Pallotines Grow Food in East Africa (SAC)

The spiritual family of St. Vincent Pallotti (Fathers and Brothers, Sisters, and Union of Catholic Apostolate) originated in Rome, Italy, in the 1830’s and 1840’s. The Society of priests and brothers, Societas Apostolatus Catholici (S.A.C.) undertakes apostolic work in parishes and mission territory.

Pallottines teach in schools and colleges, work as chaplains, and in institutions such as hospitals and prisons, and are committed to the formation of laity. The Provincial and the seat of the Province are in Dublin, Ireland. The Irish Province was officially established in the United States in the 1950’s and members continue to minister in Texas and Michigan. The missionary focus for 2020 is to help and assist the Irish Pallottine Missionary Works located East Africa. The goal is to feed, educate and provide care for the most vulnerable in society. Farming in East Africa is dependent on water and labor. The shortage of water is problematic. A two, three, or four- year drought leads to localized famine and the death of crops, animals and humans. Providing communities with support so that water wells are drilled means over 200 local families in neighboring villages can survive drought periods. In addition, greenhouse facilities are provided to allow food to be grown in a controlled environment throughout the year. A water well is costly, but this investment will provide water to communities for at least 10 years if not more provided these water tanks are properly maintained. Not everyone has access to high school education as these institutions are far from villages. Food will feed one child for a day; education will feed a child and their families for a life time. The Siuyu Rehabilitation Center, established in 2007, is located in Tanzania and the work is instrumental in reshaping the way children with disabilities are viewed and treated. The people live with the myth that a disabled child is a “punishment for doing something wrong in life.” This center has changed the mind-set of the people to accept all children as “Made in the image and likeness of God” deserving of love, mercy and compassion. The Center currently has four dormitories – two for the older boys, one for the older girls and one for the younger boys and girls. Many volunteers assist throughout the week to keep the Center functioning including cooking, washing, and helping with the children throughout the day. We are now blessed to have over 36 East African Priests Ordained to our community with a number working in USA, Ireland and England – bringing the message of God’s love to those they minister to in response to the global Missionary call to “go teach all nations, in the Name of the Father, and the Son and Holy Spirit.” (cf: Mt 28-18:20). Thank you for supporting the necessary and essential work in East Africa.