Saturday, October 10, feast of Blessed Mary Angela was a glorious celebration with our First Holy Communion children. God indeed was known, loved and glorified in every moment of the day as the scriptures were fulfilled in our hearing, as we were invited to come to the feast.
We would like to let you know some personal stories of our children who recently received the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.
Kasi is 13 years old and was accepted into a house of a relative. Her mother, after giving her birth, disappeared; and her father, living in Jacmel, did not want to take care of her. She is being raised by her grandmother. Kasi may be known as a girl of the streets.
For over 5 years, she has been coming to us; but, in the beginning, it was not a strong affiliation. It has not been easy for Kasi to keep any commitment. There was no one at home to prepare her or tell her it is time to go anywhere, for example, to school. She is always late for the after-school homework time and other activities, especially when we started preparation for the sacraments. But the desire in her grew while she saw others receiving the sacraments.
Two years ago, we started to focus on her in a special way. She received new feminine-looking clothes, and her hair was washed and done by one of our teen girls; she felt pretty. Kasi found she has a beautiful singing voice, and she was prepared to sing a psalm for one of our celebrations. Kasi’s attitude at times is still not the best as she looks for ways to gain our attention. She is a born leader and many times draws other girls to follow her, not always in the best direction. For the third time, Kasi is going to be in the same grade–Grade 3.
Working with God, we still have a lot of work before us with Kasi. But we know God is not giving up, and we will try to be faithful, too. The days of her Baptism and First Holy Communion have been days of awakening and new life for her. She realized that she can dance and sing and that she is beautiful and loved, most of all by God.
Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti 