Villa la Paz Newsletter
» Archives

In the midst of the seeming chaos that envelopes our world it would be easy to question whether or not providence exists, whether or not a benevolent God is directing the affairs of the world. It is so easy to become pessimistic and discouraged, to feel that the situation we find ourselves in is hopeless. We see one religion pitted against another, one culture at war with another, poverty increasing and reaching its tentacles into seemingly prosperous arcas due to the indifference of many towards their poor brothers and sisters. However, we must differentiate God's will for the world from man's exercise of free will. God, not wanting to force himself on us or demand our love, gave us free will, a true sign of His humility, so that we could choose to love Him or reject Hirn. He made Himself powerless with regard to our free will and it is man's use of his free will that provokes the conflicts and unrest of the world. Poverty exists and increases because we choose not to share. Religions are in conflict because they do not with to recognize that their origin is the one true God. Cultures are in conflict because they do not wish to embrace themselves as brothers and sisters of the one universal Father. God's benevolence, however, is manifested in these situations, in the actions of charitable men, wornen and organizations who succor displaced persons, refugees and the poor. With God's love as their inspiration they become beacons of His love for those hurt by social and religious conflicts and inequality. God's benevolence in this way compensates for the actions of perverse men.

In the microcosm of our home God's benevolent intervention is also seen. Max was admitted with chronic diarrhea and severe malnutrition, weighing only 14 pounds when for his height he should have weighed 21 pounds. He was nauseous, had to be force fed, vomited and made agonizingly slow progress. However, progress he did make and is now smiling, playful and eating ravenously en his own. john has epilepsy, was abandoned by his parents and was living in a shack with a dirt floor. He was subject to constant seizures since he was not receiving medications. With proper medications he is now seizure free. If it were not for God's benevolence and the benevolence of charitable men and wornen, the home and those who labor in it would not exist. Throug God's intervention Max, John and the other children on these pages are cared for.

Thank you for your benevolence towards our children. 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