December 10, 2006

Dear Friends,

I want to take this time to wish each of you a blessed Advent Season and true joy and peace at Christmas!

We have been very busy here over the past months. On November 3rd, we held an Awards Ceremony for our students who had done very well on their board exams. We also honored students who exemplify good citizenship within the school. Our chief guest was Mr. Cheema, the district nazim of Bahawalpur (similar to a mayor at home). He had gone to our Dominican Convent School up to fifth grade, so has a special connection to it. We were further honored by the presence of Sr. Maryann Summa, president of our Congregation and Sr. Meg Sweeney who is also on our leadership team.
The whole school worked together to present a program for this occasion, and it turned out to be a wonderful success. The school, the stage, and the grounds were beautifully decorated. Our school band played to welcome our chief guest and also played Pakistan's National Anthem. The audience was superb. There was not one single distraction or disturbance once the people settled in to watch the program. Because of our limited space, each child had been given an invitation for two people to attend the performance. Naturally, there were several people at the gate who tried desperately to get in "just one more person" but the attendants at the gate were very good about sticking to the rules for all people. Eventually, everyone understood and respected the rules.

Cheema, our chief guest, was very impressed as was everyone else. He gave a very good and affirming speech and then presented Sr. Anna, the principal, with the official approval of funds for the construction of an auditorium here AND a check for 3.5 million rupees to purchase a bus for the school AND another check for 5 million rupees to use as needed in the school! We knew he would do something, and actually, we knew the funds for the auditorium were approved…it was really another official who did that for us, but as district nazim, Cheema gets to act like it was his doing. However the bus and the extra money were a pleasant and astounding surprise. Everyone was amazed and extremely happy. It was also nice to see all the affirmation Sr. Anna got from so many people. All-in-all, it was a great evening.

On November 11th, two of our novices, Sumaira and Nazia professed their first vows. It was a beautiful occasion. Their families were present and walked into the church with the girls. Each of the girls sat with her own family for the Liturgy of the Word. At the conclusion of this part of the Mass, the pastor and the two girls knelt in front of the altar in quiet prayer. Then Sr. Maryann came forward and received their vows. Once the girls had made their vows, they left their places with their families and sat with the Sisters. It was a very moving experience. We finished the day with a superb meal for everyone.

A big celebration was held at our church here for the Feast of Christ the King. Students from the three schools on our compound were there. Each school had a banner which the children carried. Other children had pennants or pompoms. Almost everybody walked in procession out the back of our property, around the block, and into the front entrance. As we walked, the people sang songs to Christ the King, and periodically called out, "Son of David," to which others replied, "Hosannah!" It was such an awesome sight in this country to see the witness of Christians to this special feast. Mass was an hour and a half, with much singing and a real feeling of celebration.

During the offertory, the students brought up their school banners along with the bread and wine. Also, people donated fruit which was brought up and then given to the children in our hostel. Donated food, material, milk, or animals are often brought to the altar here during the offertory. When people do not have much, they give what they can. Sometimes they give these special offerings also in thanksgiving for something good that has happened in their lives.

We now have three more of our sisters visiting us from the States. It is a joy for all of us to have them here, and we are very happy that they will remain with us for Christmas.

This evening, Sr. Zubeda, who made her first vows last year, will renew her vows in a private ceremony with the Sisters here. We are so fortunate to have our beautiful young sisters here.

It must seem that all we do here is celebrate. Well, that is not exactly true; there is much hard work and each new day presents many challenges, but we do celebrate when we can. In a world where there is so much tension and sadness, it is important to remember to celebrate life and celebrate our faith. Celebration reminds us of the presence of goodness and joy in life. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we recall the words of the angels: "We bring you good news of great joy!" May your Advent and Christmas be a time of real celebration

Peace to all.
Anne