Sister Corazon with Henny
With the festive season nearly upon us again, Catholic Mission is urging its supporters to remember the most vulnerable children around the world this Christmas.
Catholic Mission has today launched its 2015 Children’s Appeal, which specifically highlights the work of dedicated Catholic missionaries in the Philippines, who are caring for children in desperate need.
The Christmas direct mail appeal raises funds for children’s projects all around the world, including those in the Philippines, so that even the most vulnerable children can live a happy and healthy life with access to greater opportunities.
This year the campaign highlights the work of Baptistine Sister Corazon Riconalla, the Superior at the Our Lady of Providence Home in Cebu. The Sisters of St John the Baptist, who run the orphanage, care for young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are afflicted with conditions such as malnutrition.
The campaign carries the theme ‘Whoever welcomes this child in my name, welcomes me’—from Luke 9:48— and also tells the heartbreaking story of Helen, a recently widowed young mother living in the poverty-stricken outskirts of Cebu, who is no longer able to provide the nutritious food her children need to survive.
Distressingly, after Helen nearly lost her daughter Henny to malnutrition when she was just one year old, she was forced to make the toughest decision of her life, leaving Henny and her sister to the loving care of the Sisters at the Our Lady of Providence Home.
Catholic Mission Deputy National Director Peter Gates says Sister Corazon often fears for the future of the children. “With more than a quarter of the people in the Philippines living below the poverty line, Sister Corazon is constantly worried about the future of all of these children.
“One of her primary concerns is the health of the children, given the spate of recent typhoons and an unpredictable climate that has caused an increase in diseases at the orphanage.”
Mr Gates is urging supporters to consider sharing a Christmas gift with these special children. “If we can contribute just a little, then Sister Corazon and the home can care for more children,” he said. “What a wonderful Christmas blessing that would be for the little ones in need.”
“There is great need at home and abroad, but I especially invite you—if you can—to help support these beautiful children so that they may have the opportunity for a brighter future and to experience the love of Jesus this Christmas.”
For more information about Catholic Mission’s 2015 Children’s Appeal, or to donate, please visit www.catholicmission.org.au/christmas2015, or call toll free on 1800 257 296.
For media enquiries, please contact Matthew Poynting on 02 9919 7800.