Missionary Experiences with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry in Bolivia

"When we walk, someone has to choose the direction of the journey. This role belongs to the Holy Spirit" Pope Francis”. (Pope Francis)

I am Sr. Joilma Maurina de Jesus Matos, belonging to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry and I would like to share my lived experiences in the community of San Ramón – Beni Bolivia.

I arrived in Cochabamba – Bolivia on February 27, 2021, to get ready with all the necessary documents for the residence permit in the country and learn a little more of the Spanish language with Sr. Madina. I stayed one month and nine days with the sisters in the Cochabamba community. I really appreciate the welcome of everyone, especially Sr. Zelinda who accompanied me throughout the process of organizing the documents. God bless you always.

On April 9, Sr. Jacinta and I traveled to Trinidad and then to San Ramón. It was an uneventful trip. In the beginning, I had a lot of difficulties with the language but I learned the language living with the sisters and the people.  

I am here to tell you that every lived experience teaches us to grow at a personal level. Each mission brings renewal to our life. I speak this from my own experience.  I had to learn and unlearn many things. I had to learn to die to myself and keep silent many times in order to listen deeply which is the most important aspect of our missionary journey together. I have realized that It is not I but Jesus Christ who leads our life and community. Jesus always guides us and shows us the best way to live fraternal and community life well.

I confess that I was not prepared for this mission because I didn’t know the language, the culture, and the reality sufficiently. So, I feel that preparation is a very important aspect of any mission.

I requested to be on a Bolivia mission in 2022 in order to understand better the reality and culture of the place, however, I feel that I have not taken steps forward, so I requested to return to one of the communities in Brazil and, therefore, on December 10, 2022, returned to Brazil.

May the Holy Spirit always strengthen us on the path of faith, hope, and love. I thank God for my lived experiences in the community of San Ramón. I thank the sisters for their welcome, and the people of God for their simplicity and humility. I thank the Congregation for this opportunity to know other realities and learn to grow out of my human weaknesses.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for always being present in my life, for cheering me up in times of difficulty, and for believing in me. Lord, you know everything and you help us to step back sometimes so that we and the people around us may live well. Thank you for teaching me the path of humility and tenderness. The experiences in the mission have taught me that silence is an art that we need to learn, for the wisdom of God is revealed in the silence of the heart.

I thank you for everything I've experienced. I count on the protection of Mary and St. Joseph who always accompany me on this path of search and holiness. Help me Lord to remain attentive to your signs and calls, and be strengthened by your Word to continue the mission. A big hug to each sister.

With affection and tenderness,
 Sr. Joilma Maurina de Jesus Matos