The Kandi community: a presence among the needy, shares with you its small gestures of brotherhood and hope.
A few weeks ago, our community accompanied Mrs Mémé, who is now with God. Mémé and Pépé had been married for many years. Aged 90 and 91 respectively, they never strayed far from the Church. Mémé was a Christian and had received all her sacraments, but Pépé was not.
Following the example of Saint Monica, who prayed for the conversion of her son Augustine, she always prayed for the conversion of her companion; the Lord granted her this and her husband became a Christian; he received all the sacraments and the two celebrated a religious marriage. So our two friends, despite their advanced age, never missed Sunday Mass. Two other people helped them at home: the driver and the cook. When the chauffeur died, Mémé had a fit during Sunday Mass. The sisters advised them to stay at home and bring Jesus to them. As a result, the sisters’ visits to our two friends became more regular.
During their visits, they comforted them and encouraged them to eat. One day Mémé even said to Sister Elvire: it’s the Eucharist and your visits that give us strength. In September, Mémé fell ill and was hospitalised.
Shortly afterwards, it was Grandpa’s turn to be admitted to the same hospital as his wife. Pépé’s condition turned out to be more complex and required a referral to another hospital; Mémé therefore remained to die on 7 October 2024 – she who loved to pray the rosary.
On this day when we celebrate World Day of the Poor, may the Lord help us never to tire of coming to the aid of those in need.
Sr. Pauline
On Sunday 17 November, the 8th World Day of the Poor will be celebrated with a very appropriate motto for this year of prayer: ‘the prayer of the poor goes up to God’ (Si 21,5), preparing us also for the Jubilee 2025.
Pope Francis invites us to ‘reflect on this Word and “read” it in the faces and stories of the poor we meet on our journeys, so that prayer may be a way of entering into communion with them and sharing their suffering’.
From Lebanon, Jessy, Laudato Si’ animator, reminds us that this day ‘was instituted by Pope Francis to revive the voices of those on the margins of society. This year, with the theme ‘The prayer of the poor rises to God’, the Pope invites us to contemplate the prayer of the poor, a simple but powerful act of faith and hope. Throughout the world, their prayer is a refuge, an expression of the strength of a spirit of resilience and solidarity.
The prayer of the poor is neither a barrier nor a division of heart. It unites souls around the world in a burning desire for peace and justice. On this day, the Church recognises that this prayer can save humanity, transform and heal it. This day reminds us to pray with the poor and to share their faith through our prayers for a promising future.
