Clean, running water is a luxury in many villages across the world. Waterborne diseases account for thousands of deaths each year.
During the 2025 Lenten season we hope you will take a moment to learn about how the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur are providing solutions to the water crisis in Africa where our Sisters live and work. Learn more about the Clean Water for Life Project.
Our series on the Clean Water for Life program continues this week with a look at one of the places where the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have changed lives in Africa.
Pelende, population 17,000, is a remote village in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The adults are largely unemployed, spending their days cultivating produce and raising small animals to feed their families. Beginning in 1894, the Sisters established and continue to run two schools and a hospital in Pelende.
When the village water system that was built in the 1950s failed completely, the Sisters knew a more reliable solution was needed. Their efforts at infrastructure improvements hit hurdle after hurdle but in time, a photovoltaic system was installed to provide solar power and water filtration. Now, there is electricity and there is clean water in the taps.
Children in Pelende can be in school instead of hauling buckets of water to their homes each day. Pregnant women can take better care of their bodies and babies. In a place where the average life span is only 61, the elderly can receive more modern healthcare.
Please pray with us that the success of the photovoltaic system in Pelende will open hearts to receive the goodness of God.
With blessings for a meaningful Lent,
Sister Ann Fanella, SNDdeN
Clean Water for Life Project Volunteer
Message and Prayer from Sister Barbara Quinn, SNDdeN
Many years ago, the Beatles wrote a wonderful song, "All You Need Is Love." I think Jesus would agree, for Jesus came into our world to love. The love of Christ is most of all represented in His Sacred Heart. In his encyclical "He Loved Us," Pope Francis calls for a renewal of devotion to the Sacred Heart.
And so, my God of Love, we pray:
God of love, as we honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we bring to you all that we are, all that we have, and all that we do. Send us forth as heralds of your love to all that we meet. We ask this in Jesus's name. Amen.