From small beginnings
This year, on 15th August, the Sisters of Mary will celebrate the birthday of all the children in their care and a very special Jubilee.
Many children come to them without knowing their birth date or having celebrated their birthday and so 15th August was named Every Child’s Birthday. On this day, every single child in their care worldwide (more than 20,000) will have a very special celebration with a small practical gift, some cake and a party.
The celebration was first started by Father Al to nurture the children in his care. For boys and girls who have known such difficulty in their early lives this day is a moment of great excitement. It is often the first time any of them have actually received a birthday gift – or celebrated their birthday.
With the kindness of our donors and with their messages of support, our children are able to make new, happy memories which will last them in the years ahead.
Sisters packing birthday gifts 2024
A simple childhood joy
The Sisters prepare several months ahead for this special day. Taking an hour in the evening, each night to individually wrap a birthday gift for each child in their care and adding tags signed by our donors. For more than 20,000 children this is an enormous job but it is a labour of great love and means the absolute world to the children.
Most of the children who come into our care spend their early years preoccupied with the needs of survival and so birthdays, with presents, and being the centre of attention for the day are an unknown luxury to them.
On 15th August they will have the chance to experience the simple joy of a normal childhood, thanks to our supporters.
A very special anniversary
This year the 15th August is extra special as it also marks the 60th anniversary of the Sisters of Mary’s foundation and they celebrate 60 years of love and service for the poorest communities.
Since 1964, when Father Al established the Sisters of Mary and began his work in South Korea, the poorest children in the world have been welcomed and cared for in schools, now numbering 13, in the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras and Tanzania. Now with more than 170,000 graduates from the school the Sisters work continues with the poorest communities.
The Sisters motto is the “glory of God is man fully alive” and in their care the poorest children receive holistic care to help them recover from their early lives, grow and thrive. An education helps them onto a better future where they can be independent and help themselves, and their families, onto a better, poverty free future.
Heartwarming thanks from Sr Elena
Sister Elena, Superior General of the Sisters of Mary writes “though they come from difficult situations, once they are accepted in our schools, their eyes are opened to new experiences of having their own bed, own personal things, school supplies, dental and medical care, nutritious food, water, electricity, a place to play and re- create. They feel they belong to a family with the Sisters’ loving care.”
The mission of the Sisters is not easy and they face many challenges but with the faithful support of our donors the Sisters have been able to expand their programmes and they remain forever thankful for your kindness.
“You have shared your treasure with us and your donations are well spent and they have been multiplied because they have been passed on to others. We hope and pray that you will continue to be with us.” (Sr Elena)
Sr Elena in Guatemala
A Diamond Jubilee and facing the future
Today, 60 years after the programmes first started the Sisters need your support more than ever.
Your gift of £60 to represent each year of dedicated service by the Sisters will allow them to continue their mission to bring a bright future to the poorest children.
“As my Sisters go two by two to the peripheries of the country, there are a lot more children living in misery and danger, begging for help and we cannot just shrug our shoulders and turn our back on them.
With your help, hand in hand, my Sisters will be able to move on, making this world a better place to live, building a bright future for the children who are the hope not just of the next generation but also of the present.” (Sr Elena)
Read Sisters Elena's thank you
Fr Chris Vipers from Westminster Cathedral shares a Birthday encouragement
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