The Franciscan Sisters of the Poor assigned at the Diocese of Dumaguete celebrated their fifth anniversary in the Diocese of Dumaguete Monday, with a Holy Mass and lunch with donors, friends and feeding program beneficiaries, and marked the feast day of their founder, Blessed Francis Chervier, with hopes for more donors for the feeding program of the diocese that now has an increased number of beneficiaries each day.

Sr. Cristina, an Italian nun, said her wish is for their own place for the feeding program so the poor people on the streets, can feel at home there.”

She expressed gratitude to the donors who have sustained the feeding program but appealed for more help.

There are 60 to 70 adults and children, who come to the Marian Priests’ Center at the Cathedral compound in Dumaguete every day, she said, adding “We really need your help, prayers, and offering as sacrifice according to your heart and whatever you can give.”

Sr. Armila also said they hope that the ministry and the mission will continue, especially with the feeding program. They are now giving two meals a day, Monday to Friday.

The average number of people fed at one time is between 30 and 55, she said, but she echoed Sr. Cristina’s desire for more sponsors and donor to sustain the program.

They also grow vegetables at a little farm at their residence in Barangay Bajumpandan in Dumaguete and this is a big help, she added. “People are so generous here. We are so lucky to have kind-hearted people in Dumaguete.”

During the thanksgiving mass, Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete, renewed the invitation for the Franciscan nuns to continue with their mission and their programs. Archbishop John Du of Palo, Leyte, formerly the bishop of Dumaguete, had started the feeding program with the Franciscan sisters about five years ago, with only one meal every Sunday for the poor, the street children, the beggars and similarly-situated people.

Cortes thanked the Franciscan Sisters, and said their feeding program and other activities are appropriate because the Catholic Church is celebrating its Year of the Poor through 2015.

Sr. Armi said the program is different from the soup kitchens that the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor have in the United States. “Here they also give them clothes, they take their showers here, are taught proper hygiene, and sanitation and we take care of the sick,” she said.

The nuns have started an education program in sending children of the Caritas Village to public schools.

Cortes said he hopes donors will also look into other areas where they can help the diocese in taking care of the poor.*JFP

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