Sister Dulce first showed signs of her vocation when, at age 13, she began caring for the sick and the elderly at the door of her house. Her response to God's call on her life has resulted in an orphanage, a school, and St. Anthony's Hospital, which cares for a thousand patients.
Sr. Dulce
“Life is a gift that God gives us to dedicate…to Him and to our brothers in need.”
Soon after joining the convent, she noticed that the poor in Salvador didn't have the same rights as others and were lacking basic necessities. So she devoted her time to changing the laws to help the poor. One day her life began a new course when a child came and sought her help….
Sr. Dulce:. “He must have been fifteen years old and had a terrible cough. He came to me with a mat in his arm and an empty spoon in his hand. And in the middle of coughing spasms, he cried out, 'Don't let me die on the street. I don't want to die on the street.' I thought, 'My God, where am I going to put this child?' Sometimes I would be asked to aid those who were dying on the street, which was distressing. But when a child begged not to be left to die on the street, I kept thinking, where am I going to put him?”
Sister Dulce has since taken in hundreds of children through the orphanage and given them a chance for a new life. Rocha met Sister Dulce while he was living in the streets, and now he works at the hospital.
Rocha: “I was less than 6 years old, and since then my life has changed. Because I met Sister Dulce, I was able to go to grammar school and there I learned many good things. Today I'm an accomplished person in life. Thanks to God and thanks to Sister Dulce!”
At St. Anthony's Hospital, no distinctions are made between rich or poor. All who come are admitted. They have a medical clinic, pediatrics, surgeons, and even a branch which helps exceptional children. And the one ingredient used most for a speedy recovery is the love of God.
The hospital director says, “Naturally, our people here sense the presence of the Lord, the spiritual nature of the way they are cared for; numerous people that come here feel better — happier, more comfortable. They create a new life, and this is what we hope for in our professional activities. There's a lot of love that exists here. A sense of acceptance. And I think God is here, present in our lives, with all of the people.”
Sr. Dulce
Implant in the hearts of everyone — the children, those that live with you — love…love and peace.
In spite of having her own health problem Sister Dulce gave unselfishly to meet the needs of those around her. Even her sister, Dona, marvels at the way Sister Dulce allowed God to work through her.
Dona: “My sister transmits a supernatural strength. It's not only me who says this, but all of the people who have met her. She has so much affection, so much love. Sister Dulce is never angry…. We have always been very close and good friends. What I like most about her is that sense of love, the giving of herself to others. All of her life she has been dedicated to others.”
Sr. Dulce: “Life is a gift that God gives us to dedicate…to Him and to our brothers in need. God's gratitude is a gift. We must then profit from the life He has given us and use His gift for Him. I would like to emphasize as much as possible, to implant in the hearts of everyone — the children, those that live with you — love…love and peace. Because love generates peace.”
And this love comes full circle. As one little boy says, “I love Sister Dulce. She has given me everything.”
