OLOG parishioners mark their 10th Lenten outreach journey

Apr 04, 2024

By Bridget Antoinette Pereira
As the season of Lent calls for us to reflect, repent, and give, our community at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (OLOG) embarked on a journey of compassion and service. United by a shared commitment to make a difference, we set out to extend a helping hand to those in need. This year marked the 10th OLOG Lenten Outreach programme.

Our mission began with the generous outpouring of donations from individuals eager to contribute to our Lenten Outreach. From fresh produce to dry ingredients, the community came together to provide the essentials for our endeavour.

The day started with the morning blessing by our parish priest Fr Raymond Pereira who then officiated our 10th Lenten Outreach by packing the first meal for this worthy cause. With hearts full of gratitude and hands ready to serve, our dedicated team gathered to transform these donations into nourishing meals. Many started cooking early in the morning to ensure that the cooked food was ready for packing by 9.00am on March 23, the day for our Lenten Outreach. The OLOG Pastoral Centre buzzed with activity as the food began to arrive and packing started. Even with space limitation, the place was brimming with warmth and love with about 200 Ologians who came to help pack the food, assemble and deliver them.

The menu for the day was biriyani, dhall curry, fried chicken, vegetables, egg sambal and, not forgetting dessert! With efficiency and diligence, we worked together to prepare 850 packed meals, each one a symbol of love, hope and solidarity.

Then came the time for distribution. With vehicles loaded and spirits high, we set out to reach our target groups in Puchong — the homeless, the poor and the needy, the orphans, the elderly, the refugees, the Orang Asli and the migrant workers who often go unnoticed and underserved. As the teams went out to deliver the food, they also spent some time in fellowship with them as they enjoyed the meal that had been prepared and shared.

We had earlier collated a list of those whom we could reach out to and as we embarked to distribute the food, we knew that we were offering not only sustenance but also a reminder that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten. The smiles of gratitude and the words of thanks we received were a testament to the impact of our efforts — a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a world of difference.

As we reflect on our Lenten Outreach journey, we are reminded of the true meaning of this season. It is not merely a time of sacrifice but also a time of service — a time to extend a hand to those in need and to embody the spirit of compassion and generosity.

In serving others, we have been served in return — not with material wealth or worldly gain, but with a sense of purpose, connection, and joy that can only come from giving of ourselves for the greater good.