Feb 12, 2022 | NEWS
In the Philippines, since February, we have the 2nd degree of epidemiological threat, which is already much milder. However, children still do not go to school, there is still distance learning. From February 10, after two years, the borders of the Philippines have also opened for tourists, and although people still suffer from Covid, everything returns to normal in small steps, but not like in Europe.
On February 1, we started the monthly “FEEDING PROGRAM” – feeding children in the Payatas district. It is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Manila, only a few minutes from our home. Unfortunately, due to Covid it is not yet possible to keep the normal Feeding program as it was before; that is, the children have joint educational activities, catechesis, games and a meal. Every day, from Monday to Friday, the mothers of these children prepare a warm, wholesome meal for their children, and we supervise the work. At noon, children receive a cup of milk or cocoa, a hot meal and fruit. The mothers of these children learn how to properly nourish their children.
There are 50 children enrolled in the feeding program, but in fact many more come, often around 80. We try to ensure that there is enough food for all children, because it is difficult to refuse a hungry child a bowl of rice. We received funds for feeding our children from the parish of the Philippines Fathers in Chioggia, Italy. As soon as we come to Payatas, the children run up to us, greet us and put our hands to their foreheads saying “sister bless” which means “bless me”. Through those children we already know, we get to know their families and their problems. We visit them every now and then, and if necessary, we help as far as possible. Sometimes this help is simply giving children intestinal worm medicine or other medications. We also convince parents of the importance of taking care of their health and healing themselves. Some people here are afraid of going to the doctor mainly because of the cost of treatment, which is very high here. Even though almost all of them are Catholic, most people in Payatas do not practice their faith. They don’t go to church; they don’t take the sacraments. Bearing this in mind, we always try to encourage all families to participate in the Sunday Mass, to pray the rosary in the family and the need for closeness with God in everyday difficult life.
We also often help in completing the formalities related to the sacrament of children’s baptism. In January, we helped six preschool and school children to be baptized. Many children do not have a birth certificate and therefore do not go to school. The procedures for obtaining a birth certificate are quite complicated, and the parents of these children are often illiterate. We help them with these procedures as much as possible. We make parents aware that education is important and thus children have a chance for a better future. The restrictions related to the pandemic limit us in our actions, but we trust that with God’s help this pandemic will end and we ask God for this in our prayers. In closing, I am asking you to pray for us and for our missions here in the Philippines, so that we may develop the work of our Founder here and that we may have many vocations. With heartfelt greetings and prayers for all those who support us spiritually and materially.
S.M. Agata Sobczyk
Feb 12, 2022 | POSITIVE IMPULSES
The more you exaggerate your real importance, the more you hurt others and the more you are vulnerable to get hurt. So, understand your role and modestly blend in to the whole picture in harmony to bring peace and joy. Our exaggeration of our importance usually comes from the lack of satisfaction in what we do or what we are. Therefore, what is needed is not an exaggeration of ourselves, but a better understanding of the meaning of what we do or what we are.
Don Giorgio
Feb 7, 2022 | NEWS
Finally, the long-awaited day has finally arrived. It is many years since the name Schneider began to be heard on the African continent, especially in Tanzania.
When we thank God for the great things He does for us in life we have every reason to say a word of thanks to all who made this Schneider name continue to be heard in every corner of the soil of our Region of Tanzania.
It is a great pleasure and joy to reach the climax and the very day to be able to bless our new and wonderful John Schneider English Medium Pre & Primary school, which many have dedicated their efforts up to this point.
To this day the joy that has reigned in our hearts is thanks to God for the congregation and all who in one way or another has been the reason for the existence of this school.
First of all, thanks to the leaders of the congregation, previous Mother General Sr. Alma Białek and her Council, the superiors of all our Provinces as well as our Region of Tanzania for their great efforts to ensure that Schneider School is built in Mwanga.
Thank you very much Mother General Sr. Sybilla Kołtan on behalf of all the superiors of the congregation who made their contribution by providing us with this great school support. Secondly sincere thanks to the economist of the congregation Sr. Luka who has always been at the forefront of helping us economically in the construction of this school. God bless you always.
When we thank God for the gift of school, it is our only opportunity to thank and congratulate the school leadership, all the staff and John Schneider’s students for their professional, ethical, and heroic efforts in their school formation, and especially in their examinations. The first fourth grade since the school started, have been able to do wonders in their performance, with the achievement of grade A, thus gaining first place District, first in the Region and within Same diocese are the only successful Catholic school. very nice. We thank God for that.
This joy of good performance has led to our school being awarded the Certificate of Excellence in the Diocese by the Rev. Father Bishop Rogath Kimaryo and the entire district Education department.
For us it is a great pleasure for our John Schneider school, our Region of Tanzania and the congregation as a whole. God bless all those who support us economically and in other ways until we can shine like this and today on.04.02.2022 we were able by the grace of God to bless and officially open our school.
Thanks to all the Sisters wherever they are and in every corner of the world where you are for your prayers and sacrifices that you offer always for us and especially for the construction of our John Schneider school in Mwanga
Special thanks also to all the donors of our congregation who support and enable us. God bless you and we always pray for you in our prayers and intentions of the mass. Thank you very much.
Sr. Agnes – Regional Superior -Tanzania
