Monday, April 30, 2012



My dear friends of Mapusha, 
I have been happily reading the accounts of the American nuns who were reprimanded by the Vatican for spending too much time with the poor, not enough time fighting abortion and gay marriage. The way the nuns are standing up for their truth and the tremendous support they are receiving reminds me of my time this winter with the women of Mapusha.
Many of you know about the new Father at the mission who demanded a substantial monthly rent from the cooperative and had Regina sign a contract mandating eviction in three years (she was given a choice between three or four years.)
I arrived in November right in the middle of this brouhaha and struggled to find a way to deal with it. I wrote about it in emails to you and in my book  (first draft just finished!) but, I knew the women had to take the lead here, an impassioned American would not help at the mission. So, I sat on my savior tendencies and fumed in the car and in the middle of the night but I followed their instructions. I stood on the sidelines and cheered as they took on the head priest at the mission which has been the center of their world for fifty years.
They began by giving him the silent treatment.  They stopped all involvement with the mission but not the church. As Regina explained to me, “We love God and we love the church but we will no longer help with the cleaning and security at the mission.” 
One very hot day I arrived at the studio to find the Father had turned off their water and as I walked with Regina and Gertrude to the school to fill buckets, they explained to me that they knew they had truth on their side and they would keep fighting.  They told me how the studio was built by the mission with the help of the women. It was built for the poor women of the village and the mission has no right to claim it now after thirty-six years.
They lodged a complaint with the executive board of the church and eventually the rent was halved and eviction was taken off the table. They still think this is more than they owe for the water and electricity they use (it is) so, they continue to fight for their rights. 

It has been inspiring and encouraging for me to watch them raise their voices against injustice. I know the support they have received from us over the years has helped make this possible.  I wanted to share their tale with all of you for it seems, perhaps, the point; generosity and caring create trust and empowerment.
More soon about their latest beautiful rugs, their progress with computer and accounting skills  and their plan to create a Community Development Center.
with my love, hope and gratitude!
Judy

 top picture - Regina and Gertrude getting water
above picture - Mapusha women admired the new mural at the creche and waving to all of you
left picture - Zanile, Mapusha's youngest, sits happily on a commissioned rug just off the loom.