In the heart of South America, Paraguayan women weave intricate lace embroideries called Nanduit, which means “spider web.”But the beautiful creations belie the horrible reality the women face every day.
Nearly one in 15 women will be raped in Paraguay, where sexual and domestic abuse of women is a widespread and under-reported problem.
But they are not alone.
Their suffering is recognized today by Catholic women around the world.
The women will unite Friday to observe the annual World Day of Prayer.
Services will be held in churches on both sides of the river in Kamloops.
The theme for this year’s global service was prepared by the women of Paraguay, where 90 per cent of the population is Catholic.
The theme, United Under God’s Tent, is a reference to the story of Abraham, who spoke of building tents to show humanity is united under God.
In a service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral downtown, the program will include a portion where three girls enter the church representing the three tents built by Abraham.
A large painting by local artist Diane Bower, depicting the crafts of Paraguayan women, will be on display at the pulpit.
Betty Kuntz, a parishioner of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, said people around the world unite today to promote justice, equality and unity.
“The World Day of Prayer is a non-denominational gathering of churches to celebrate God,” Kuntz said.
“We invite people of all religions, all faiths to come and enjoy this program.”
Father Derrick Cameron of the Sacred Heart Cathedral said prayer offers people an alternative to violent, desperate means to voice concerns.
People will unite in prayer globally in silent protest of the treatment of Paraguayan women, he said.
“We’ll pray for them.”
Kuntz said people around the world will unite to contemplate the poverty and depression of the Paraguayan women.
“They have been used and abused by the men,” she said.
“This is one of the reasons the women in the have [developed] countries want to help women in the underdeveloped parts of the world.”
Despite their hardships, Paraguayan women enjoy the music of their nation and continue to weave the Nanduit, which has deeply religious undertones.
The women use one string to weave their lace creations, which indicates the string of God’s love is never broken.
The string is woven into circular patterns that culminate in the centre, representative of humanity coming together under one tent.
“We are all together,” Kuntz said. “We are all united under God.”
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