Wednesday, September 12, 2007
In pictures: E Timor's angel of mercy - BBC News
Since East Timor's independence in 2002, factional fighting has wracked the country and driven thousands from their homes.
Many have fled to Sister Guillermina's convent in Dili.
Sister Guillermina is a university lecturer, but spends much of her time running the camp for people sheltered in the Canossian Sisters of Charity convent.
Tom Greenwood photographed and interviewed the nun known for rescuing people caught up in fighting and stepping in to reason with violent gang members.
...
In September 2006, rival gangs surrounded the convent for five days, throwing rocks over the walls. They targeted it for sheltering people from both sides.
Sister Guillermina convinced them to stop.
"I locked the gate. I shouted: 'Please stop stoning because Sister Guillermina is coming'. I am amazed that my voice is so strong at certain times."
She approached the leaders first and then the boys individually. "In times of crisis I kiss and embrace thousands of boys."
Working for peace is dangerous, even for nuns. Sister Guillermina has had a knife held to her neck 11 times and a gun pointed to her head three times. "The first time I was scared but then I got used to it."
...
Sister Guillermina calls being a nun "a great blessing. I am free to save everyone without preference." ...
Since East Timor's independence in 2002, factional fighting has wracked the country and driven thousands from their homes.
Many have fled to Sister Guillermina's convent in Dili.
Sister Guillermina is a university lecturer, but spends much of her time running the camp for people sheltered in the Canossian Sisters of Charity convent.
Tom Greenwood photographed and interviewed the nun known for rescuing people caught up in fighting and stepping in to reason with violent gang members.
...
In September 2006, rival gangs surrounded the convent for five days, throwing rocks over the walls. They targeted it for sheltering people from both sides.
Sister Guillermina convinced them to stop.
"I locked the gate. I shouted: 'Please stop stoning because Sister Guillermina is coming'. I am amazed that my voice is so strong at certain times."
She approached the leaders first and then the boys individually. "In times of crisis I kiss and embrace thousands of boys."
Working for peace is dangerous, even for nuns. Sister Guillermina has had a knife held to her neck 11 times and a gun pointed to her head three times. "The first time I was scared but then I got used to it."
...
Sister Guillermina calls being a nun "a great blessing. I am free to save everyone without preference." ...
Labels: compassionate people, war
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