“The Cross confronts us with the greatest mystery of love that Christ brings to humanity,” says Veronica, our Arica site director. “For Christians, it is the best symbol of victory and salvation, the most explicit expression of closeness and delivery of God's unlimited love to us.”

That staff in our Arica site in Chile see parents carrying many crosses of love for their children. But they marvel at German, whose son Ricardo was recently sponsored.

Ricardo is 12 years old and was born with cerebral palsy. His condition keeps him in bed, and he eats through a feeding tube. German is a single father and arrived in Chile from Bolivia with no family in the area.

But ever since Ricardo was sponsored, he has never felt like he was caring for his son alone.

"German has met many brothers in Christ who are helping him carry his Cross," Veronica says. "Thanks to the support of the Chalice family circles and the community” who have been collecting donations of food and household items to support the father-son duo.

“I am very moved by the reception of so many Chilean brothers helping us with food, diapers, blender, etc.,” German says. “The families of the family circles in my area have organized to help us and have made me feel at home.” 

“Since my son was sponsored, we have felt incredible support and are no longer alone.”

“It's incredible how Ricardo has reached so many generous hearts," the staff say. 

“I want to thank God and this extraordinary institution that supports us with prayer, with its presence and help," says German. “Thank you so much.”

“Christ speaks to us with love through the Cross that we can carry together," Veronica says. 

“May the Lord bless all who lovingly take their own Cross and help others carry theirs.