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May, 2013 Dear Friend of St. Jude, I write to you with an urgent request to join me in reaching out with hope and help to the poorest of God’s poor in one of the most forgotten corners of the world. Deep in the Andes Mountains of Peru, more than three hours north of Ayacucho, the closest city, lies a small community called Huambalpa. This lost and abandoned community is comprised of 16 small villages with some 1,400 people. To get to this isolated place, we traveled many tortuous miles over rugged dirt roads and treacherous terrain. But once we arrived, we were welcomed by the warmest and kindest of God’s children who happily opened their hearts and homes to us. The people of Huambalpa lack basic services and live in desperate poverty. Yet despite their dire circumstances, they offered to share what little they had with their weary visitors.  I was struck by the people’s quiet dignity and resilient spirit… and, too, by their hunger for faith and eagerness to hear the Word of God. My recent trip helped pave the way for our Province’s decision to accept this Mission in Peru. Our priests will be teaching the faith, providing the sacraments, and caring for the poor. Since there have been no priests in this area for decades, our new priests will be starting from nothing. The Parish is Santuario de Santisima Immaculata Concepcion de Huambalpa. The church building is more than 300 years old and it shows its age, along with some major fire damage. Extensive repairs are needed to restore the structure, altar, rectory, guesthouse and office. We hope to supply two priests to cover the great needs of people living in this remote region – one at the Parish, and one who would travel to visit families, with rotating duties. I humbly reach out to you today help our Pallottine priests and brothers bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to these lost and impoverished people. For there is no greater work for all of us than to assure all people – and especially the poor – of God’s deep love, and to work with them to overcome all that diminishes their lives.  Your gift will help us get this fledgling ministry of hope underway, as well as help fund the vital ministry of our Shrine, especially among the poor. As you know, so many people around the world rely on St. Jude and our ministry of hope. Your offering will help bring food, shelter, medicine and clean drinking water to the poor, along with the hope and love of Jesus Christ. My prayer is that the kindness you have shared with our ministry will be abundantly returned to you. Your works of mercy in St. Jude’s name have been an answer to the prayers of so many hungry, helpless and hopeless people! Please know that you can count on me to seek God’s hope and favor on your behalf and those whom you love and care about. And when I say my prayers, please know that some of my most thankful prayers to God will be for you. Wishing you the Hope of St. Jude, Fr. Peter Sticco, S.A.C. Novena Director P.S. Please send your most generous gift today. And remember to include your prayer requests on the fomr enclosed so that your needs may be included in the may prayers and novenas presented here in the Shrine. As an important member of our Circle of Hope, your needs will also be remembered at St. Jude's tomb in the Vatican. It's the least I can do to show you my deep appreciation for your continuing support and friendship. Thank you! |
