Each time you come to collect your rations individually; you may be wondering why we have gathered you
all together this time.
It is Christmas… as a community, we can meet you all and you too can meet, getting to know one another.
As Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, we are preparing to celebrate the 150 th year of our foundation in 2027.
During this time, we recall that our foundress Mary of the Passion had a special love for the poor with a
strong desire to improve their condition. Like St. Francis, she lived poor and always set aside something for
the poor. It is for this reason that we too want to reach out in a special way to improve the condition of
those who are needy. In your turn too, you could help those who need your concern and care, maybe not
materially but with a kind word, a smile, a greeting, etc. so that we can create a society which is concerned
for one another. As Pope Francis wrote in his letter to the world, we are all brothers and sisters in one large
human family, as we are all made in God’s image and likeness. Pope Leo continues the same reminder in his
recent letter ‘I have loved you’, stressing that the poor have a special place in the life of the Church. Let us
all then during this time of Christmas begin to create this large human family around us by living in love and
joy with all those around us!
God bless each one of you and your families. We remember you in our prayers especially during this
Season.
Joyous Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2026.