Hispanic Ministry
10/1/2011

Every month, Viatorian Associate Patty Wischnowski, leads parishioners at Maternity BVM Church in Bourbonnais in reaching out to Latinos in the small town of Momence, located 15 miles away.

She works with Sr. Mary Paulita Philipe, a Dominican sister who started the Hispanic ministry four years ago at St. Patrick’s Parish. What started out as a medical mission has turned into an outreach for Wischnowski, who feels herself walking in the footsteps of Fr. Querbes, ministering to those “accounted of little importance.”

Patty is a registered nurse and at first she joined fellow Viatorian Associate Henrietta Chamness in checking blood pressure and blood sugars among parishioners who did not have regular access to health care.

They continue those trips, offering education regarding diabetes and hypertension, nutrition, dental care, eye exams and prevention of disease by regular hand washing, but they also bring carloads of donated clothing and household items, as well as food items.

“One of my fondest memories is of a small girl walking around the room hugging a jar of pickles like Santa had brought her the best gift ever,” Patty says.

During a recent visit, a woman asked Patty if she knew the person who had sent the electric hand mixer. “Tell him I will pray for him every day,” the woman said. “I am so thankful to have this."

Another woman turned to Patty as she tried on a jacket and she said, simply: "It is just like Christmas when you come."

“Can you tell how meaningful this is to me,” Patty asks. “I look forward to it every month.”