Celebrating our independence in the midst of summer, we graciously welcome Fr. Joy Kalliyath, a Carmalite Missionary, who is temporarily in the United States seeking aid for seminarian studies and social projects within the parish he is serving in Madagascar. Fr. Joy belongs to the CMI order, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, the first indigenous religious congregation in the Catholic Church of India. They were established in the mid 1800s with the mission to guide spiritual retreats for priests, to instruct the laity in the practices of our Catholic faith, to train seminarians, providing pastors within parishes throughout the world. They have worked in Iraq and Iran, and in the last fifty years have established Catholic missions (parishes) in Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina. Presently they have focused their missionary outreach on the continent of Africa, within Botswana, Ghana, Tanzania, Namibia, and the country Fr. Joy is presently stationed in Madagascar. Madagascar lies off the southwest coast of Africa, closest to the countries of Mozambique and Tanzania. It is the fourth largest island in the world, the second largest island country(behind Indonesia),and the 46th largest country in the world. Despite its rich natural resources and unique biodiversity, Madagascar is the sixth poorest country in the world due to widespread corruption, political unrest, isolation. Yet ,a quarter of the country’s thirty one million citizens are Roman Catholic, with seventeen dioceses. During the 1900’s the Catholic population grew exponentially through the work of various missionary groups: the Cistercians and Benedictines included.
“Catholic Action” a significant movement amongst the laity, provides the impetus for spiritual growth and humanitarian outreach. Young and old enjoy the sporting activities of soccer, track and field, judo, tennis and basketball specifically for women. Meals involve natural ingredients, with the cultural and popular dish of Romazava consisting of meat and green vegetables. Welcome Fr. Joy Kalliyath!! A year or so ago, through a discussion with the “Ladies Prayer Shawl Group” there was a thought given to an ongoing outreach for mothers of newborns. More significantly, mothers who have just given birth and are struggling financially or emotionally, and those without needed support. As approved by the Boone County Hospital, Birthing department, we will begin offering “care baskets” for mothers of newborns. Though needs can be  great and at times overwhelming for mothers of newborns, our ‘baskets’ will contain  just a few items, but importantly a presence of caring. Each basket will contain a hand quilted lap blanket from our Ladies Prayer Shawl Group, a package of baby wipes and diapers, with a bottle of lotion for the mother and infant. Lastly, a prayer card will be included. No indication of our parish or group or individual who sponsored the basket; anonymously, it is offered as a humble gesture of Christ’s presence in the life of another. Nurses working in the birthing wing will decide who receives each basket. Hopefully we can offer two baskets a month, with individuals sponsoring the cost. If you would like to sponsor a “Mother/Infant Care Basket” please call Deanna at the parish office.
‘ Expected cost: $20 to $25 per basket. Thank you for your generosity and caring. “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’” Some years ago a seven year old, Tarak McLain, wrote up a list of things most important to him as part of a grade school assignment. His mother helped with the spelling, but this list was entirely his own. “I believe life is good. I believe God is in everything. I believe we're all equal. I believe we can help people. I believe everyone is weird in their own way. I believe hate is a cause for love. I believe that when I meditate I feel peaceful. I believe we should be generous. I believe brothers and sisters should be kind to each other. I believe kids should respect their parents. I believe I should not whine. I believe people should wake up early. I believe people should go outside more. I believe in nature. I believe people should use less trees. I believe we should help the Arctic and rainforest animals. I believe people shouldn't throw litter on the ground. I believe people should not smoke. I believe God is good and bad. I believe in magic. I believe people should not give up. I believe love is everywhere. I believe that God helps us to have a good time. I believe we live best in a community. I believe we can protect people in danger. I believe we should help the poor. I believe it's OK to die but not to kill. I believe war should not have started. I believe war should stop. I believe we can make peace.” Peace be with you, Fr. Tim FYI: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future toa known God.” (Corrie Ten Boom)