Christmas Appeal
The Stillness of the Holy Night
is brightened by HIS light!
Our Christmas card 2024 featured a stunning image of the Northern Light as captured in Denmark.
The phenomenon was experienced also in many parts of the world. No wonder that the Scripture from Isaiah 9:1,5-6 came to mind as printed on the card.
We often walk in darkness and do not know what the future holds in store! However, our faith teaches us that Jesus, who came into this world, is the Light of the World. With HIM we have a companion for the journey of life.
Our confreres of Inkamana Abbey in South Africa can easily connect to this scripture passage when they think back on the years when apartheid ruled the country. Our monks never gave up hope! They continued their mission of giving witness to Christ’s presence, overcoming all racial boundaries and by keeping their schools open for all children, also integrating men of all ethnic backgrounds into their monastic community.
The journey goes on! Let us help our confreres of Inkamana Abbey in their ministries, especially among the young.
At Holy Angels Parish in Bhekuzulu, Vryheid, Fr. Raphael Chonde, O.S.B. and leaders of the parish have responded to an emerging crisis due to the closure of the local coal mines and the increase of drug abuse, violence and other destructive behavior as a form of escape from hardship. Rape, early pregnancies, AIDS, and suicide are on the rise among the younger generation.
The Christians of Holy Angels parish acted in bringing their youths together for social activities, education, and community building. The workshop on the Theology of the Body, offered at the Don Bosco Center in Johannesburg, is just one of the outstanding programs.
Seminars aimed at spiritual growth and practical skills improvement have proven successful, as Fr. Rapheal reported. These are usually attended by over 50 young women and men. All are encouraged to contribute towards expenses as their meager resources allow. With the weakened economy in the region, families cannot come up with program fees, including transportation, food, accommodation and materials.
Fr. Raphael turned to Fr. Anastasius and our mission office for help. Do you see a way this Christmas 2024 to assist us in helping young people in South Africa served by the Missionary Benedictines? We in turn remember you in prayer and Holy Mass.
Together we bring hope! We light one candle at a time and thus brighten the darkness!
Thank you!
Br. Tobias, O.S.B.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
