A Christmas miracle at the Mother Teresa Shelter

The Mother Teresa Shelter held the 18th annual Christmas luncheon, feeding over 200 of our homeless brothers and sisters on Dec. 25. The event began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody of Corpus Christi. 

“Now is the time to accept the Lord into your life and family,” he said to helpers, volunteers, staff, and families during his homily. Like Mary (Luke 1:39-45), who is pregnant with Jesus, “makes haste” to see her older sister, Elizabeth, who is also with child and like the shepherds, “make haste” to Bethlehem (Luke 2:16), we must go in haste to the Lord,” Bishop Emeritus Carmody said.

Also, during his homily, Bishop Emeritus Carmody explained the Christian symbolism of the Christmas Tree. He said the evergreen tree symbolizes God and His everlasting love. The lights represent the light of the world, and the spheres are apples from the Tree of Life.

The Gallagher family and their music group “NAU” (Not About Us) provided music for Mass and caroling. They have made volunteering at the Shelter a Christmas family tradition for over 14 years. 

About 25 volunteers cooked, filled plates of barbecue and fixings, and passed out Christmas gifts. Some of the recipients of lunch, clothing gifts, and other bare necessities expressed their gratitude and awe at the volunteers’ kindness and generosity. One woman danced in place as the band played “Joy to the World.”

Every year the food is donated by Three Rivers Valero Refinery and prepared by volunteers. Veteran volunteers like Owen Gallagher and his family are why this event is possible.

For Gallagher, it’s an opportunity to think of others. He said he is blown away each year by how many volunteers show up, how many donations come in, and how things seem to fall right into place. “It’s almost like St. Mother Teresa wanted this to happen —that’s how easily things come together,” Gallagher said.

Other volunteers include Gary and Mary Richards, Ric and Melissa Ricard, Joaquin and Elaine Lopez, and Rudy Ortiz and Barbara Little.