For the 5th consecutive year, the Most Reverend Bishop Jean Marie R. Kozik organized a magnificent Christmas celebration in the Austin area. For weeks, numerous benefactors had been collecting toys, candies, fruit and cake:

churches from various denominations, schools, individuals, organizations, and even the Village of Oak Park... presents arrived by the hundreds and a number of volunteer teams worked shifts on a few weekends to wrap them, along with the religious friars and nuns from Fraternite Notre Dame.

As usual for each Christmas feast, a strong wind started to blow early morning, and a freezing cold enveloped the whole city. However, hundreds of children, accompanied by their parents, would crowd to the church, and the line was seemingly endless.

How surprising it was, to see these faces, so battered by the cold, enlighten as soon as they had crossed the threshold. In a warm ambiance, with Christmas music, and mountains of multicolored presents, the Most Rev. Bishop Jean Marie made it a point to be present in person and distribute hundreds of toys.

To his sides, many local officials also actively participated: including three Aldermen: Carothers, Mitts and Smith, Police Commander Walton and Jose Sifuentes from Dept. of Human Services.

Alderman Emma Mitts had a surprise: she presented a Resolution to Bishop Jean Marie, signed by Mayor Daley himself, which is a Honorific Certificate in gratefulness for his charitable actions and spiritual radiance in the neighborhood.

Santa Claus was present obviously, along with a friend, musician-clown of great talent. Over 1,800 children benefited from the distribution, in a few hours time. The remaining presents were distributed to several shelters in the surroundings. Joy, friendship have visited all these people, forgotten by the earth, as a reminder that God loves them.

While they thought of having but a simple family dinner, how surprised they turned to see a limousine at the door, ready to take them to a nice restaurant! And when our faithful pair crossed the threshold there, a loud ovation resounded, given by all their friends, invited secretly for the occasion!

that was especially appreciated by our Haitian friends.

Later, Doctor Senat read aloud one of his poems, "Sublime gratitude" and the evening went on, filled with friendship and harmony.

To Doctor Senat and his charming spouse, we wish long years of happiness.

Read Poem from Dr. Antonio Senat

Discovering the
Mongolian Community in Chicago

Therefore, the Most Reverend Bishop sent us, and it provided an opportunity to get acquainted with several Mongolians who have been living here for a few years already; great was their surprise to be able to converse freely in their native language with Sister Marie!

The annual event allows everyone to build closer ties with both relations and friends, while enjoying Mongolian songs and music.

Many thanks to the organizers, who enabled us to present to the assistance the charitable and religious work performed by Fraternite Notre Dame in Mongolia. God bless each and everyone of the participants.