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Mary, the Filipino girl in this photo, is deaf and blind, but she compensates for her handicap with an acute sense of smell. She often uses this special ability to track down Mother Joan Clare when the elderly nun is out of hand’s reach. As soon as Mary finds her, she tugs on her, signaling to Mother Joan – who is now in her 80s but still full of energy – to sweep her up into her arms. And of course, Mother Joan happily complies, giving Mary the same enthusiastic attention she gives to all the children at Queen of Peace.
We’ll probably never know the tragic circumstances behind Mary’s abandonment at the doorstep of Queen of Peace Orphanage. But what we do know is this: Mother Joan and the Compassionate Franciscan Sisters of the Poor have rescued her from starvation and given her a safe, loving home.
The basic facts about Queen of Peace are praiseworthy, but they do not begin to convey the mission’s true value. It’s the intangible things – the love, the joy, the family atmosphere, the sisters’ Christ-like spirit – that really make it special. This is a ministry with a thriving heart and soul, and we are proud to have them as a partner!
Cross Catholic Outreach provides Queen of Peace with food, vitamins and staff salaries so that approximately 60 orphans and abandoned children – some with physical disabilities – can be sheltered and cared for in this amazing way.
-Tony M.
