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| Leaves - Volume 75 - November/December 2009 - No. 6 |
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My Dear LEAVES Family, You are such a tremendous blessing to the Mariannhill Missionaries. The last issue of LEAVES included a history of Mariannhill. As you probably noted, the assistance of lay people has contributed to our successful missionary work from the very beginning of our Order 100 years ago. You, dear readers, continue a long line of faithfilled people who have been dedicated to sharing our precious faith far and wide. Missionary work today continues to face many challenges. Many places throughout the world still have not heard the Good News. It is our goal to carry Christ there. There are many people in the world who have bought into the mistaken consumer messages of society. Instead of sitting in pews in churches on Sundays, they can be found racing from store to store looking for the latest style or best bargain. The good feelings they search for cannot be found in those material things that are advertised 'on television. The peace of heart people yearn for comes only from the Lord. As St. Augustine said, "You have made us for yourself, 0 Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." There are those with nothing who are joyful and those with everything who are despondent. What makes the difference? Faith does. People of faith trust that the Lord will provide. They work hard, share what they have and have confidence in the Lord's generosity. They are free from worry and so are able to enjoy a fulfilling life knowing that the Lord will be with them to celebrate life's happy moments and to help sustain them during hardships. This past year has been challenging for many people. Homes have been lost. Unemployment is high. When jobs are lost, sometimes so are benefits. Health problems can devastate families. Environmental or weather disasters periodically threaten. How do people manage? We know that the best blueprint for a serene life is a faith-filled life. This life of faith is what the Mariannhill Missionaries share in far-flung places. We do this with your generous help and your encouraging thoughts and prayers. So to you we offer our most heartfelt thanks and give you the promise of our prayers on your behalf. It is our sincerest hope that your Christmas holidays this year will be filled with faith, family and friends. May the good Lord be with you throughout 2010 and always. In Christ our Lord, Father Alain Rodrigue, C.M.M.
Provincial, American-Canadian Province
The Mariannhill Mission Society |
