In our world today —perhaps in our own lives — there are times it seems that not too much “good news” exists.
We hear of war and natural disasters around the globe. At home, we may be afraid as we face a loved one’s illness, or financial difficulties.
In those moments, we call to mind the angel’s announcement that first Christmas, taking comfort in the message of God’s love, as it supports us every day through life’s challenges.
Sisters care for children
For some 40 children in northern Zambia, Sr. Margaret Mweshi is their angel — every day.
These little ones struggle with physical disabilities of all kinds. At a home run by Sister Margaret and others in her religious community, they receive treatment, physical therapy, even an education.
And, every day, the children find much more. “I know that I have to do more than provide medical help,” Sister Margaret explains. “I have to be a mother to these children, bringing them, by all I do and say, the ‘good news’ of God’s great love.”
Sister Margaret says she follows St. Paul’s rule every day: “Whatever you do, do from the heart.” And the Sisters of the Cross in Poona, India, would say they do the same.
For some 150 boys and girls, these Sisters are truly their angels, providing them with care and love at St. Anthony’s Home there. The children learn about Jesus and His great love through the example of the Sisters; those who are not baptized come to ask about the little boy who was “poor like them.”
The Lovers of the Holy Cross Sisters are also angels to the poorest of the poor in their homeland of Vietnam. These local Religious serve in social service and parish ministries, as well as through programs for younger children.
How you can be an ‘angel’
This Christmas, will you be an “angel” for the missions, just like Sister Margaret in Zambia, and local Sisters in India and Vietnam?
Will you support their efforts and the work and witness of so many Religious Sisters throughout the Developing World? Every day, these Religious offer concrete help to the poor and suffering, and the hope that comes from experiencing the love of our Lord, so they will not be afraid.
Your prayers are your greatest gift. And your Christmas gift to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith for your mission family — as little or as great as you can offer — will support the work of Sisters in the missions.
May you and your families know peace and great joy every day, especially as we celebrate Christmas.
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 made at the parish or may be sent to: P.O. Box 44983, Madison, WI 53744-4983.