It's hard to believe that today leprosy is a disease still suffered by thousands of people around the world.

The disease, which most of us believe has been eradicated, continues to be the scourge of people living in some of the world's poorest and most isolated regions.

India accounts for half of all the world's leprosy patients, with over 1,000 communities for people suffering with leprosy.

One of these communities is eight kilometres away from the little known village of Tindivanam, in the Pondicherry Diocese, Southern India.

The Cluny sisters have been working with these people, outcast by their own communities, since 1981.

The stories of Tindivanam are remarkably similar to the stories of Jesus. The patients at Tindivanam have been cast out of their villages and the authorities refuse to help them. But there is also hope and human dignity in Tindivanam.

Cluny Sister Cecily Thomas tells us that many patients had been reduced to the status of beggars before coming to Tindivanam, suffering multiple illnesses related to poverty, poor nutrition and low immunity. There are 13 HIV/AIDS patients and 16 leprosy patients at Tindivanam. Many also suffer from tuberculosis.

Sister Cecily says the Sisters' hope is to build a ward for the six male patients who currently have to share toilet and shower facilities with the female patients.

The new ward is as much about restoring their dignity as it is about healing. It will cost $75,760.

Catholic Mission is supporting the work of the Cluny Sisters - bringing the loving touch of Jesus to the outcast and restoring hope to people once rejected.

The Cluny Sisters are also caring for around 35 children from families with leprosy and 15 children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. They, too, have been cast out of their communities and into the loving care of the Cluny Sisters.

The sisters hope that their story - a story of courage, respect and hope will touch you to contribute to projects like this all over the world.

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