The calling that began with a dream
Throughout February, we join with the Holy Father to pray for children living with incurable illnesses. Our featured image depicts missionary sisters, who help look after children and adults who have different, complex conditions in South Africa. This is their story…
‘Little Eden’ in Johannesburg, South Africa, is more than a care centre. For the 180 residents in town and 120 at Elvira Rota village, it is a sanctuary; a place where children and adults with profound intellectual and physical disabilities are loved, nurtured and kept safe in a world that often overlooks them.
Amid the daily rhythms of medical care, therapy and hands‑on support provided by an exceptional local staff, one group brings something uniquely precious: the missionary Sisters of the Imitation of Christ.
High needs, high costs, deep commitment
Most residents at Little Eden have severe cerebral palsy, while others are living with Down’s syndrome or autism. For many, the care they require is intensive: regular doctor and dentist visits, daily physiotherapy, emergency treatments and bespoke wheelchairs adapted for those who require them.
This level of support requires a vigilant and extensive workforce, however despite the growing needs of the residents, funding is shrinking. Government support has been cut in recent years, while private sector donations have declined due to economic instability in South Africa.
A calling that began with a dream
Into this community, which is navigating considerable challenges, have stepped the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ. Their congregation has long experience supporting people with disabilities through schools and health centres in India and Ethiopia – a natural fit for Little Eden’s mission.
Decades before they arrived, Little Eden’s founder Domitilla Hyams dreamed of religious sisters coming to help. At the time, she had no idea where they would come from, or which religious order they might be. Years later, when a bishop from Kerala asked the Mother General to send Sisters to support the charity, Domitilla’s vision came to life: an unexpected fulfilment that many here still see as providential.
Today, the sisters live in a small building beside the chapel. They serve the community through a charism rooted in Bethany: in the service of Martha, the prayer of Mary and the proclamation of Lazarus.
Love made visible: What the sisters bring
Daily spiritual companionship:
Every week, the sisters gather the residents for the Rosary – an extraordinary, joyful moment when voices rise in a heartfelt prayer; each resident offering their own spontaneous hopes for carers, friends and family.
This vibrant, unfiltered spirituality is the heartbeat of Little Eden. Each morning, prayers are read over the tannoy, sometimes by residents themselves, guiding the whole community into the day. Management says this faith foundation ‘makes us unique’ and provides emotional strength in times of loss and difficulty.
Support for staff carrying heavy burdens:
Little Eden’s carers often face unimaginable personal hardship. Some walk long distances to reach the rural centre; others navigate unsafe routes where assaults, exploitation and violence are common. Sr Meran shares:
‘Many staff have problems; they may take several taxis or buses home, and home may be the slums and shanty towns.’
Despite the hardships, the loving ethos of Little Eden extends to caring for staff, providing as much safety and counselling as possible in their stretched circumstances. In such an environment, the sisters play a vital role of care and comfort to the staff members as well as residents. Sr Meran says:
‘Staff ask us to pray with them, they say “teach us how to pray”. They join in the Rosary.’
A presence rooted in tenderness
Beyond prayer, the sisters are hands‑on in daily care. Sr Seena, who has worked at Little Eden for five years, shares that her favourite scripture is Matthew 25: ‘Whatever you do to the least of these brothers of mine, you did to me.’ She shares:
‘I have to feed someone at lunchtime, if I don’t, I feel lost!’
100 years of World Mission Sunday
This year on 18 October we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday. Initiated in 1926 by Pope Pius XI, it is the one Sunday in the Church’s calendar when the entire global Church prays for mission and donates what they can to the work of missionaries around the world.
In this special year, Pope Leo XIV tells us:
‘I have chosen the theme “One in Christ, united in mission.” Following the Jubilee Year, I wish to encourage the whole Church to continue its missionary journey with joy and zeal in the Holy Spirit. This requires hearts united in Christ, reconciled communities and, in everyone, a willingness to cooperate with generosity and trust.’
Join Missio in this very special year, to celebrate and support the work of missionaries, who tirelessly share God’s love around the world in places just like Little Eden.