Chiapas Ministry- Sisters of St. Francis, Denver, CO

Apartado Postal #30
Palenque, Chiapas
29960 Mexico C.P.
Phone: 011-52-934-512-64

"Trusting in God and open to risk, we walk with courage."

Convinced that our call to be Sisters Minor is a call to solidarity with those who are powerless, we work with them to change situations in which the dignity of persons is violated. Recognizing that we too are in need, we open ourselves to be evangelized by them. We do not hesitate to call the rich to a sense of responsibility for hungry, illiterate and crushed people. General Constitution #21, Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity

Sr. Julie on her first profession day with her parents and grandmother.
Casa Franciscana, the Formation house
S. Maureen & Micaela (Mica) Mendez Vazquez at Casa Nantic Magdalina (House of Formation) in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico Nov. 2002	Having heard this call from the Mayan Indigenous (Native) people of Chiapas, the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity responded to this call in 1991. The three North American Provinces collaborated in establishing a ministry of presence with the people of Palenque, Chiapas. They were welcomed with the blessing and encouragement of Bishop don Samuel Ruiz. Their presence began in a simple small house that was built near the Palenque Mayan ruins. The sisters quickly became involved in the people's struggle toward liberation from systemic oppressive forces. This struggle of the people led to an uprising in 1994.
Small cooperative in rural Chiapas	At Casa Nantic Magdalena, the sisters work with indigenous women, teaching skills that encourage the economic, cultural, political, social and religious autonomy of the Mayan people. The Tzeltal and Cho'l women learn to read and write, bake bread, can vegetables and establish cooperatives such as small grocery stores in their village. In these stores, they sell some of the goods they grow. All cooperative work is done in the context of Scriptural reflection on values of mutual service and the dignity of God's people.
Sister Julie - newly professed with Marcella, a novicia.	Within four years after the sisters arrived in Chiapas, a House of Formation was opened. This House was started to welcome the Indigenous women who wanted to live the Franciscan way of life. There are presently five Indigenous women living in Palenque who are discerning their call. In the midst of many challenges, the people and the sisters have faith that God will provide. The vision of Magdalen Damen, Foundress of the community, is alive in the Franciscans in Chiapas. True to the charism of simplicity and service, they are present to all.

Srs. Sarah, Condida, Consuelo, Micaela and Alicia.