For 25 years, the Sisters of Divine Providence in Las Cañitas—an impoverished neighborhood along the Ozama River in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic—have embodied the spirit of the Congregation’s founders to help the poor by committing to live among them.

Pictured above: Sister Myriam Colón Cruz and one of the children.

In February 1993, the late Sister Mary Providence Kriley, CDP, along with Sister Myriam Colón Cruz, CDP, followed the call to live the Gospel message and minister to the poorest of God’s people in Santo Domingo. They lived among the people, encouraging their sense of community and belonging and sharing in their joys and sorrows.

While working at the local parish senior center, Sister Mary Providence made sure the more than 30 people who attended daily—the elderly, the infirm, the blind, the mentally challenged and those who were alone—received breakfast, a hot lunch, medical treatment, socialization and the sharing of faith. She extended her ministry to the larger community, traveling by foot or bus to bring her kind words, faithful presence and the Eucharist to the homebound. For 20 years, Sister Mary Providence’s trusting and faithful presence brought the light of God’s Providence to her neighbors, helping to satisfy their physical, social and spiritual needs. Today, the mission work in Santo Domingo for the sick and elderly continues, along with pastoral outreach, educational and support programs for children and teens, Associate formation, and vocational discernment.