“For those whom societies leave on the side of the road, open paths of hope”

So said the bishops of the Lao and Cambodian Episcopal Conference (CELAC), who gathered last month in Phnom Penh for their annual assembly during the synod process.

The Sisters of Charity have been in Laos since 1934, and are part of an extremely small church-only – 0.5 Catholics – living in a rather difficult political and social context. A tiny but tenacious reality with an ever welcoming smile.

Superior General Sister Maria Rosa and the two counselors, Sister Wandamaria and Sister Mirta, visiting communities in Laos, chose to meet the deaf-mute girls of Luang Phrabang, the ancient capital of Laos, now the spiritual capital of that small and fascinating country.

Deaf-mute girls, through specialized methods, learn to communicate with people and passionately work on sewing and weaving.

Next to the house that houses them, the store for their handicrafts, the result of patience and taste for beauty, is open.