Serving God’s People in This Season
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
– Mark 10:45
Dear friends,
The Mission Society recently held a Zoom presentation to illustrate how we are living the Gospel in this time and place. Over 50 Sisters and partners in ministry joined us from Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica and the United States. We were especially grateful to have missionaries speaking to us. They expressed their gratitude for the Mission Society’s support and shared how they were serving those who are poor. Below are the summaries of their testimonials.
Bolivia – Sisters Maria and Elvira support the people in their local community through food, milk for the children, medical care and medicines; education (books, school supplies and tuition); clothes and shoes for children; and home repairs for broken windows and leaky roofs. They also help young ladies with scholarships to college, saying that they are “hungry to study” but don’t have the resources.
“The support we receive from the Mission Society is really a blessing for us. All this support that we give in the community where we serve, is thanks to the Mission Society. If it wasn’t for the support you give us, it would not be possible to help them in this way.”
Brazil – Sister Marinêz, former regional minister, described how many of the Sisters there are working in the parishes directly in the pastoral care, and their work is mostly supported by the Mission Society. The Sisters also operate a hospital and a school. The pandemic has been devastating. People have lost jobs and are left with almost nothing. The homeless population and incidences of domestic violence have increased. Students from poor families don’t have the technology to participate in school remotely. Utilities usage has increased because of being home more, and people can’t pay. The Sisters help the people with the $1,800 the Mission Society provides each month for 10 programs.
“Your help has been a miracle in many people’s lives. It really wouldn’t be possible for the Sisters to carry out this work with the most needy without this help from the Mission Society. In the name of all the Sisters in Brazil, especially I would like to thank you and assure you that you’re saving a lot of people with this beautiful work that you do there.” – Sister Marinêz
Jamaica – Sister Maureen Clare shared how $1,800 per month from the Mission Society helps provide student lunches in three elementary schools; lunches and school supplies for students at their teachers’ college; and direct assistance to those who are poor through Sister Grace’s Franciscan Ministries program. During COVID, the teachers, who are just as poor as the students, benefited from the lunch program. She also described her Franciscan Outreach, or “Back Door” Program. Monthly, they have about 170 poor who come to the Sisters’ main convent (see description on right). Finally, she assured us that the Sisters have a Mass said at Immaculate Conception Chapel once a month for all benefactors, including those from St. Elizabeth Mission Society.
“Since COVID, we meet them at the front gate with bags of food, seeing that they keep their social distance, and saying hi to them. The bags contain rice and cornmeal, tinned food for their proteins, and bath & laundry soap.”
I am asking for your help. It is only through your generosity that our Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and their partners in ministry are able to offer their loving ministries. Saint Anthony is the patron saint of poverty and debt. That’s why the St. Elizabeth Mission Society specially celebrates his Feast Day on June 13 by offering prayers in thanksgiving for all the blessings, graces and gifts received from God through his intercession. Please include your intentions on the form.
May we all find ways to serve during this season,
Laura Whitford, President
Click HERE for the 2021 St. Anthony Appeal
