The year 2011 comes to the end, and with it, in human hearts and around, rules happy and cozy spirit of Christ's Nativity. Families will sit for festive table to give the praise to the Newborn Child Jesus and to sing Him Christmas Carols under the shining stars. They will greet each other. But unfortunately, in today's world, there are many who are forced to celebrate holidays in solitude, far from relatives, or worse - behind bars. Thus they need consolation and assurance that Christmas comes to them, that Jesus is born in their hearts to these poor and difficult conditions. He comes to liberate the prisoners, to let the oppressed go free.On December 21, 2011, on Christmas Eve, the nuns from various congregations have visited women prisoners in the town of Ponte Galeria near Rome, to light the Christmas star in squalid cells of the Police Center for Identification and Deportation. Currently there are about 70 women from around the world, including 6 Ukrainians, 5 Russian women, a woman from Moldova, Chinese woman, citizens of South American countries. But the vast majority are Africans. Unable to be legalized in Italy, they came under the jurisdiction of the police and have been detained pending their removal... Sister Emilia Vandich, SSMI, comes to visit Ukrainians and citizens of other countries of the CIS.
In the pre-Christmas ecumenical prayer were heard carols and songs in different languages, women read passages from the Gospel of the Nativity of Christ, prayed for their needs. Their greatest desire is to be released, to become happy and free people. Among women, there are many who have experienced violence, sexual slavery, disrespect and contempt. They grant their hearts in prayers to Christ, they want to be free. And He came for that. A small child rested in their hands on red napkins - they cherish Jesus as the King. They make it here. Because so many of them can not keep their hands on their own babies or grandchildren - they are far away. They watch the little Jesus and tears are rolling down their eyes. He is born in their hearts. After prayers the sisters prepare lottery, and therefore, each received a Christmas gift: clothes, sweets and toys. So farther was a feasting. Traditional Italian paneton with raisins - an essential attribute of Christmas, even just a small part makes bitter weekdays sweet. Ponte Galeria, as poor stable for Bethlehem. Women will wait for Evening Dawn and rush to their native home, singing carols through tears and melancholy. And a ray of Christmas stars overshadow their way to Christmas crib, where they will meet Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Father of Life, Prince of Peace.
Emilia Vandich, SSMI
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