The past several days have been so very beautiful and happy with the joyful Christmas liturgies, wonderful meals with visiting friends and lot of papal news as there always is at this time of year. And more events with Pope Leo in coming days, including the closing of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on the January 6 feast of the Epiphany that will officially end the yearlong 2025 Jubilee of Hope. We now look forward with many emotions, to be sure, to the start of a brand New Year on January 1, solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
Today, however, with all the news, there is only one story I want to share…
THIS CHRISTMAS GIFT MADE MY HEART SING!
At the top of my to-do list this morning was the belated delivery of some Christmas items I had for the women who are cared for by the Sisters of Mother Teresa at the Dono di Maria residence which is on the ground floor of a Vatican building that houses the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith as well as a number of apartments, including the one where Pope Leo currently lives. Basically a shelter for poor, and often homeless, men and women, the Dono di Maria (Gift of Mary) was inaugurated in 1988 by Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. It offers women overnight accommodations and also assists with medical care, as well as providing food for men in the late afternoon.
I occasionally stop by the Dono di Maria, usually offering groceries but often other items the sisters might need. I well remember my first visit! My carrello (portable grocery cart) was filled with non-perishable food items and, when we had unloaded everything, an assistant asked if I could leave the cart as well! I smiled and said, “what will I then use to bring more food to you?” and we both laughed.
Today I had items for the women who stay there, including bedroom slippers and (I am almost embarrassed to say!) a goodly number of what the airlines call amenity kits that are give to business class passengers. I’ve accumulated quite a number over many years and they were just sitting in drawers.
The woman who opened the door this morning at Dono di Maria was delighted with the gifts (I had also included a lovely Christmas wreath) and, as she took the carry-on luggage and another bag, she asked me to wait a minute.
When she returned, with a big smile, this is what she gifted me! My eyes welled up with tears as I realized that the “crib” bearing baby Jesus was actually a paper cupcake liner!
“Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God”
Yes, I had tears in my eyes but my heart did sing at the thought that such a beautiful and very humble gift was made and then given with great love!
Joan's Rome 