|
Dear Friend,
As a boy, I remember that I was always made to feel special on my birthday.
I was the oldest child, so my parents always made sure July 15 was special for me. I was also the first grandchild in the family, so I had four grandparents who made me feel special every time my birthday rolled around.
As an adult, I remember one birthday celebration that was particularly special. It was my 50th birthday, and I was tricked into believing that I was attending a function at a local university. When I got there, I was met by about 150 parishioners and friends. It was a truly special birthday party filled with laughter and fellowship.
I’m sure you have some fond memories of your special birthdays.
Would you like to make someone’s birthday special this year?
 Here are some beautiful and inspirational birthday cards. When you send one of these cards to a loved one, that person will be remembered in a special Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. A Votive Candle will also be lit at the Shrine in that person’s honor.
A Birthday Blessing
A Warm Birthday Message
Happy Birthday Card
Not only will your birthday card make a loved one feel special, it will also be a blessing for some people you will never get to personally meet.
In the African nation of Zambia, birthdays are celebrations of survival. In villages served by my fellow Oblates, roughly one in five children will never see their 18th birthday. These children will die from malnutrition, malaria or AIDS.
Can you image how important a birthday is for a child living in this environment?
Can you imagine being a child, and fearing that you might not see your next birthday?
You can help children in Zambia right now when you tell someone in your life how special they are to you. Just follow these four simple steps…
- Please send me the names of those to whom you will be sending the birthday blessing cards.
- Select from among the special birthday gifts.
- Send me your birthday donation of $7 or more per card, or whatever
you can offer for the ministries of the Missionary Oblates among the poor.
- Keep your cards and gifts in a safe place so that when a birthday draws near, you can help make a loved one feel special on their birthday.
|
Thank you for joining with the Oblates to share birthday blessings both near and far. I know your generosity will be appreciated by your loved ones, and by the poor people in our Oblate missions who rely on your help.
 In the love of Christ Jesus,
Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Oblate Director
|