|
February 2010
Dear
Friends of St. Kieran:
They
have no wine…
At the
beginning of this Lent, I want to greet you with the story you all
know: the wedding feast at Cana, a passage that is filled with
symbolism, as is so much of the Gospel of John. A lot is happening
here at different levels; the lack of wine and the miracle of new
wine.
I
want to start with the miracle of the new wine…
Thanks
for your financial support at Christmas, your new wine for us. I
know all of you generously contributed to support the mission here
in Kenya. I am very grateful to all of you.
This is
how I am putting the money to use. Janet (the lady you helped) has
covered her medical bills. She is stable and continues to monitor
her situation with the doctor. I encouraged her to join a support
group of cancer survivors. She is making contacts. That was good
wine from you for her and her family. She is so grateful!
We have
been able to fix our watchman gate, and install mesh wires on the
windows to keep the mosquitoes out and thereby reduce malaria
attacks among our seminarians. Thanks to you all!
The
long story of new wine…
The
good news is that the water (from the water project) has already
reached our village in Uganda.
The
cows and goats are a hopeful endeavor. Your goat program project
supported school fees of three high school children. There are 56
goats remaining — they multiply fast. The local cows [number] six.
The dairy cow has been inseminated and is five months into
pregnancy. It should give about 15-20 liters of milk a day (4-5
gallons) when it delivers, which is formidable.
Mary’s
simple observation, “They have no wine,” reflects the needs
of the people of her day who were not the rich and powerful. In the
midst of this, Mary names the need and she takes the initiative to
find a solution.
You
know you are doing this for my people. Thanks a lot.
The
worrying physical condition of my brother Basil raises in me a
feeling of helplessness. I feel so limited in what I can do. Keep
him and my family in your prayers!
With
love and prayers,
Fr.
Raphael |
