March 2021
Dear Friends,

 

            The Christophers hope this Lenten season will be transformative for all people in our nation and

around the world. May the contemplation of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice inspire us to know that we are

cared for by a loving God who wants to bring peace and healing to all and especially to the most

vulnerable among us.

            March 17 is the Feast Day of Saint Patrick of Ireland and marks a day of celebration of this holy

man of God. After escaping slavery in Ireland, Patrick had the courage to return to convert the Irish

people to Christianity. May we all find that same kind of courage to devote the entirety of our lives to the

service of God and others.

            And March 19 is the Feast Day of Saint Joseph, whose devotion to Mary and Jesus exemplifies

the selflessness all fathers are called to in their daily lives. This year marks the 150th anniversary of

Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, and in honor of

this anniversary, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of Saint Joseph,” which began on December 8, 2020, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and will end on the same date in 2021.

            To coincide with his proclamation, Francis issued an Apostolic Letter titled “With a Father’s Heart,” where he relates the character of Saint Joseph to our ongoing world crisis and the heroes it has produced. Referencing a line from his own 2020 “Meditation in the Time of Pandemic,” Francis spoke of his desire to honor Saint Joseph, saying:

                  “My desire to do so increased during these months of pandemic, when we experienced,

                     amid the crisis, how ‘our lives are woven together and sustained by ordinary people,

                     people often overlooked. People who do not appear in newspaper and magazine

                     headlines, or on the latest television show, yet in these very days are surely shaping the

                     decisive events of our history. Doctors, nurses, storekeepers and supermarket workers,

                     cleaning personnel, caregivers, transport workers, men and women working to provide

                     essential services and public safety, volunteers, priests, men and women religious, and so

                     very many others.’”

 

            Let us pray that Saint Joseph continues to strengthen the unsung heroes in our society who walk so closely in his footsteps, serving selflessly and devoting their lives to meeting the needs of others. May we remember their service during this Lenten season and do all we can to support their efforts and relieve their burdens.

            Our Spring Appeal will soon be sent out and it will include our Renewal prayer card, which serves as a beautiful reminder of the love God showers upon us during this time of year. As everyone looks forward to celebrating the glory of the Resurrection, this is such a great time to consider an act of generosity in support of The Christophers’ mission to serve those who are most in need.

            A special thanks to our donors for making all we do possible. May God guide you to experience renewal during this Lenten and Easter season, and may all your efforts be blessed.  

 

Joyfully,

Mary Ellen Robinson

President