Dear PIME Family,
We have entered the Lenten Season, and I am in Cameroon, Africa. It’s such a privilege to be here during this precious time. Lent gives us the chance to slow down and focus on what really matters. And I asked myself: Daniele, what really matters? Love. That’s the answer. Jesus told us “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (Jn 13:34). Love is the specific characteristic of the Christian. I’m so inspired by our PIME Missionaries here, and their dedication to their mission. And what do they do? They love!
My heart is full of joy. We arrived in Yaoundé, the capital of the State, and the first project we went to visit was Fr. Fabio Bianchi’s project: “Healthcare for Women & Children.” Here we saw firsthand the impact that our PIME U.S. Mission Center has made on so many lives. There are so many women and children in need. Of course, we provide them with the healthcare they need and still, what they get first is love! I can’t stop thinking of Marie Ange Gabrielle. She is a beautiful 4-year-old girl who was born with her legs severely malformed. Thanks to our Mission Development Projects program she had surgery. Seeing her walking is such a rewarding feeling. The smile on her face, and the gratitude of her parents, reminds me of the reason why we work so hard. I really want you to feel part of this success. Her life is changed forever. We did this together!
The reason for this Lenten appeal is to continue to share the Love we have received in Christ with thousands of people. In stories like Marie Ange Gabrielle’s, this love is made visible. We have accomplished a lot in these years of hard work and dedication, and I’m so grateful for your support. So much more needs to be done, that’s why I invite you to prayerfully consider a sacrificial pledge to our PIME Lenten Appeal this year. Your gift will be used to enrich the lives of others so that the Love of Christ may abound more fruitfully throughout the world.
In 2024, we were able to surpass our goal, and we sent over 1.2 million dollars to the missions. I really wish you could see the impact that we are having on so many lives. It is tremendous! And if you want to consider donating $50 to our 2025 PIME Lenten Appeal, this impact will be even more effective. On behalf of all our PIME Missionaries and the people we serve, I want to wish you a very blessed Lent full of Christ’s love.
God bless you,
Fr. Daniele Criscione
PIME U.S. Mission Center Director
