Time flies and another Advent Season is here! Another great opportunity is given to us - to welcome Jesus into our life. As Christians, we have the privilege to welcome Jesus for who he is: The Light of the world (Jn 8:12). When we were baptized, the officiant told us, “Receive the light of Christ.” When our candle is lit from the Easter candle in that moment, we are then asked to keep that light burning within us.
I want to thank you for keeping that light burning brightly. I want to thank you for bringing this light around the world and encouraging our PIME Missionaries in their ministry. I want to assure you that your support illuminated so many people who were experiencing the darkness of life. The darkness of not being able to provide three meals a day for your family. The darkness of not having a home, medications, or an education. The darkness of simply not having a word of hope, a word of encouragement, a word of support.
Throughout 2023, you have been a light - with your prayers, with your friendship, with your support. When I think about Myanmar, and the civil war that does not end, I think of Fr. Livio, Fr. José, Fr. Enrico and all the PIME Missionaries there. They provide a safe environment, food, and education to hundreds of children, and more than anything, they share the love of God with them. When I think of our missionaries in Chad, I also think of the thousands of refugees coming from South Sudan whom they assist in finding refuge, food, and water, after miles and miles of walking. Especially the women and children. They saw a light in the darkness - and all of this is because of you.
There are so many stories, so many projects, so many lives that were illuminated this past year. The impact that our PIME U.S. Mission Center is having in our Missions is amazing! I want to share with you, that after we reached our goal last year in 2022 of sending over $1,000,000 to the missions, this year we are on the same path again! If you want to consider prayerfully donating $50 to our 2023 PIME Advent Appeal, this will help us to continue to bring light in so many gloomy situations.
This is who we are: Children of Light! We have been enlightened through our baptism and we have to walk always as children of light! May our Lord Jesus Christ illuminate and disperse all the darkness in our lives and hearts. On behalf of our PIME Missionaries all over the world, I want to wish you an Advent of Light! So that you can be a child of light and “your light will shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Mt 5:16).
God bless you,
Fr. Daniele Criscione
PIME U.S. Mission Center Director
