Community & Spirituality

Brigid Baumann
From an inspired young musician
to assisting women and children in Peru

The path that led Sr. Brigid Baumann to her present day mission in Peru was not a straight one. But every curve and turn brought invaluable experiences along the way.

As early as the second grade she began playing the piano, and later added other instruments, including organ and guitar. Her graduation from Saint Francis Elementary School where the Holy Names Sisters taught her, brought her to St. Mary's Academy and further acquaintance with the sisters, and a desire to become one of them.

After teaching primary grades, Brigid went to Rosary College, near Chicago, for a Master's degree in Library Science, and later to Portland State University for another Master's in post Secondary and Adult Continuing Education.

During a 30 day retreat she saw a short film, Roses in December, an account of the work, rape and death of four women, three Sisters and one lay women, in El Salvador. Moved by the situation of these women, she turned her attention to the countries south of the United States. Her first experience brought her to Nicaragua and work with Habitat for Humanity, a time she cherished, but also one that let her know she would need to be more fluent in the Spanish language. The next stop was an immersion program in Cockagamban, Bolivia.

For more than 30 years the Holy Names Sisters from the California Province had a mission in Arequipa and Brigid visited them there, falling in love with the country and the people. In 1988 she joined two other sisters in a house on the outskirts of Lima, where she now teaches guitar, runs two libraries: one for children and another for adults, and teaches girls and women, training them to obtain job skills.

Theirs is truly an international community: Sr. Ana Maria Villa Mannoni is Peruvian, and works for the prevention of violence, particularly against women and children; Sr. Francoise Trottier comes from Canada, and works with caregivers of the aged and handicapped. Brigid sees them as selfless and compassionate workers, genuinely concerned with women and their issues. If I had to put it into words, I'd say that our charism is to pay attention to and promote leadership among women. Mother Marie Rose understood this; we think she'd be pleased.
 

Spiritual Offerings

Open Hearth

Provides you the opportunity to weave the threads of mind, body, and spirit as you travel the path of your spiritual journey.

Provides you the opportunity to discover and affirm the gifts and blessings you share with all creation through the union of heart and earth (Hearth) in your life.

For more information about this spiritual resource located in Eugene, Oregon, call Sister Janice Jackson, SNJM at (541) 345-9964.

Namasté

Namasté was formed to offer affordable opportunities for rest, renewal and spiritual exploration. It is a center that provides spiritual nurturance through retreats, faith groups, spiritual direction and training open to all faith traditions. Call Sister Pat McCrann for more details at (503) 283-0199 or email her at: patmccrann@aol.com

Namasté, in partnership with the Sisters of the Holy Names, has two beautiful homes available for spiritual renewal. Each is uniquely situated in a tranquil river setting about one hour from downtown Portland. For more information contact Sister Pat McCrann. (503) 283-0199 or visit the website at www.namasteportland.org

Personality and Human Relations (PRH), is an International School for Adult Development since 1970. It is an in-depth experiential and educational method for personal development focusing on the development of the being, the positive core of each person. Contact Judy Kelly at (235) 272-8943 email: prhwest@prh-usa.com

The Sophia Center

The Sophia Center where art and pottery are dedicated to the celebration and healing of the heart and earth.

Visit the website at: www.sophiacenter.org

Jesuit Spirituality Center

The Jesuit Spirituality Center, located in southeast Portland, offers many spiritual opportunities. Visit the website: www.thejsc.org

Marylhurst University

Marylhurst University: Visit their website at: www.marylhurst.edu and click on Religious Studies.