Sunday Times 2
Spread kindness
View(s):As the Christmas spirit twinkles in every corner, casting a glow of generosity and goodwill, Charles Dickens’ timeless masterpiece, A Christmas Carol comes to mind. The specter of Scrooge, haunted by the ghosts of forgotten kindness and neglected charity, reminds one of a period not so far removed when the chasm between the opulent and the ostracised yawned wide, filled with the silent screams of the starving.
Just as the specter of Tiny Tim shook Scrooge’s soul, today, a similar specter haunts Sri Lanka. Here, amidst the verdant beauty and ancient whispers of history, the echoes of hunger mingle with the laughter of children, a jarring dissonance that pierces the heart. It is for these children, that we plead with you during this holy season.
The Jesuit Congregation in Sri Lanka ask you to open not just your wallets, but your hearts. Imagine a child, small and fragile, clutching a pencil instead of an empty bowl. Imagine the magic that unfolds as knowledge blossoms in their minds, replacing fear with the power to dream, and despair with the audacity to hope. This is the miracle the Jesuits weave, one child at a time, in their 8 sprawling campuses and numerous educational establishments across the land.
In a nation scarred by divisions, the Jesuits stand as bridges, their commitment to reconciliation as bright as the Christmas star.
So, friends, in this season of blessings, we ask you: Let your generosity be the gift that grants a child the right to learn, to grow, to shine. Every contribution, big or small, is a spark that can ignite a future. Your kindness will ripple outwards, touching not just these children, but your own lives with an immeasurable grace.
May your Christmas be blessed with the joy of giving, the warmth of compassion, and the light of hope kindled by your generosity!
Contributions could be made to:
Name : Rev Fernando M R/Rev Susantha L Emil
Account number : 020020419307
Bank and branch : HNB – Mannar
Swift Code : HBLILKLX001