Peru: Lima, 1970 - 2011
Scope and Contents
Subfonds consists of records acquired and accumulated by the Sisters of Mercy on mission in Lima, Peru. They include correspondence; photographs; annals; records of community meetings and personal papers of Sisters, as well as examples of work created in the work shops by the people to for sale in Britain.
Dates
- Creation: 1970 - 2011
Language of Materials
Some files are in Spanish notably IOLM/PER/3/3, and IOLM/PER/8. There is no translation as yet for the former but translation is provided for the latter.
Conditions Governing Access note
As a private archive, access to the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy Archive requires application to the Archivist and approval by the Institute's Leadership Team. Where items are closed for access, this is indicated at the appropriate level.
Biographical / Historical
Peru - Lima
Villa Maria, a shanty town on Lima’s largest rubbish tip was familiar to M Mildred McNamara RSM who, since 1978 had regularly visited a Core Group established to organise a local Health Care Programme. When in 1984, she and M Agnes Prior RSM (Hull) moved into their tiny Convent, there was great rejoicing that the Madres had come to share their lives with the people. The small clinic, which has since been greatly extended, had been prepared and became operative immediately, and the story of self-help initiatives was soon repeated in an area even more depressed than Tupac Amaru, a factor that has meant less active interest on the part of the Shining Pathway.
After the clinic, the most immediate help is provided by the Dining Centres (Soup, Kitchens), in an effort to stem the recurring attacks of TG, Cholera, Typhoid, etc., amongst the starving people.
The Sisters in Tupac Amaru and Villa Maria form one Community and meet on (at least) a weekly basis to provide mutual prayerful support for the many Sisters who, since 1969, have been enriched by a time of ministry in Peru.
[Adapted from 'Where we are' on the website of the Institute of our lady of Mercy 08 April 2014]
Full Extent
From the Fonds: 42 Cubic Feet (200+ boxes)
Arrangement
The sub-fonds is arranged into four series and six files that attempt to reflect the content and context of the collection. Original order has been re-created where possible.
Custodial History
The archives of the sisters of mercy in Lima have been collected from the beginning of the mission to the present by Sisters of Mercy on mission in Peru, they briefly cover the running of their lives.
Accruals
Further accruals are possible
Container Summary
11.0 folders 8.0 envelopes 6.0 boxes
Repository Details
Part of the Bermondsey Convent of Mercy Repository