Faith is the underpinning of our existence, of our ability to proceed with life's vicissitudes. Every decision we make, every step we take is based on faith. Without faith we would drown in a sea of uncertainty which would make meeting and overcoming life's challenges impossible. Imagine waking up in the morning and not having faith that you would arrive safely at work. Imagine planning a future event such as a career, birth of a child, a wedding, without having faith that it would come to, fruition. This is the subde underlying faith that definitely exists but which most of the time we are unaware of.

There is another facet of faith, or another type of faith if you will, that is every bit as necessary and even more so. It is the faith that supports us spiritually, a gift which must be asked for, sought after and nourished with prayer and silence. It is the faith that assures us of a benevolent and loving Father. It is the faith that enables us to look beneath the surface and into the hearts of persons, to divine in them the indwelling of the Triune God, an indwelling that gives each one of us, no matter what our economic circumstances, race, color and social position, an intrinsic dignity that must be acknowledged and respected. It is a faith that assures us that out of every evil God will bring good, that He is with us always and that we must not be afraid to step out into the unknown. It is a faith that enables us to strive for a better world, for an end to injustice and hatred among persons. It is a faith that enables us to walk together as brothers and sisters with mutual respect and love, recognizing that we are all children of the same universal Father.

Faith is the well-spring of life for our children. They enter our home with faith that they will receive the care they require to be restored to health. They submit themselves to surgeries, injections and other painful procedures. For some their faith is fulfilled. For others the results are less promising or not forthcoming at all but at least their faith that everything possible will be or has been done for them is vindicated. Their faith energizes and strengthens my faith which at times weakens when certain circumstances beyond my control occur. When discouragement looms, when I feel that it is too trying or difficult to continue, the children and their faith become an epiphany for me and I can continue with the assurance that we, the children and I, are not alone.

We thank you for having faith in our children and supporting them. 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