Sister Rosalva Sandi

Current ministry Location – East Timor

Rosalva Sandi was born May 12, 1962 in Potosí, Tomas Frias, Bolivia to Maria Teresa (Torrez) Sandi and Edgar Sandi Bernal. She had 3 sisters: Cruz, Maria Cecilia, and Veronica Vergarinia and 1 brother: Edgar Salvador. Rosalva graduated from Auxiliador High School in Lapaz, Bolivia in 1980. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in systems analysis from El Instituto Superior Amerindia in 1982 and in 1999, a Licentiate Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University San Andrés, both located in La Paz, Bolivia. She was a computer programmer.

Rosalva entered the Maryknoll Sisters Congregation from Lapaz, Bolivia August 5, 2000 at the Center in NY. After her period of formation and profession of First Vows, August 11, 2002 at the Center and Final Vows January 21, 2010 in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Sister Rosalva’s first assignment was in 2002 to Aileu, East Timor She conducted health education programs for the many refugees in East Timor. She was very involved in providing clean water and good nutrition for Timorese children. Malaria prevention is another goal toward which Sister Rosalva worked.  She also taught at the High School in Aileu, and lives with other Maryknoll Sisters. In addition, she founded the Aileu Resource and Training Center which offers classes in skills such as computers and English. She has organized community development projects in several villages.

In 2010, in preparation for Final Vows, Sister Rosalva reunited in Hua Hin, Thailand with four other Maryknoll Sisters to share their experiences in mission. While there, they professed Final Vows together January 21, 2010. Then they returned to their places in mission.