Christmas is the perfect time to thank all the friends, supporters and benefactors of The Divine Word Missionaries who by their generosity will give the gift of love to some of the poorest and most marginalised people in the world this Christmas Day.

Fr Henry Adler SVD, Mission Secretary for the SVD Australian Province, says that the Society’s missionaries, who are present on every continent of the world, will spend Christmas with the communities they serve, helping to bring Christ’s love to people who won’t enjoy a big celebration with lots of presents and all the trimmings.

“I was in the Philippines earlier this year, spending time with SVD members who are providing support for families who are living on rubbish tips,” Fr Henry said.

“These people have to earn a living by scavenging through the tips to gather plastic or other goods to recycle, for a few cents.

“They won’t have a big Christmas dinner, but thanks to the generosity of our friends and supporters, SVD missionaries are able to live and work with these communities and will be there at Christmas to celebrate Mass with them, offer them food through soup kitchens, shelter through new housing, and to truly love them as Christ loves them.

“Surely in this we see the true meaning of Christmas – God coming among God’s people, being with them, sharing in their humanity and bringing them to him through Christ.”

Fr Henry said that the SVD Australian Province has been truly humbled by the generosity of donors and supporters this year.

“On behalf of the people we serve and minister with, I thank you for helping us in Mission this year and look forward to where Christ’s Mission will take us in 2013,” he said.

“We wish you a happy and peace-filled Christmas.”