We thought that by this Christmas, life could be back to ‘normal’. But we were wrong. If anything, the situation in our Archdiocese is even more desperate than before.

Covid-19 is still very much with us. And, in a week of unrest in July, essential places of service and business were stormed, looted and burnt down. Businesses may recover in time. But ordinary people have been hard hit.

Thousands of jobs have been wiped out, leaving families destitute. Even those people on government grants can’t access the money, because the pay points have been destroyed.

It’s going to be a very bleak Christmas for many.

But, if you’ll help again now, there’s the possibility of a near-miracle for hungry families on the Missions this Christmas.

Because, your Christmas offering to the Zulu Missions – made online right now – will be turned into food vouchers for families in the most urgent need.

As Christmas draws near, people around the world will be preparing for the traditional celebrations. Decorations and lights will be glittering; gifts bought and wrapped; festive food will be ordered; and much more.

Here on the Missions, it will be very different.

At most, we can hope that our Churches will be allowed to have a limited congregation for the Christmas Masses to receive Jesus as the bread of life.

And if you’ll open your heart to send a Christmas offering now, there could also be some bread on the table for a simple family meal.

So please – will you reach out to someone who’s poor and hungry this festive season? Your gift of food really will seem like a miracle. And instill a small flame of joy and hope in those who have so little. Thank you, and may God bless you.