For Diocese's feeding program Franciscan nuns appeal for more donors

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – The Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, assigned at the Diocese of Dumaguete, are now calling for more donors for the feeding program of the diocese, the number of beneficiaries of which has increased each day.

There are about 60 to 70 adults and children who come to the ground floor of the Marian Priests' Center at the Cathedral compound in this city every day, said Sister Cristina, an Italian nun. "We really need your help, prayers, and offering as sacrifice according to your heart and whatever you can give," she said.

Sister Cristina said her wish is for the Franciscan Sisters to have their own place for the feeding program so the beneficiaries, mostly poor people on the streets, "can feel at home whenever they are around."

While expressing gratitude to the donors who have sustained the feeding program for the poor, Sister Cristina appealed for more help as the number of people being fed each day has increased.

Filipina nun Sister Armila, for her part, said, "we can always hope that the ministry would continue, the mission would continue, especially with the feeding program," which is offering two meals a day from Monday to Friday. "We continue to pray for vocations and hopefully we can do better than two meals a day."

The Franciscan Sisters last December 15 celebrated the 5th anniversary of their presence in the diocese with a Holy Mass and also marked the feast day of its founder, Blessed Francis Chervier.

Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes, during the Thanksgiving Mass, renewed the invitation for the Franciscan nuns to continue with their mission and their programs and serve in the diocese.

Archbishop John Du of Palo, Leyte, formerly the bishop of Dumaguete, started the feeding program with the Franciscans sisters, five years ago, with only one meal every Sunday for the poor, the street children, the beggars and similarly-situated people.