Journeys Sisters of St. Casimir
Vol. XXXI No. 1 Winter/Spring 2017
Visiting the SSCs in Argentina In January, Sisters Immacula Wendt and Theresa Dabulis travelled to Argentina to spend time with the Sisters who minister there — Sisters Asuncion Costantini, Joyce Ann Dopkin, and Nilda Varanauskas in Avellaneda (Buenos Aires) and Sisters Elenisa Buzas, Estela Risso, and Jeanne Moceyunas in Cordoba.
Cordoba
Avellaneda
While in Cordoba, Sisters Immacula and Theresa visited with Sisters Jeanne, Elenisa, and Estela and the people to whom and with whom they minister. Sister Jeanne has ministered for many years to a group of women who, bolstered by her dedication and commitment, are doing wonderful work. The women are quite creative in using the materials and tools that they have to create beautifully sewn items
The Sisters visited the “Villa” where Sister Joyce ministers – working with the women in the candle factory and providing sacramental classes and ongoing education after the children receive the sacraments.
Sister Jeanne Moceyunas enjoys spending time with the children in Cordoba.
and crafts. They are grateful for the support of the Sisters in the United States who contributed, among many things, a special sewing machine.
Sister Asuncion Costantini gives Sister Immacula Wendt a tour of some of the rooms in the Hogar Padre Modesto nursing home in Avellaneda. From left: Sisters Immacula Wendt, Estela Risso, Joyce Ann Dopkin, and Nilda Varanauskas visit with residents of Bethel, an orphanage where Sister Estela ministers. Sister Theresa Dabulis was the "official" photographer during the visit.
Sister Asuncion ministers in a nursing home, Hogar Padre Modesto, where she has had a great impact
Sister Joyce Ann Dopkin (standing) introduces Sister Immacula Wendt to some of the children in the Avellaneda "Villa," where she ministers.
on improving the quality of care for the residents. Hogar Padre Modesto was established for those who needed special care in their later years, but could not afford the more costly nursing homes in the city. This home is named after Father Modesto, with whom Sister Joyce Dopkin had worked closely as he dedicated his life to responding to the needs of the poor with a deep trust in God's Providence that seemingly impossible undertakings would become a reality.
The Sisters of St. Casimir have ministered in Argentina since 1941, when they began by staffing parish elementary schools in Avellaneda, Rosario, and Cordoba. Several Argentine young women entered the Sisters of St. Casimir over the years, including Sisters Elenisa Buzas, Nilda Varanauskas, Estela Marina Risso, and Asuncion Costantini. They currently minister there with Sister Jeanne Moceyunas from Pittston, PA, and Sister Joyce Ann Dopkin, from Shenandoah, PA.