Monthly Archives: February 2021

Photo Friday: Our top 5 “sisters” photos!

Welcome to Photo Friday! Each Friday, we share photo collections of our favourite shots from our sponsor sites around the world.

Earlier this month, we celebrated International Day of Human Fraternity by sharing our top 5 “brothers” photos! Now, we’re following up with our top 5 “sisters” photos to remind us of Pope Francis’s wise words; we are all brothers and sisters, “born of the same Father.”

The bond between brothers, sisters, and siblings at our sites are special. They truly know each other’s joys and sorrows, and how to comfort and care for one another like no other. We love watching siblings grow closer through the loving support of their families, our site, sponsorship, and the surrounding community. It’s incredible to see sibling relationships deepen and flourish when families have what they need to thrive!

#5: Jennylyn and Jeanalyn

Jennylyn and her twin sister Jeanalyn are 21 years old. Jennylyn has been sponsored since 2005, and is now studying to become an elementary school teacher! These strikingly similar twins are so close that Jeanalyn decided to study in the exact same program! They graduated at the same time and are now applying for teaching positions. They’re both so grateful for the support of sponsorship for allowing them to pursue their dreams together.

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Victoria flourishes as a web developer after years of sponsorship

 

Victoria is an ambitious young woman from a hard-working Catholic family. She and her two siblings grew up near our Mangalagiri site in India. When the children were little, Victoria’s parents struggled with food insecurity, lack of adequate housing, and even lacked enough clothing. The cost of the children’s education was overwhelming, and Victoria often had to ask her classmates to borrow their textbooks and learning materials. Although this was a source of great embarrassment for the young student, Victoria remained focused and studious, and her achievements shone in the classroom. 

By God’s grace, a Chalice sponsor chose Victoria when she was in grade two. “This was a turning point in her life,” recall the Sisters who run our Mangalagiri site. Now, her family had access to enough food and clothing for their three children and could afford education costs. 

As Victoria continued to thrive in the classroom, she and her sponsor connected closely from the start of her sponsorship. Victoria loved to write to her sponsor about her life and hobbies, even well into her college years. “Growing together is a joyful experience,” observes the Sisters. “A loving bond grew between the sponsor and the child through greeting cards, letters and financial support.” 

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Photo Friday: Our top 5 “ideas for Lent” photos!

Welcome to Photo Friday! Each Friday, we share photo collections of our favourite shots from our sponsor sites around the world.

For Catholics, the holy season of Lent is upon us. We’ve collected our top 5 “ideas for Lent” photos to give you some inspiration on how to spread love, give thanks, and spend time in prayerful reflection. Plus, these hope-filled photos from our sites will give you a lovely sight to start off your 2021 Lenten season.

#5: Spend more time in prayer

Spending more time in prayer is a sure way to have a holy and blessed Lent. When one silences the mind in prayerful reflection, it’s easier to grow closer to God in heart, body, and soul. These children from our Samar site in the Philippines are taking some time before lunch to give prayers of thanksgiving to our Holy Father.
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Photo Friday: Our top 5 “hearts, hugs & kisses” photos!

Welcome to Photo Friday! Each Friday, we share photo collections of our favourite shots from our sponsor sites around the world.

It’s nearly Valentine’s Day! The origins of this special holiday known for love and affection has drawn from many influences. In the Catholic church, St. Valentine is the patron saint of love, young people, and happy marriages.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day and St. Valentine, we’re sharing our top 5 “hearts, hugs, & kisses” photos from our sites! These adorable moments between family, friends, and children at our sponsor sites are sure to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face.

#5: Big hearts 

These adorable little ones from our Chiclayo site in Peru are arranged in a very special formation to show their love for their sponsors and the support they receive from the site! They are also gathered for an exciting reason. They’ve illustrated a children’s book together, created especially for Chalice!
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Edgar’s future is bright

Edgar is a bright and enthusiastic young man sponsored through our Luis Amigo sponsor site in Guatemala. He has faced many challenges in his young life, but thanks to the support of his sponsor, he has flourished.

“The first letter I received from my sponsor filled me with much joy,” says Edgar. “Each letter is a treasure. She and her family helped me reach my goals, helped me grow and prosper.”

After finishing high school, Edgar was accepted into the business administration degree program at Galileo University. He is grateful for the continued support of his sponsor through his post secondary studies.

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Photo Friday: Our top 5 “brothers” photos!

Welcome to Photo Friday! Each Friday, we share photo collections of our favourite shots from our sponsor sites around the world.

Yesterday, February 4 was International Day of Human Fraternity, a time to celebrate and strive for the peace, harmony, and togetherness of all of mankind. In his heartfelt address via virtual event yesterday, Pope Francis expressed that despite our differences in cultures and traditions, we are all brothers and sisters, “born of the same Father.”

In honour of this special day, we’re sharing our top 5 “brothers” photos from our sites! (don’t worry- we have a collection of “sisters” photos for later, too!) May the loving and joyful bonds between these brothers from all over our diverse and beautiful world remind you that no matter our differences, we are all born of the same Father and Christ unites us as our brother.

#5: Pasqual and Ramon

Little brother Pasqual and big brother Ramon are from our Dominica site in Paraguay. Pasqual is still in elementary school, while Ramon is getting ready to graduate high school! Ramon is also budding as a soccer star. He says that training keeps him away from common “teen problems” in his area, such as underage drinking and drug use. He tries to be a role model to his younger siblings including Pasqual, and motivates them to study and pursue their dreams.
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