Globe trotting nun visits |19 May 2005

Carrying a three-foot statue of Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus that was recently blessed by Pope Benedict XVI, Sister Ruth drew instant crowds of believers who wanted her to pray for them when she appeared in the streets of Victoria on Wednesday.

“I bought this statue in the Vatican when I went to the funeral of Pope John Paul II who commissioned me for the missionary work I am doing,” she said, showing an original letter of blessing from the late pope upon the request of a Seychelles Nation journalist for proof of whom she said she was.

The nun said she donated her previous statue to the people of Philippines whom she described as highly religious.

Sister Ruth, who arrived from Mauritius on Tuesday, on Wednesday attended mid-day mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, but also visited the Pentecost Church.

She also went to different orphanages on Mahe and made donations.

According to her church’s website http:/www.angelfire.com/stars4/sister-ruth, the nun is often critical of wayward priests, nuns and even occasionally, the Vatican, adding challenges to her widespread rejection by non-Catholics who even threaten to kill her.

“I'm often slapped by people from some religions but I am quite well-received by Hindus, Protestants, Buddhists and atheists,” she said, showing newspaper reports of threats with imprisonment she has received in some communist countries.

She was nevertheless full of praise for the people of Seychelles.

Sister Ruth said she, a charismatic Catholic, is born again, prays and speaks in tongues.

She leaves for London on Friday, from where she hopes to “proceed with her mission of preaching the Gospel to the world.”