Father Burkhardt and the Sister
As the children at the institution grew up, the demand to accommodate new arrivals rose too. Father Burkhardt, who passed away in 2002, had hoped to establish a lifelong home for severely disabled residents. To honor his last wish, Sister Mary undertook to carry on in his stead, and took part in fundraising for Mindao Home in Chiayi’s Puzi City, where she transferred in 2009.
Whenever Sister Mary is feeding one of the children, she always acts playfully to try to cheer them up. A perpetual smile remains on her lips, and wherever she goes she is like a ray of sunshine for them. Several otherwise expressionless children flash a smile when she appears, and even if they can’t form words, they “ooh” and “aah” coyly as if trying to attract their mother’s attention and engage her in daily banter.
We might assume that such an institution is laden with a heavy, painful ambience. But Mindao Home staff always greet their residents affectionately. Photos they’ve taken of the children are visible everywhere. Employees bring their own children to spend time with their disabled counterparts at Mindao, and becoming familiar with them over time, they don’t see them as odd; they even help feed them and run errands for them. These visitors are just primary school pupils, but they are still the best little helpers.
When staff take meals with those adults and children who are somewhat less disabled, they chat and exchange details of their daily lives, like one big family. Sister Mary has realized Father Burckhardt’s wish to prepare a tranquil residence where severely handicapped people can live out their lives.
Mindao Home’s operations are currently on a stable footing. The Chiayi Diocese is now preparing for the establishment of Ana Home for Elderly Care, which will endow Sister Mary with a new task: to make the transition to providing care for the elderly. Her attitude is characteristically optimistic. “I grew up together with these children. From now on, I’ll grow old with the seniors in Ana Home.” This heart of hers, which loves others as deeply as herself, has remained constant over the decades.
Mindao Home residents during an occasional “family outing.”
“Doing small things with great love”: Sister Mary has chosen Taiwan as the place to put her commitment to God into action.
Sister Mary's caring and compassionate nature has remained constant over the decades.