Finding purpose and joy amid suffering

There’s always the danger of getting caught up in our small, often comfortable lives. Being aware and informed requires exposure to people's suffering in other parts of the world. Among those are our Catholic brothers and sisters who belong to the oldest Catholic Churches, the 23 Eastern rites. The Catholic New East Welfare Organization tries to support and assist them in their often dire situations.
 
Msgr. Vaccari summarized CNEWA's work with pictures of his recent stays in conflict zones. In many parts of the world, especially in the Middle East, Ukraine and Eastern Africa, people are suffering from violence and wars. CNEWA’s role is to help, “and we’re not asking about religion, age or gender.” One focus of the organization’s work is to eliminate human trafficking and give at least some kind of protection to the victims. “I’ve met two children, 8 to 9 years old, who were sold by their parents into human trafficking. They had no smiles…,” the Monsignor said. His reports touched the students, which showed how religious sisters and priests help by offering counseling, food packages, and emergency relief.
 
He asked the students to pray for CNEWA’s work to restore justice and peace and share what the Church is doing in this area.
 
Following his presentation, the students had many questions. How can he stay joyful, seeing so much suffering? “My joy comes from the relationship with Jesus, and it gives me purpose if our work helps to alleviate a difficult situation,” he shared. And what else could the students do besides praying? “Be informed, know what Catholic Social teaching is and translate it into your daily life,” was his advice. More questions followed regarding his work's funding, staff, and interreligious aspects.
 
Bishop Mulvey, who invited Msgr. Vaccari to the diocese reminded the students that Pope Francis often spoke about “global indifference”; instead, we should be aware and alert about what is happening worldwide.
 
Students from IWA and JP II handed over checks to Msgr. Vaccari, giving their contribution to CNEWA’s important work and thanking him for the knowledge and hope he shared.