The Unshakeable Spirit of Cañete

The formation house of the Sisters of Santa Ana in Cañete is a bustling village. The Sisters and staff administer the sponsorship program, parents gather for family circle meetings and training, and children come for youth groups and teens for Confirmation classes. Families from all over the city also gather for community events and celebrations.

In 2007, a major earthquake rocked Peru, killing 600 people and destroying 76,000 homes. The formation house sustained damage that was never fully addressed. As a result, the Sisters lived with increasing anxiety as they saw the cracks and exposed metal framework corroding. When Peru's national government warned that more seismic activity is possible, the Sisters contacted Chalice for support, concerned for the safety of the hundreds of people who work and socialize at the house.

Thanks to the generous spirits of Chalice supporters, the renovations were soon underway. Pausing for a few months in the spring, the Sisters have now completed all of the critical work. They have demolished, replaced, or heavily renovated the corroded central support columns, archways, and the security wall around the perimeter. They have also installed non-slip flooring where the previous tiling had collapsed. Approximately 850 people, including 550 sponsored by Chalice, once again have a safe and secure place to meet, work, pray, and play. 

"I want to express {...} our immense gratitude for all the support provided to our Religious Family. The support has allowed us to carry out the work of reconstruction of our formation house in Cañete," writes Sr. Sonia. "As you well know, it was a long-awaited dream whose realization allows us to continue working for the benefit of the most deprived population of Canetano town."

"We assure you that we will always entrust in our prayers all the commendable work that you and all those who accompany you carry out through Chalice, bringing the love of God to your favorite poor people."

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