Let there be peace on earth . . . 
the peace that was meant to be.

This is certainly everyone’s hope, especially during the Christmas season, and more so than ever in the Mission land of Nepal in Southern Asia, a land-locked country bordered by China [Tibet] and India, located in both the northern and eastern hemispheres.

Nepal is recovering from a decade-long civil war between the Maoist insurgents and government forces.  Although Nepal has a new government, the political situation is still unstable, and there are still episodes of random violence and disruptions in services. And this war has taken its toll . . .throughout Nepal, there are about 70,000 internally displaced persons who fled their homes during the civil war rebellion – the majority of whom are children. Parents struggle to provide for the most basic needs of their children as most are living on less than $2 day. 

Last year’s unemployment was 46%. One of the few places to find work is in the brick factories, although the term “factory” should be used loosely.  It is not a manufacturing plant with automated machinery.  The bricks are made, and carried, by hand.  The people work from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. And many of the workers are children – as the entire family has to work in order to get enough money just to live meagerly.  

Many families live in homes right on the same property as the brick factory that are made of bricks and have tarps for walls.

They all live in one room, the floor is the earth with a board for a bed. This room to sleep, cook and eat.

Children have no opportunity for education. Many of the younger ones are just left in the dust and dirt to play during the day while the other family members work. For the poor here, there seemed to be very little “Good News.”

Let there be peace on earth . . .  And let it begin with me.

With hope, the Missionaries came.  “I was part of the first group of Maryknoll Missionaries to enter Nepal in 1977.” said Reverend Joseph Thaler, MM.  Maryknoll ministers to the families and children of the brick factories. They have formed a non-governmental organization to provide programs for the families. As Father Thaler explains, “I am actively involved in social development projects that include everything from working with the brick workers, providing educational opportunities for students, skills development programs, youth work and medical assistance.”  He continues on about his life, “I very much enjoy my life and work in Nepal in spite of the daily challenges.”

Let peace begin with me. . . Let this be the moment now

Although conversion from one religion to another was illegal before 1991, there are now 65 local priests and 150 local Sisters serving the Nepali people in education, health care and social services.  With support from the Pontifical Mission Societies, the Church is able to offer education to 17,000 students. The 2007 ordination of the first Bishop of Nepal, native born Anthony Sharma, S.J., brought elation to the Catholics in Nepal.
The Church and the Missionaries in Nepal pray for hope . . .

To take each moment, and live each moment with peace eternally.

When asked how children of Philadelphia can help Missionaries, Father Thaler said, “Keeping us in your thoughts and prayers is very important, ”  and remember “Take out time each day to be thankful for the many blessings that you have no matter how difficult this may be.”

Father Thaler last bit of advice is appropriate to everyone, “And be sure to give a big smile and extend a warm heart to all you meet. Realize that we live in a much smaller world today and the way people live in one part of the world will impact your world.  So always consider the other and what you can do to make the life of another better so all can be better off.”
 
During the Christmas season, please pray in a special way for families and Missionaries in the country of Nepal and throughout the World.  Please offer a special Christmas gift through the Pontifical Mission Society for the Propagation of the Faith to support the work of Missionaries.

Let there be peace on earth . . And let it begin with me.

Remember, through prayer and acts of sacrifice, by your words and actions, you become a Missionary for the Lord.