poor village, Quebrada Verde located outside of Lima. Ninety-nine percent of homes have no running water or bathrooms and most consist of reed mats or adobe with dirt floors. Agriculture is the main employment for residents, with most families earning about $100 per month. In nearby rural areas, 70 percent of people live below the poverty line, and 36 percent are extremely poor. Yet, in the midst of their poverty, the people continue to live a life of faith.  Sister’s presence and work there are a major force in the promotion of faith. She is affectionately referred to as “la madrina” God mother or “Madrecita.” Little Mother.  

Looking to the future and the potential of the youth of the village, Sister Francis Clare planned, raised funds for, and oversaw the establishment of Santa Rosa de Lima Montessori School to serve the youngest residents of this town. The school has been in operation for 7 years now and graduates 20-22 students a year.  The sisters have been able to operate the school on a shoe string with the donations from the congregation, individual sisters, friends, and benefactors. Most of the support of the school comes from donations. Tuition of $25.00 per month provides a child’s tuition, school supplies, and nutrition snack for a month yet this is beyond the financial ability of most families in the area. But,  no child is refused enrollment because of inability to pay.  The number of students enrolled could be nearly doubled if there were sufficient funds to hire additional teachers.  

Never ceasing to dream, Sister Francis Clare solicited equipment, donations, and consultation for a small bakery.  That bakery is in the last stages of construction and is awaiting final government approvals to begin production. The bakery, first in the village, will provide a way of sustaining the school as well as work for some of the parents of the school children.  Never idle, sister works in the community to promote financial independence for the women.  She assists and challenges then to form cottage industries, such as sewing and production of bead jewelry. Through the miseries of torrential rains, stifling dessert heat, earthquakes, and even terrorist attacks, sister’s faith and optimism have remained steadfast. 

In recent months torrential rains have damaged the roofs of the convent and school-so severely that they require total removal and reconstruction.  Mold and rot are the major problems. If that wasn’t enough the aftershocks from the Chilean earthquakes further damaged the roofs and some walls.  It is estimated that repairs to the buildings and roofs will be nearly $20,000 and the money needed to complete the bakery will be about $5,000. That is to complete additional government required equipment and certificates. 

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