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The word "EUCHARIST" derives from the Greek word eucharistos which means grateful, to give thanks. The concept is one of gratitude for our gifts and in gratitude giving ourselves to each other in thanksgiving. We are grateful to our God for coming to us as Eucharist and we in turn are enjoined to become Eucharist for each other, to be broken and serve one another. le wars and desolation of the world remind us how little the concept of Eucharist is realized. We are all brothers and sisters of the same universal Father. Our dignity as His children does not depend. on our economic status, color, race or religious persuasion. We are made in His image and as He is one, we are one in Him and one in each other. We were created for a purpose in life and the material goods and talents we have were given to us in stewardship to be used for the we1fare of all. What we have in surplus, not necessary for our basic needs, is to be used for the less fortunate, to be offered to them as Eucharist for their well-being and survival. How difficult it is to turn outward rather than inward. To be concerned only about one's welfare betrays a lack of trust in our Father who has promised us that our needs would be met if only we have faith in Him.

Perhaps nothing sums up better our eucharistic mission in life than a prayer of Cardinal Newman:

"God me to do him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may not know it in this life but I shall be told in the next. I am a link in the chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away any friends He may throw me among strangers. He may me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still He what He is about."

I thank you for being Eucharist for our children, for sharing your gifts and talents with them. They are so vulnerable, so helpless, so utterly dependent on us, and yet, they in turn become Eucharist for us, in teaching us to be beacons of God's mercy and unconditional love in the world. They are literally our conduit to heaven. We cannot rest while some among us suffer because of economic inequities. Compassion must flourish in this world if it is to know the peace that God desires for it.

As always we thank you for your generosity. We love you and wish you God's peace.

The San Damiano Foundation has produced a film in DVD format about our home for children. The film details the day-to-day routine of the home and highlights the plight of the children we care for. It was produced at no cost to the Villa La Paz Foundation. Copies are available for a donation of $20.00. The San Damiano Foundation's mission is to put the power of film at the service of the poor. To order a copy of the film titled, "The Patients of a Saint," please click here