St Francis of Assisi Vanderbijlpark: Bags of Love Lenten Project

by Admin · February 26, 2024

By Elaine Prosper – The three pillars i.e. prayer, fasting and almsgiving are reiterated during Lent and remain our Christian focus. It is amazing what can be achieved when like-minded individuals come together as the Body of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

It took ‘one’ family to initiate the project, reaching out to others by offering to purchase, package and distribute food parcels.

What did this entail? Sponsorship of R150 per bag. The project commenced on the First Sunday of Lent and by the very next day, 20 bags were sponsored. Within that week, on Friday, an additional 20 bags were sponsored – a total of 40 which is significant for our Lenten journey!

The primary focus of the project was a re-enactment of the saying ‘Charity begins at home’ – this being our Church family. The request was made to support those Ministries in the Parish, who generally do similar throughout the year and with the rising food prices, may not always be able to support families within the Parish and then looking broader, the community wherein it resides.

There are many families who experience various problems and look to the Church for support and encouragement.

The ‘demand’ is always greater than what can be supplied thus we are guided by personal capacity and by the principle of “If you can’t feed a hundred people then feed just one” – Mother Teresa. Collectively, we make a difference!

A heartfelt thank you to friends, family and the community of St Francis of Assisi parish for supporting this project. The recipients extended their gratitude – some in song, others in tears, the messages were overwhelming yet powerful indeed!

Photograph and submission by Elaine Prosper