The other day, I had the privilege of hearing what Jean Gardy and Hugo, my coworkers, did with students from Loyola School and their teacher, Ms. Annie Beland. Together, they made the holiday season special for Esther and Sarah, a mother and her 4-year-old daughter, refugees from Congo.

For weeks, Ms. Beland (Mother and Father Christmas) and her students (faithful elves) worked tirelessly to find essential items and monetary donations to give to Esther and Sarah. Our dear elves found a smart TV, clothes, winter coats and boots, a bedroom rug, bowls and plates, a two-seater sofa, books for the child, a blender, bedspreads, and more. In addition, they converted the $500 they raised into gift cards, which will allow Esther and Sarah to enjoy Christmas a little more.

December 4 was the day, when Jean Gardy and Hugo set out to pick up all the items. It was quite an adventure, as they had to go to Beaconsfield to pick up the sofa, then to Loyola School for the rest of the items, and then back up to the north of the island to deliver them to Esther’s home.

In this whirlwind of xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment that is taking root in our Western societies, it is easy to despair and lose faith in humanity. I know that happens to me when I watch the news. But when I hear stories like the one I just described above, my faith in humanity is renewed. 

Joseph and Mary must have felt this despair and loneliness when they arrived in Bethlehem and no one offered them shelter. They finally had to find refuge in a stable. However, they were not alone. Shepherds arrived, followed by the Three Wise Men.

To each and every one of you, I wish you a Merry Christmas, but above all, a Christmas where you can offer hope and companionship to someone in need.

Norbert Piché
Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Canada