Expansion in America (Continued)
South America
Chile: In addition to work in education, the apostolate in hospitals became more important. In 1937, State officials in Chile negotiated with the Province for the acceptance of the hospitals in Puerto Montt, Valdivia and Osorno. When the negotiations threatened to fail due to lack of their own Sisters, the Chilean Province offered to assume the traveling expenses for 12 Sisters from Germany. Under these conditions, a contract was finally signed. In all, during the above-mentioned year, 26 Sisters were sent from Germany to Chile.
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Many schools in South America, especially the Colegios, were operated under the sponsorship of the Congregation. . . .
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Political unrest aroused fears in the Sisters in Chile. In 1932, sporadic periods of unrest and revolution went on for months. The acute danger that religious and foreigners would be expelled was avoided by a change in government. . . .
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As in earlier years, Chile suffered damage from natural catastrophes. Especially fire and earthquakes caused great harm. They often brought about many fatalities, but also showed the willingness of the people to help those in need. A fire destroyed the Colegio in San Fernando in 1935. In 1941 the hospital in Ancud burned to the ground With great difficulty and danger, the Sisters and the personnel, with the help of the citizens of the city, were able to save all patients and some of the furnishings. . . .
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In March 1945, part of the Motherhouse in San Bernardo was destroyed by a fire which began in a chimney.
The worst natural disaster took place on January 24, 1939, when an earthquake destroyed large areas of the country and caused heavy damage in the Chilean Province. "All our foundations in the affected area were partially or totally destroyed: the Colegios in Concepción, Talcahuano and Cauquenes, as well as the hospitals in Linares, Cauquenes and Angol." With the collapse of the hospital in Cauquenes, 45 persons lost their lives; patients, employees and one Sister, who was buried under the rubble and who could not be freed until hours later. That same day she died of her injuries. Two Sisters died when the school in Concepción collapsed and many were injured, some seriously. Conditions in the region were extremely difficult. There was a lack of food and water, despite the pouring rain. Dry accommodations were accompanied by constant fear, because of continuing strong aftershocks day and night. The dead and wounded were everywhere, but no outside help was possible due to the disruption of transportation.
When conditions grew calmer and there was contact with the outside, clean-up and rebuilding began. In some areas instruction could begin by May, even though in limited space. The Province had suffered tremendous losses and was faced with gigantic tasks. With courage and trust in God, the Sisters looked to the future. After all, many of them had miraculously escaped death. Soon generous support poured in from the other Provinces: donations of money and goods were on the way. Collections were held. . . . The missions in Chile which had not suffered from the earthquake avoided any local repairs that were not absolutely necessary, to be able to send as much money for the rebuilding as they could. Thus, in this year massive building activities are recorded.
