By Sr Mirjam Bieke, Congregational Leadership Team Councilor (Province of Germany)
In Münster, Germany, a remarkable group of sisters contributes every single day to the support of the mission through quiet perseverance, creativity, and deep commitment. All these sisters are over 80 years old, yet age has not diminished their dedication. Day after day, they bake traditional cookies, sew, and make handicrafts—transforming simple, humble work into meaningful support for people thousands of kilometers away.
The sisters live very simply. They consciously limit their daily expenses and use the money they save to purchase ingredients for baking cookies. What may seem like small sacrifices add up over time to something truly powerful. Their cookies have become well-known and deeply appreciated in the city of Münster.
These cookies are sold at the entrance to Hôtel Haus vom Guten Hirten (Maison du Bon Pasteur). An inclusive and sustainable hotel operated by the Congregation in Münster. The hotel provides valuable employment opportunities for people with special needs, ensuring fair wages and dignified working conditions. Guests, visitors, and many local residents regularly stop by the reception desk to buy the cookies, often returning specifically because of their quality and the story behind them.
Over the past three years, the sisters’ tireless efforts—through baking, sewing, and handicrafts—have raised a total of 34,000 euros. All proceeds are formally handed over to the provincial leadership to ensure that the funds are used responsibly to support mission projects. One particularly important result of this effort was the purchase of a large truck for the work of the mission in Angola.
The need for this truck was urgent. Many mission projects in Angola are located in extremely remote regions, far away from central markets. Agricultural products are often grown and harvested by hand, and for many people, heavy goods must still be carried long distances, sometimes even on their heads.
One such Good Shepherd project is Kyma kyetu, located on a farm in Kiminha. Founded by Sr. Rita Lourenço Luis, the project’s farmers needed a truck to bring their produce to market more easily and to improve livelihoods for local communities.
Sr. Rita was overjoyed by the generous donation when the truck arrived. “We felt like we were in a dream and sang songs of thanksgiving» , dit-elle, «We thank all the donors who made the purchase of the truck possible from the bottom of our hearts. »
Among the sisters in Münster, one example stands out in a special way. Sr. Hedwig Schoknecht, now 90 years old, completed professional training in foot care years ago. Remarkably, she still has paying clients today. Without keeping any of the income for herself, she donates all of her earnings entirely to the mission. Her quiet faithfulness is a powerful testimony to lifelong service.
The sisters of Münster show that mission support does not depend on wealth, strength, or youth. Through simplicity, consistency, and generosity, their everyday actions have created lasting change. Their work proves that even the smallest gestures—repeated faithfully over time—can have a big impact.
