Becoming a beacon of HOPE

Nov 30, 2018

By Lucille Dass
The Gift of Hope project was launched during the World Day of the Poor celebration at the weekend Masses of November 17 and 18 at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (CHS). This initiative by the CHS Parish Human Development Committee (PHDC) is in response to the call by Pope Francis for all Catholics – clergy and laity – to get involved in an act of “loving attentiveness” towards the poor in the way God does.

CHS parish priest, Fr Joachim Robert, though away for the weekend, left his message in a video clip to convey to his parishioners the intent of the project. In his message that revolved around Psalm 34, Fr Joachim highlighted the verse: “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him,” to remind parishioners that the project provided an opportunity for all to become a beacon of HOPE in this troubled world. He invited all parishioners to visit the specially set up Advent Room to find out how they could be a part of this meaningful project to make a difference in the lives of the under privileged.

The presiding celebrants at the two Masses, Fr Simon Labrooy and Fr Francis Anthony, also spoke on the far-reaching benefits of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy towards the less fortunate. To mark the occasion, commemorative bookmarks with iconic representations and words on Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy were distributed to the congregation.

The verse from Psalm 34 must have struck a chord with parishioners who were reminded of another verse where Jesus clearly showed that action is more important than talk when he asked Bartimaeus, the blind man of Jericho in Luke 18:41, “What do you want me to do for you?” In reaching out to the cry of this destitute man, Jesus granted him both spiritual and physical healing.

Similarly, parishioners were exhorted to seek, invite and save the lost, the least and the little (cf. Lk 19:10). The response was encouraging as the colourfully illustrated and gift-stocked Advent Room turned into a hive of activity, with helpers guiding visitors through the five-step participatory approach to help fulfil the “Wish List” of the families or individuals in need.

Prior to the launch, the project organising team had done much groundwork visiting needy individuals and families and gathering information regarding their needs. After reviewing about 150 cases, they drew up a final “Wish List” of those most deserving of help. This list was posted in the Advent Room for parishioners to select the family/person they wished to help, collect the Gift of Hope Folio that contained detailed information, before reaching out to fulfil the needs listed.

Upon fulfilment, parishioners were to return and place the Star of Hope over Bethlehem City (a three-dimensional structure in progress) and duly confirm completion of their undertaking with the project organising team. The listed families/individuals will also be invited to our Parish pre-Christmas Party on December 15 — for added, meaningful cheer.