The congregation of Immaculate Heart of Mary, called “Bene-Mariya” is a missionary congregation founded in 1955 and lo-cated in the Diocese of Ngozi, Burundi, in East Africa. Bene-Mariya’s mission is “to help families to live according to the Christian Spirit.” the congregation has 400 sisters doing missionary activities in four countries: one in Italy and three in Africa. We work in parishes, schools, and hospitals. We care for orphans, the elderly, and street children. We offer psycho-social intervention to victims of war and domestic violence.

The congregation is making a mission appeal to help construct a new building which will be used to house 60 students [girls] and 10 teachers [nuns]. Last year, the building the teachers and students used began to show cracks that indicated the building would soon collapse. The total cost is expected to be $60,000.

Since we care for orphan children, we are in need of water in many areas of the orphanage. Funds will be used to build a large water tank to harvest rainwater. The project will cost approximately $14,000. In addition, we have a project to em-power single mothers who have been victims of domestic violence.

The congregation presently has 20 sewing machines to use to teach women to sew. Once they become competent, they can start their own business to make a living. So, the mission appeal funds will be used to buy 60 more sewing machines to help more women who are in need. Each sewing machine costs about $200 which includes shipping. We need $12,000 in total for the project. Our final goal is to obtain 100 sewing machines.

We will be grateful for any help you may be able to offer us. May your generosity be richly rewarded.