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Franciscans in Action
May 2008 e-newsletter
Indiana Parishes Work to Help Conventual Franciscan Mission in Zambia
St. Anthony Parish friary, Angola, Indiana
Sometimes one comes across the following defeatist argument: We all have our own lives, our own problems, and our own worries. The problems and worries of people in some other far away place, as sad as they might be, are no concern of mine. The economy is in a bad way. And I might lose my job tomorrow.
Thankfully in two Conventual Franciscan parishes in Indiana, this argument could not be further from the truth. The parishioners at St. Paul’s Chapel in Clear Lake and St. Anthony of Padua Church in Angola firmly believe in lending a helping hand whenever they can.
The children of Zambia need help
St. Paul’s is a thriving parish of 165 families and has been in existence since 1941. Parishioners here are actively contributing in many ways to establish a banana plantation at the Conventual Franciscan mission in Zambia. The plantation will become a source of revenue for the local population. It will create jobs and help in the development of infrastructure.
A snapshot of life in Zambia
Several miles down the road in Angola, the women of St. Anthony of Padua Church had a 30 year tradition of sending 40 to 60 bags of high quality used clothing to the Zambian people. Unfortunately, rising postage and Zambian customs costs forced them to stop this tradition. Not to be thwarted, the women of St. Anthony started a parish rummage sale. All monies raised are dedicated towards life improvements in Zambia. The St. Anthony women knew that where there is a will there is always a way.
We encourage you our readers to send in stories where you see the spirit of St. Francis at work in the world. Email your stories to Peter Rajchert at peter@franciscans.org.
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