Sisters in Slovakia: Evangelization through presence

Sisters from the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul serve people in the capital of Slovakia who struggle with poverty, illness, loneliness, or loss of life's meaning. They visit these people every day. Inspired by the message of Saint Vincent de Paul that no suffering should be foreign to them, they serve the homeless, drug addicts, and the terminally ill. The sisters say that although health care and social assistance systems may seem to function well, they often fail in situations requiring immediate help. People wander through the labyrinths of bureaucracy, which drains their strength and discourages them. One important place of service for the sisters is the non-profit organization Depaul Slovakia, which has helped people experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives for twenty years. The shelter of Saint Ludmila also accepts people with serious health problems and terminal illnesses.

One of the residents was Mr. František, who came to the shelter after injuring his leg. He gradually began to engage in community life. His faith revived. He reconciled with his family, found work, and a home. Another resident, Peter, awaits a kidney transplant. Despite his own suffering, he willingly helps new people coming to the shelter. The sisters say that they believe that the Lord works in the hearts of the poor and accomplishes great victories there. The sisters also share moving testimonies related to the work of the Mobile Hospice of Saint Catherine Labouré, through which they accompany people in the final stage of life, providing them with care in the comfort of their own homes. They recall the story of a 47-year-old woman who initially did not want the presence of a sister. A week later, the sisters found her unconscious, in critical condition. However, shortly before her death, the woman opened her eyes and calmly looked at the sister's face.