Welcome to Photo Friday! Each Friday, we share photo collections of our favourite shots from our sponsor sites around the world.
May is the special month devoted the Blessed Virgin Mary. She has many titles, and a special one for Chalice is “Mother of Our Church,” celebrated this year on May 24. It’s dear to us because we are consecrated to her under that title. But Mary has some titles that you may never have heard of! This week our top 5 “Mary our Muse” photos celebrate how Mary’s intercession and inspiration leads our work around the world.
#5: Health of the Sick
Improving access to quality healthcare has been one of Chalice’s key priorities since our inception. Sponsorship helps parents, children and elders afford check-ups and medications, and access to specialized therapies for disabilities. Our site partners have led the founding of hospitals, dispensaries and clinics. And of course, the number of sponsored children who have gone on to become doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are too many to count!
#4: Throne of Wisdom
Our Lady’s title of “Throne of Wisdom” always shows her with the child Jesus on her lap. The mothers, fathers, grandparents and other guardians of sponsored children are very wise, indeed. Through our sponsorship program, parents and guardians are empowered to choose what’s best for their families. While Chalice staff offer workshops and training on financial literacy, it’s the guardians who are continually showing us their insights and teaching us their wisdom.
#3: Queen of Families
Chalice sponsorship and our other projects and programs are designed to support entire families. When a child is sponsored, the whole family has increased access to better food, can meet their health and hygiene needs, and often the siblings have greater opportunities to attend school, too. Knowing there is a regular source of support gives the family stability, confidence, and the ability to plan for future needs.
#2: Our Lady of the Rosary
In the Catholic communities where we work, the rosary is a source of comfort and strength. Mary is Haiti’s patron saint, under the title of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. As Haiti faces nationwide challenges right now, we pray that she protects and guides her sons and daughters in this time of need.
#1: Our Lady of the Hens
You might not have heard of this title for Mary before! Our Lady of the Hens refers to a festival celebrated in an Italian community during the Octave of Easter. While those hens are a reminder of Mary’s love, the hens in our sites are a source of life and livelihood for families. Eggs provide iron-rich protein and chicks fetch a good price in the market for the families’ businesses. And besides, calling someone a “Mother Hen” is a complement!
Follow Chalice on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates from our sponsor sites, impact stories, and more! Be sure to check back next week for another Photo Friday.