PARAGUAY, Ani Souberlich. Last December 2013, a big group of college alumni got together to celebrate their 30th college reunion. They prepared a special dinner for the reunion event, and to remember once more those previous college years, of youth, and of old pranks; it was awesome!! Some had not seen each other for almost eighteen years, and others not since 1983, “My God, time has flown!” But in spite of the lapse of time, things were just as though they had never stopped seeing each other. Someone suggested for the group to meet at least once a month to reminisce about their college days. Then this thought came up, aside from just being together to have a drink, why didn’t they organize something for the needy. Why not gather clothing, shoes, coats… things you have in your homes that are hardly used. Once ready, they could distribute these things in the outskirts just as suggested by Pope Francis.
“What is just great is that this current of Pope France flows into all walks of life and places,” said one of the participants, a member of the schoestatt.org dreamteam, eager to live the covenant of solidarity with Francis and sowing the seed whenever there is an opportunity.
“Some visit prisons, others help in the construction of solidarity houses…There have been many who have been motivated by this!” And now these alumni!
“The group came up with a symbol of two crossed hands over the name of their college, and the year that they graduated. It is just beautiful, and they even thought of making a shirt with this symbol. This is awesome because what comes up is the collaboration in solidarity of all people with apostolic hearts, something that our Father and Founder so much longed for.”
In action!
In less than two weeks, each one had brought from home a box of clothing, shoes, goods and some quickly came together to assemble the packages and bags. Some could not make it due to work, but they sent their contributions as well. Everything was welcome! Our houses are full of many things we do not use which can cause so much joy to others!!
Last March 1st, Saturday, a non-working day in Paraguay, in a slum at the outskirts of Luque, the group brought all the packages of food and clothes to the needy families living in great poverty there. This area had also been inundated in heavy rains and floods adding to the misery of those who lived there. The group of alumni went to serve those in need to help bring basic necessities to those with nothing… just as Pope Francis wishes!
They were moved to see the joy on those faces receiving the little they could offer. It was painful to see the reality of where these families live, having the minimum of what is needed to live with dignity… For this reason, they are organizing another attempt to gather clothing especially for the children who are among those most affected. Winter is just around the corner, and they have no clothes or shoes…
A sign of hope
Isn´t this just like a drop in the ocean? The answer is simple: “We know we cannot solve the poverty of countless families nor erase poverty in our country or in the world, but every drop in the bucket in this area is needed, and becomes a small sign of HOPE. Later at my house, I thought: What if the many college alumni of a course or of an entire school could be signs of hope and joy… then” we would see that it is possible!” To all who read this article, get in touch with your college classmates, your fellow workers, or your district and do something concrete for others, no matter how small it may seem to you; it is a huge miracle to others.”
This current of Pope France flows into all walks of life and places…
Original: Spanish. Translation: Kohnie Valderrama, Madrid, Spain/Melissa Janknegt, Elgin, USA
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