The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth concluded their 100 Days of Prayer, Fasting, and Advocacy with a prayer service on Sept. 5, 2025, at St. Vincent de Paul Church. The final gathering coincided with the Congregation’s 50 years of ministry in Belize, offering a time of reflection on the mission’s impact.

Sisters shared stories of ministry and encounters that shaped both their lives and the communities they served. “Who would have thought a small country in Central America with six districts, gaining independence in 1981, would have made such an impact on the lives of countless individuals,” said Sister Joetta Venneman as she opened the service.

Sister Barbara Lammers spoke of the early years: “Belizeans were quick to welcome us and continue to nurture us with patience and generosity. Over the past 50 years, many hundreds of SCNs, Associates, volunteers, friends, family and colleagues have gone to Belize in ministry, blessed by the beauty of the country, and especially by the loving and faithful Belizean people.”

Stories of encountering Christ through the Belizean people were a central theme. Sister Mary Margaret Reid recalled meeting a young man working his way through school: “He told about his life and how he lived there. That connection left a lasting attachment for me.” Others remembered the joy of children, the strength of lay leaders, and the faith of those living on the margins.

Sister Sarah Geier reflected on a moment when, while attending a church service, found that the parishioners had left for the neighboring village where a woman was dying. She and fellow SCNs followed along. “Everyone made room. Everyone fit under this roof, and they prayed and blessed the woman, saying Mass there. It was just a really big blessing to be there at that time and witness that. Everyone who has gone there has been blessed and given more than what they thought they would.”

Sister Paschal Fernicola shared her experience from her time missioned in San Antonio and the people she encountered there: “Some walked 11 days to get there, but they came, and they were full of energy and joy. I never forget the faith of these women and men. They kept the faith alive.”

The service also turned to prayer for the future, naming challenges Belize faces, including climate change and deforestation, poverty, and the preservation of cultural traditions.

Sister Paschal closed with a reflection on the gift of mission : “From my experience in Belize, the beautiful friendships formed there, the mutual support and giftedness as well as the struggles and the pains we share have vastly changed my worldview. I am forever grateful for this cherished mission and for the lessons I have learned from this gentle people.”

The 100 Days initiative, called by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, brought together the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth with women religious across the United States. Each service highlighted a distinct theme:

• June 2 focused on orphaned and suffering children, honoring Mother Catherine Spalding’s care for orphans and lifting up children affected by war, poverty, and displacement.
• June 19 aligned with Juneteenth, acknowledging the Congregation’s history with African Americans and enslaved people, praying for racial justice, and reflecting on present inequities in healthcare, employment, and incarceration.
• July 19 centered on the poor and marginalized, recalling the witness of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac.
• August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, honored Mary and reflected on the sacredness of water, women’s daily struggles to secure it, and the urgent call to ecological stewardship.