Delivering food, shelter, and hope to the poorest of the poor
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On the second Sunday of Lent, we learn about Jesus’ transfiguration. In this story, three of Jesus’ disciples witnessed many miracles and even heard the voice of God tell them, “This is my beloved son. Listen to him.”
Sometimes, it can feel hard to listen to God. Still, it’s important to follow his path. That’s what Happy Mhango is doing — and you can, too!
Happy has four children, including 11-year-old Vanessa, pictured on the cover of this activity guide. Happy’s family lives in Mutyabweka Village in Malawi. They are filled with joy, but life hasn’t been easy.
In 2020, Happy’s husband got very sick. Her Catholic neighbors helped the family. These neighbors were poor, but they still wanted to give what little they had to a family in greater need. Happy received her First Communion in 2021, and in October 2022, her faith was confirmed when a community well was built just minutes from her home.
Happy is grateful for families like yours who are eager to share blessings with others.
Happy and Vanessa’s Prayer Requests
This week, please pray for Happy, Vanessa and their neighbors in Mutyabweka Village who stepped up to help during Happy’s hour of great need. Vanessa asks that you pray for her future and that she can achieve her dream of becoming a journalist. Happy’s prayer is for others. She says, “Please give to help our friends who do not have water. The joy in our community is great, and we want others to experience the same joy.”
Gospel Reading From the Second Sunday of Lent
Mark 9:2-10 (NRSVCE)
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean.
Take Action: Small Sacrifice
Many people choose something to give up during Lent, such as ice cream or social media. This week, think of something your entire family can fast from. Maybe you agree to stop buying a favorite snack at the grocery store or to eat at home instead of at restaurants. Whatever money you save, add it to your collection cup. Your family’s small sacrifice will go a long way toward helping the Church deliver clean water to poor families!
Learning Corner
The deadliest animal in the world isn’t the lion, shark or snake. Believe it or not, it’s the small and pesky mosquito! In Zambia and Malawi, mosquitoes spread deadly diseases including malaria, dengue and yellow fever. People who collect water from open sources are at risk because mosquitoes lay eggs in or near the water.
Source: World Health Organization
Family Discussion
1. Think about a time you helped someone with a chore or task. How did it make you feel?
2. Why is it a good idea for families to give up luxuries to help the poor?
3. How can you pray for Happy, Vanessa and their neighbors?
Prayer for Fasting
Look with favor, Lord, on your household. Grant that, though our flesh be humbled by abstinence from food, our souls, hungering after you, may be resplendent in your sight.
~ Saint Pius V
Proceeds from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures incurred through June 30, 2024, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.