Mozambique: Missionary sisters bring relief to flood victims in Xai-Xai

By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS

In many parts of the world, the coastal areas are prone to unpredictable floods that wreak havoc, displacing people and disrupting daily life. In Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, and in the Limpopo area, where the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood have been serving for a decade, residents are always affected by floods, and the sisters stepped up immediately to provide concrete support.

Ministering among the needy

Over the years, their mission has expanded across several provinces of the country, including Maputo, Gaza, Tete, and Nacala. The sisters serve through various ministries in agriculture, education, healthcare, social action, and pastoral care, while also running programs for orphans and vulnerable children, the elderly, malnourished people, and individuals living with HIV. The sisters consistently work to promote integral human development and bring hope to communities facing hardship.

Flood victims in Xai-Xai

The sisters’ dedication to serving the most vulnerable members of society, reaching out to the marginalized, and promoting the dignity of every human person. Sr. Lígia Alberto Muianga, the regional superior, in an interview with the Vatican News said, “Severe floods struck parts of Gaza Province, leaving many families displaced and in urgent need of assistance in the district of Xai-Xai, particularly in their neighborhood.” Many communities were forced to leave their homes as rising waters made their surroundings unsafe.

Flood victims lining up for food at the camps

Displaced find refuge

In response to these crises, the sisters always take the initiative to support those living in these unbearable conditions. After local authorities relocate victims to schools and large centers for safety, the sisters identify areas in greatest need in their neighborhood, assisting about 1,600 displaced people seeking refuge, including nearly 600 children.

Many arrived with little more than the clothes they were wearing, feeling devastated after losing their homes, possessions, and means of livelihood.

Rescue mission and compassion

Recognizing the urgency, the sisters began organizing food assistance for the victims three times a week. They prepared meals at their convent, transported them to the shelters, and distributed them to displaced families. The humanitarian response has not been limited to the sisters alone.

Inspired by their dedication and compassion, several local women join their effort, volunteering their time to help prepare and to distribute the food. The sisters also identified other needs beyond food and shelter, such as hygiene items and clothing, and worked to ensure the safety of the victims.

Listening to the concerns

In these spaces for shelter, mattresses are arranged so that families can rest while they wait for the floodwaters to recede and for life to begin again. The sisters also raise awareness among local communities and partners, appealing for additional support to meet the most urgent needs.

“During their visits to the shelters, the sisters take time to listen to the concerns of the displaced families and assess their most pressing needs. Their presence brings comfort and eases their struggle,” says Sr. Ligia.

A sign of solidarity with the afflicted

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Hope in suffering

The presence of the sisters has become a beacon of hope in this time of suffering. Their commitment reflects the heart of their charism: to stand with the marginalized and those who suffer, restoring dignity where there is hopelessness.

Through their simple yet powerful acts of service, preparing meals, visiting shelters, and accompanying the displaced, the sisters continue to embody a mission that has guided them for over a century in Mozambique. Their compassionate presence among the marginalized brings healing where human lives have been wounded.