Pains of childbirth

BY JOHN MCLAURIN

UGANDAN Sr Mary Goretti made the most of her latest visit to Canberra by connecting with several of the Archdiocesan ministries.

Invited by Catholic Mission, she also raised awareness about the World Mission Sunday Church Appeal.

She heads operations at St Luke’s Health Centre which is based in the Bujuni Parish, in Hoima, three hours west of Kampala.

Being so remote, there is significant personnel and medical supplies issues.

Sr Goretti and the centre have up to 15 births per month with only one midwife on hand.

She spoke at St John Vianney Waramanga and St Jude’s Holder churches and to Canberra’s African Catholic community.

She also met with Archdiocesan youth leaders, with three of whom will visit Uganda later during World Mission Month in October.

Taken to St Clare’s College, she met with senior students and thanked them for their fundraising efforts in helping to purchase an ultrasound matching, humidicrib which regulates the temperature for newborns, often needed for those who are born premature.

Archdiocesan Director of Catholic Mission Cathy Ransom said Sr Mary shared that women in labour must endure a three hour motorbike ride to the next largest hospital if they need additional help like a caesarean. 

“Catholic Mission has made a commitment to help provide a four wheel drive ambulance that will make this journey safer, faster and less or an ordeal.  

-To support Sr Mary’s work please visit Catholic Mission’s website catholic mission.org.au