Sisters Help Asylee Families In The Holiday Season

On December 6, Asylee families were invited to a Christmas party held by the Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington in Maryland. 

Families seeking asylum in the United States from countries like Colombia and Guatemala partook in the celebration. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were also present for the partygoers to take photos with. The families were gifted bags of food, coats, gloves, and toys for the children. Among the presents were also Sr. Ann Scahill, DW’s crocheted hats. 

The hats were donated to Sr. Marie Chiodo, DW for the families. “Thank you to all who helped me and [Sr.] Anne Marie [Gardiner, SSND] provide for the needs of many of the families,” said Sr. Marie. Thanks to their help, “over 24 gently used winter jackets, clothing, food, diapers, and household goods” were donated along with the crocheted hats. 

Sr. Marie detailed that one of the night's most touching moments was with Melissa, an Asylee woman who shared her journey from Guatemala after she took a picture with her. “I only know that after the picture, she labored in English to tell me her story, showed me the results of her being beaten, [and told me about] her trek from Guatemala,” said Sr. Marie.

“Melissa then asked me to pray over her, and so with Santa and Mrs. Claus to one side and the inflated snowman on the other, with jingle bells being sung in the background, I placed my hands on her head and prayed as she sobbed louder and louder.” 

Sr. Marie also thanked the Catholic Charities’ Newcomer Network’s Navigator program, which served the annual Christmas party. “Melissa's loneliness, her ongoing work with her ‘aborgada’ have worn her out. Without the help of Catholic Charities’ Newcomer Network, Melissa and the Asylee families would be lost.”

“[Thank you] most of all for the love and prayers for our most vulnerable sisters and brothers.”

Photos by Denny Henry.