“In order to share the limitations and fragility of our human nature, God himself became poor and was born in the flesh like us. We came to know him in the smallness of a child laid in a manger and in the extreme humiliation of the cross, where he shared our radical poverty, which is death”.
(Leo XIV, Dilexi te,16)
Dear Benefactors and Friends of the Missions,
The mystery of Christmas shows us once again God who becomes man and is born in poverty and simplicity, so that we can recognize Him in every person. The Son of God desires to be born in the hearts of people and awaken hope and love, especially where poverty, suffering and loneliness prevail. This year, the Divine Child directs our focus towards Cameroon, Angola, and Guatemala. There, in the daily work of evangelical service by missionaries, "God is born" for those most in need, with your help and financial donations. We entrust our missionaries and their communities to your care and kindness.
With gratitude and prayers from the bottom of our hearts,
Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver
Angola - Development of Parish
The parish of St. John Paul II in Kwito is bustling with religious life. Over a thousand children, young people and adults participate in catechesis, learning the Gospel and growing in faith. Despite very modest conditions, the parish has managed to build a church on its own — a place of prayer, hope and encounter with God. To ensure the safety of all participants in the liturgy and catechesis, we need a wall around the premises. Despite their poverty, our parishioners are trying to improve their church step by step – they are collecting funds to install windows and doing minor repairs with their own hands. However, their capabilities are limited. I therefore earnestly request your assistance in completing this project. Any support will be an expression of solidarity with the Church in Africa and will help to strengthen this place of prayer, which for many people is the only sign of hope and God's presence.
Fr. Tomé Chipilica, St. John PauÅ‚ II Parish, Kwito-Bie, Angola
Guatemala - Sanitary Facilities
The Casa Hogar – a Vocational Centre in Guatemala gives young boys from
poor, remote villages, a possibility to continue their education. The young
people receive food, care and the opportunity to learn. We help them to
finish school, learn a trade, and some continue their education at university.
We also run technical courses – carpentry, electrical engineering, welding –
which prepare them for a responsible life. Along with education, we impart
human and Christian values, and our priests and lay people participate in their
formation. We are currently facing an urgent need: the renovation of sanitary
facilities, which are in very poor condition. Any help will contribute not only
to the renovation of the building, but also to the renewal of hope in the hearts
of these young people who want to build their future in the light of faith.
May the Lord bless all benefactors for their kindness.
Fr. Heliberto Morales Ríos, Santiago de Guatemala, Guatemala
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Cameroon - Vehicle
I serve in Djouth, in the eastern part of Cameroon. It is a village located deep in the bush, 120 kilometers from the nearest town, without electricity or running water. As a congregation, we run a health clinic and a nursery school, which serve the residents of many surrounding villages inhabited by Pygmy tribes. These are extremely poor people, living off the forest, in difficult conditions, with limited access to education and medical care. My daily ministry is to accompany the poor and the sick – I visit villages up to 100 km away, deliver medicines and food, and organize meals for children. In many places, this is the only form of help and presence of the Church. In order to continue this mission, I need a sturdy vehicle that will allow me to reach the most remote villages and transport medical aid. The congregation will cover part of the costs, but there is still a shortfall of €15,000. I humbly ask for your support – every gift, even the smallest, will help to bring the Gospel and concrete help to those who live in poverty.
Sr. Marcjana Pelczarska, ZDCH, Djouth, Batouri, Cameroon