The beauty of the Congregation’s mission was brought to India recently when formation leaders visited Hyderabad, India.
Providence St. Joseph Health System offers a variety of formation programs for caregivers throughout the United States. The programs help leaders understand the faith-tradition and guiding principles of the Sisters who founded the ministry.
But explaining the western, Christian faith-tradition of the Sisters for the caregivers in India presented some unique challenges, explains Sr. Maggie Pastro, SP, a member of the PSJH Sponsorship Council.
“Formation is different than just leadership development,” explains Sr. Maggie. “It allows people to develop their own spirituality and ministry through an understanding and appreciation of the foundresses.
“We found that the Sanskrit term for ‘loving kindness’ helped convey for our caregivers in India what the mission and spirit of our health care ministry means,” said Sr. Maggie.
From the feedback received, the nearly 50 caregivers who participated in more than two days of formation appreciated the attention to their culture and religious traditions.
The Hyderabad team consisted of Nancy Jordan, Chief Mission Integration Officer, Providence Clinical Network; Dr. Arpan Waghray, Chief Well Being Trust Officer; and Sr. Maggie Pastro.
Hosted by local Sisters of St. Joseph, they visited a home for the sick and destitute operated by St. Teresa of Kolkata’s Missionaries of Charity and the Don Bosco’s Home for Street Children and Orphans in Hyderabad. They also strengthened ties with the Catholic Health Association of India during their visit.
Future sessions are planned for the caregivers in Hyderabad who were very appreciated of receiving the same formation opportunities as their colleagues in the United States.
