The Advent Season is a very special time with the power to transform our lives. It’s a time of expectation that is always revealing and unsettling. The wisdom of the Church offers us prophetic readings and beautiful prayers, to urge us to grow in our faith. Even the weather changes during this timeframe and helps to draw us into deep reflection on what might have been in the year that is past, and what could be in the year to come. We are given the opportunity to change ourselves and the world.
While things are constantly changing in the world around us, my heart goes to Myanmar, where our missionaries continue to face challenges. They have provided assistance to the many displaced people who have had to flee from their homes to escape the dangerous situations around them. They struggle to make sure they have food, education, and more than that – love.
In addition to those ongoing problems, I received a letter from one of our Myanmar missionaries last month. I can’t mention his name to protect him, but he told me that the government there can control the internet connection and recently blocked access to social media and platforms like Zoom to limit communications. As you can imagine, during a war, limiting ways of communicating with the outside world increases the tensions and the burdens they feel. Please pray for our PIME Missionaries in Myanmar, and in all our missions, and the many struggles they face.
With this Advent Appeal, I would love to encourage you. Yes, it’s true that sometimes change can scare us. But at the same time, it gives us the opportunity to turn our challenges into a good change. When I look back at the last three years, I see the impact we have had on so many lives. In 2022, thanks to your help, we were able, for the very first time, to send over 1 Million dollars to the missions. In 2023, we went over 1.1 Million dollars. Our dream this year is to cross the 1.2 Million dollar mark! I prayerfully ask you to consider donating a $50 gift to help make this dream come true. We can all be the good change!
In this Advent Season, the Lord is not just showing us the path, He will make Himself the Path! And if you experience any painful change in this moment of your life, the prophet Isiah encourages you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Is 43:19). I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very blessed New Year to you and your loved ones! Thank you for being a part of our PIME Family and bringing enduring change to so many lives.
God bless you,
Fr. Daniele Criscione
PIME U.S. Mission Center Director
