A Syrian couple arrived late Thursday evening in Canada; they will be staying with Sister Susan Kidd for the next few weeks. Sister Susan says “They are well, tired and we are all learning much. Non-verbal communication can be effective! Friday, they went to Sears, Marks Work Warehouse and a convenience store owned by a Syrian family and got groceries. Saturday was more around the house. Ibtisam cooked for us and in the evening went to the mosque for a social event for women. Their suitcase arrived yesterday so today is for laundry and possibly phoning friends in Lebanon. Tomorrow, they will go to the bank and Tuesday to Newcomers. My Arabic speaking neighbours have also been over a few times. We celebrated Fawaz's birthday with balloons, Syrian music, a roasted chicken with PEI mashed potatoes, chocolate cake with candles and a UPEI student from Jordan as translator. Fawaz and Ibtisam are two of the most courageous people I know and still … they smile. When we ask if they would like anything or need anything, they want us to be happy! We laugh and say that is what we want for them. Lots of "Thank God," in the house these days. We are blessed! Please continue to carry them and all refugees in prayer”
Sisters may be interested in the book entitled The Holy Year of Mercy. This is a Faith-Sharing Guide with Reflections by Pope Francis. It is compiled by Susan Heuver. Each of the eight sessions features a Gospel passage followed by a homily on that passage by Pope Francis. Questions for reflection and discussion focus on both the Scripture and the homily. It can be used for individuals or small groups.
