The Christmas season in South Africa is a more secular time. People take their holiday break (it is the summer season) and head off to family in cities, or beach resorts or other villages. If a child does not have a proper home, he/she is not going too far for the holidays.

South Africa has incredible numbers of orphans, mostly due to AIDS, which is crippling the nation. The children, ranging from 2 – 17 years, are mostly orphaned, since both parents are deceased. Children are being raised by grandparents or aunties. Life is not easy for them. The parish of Our Lady Morning Star, in Sesobe, tries to put smiles on children’s faces.

Sister Gerard Resasia, SSB, a St. Brigid sister, started to gather the children for specific functions such as Christmas parties years back, to recognize children and to love them. The Sisters of Saint Brigid of Ireland are a diocesan congre-gation here in the diocese of Rustenberg. They have been serving the people in schools and hospitals since 1958.

The SMA’s have been in the parish of Morning Star for more than 15 years. We have worked beautifully with the sisters in local ministries. I shared a privileged moment with the sisters. They fed 67 orphans and gave each one a gift. It was moving to watch the children receive match-box cars, a doll or a soccer ball. One grandmother said to me, “This is all they will get this year. Believe me, they will not forget this joyous day!”

Sister Gerard receives the generosity of people and makes this day special. I was touched at the smiles and radiance of these children receiving the simplest of things with love.

Pray for the future of South Africa and the children. We pray God to be compassionate and merciful on us, and bless all those who work tirelessly for the dignity of the children.