"We had very little... but we had unity, faith and love.” Filomena grew up in a tiny home where her parents worked tirelessly so their seven children could stay in school.
She knocks in faith – you help her enter
Your gift can keep the doors of formation open for young novices in Timor-Leste as they walk alongside their communities in need.
Today in Timor-Leste, young people face challenges that cut deeply into the heart of their nation; poor quality education, high unemployment and a growing struggle to hold onto hope for a better life.
Although their faith is strong, families, children and young people often feel lost – carrying traumas from their violent history, and facing the daily realities of poverty, instability and limited opportunities.
This is why the presence of the Sisters matters. And this is why the formation of novices is urgent. So, they can continue to teach, counsel and nurture faith where it is needed most.
Despite poverty, her parents' faith never wavered, and Filomena often watched her mother meet every challenge with prayer and trust in God. From her she learned: “For God everything is possible, even if not answered immediately, but with patience we will receive grace.”
These seeds of faith grew, and at ten years of age Filomena encountered Sisters in her community who inspired her with their presence and charisma, specifically the joy and faith they brought to children.
Now a novice, Filomena hopes to keep growing in her vocation so she can continue to serve her community. “This life needs to be walked in love to maintain this faith and have hope to face everyday life by trusting in God.”
Today, the St Joseph Novitiate simply does not have the resources to properly form young women. They are struggling to provide:
• Daily meals for novices, so they can be fuelled for the day and focus on their studies,
• Access to computers for effective study,
• Basic items like chairs, books and dresses so our novices can feel comfortable and well equipped for their education, and
• Bibles and rosaries to support their spiritual formation.
We want to nurture every vocation God sends – but we cannot do it alone. Will you give a gift to ensure their vocation is protected and nurtured?
Keep the doors of formation open for young novices like Filomena.
Registered Australian Charity (ABN 52 945 927 066)