In thinking about Christmas, children are immediately brought to mind. So many children in the missions tragically live with immense suffering and violence, even war and all that comes with it. Other children in the developing world face extraordinary poverty and its related challenges.
But thanks to the work and witness of religious Sisters, these mission children also come to experience what sustains us — the message of God’s great love for us, the “Good News” proclaimed by the angels that first Christmas.
Caring for children
On the island of Nias in Indonesia, a local Religious Community staffs an orphanage, as well as a school. These Sisters also regularly visit a home for handicapped and disabled children.
How beautiful to watch the loving care these Sisters provide to these little ones! “We help them to realize that they are not alone and that Jesus loves them,” explains Sister Adelina. “We love them as family.”
A continent away, in Zambia in Africa, Sister Ruby can tell you, without hesitation, who her family is — the orphans and vulnerable children in Lusaka.
As director of the Home of Joy in that Zambian city, she and the Sisters in her religious community offer a home and an education to orphans and children at risk.
Loving as Jesus would
“These children who have lost their natural parents or whose parents are dying need to be loved and accepted by others,” Sister Ruby explains. “Our work requires providing the basic necessities of life. But above all, it is our actions that must help these young people feel that loving acceptance.”
“It is,” she adds, “what the Lord Himself would show them.”
Also in Zambia, Sr. Margaret Mweshi reaches out to the young, running a center for children with disabilities.
“I soon realized that I had to do more than provide medical help for these children,” she says. “I had to be a mother to them, too. I knew that I had to show these children the kind of love that comes from a good mother.”
Helping our family
In the missions, at Christmas and throughout the year, there are countless children in need of loving care. In so many places in the developing world, they find that loving heart in the words and actions of religious Sisters.
This Christmas, will you offer your prayers for your “family” — especially children — in Nias and Zambia, and throughout the missions? And will you support the work of local Sisters through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith who help our youngest brothers and sisters to know of the Lord’s great love for each one of us?
Your prayers are your first and greatest gift. Your financial support is needed as well. Whatever sacrifice you can make will be a blessing for the missions — and most appreciated, especially in these challenging financial times here at home!
May you and your families know great joy and experience our Lord’s boundless love at Christmas and throughout the New Year!
Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer is director of the Propagation of the Faith for the Diocese of Madison. Contributions to the Propagation of the Faith may be sent to: P.O. Box 44983, Madison, WI 53744-4983.