December 11 and 12 2021:
I am Sylvia Francis representing the Global Solidarity Committee of our parish.
During Advent, we are supporting four charitable organizations. This week is dedicated to helping the mission to Chimbote, Peru.
Many of you are aware that for over 60 years the Diocese of Pittsburgh has sponsored a mission to the poorest of the poor in the desert highlands of Chimbote. The first foundation there was a maternity clinic, which, thanks to the generosity of Pittsburghers, has expanded to include a wellness clinic, a pharmacy, laboratory, social services, and an orphanage that shelters 24 homeless children. There are 150 employees, staff, and medical personnel, helping 800 to 1000 people a week.
I hope that each one of you has picked up one of these little cards as you came into the church. This states our mission and concludes with a prayer for the people of Chimbote. Maybe you will put this card on your mirror or refrigerator and think of our needy sisters and brothers 8000 miles away, straight south from Pittsburgh.