Christmas
Appeal
As a child, were you
enchanted by Christmas lights? They filled me with joy long before I fully
grasped the true meaning of the season. But as I sit down to write to you
today, the twinkling lights from my childhood memories seem dim compared to the
light of hope you are bringing to the missionary sisters in Ethiopia and the
children in their care.
May I share with you the
story of the Maids of the Poor Home for orphaned or abandoned children in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia? Here, young souls scarred by life's hardships find solace.
Sister Miriam, a pillar of love and dedication, recently shared, “we pray daily
for their sustenance. But many evenings, as I gaze into their innocent eyes, my
heart shatters. Often, we lack even the funds to buy them milk.”
But – because of you –
there’s hope. Despite the daily struggles to care for these abandoned and
orphaned children, there is profound joy and love evident in this home. Through
your support, the sisters are transformed into the living embodiment of the Star
of Bethlehem providing hope to these children.
As a member of our
mission family, you know of the plight of children in this poorest of nations,
where two-thirds go to bed hungry. This
year, you have seen the faces of children traumatized by war in Ukraine and the
Holy Land. You know of the daily risk of violence, abuse, and exploitation
children face in South Sudan.
As we embrace the spirit
of Christmas, reflecting God's boundless love in our actions, we remember the
words of Jesus, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least
of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
This Christmas, will you
include the children of the missions – and those
who care for their physical and spiritual needs – on your gift list?
What could be a more
meaningful Christmas gift?
Sister Miriam and the
children of the Maids for the Poor Home are most grateful to you and send their
love and prayers! With your support, we can bring hope and shine the Gospel's
light even brighter.
I send my own gratitude
for your prayers and generous response.
I wish you and your loved ones a blessed Advent season, and pray that we
may remain united in His mission,
Sister Mary Ellen Brett, SSJ
