Let Your Light Shine
“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:15-16
Dear Friends,
St. Anthony of Padua was a thirteenth-century itinerant Franciscan preacher who may have had a desire to live his life in one way, but God had other plans.
He started his religious life as an Augustinian, but after meeting some Franciscans, he was inspired to become a martyr for his Christian faith. During his travels to Morocco to fulfill this calling, he came ill and tried to return to his home country of Portugal. His ship was blown off course, landing him in Italy where he met Franciscans who helped care for him. They took him to their “Chapter of Mats” where thousands of Franciscans were gathered.
After this he traveled all over Northern Italy and Southern France, preaching against greed and always defending those who were powerless and didn’t have a voice. He had a profound knowledge of the scripture but was able to deliver a message that was understandable to all.
Over the centuries, people have prayed to St. Anthony about the troubles and challenges in their daily lives, especially to find things they have lost. Known for his intercessory powers with God, his feast day on June 13 is a time to remember him for prayers answered.
Humility is a prominent Franciscan value, but Matthew 5:15-16 is very direct about instructing us to let our “lights” shine so others can see how we’re glorifying God through our good works. St. Anthony is a great example of a person whose light shouldn’t be under a bushel basket. His life’s purpose was to be a preacher, calling out injustice, changing people’s hearts and performing miracles after his death.
As the world begins to open up a little more, and we try to find a new “normal” of living, our Sisters and their partners continue their tireless work with those who are poor. By shining their lights for all to see, people are inspired to join the Sisters and help those who are in need.
Funding helped offer optimum conditions for the health and life of pregnant women, better-quality care of premature and low birthweight babies, and reduced the length of hospital stay as well as the number of infant deaths.
Sister Aldenir Mota Ribeiro, OSF
Three Sisters from Brazil are now in Maganja da Costa, Mozambique, Africa, ministering to the needs of the people, who are experiencing conditions of great poverty. The Mission Society will begin sending monthly support.
The Mission Society continues to support these good works through grants and monthly support. The board of directors made a decision this year to increase support to the countries as well adding the Mozambique ministry to the funding list. In Bolivia, two Sisters become familiar with families in the area and bring them milk powder, food, clothing and school supplies. In Jamaica, three schools get help for their lunch programs; a teachers’ college receives tuition assistance; and those who are poor receive help with food and medicine from two programs. In Brazil, nine programs/communities provide people with food, medicine, employment support and education.
It is only through your generosity that our Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and their partners in ministry are able to offer their loving ministries. St. Elizabeth Mission Society specially celebrates St. Anthony’s Feast Day on June 13 by offering prayers in thanksgiving for all the blessings, graces and gifts received from God through his intercession. Please include your intentions on the form.
Let your light shine for all to see,
Laura Whitford,
President, St. Elizabeth Mission Society
Click HERE for the 2022 St. Anthony Appeal
