From the Desk of Fr. John Pfannenstiel, OFM Cap.
Joanna and her children are struggling after two years of drought. The vegetable garden has failed, the corn has dried up, and their last chicken was served to the family almost a month ago.
Our Capuchin missionaries are trying desperately to help Joanna, her neighbors and people of the surrounding mission villages in Zimbabwe.
The southern African nation has had very little rain, and a famine is now afflicting many of the already poor people.
Several days ago I received an urgent message from the local Capuchin pastor, Fr. Joseph, asking for our assistance.
Immediately after receiving his email, I wired $20,000 to Fr. Joseph. He and the friars were thankful and determined to purchase rice and beans to distribute to as many families as possible.
But much more is needed.
I hope you will join the Capuchin missionaries in Zimbabwe with your generous help.
Joanna’s husband and the father of their four children has gone to South Africa to seek a laborer’s job in the mines. But even if he finds employment, the wages will be meager and uncertain from day-to-day. It was a desperate move, but the only choice he had left.
I asked Fr. Joseph if he and the other Capuchin missionaries would be able to purchase more food to help more people. He told me that rice and beans could be purchased in Tanzania, about a day’s drive away. The food is cheaper and more plentiful than what they can find in Zimbabwe. He would have to hire a truck and pay for fuel, but it could be done.
“Do the friars want to do that?” I asked. He said, “Absolutely!”
The Capuchin friars’ own garden has failed. Even with a number of strong young friars, they cannot carry enough water to keep it going. The friars live very much like their neighbors; they also are struggling.
I promised him that our Seraphic Mass Association family will do all we can to cover the expenses to send trucks to Tanzania and purchase food to distribute to the poor and needy of the villages they serve, without regard for religious affiliation.
I inquired, “Are you able to set up and manage distribution centers?” He was confident that they would be able to do that.
We must help!
Joanna and her children work hard every day to produce what they can. They carry water from a community well about three miles away to water the few heads of cabbage and onions that remain. The children are helpful finding edible grains in what remains of the garden. They are doing what they can.
Are you able to help?
Three of Joanna’s children attend the Capuchin mission school at St. Padre Pio Parish. The whole family is devoutly Catholic, and Joanna insists that the children attend school every day, even though they are hungry.
You might rightfully ask what is the government doing to help? Honestly, not much. Zimbabwe is in chaos and financial ruin. It has been a basket case for several decades.
I realize that the famine is much bigger than the several villages we will help. That is a sad reality. But we must help our Capuchin missionaries in Zimbabwe feed the people they know and work with. I know it is a tall order, but we have to try.
Let me say something about the Capuchin friars in Zimbabwe. About 20 years ago missionaries from India were sent. Although they gave it their best, for lack of resources, most returned to India. However, they did inspire several young men to become Capuchin friars.
Those young Capuchins were determined to stay the course. Over the past ten years more and more young men were attracted to the Capuchin way of life. They are prayerful and energetic, devoted to following Christ . . . and big fans of Padre Pio.
More and more young men are joining, not for an easy life. They are as poor as the people they serve. They become Capuchins because they love the Lord and want to give their lives to Christ as followers of St. Francis.
And they love the people.
I know you will help the young Capuchin missionaries in this time of urgent need.
Joanna waits hopefully for rain so she can replant her garden.
In the meantime she and her children will need to rely on the help of others, especially Fr. Joseph and the missionaries - and you!
Fr. Joseph developed a plan for distributing the food and has shared it with me. He and the friars have thought this through. They’ve identified possible suppliers in Tanzania and the trucks needed to carry the food.
They have also thought about the points of delivery and the people needed to manage the crowds, fair distribution and prioritizing the neediest who come for assistance. I have no doubt that the friars have adequately considered all aspects of the famine relief we must provide. In fact, a number of the friars experienced famine years ago, and they know what to expect.
You might think desperate people will always act selfishly. It was heartening and inspiring to hear Fr. Joseph talk about Joanna. She’s not only doing what she can for her own family, she is also looking out for her neighbors. Some of them are sickly or elderly; others cannot physically provide for themselves. Joanna and her family are helping them.
Difficult times and challenges can bring out the best in people. Yes, they have their own survival to worry about, but we know that the Lord calls us to help those who need help.
Joanna and the Capuchin friars are doing that!
I know you want to feed the hungry and starving, too!
Yes, we have had to cut back because of inflation and other economic conditions, but the Lord calls to us to charity and generosity even when times are tough.
Are you able to help Fr. Joseph and the Capuchin missionaries? Can you give generously so that Joanna, her family and neighbors will have enough to eat?
I know I can depend on you to help. Your Catholic faith and mission spirit is a great gift, leading you to help people who are hungry and in danger of starving.
You are always in my prayers and in the prayers of our Capuchin missionaries.
Your generous contribution will help thousands of hungry families in famine-struck Zimbabwe. Thank you for helping Fr. Joseph and the Capuchin missionaries.
Fr. John Pfannenstiel, OFM Cap.
