By Susan Daly, GSIC
Bridges are for passing over. I have learned that the importance of the passage is not necessarily measured by length. The short, narrow bridge at the entrance of Yamasa, Dominican Republic, is such a spot.
In 1951, four Grey Sisters, invited by the Scarboro Fathers, arrived to begin their mission of teaching in the Dominican Republic. When they arrived at the bridge, they got out of the jeep that had brought them over the rough country road from Santo Domingo, the capital city. The last lap of the journey was crossing the bridge and walking to the church with the people of the town for prayers of thanksgiving.
The parish school grew in spite of struggles with space, language and lack of funds. The school authorities soon recognized the work being done by the Sisters and requested of them that they work in the public school system. The government provided a school building and a residence for the Sisters.
Young people were eager for learning. As teachers were not anxious to go to the rural areas, the older students, with guidance, took on the task of helping the younger children even while they continued their own education.
The desire for education spread rapidly - the grade school had to be extended and a high school was built. Parents made great sacrifices to sent their children on for further education in Santo Domingo. Many were prepared for teaching and returned to their own towns to teach in the rural areas.
The work of the Grey Sisters in the Dominican Republic expanded into health care, pastoral work and the formation of adult leaders and catechists. In the very large parish of Yamasa, for example, where it was difficult for the priest to visit the mountainous areas with frequency, it was important to have leaders prepared to bring the communities together for prayer and study - and so began the School of the Laity.
Over time, Canadian and Dominican members of Las Hermanas de la Immaculada Concepcion served in Yamasa and Consuelo and in the barrios of Sabana Perdida and Los Prados in Santo Domingo.
Fifty years after the arrival of the Sisters, we again met at the bridge leading into Yamasa to reenact that first crossing. Considering the passage of time, vehicles were provided this time for the uphill procession to the church for the celebration of the Eucharist of Thanksgiving. Coloured streamers, balloons and banners were everywhere, contributing to the festive mood.
Symbolically a brief missioning ceremony took place at the closing of the Liturgy. Candles on holders bearing the symbol of a flaming torch were passed to many people of the congregation who had committed themselves to carry high the light that had been fanned into a blazing flame by these women of faith.
At the present time, the work of the Grey Sisters continues in education and public health nursing, including a project sponsored in part by the Clinton Administration's HIV/AIDS Initiative.
Who could have guessed where the road with the bridge was leading and the blessings that would follow that simple crossing? We have been so richly blessed by the people with whom we have had the privilege to share our faith. Before crossing a bridge one should pause, perhaps - wonderous happenings just might await!