Nuns are amazing women. They minister to the whole world — sometimes by traveling to the far reaches of the globe, sometimes by their powerful prayers from within a monastery. There is no place that we Catholic sisters and nuns will not go to minister to God’s people and to tend the precious world that God has entrusted to our care.
Today’s Nunday photo is a powerful reminder of this. My blogging friend Sister Susan Rose Francois of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Peace sent this photo and story of her nun, Sister Eleanor Gilmore.
From Sister Susan …
Sister Eleanor Gilmore, CSJP, is retiring from her health care ministry to the people of El Salvador. Sister Eleanor has lived in San Salvador since 2001 when she founded the Paz Salud health ministry which brings volunteer doctors and nurses to staff temporary health clinics for the poor of El Salvador. She had previously ministered in El Salvador during the civil war. From 1988 to 1993 she worked with Jesuit Refugee Services to coordinate health care in the capital for people from the repopulation villages. This was all the ministry she began after she “retired” from community leadership.
I was privileged to visit Sister Eleanor in El Salvador two summers ago. As we toured around the countryside, she would meet families that she had helped during the Civil War. It was as if she was a member of their family – they would embrace and catch up on all their news. Occasionally she would also tell us more grim stories – but always with a sense of humor. Like when we drove by the police station where she’d been held overnight. Or the Jesuit Refugee Service house she was staying overnight at in El Salvador – she had some appointments in the City the next day – only to be awoken during the middle of the night by police commandos who arrested her (again). Life was dangerous during the war to be sure, but she felt called to be there with the people.
Another Sister has taken over the ministry in El Salvador. Sister Eleanor will be returning to our west coast headquarters for some much needed rest and relaxation.
Archived Comments
- March 9, 2009 at 9:22 am
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Thank you Sr. Eleanor for all your hard and faithful work in El Salvador. I grew up in Costa Rica, hearing all the horror stories about the war. I always wanted to leave behind what I had and be there too. But it was not meant to be. I shall keep your name present today in my prayers. Thank you again for being there. Sr. Liza SDS
- March 9, 2009 at 10:44 am
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I am reminded of my trip to El Salvador a couple of years ago. It was enriching and humbling. I am grateful for the work of Sister Eleanor and others who take our ministries beyond our parochial boundaries. The Sisters of St. Joseph are blessed indeed!
- March 9, 2009 at 1:13 pm
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It takes a lot of courage to follow God’s call, especially when it can be hazardous to your health – literally. Kudos to Sister Eleanor and to all courageous souls!
- March 9, 2009 at 7:29 pm
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We’re having our community assembly here in Seattle this weekend. The Sister who has taken over the El Salvador mission will be coming North. I’m looking forward to hearing how her first days have been. Meanwhile, it’s so nice to have Sister Eleanor back home for some well deserved rest! Such amazing faith filled women!
