Young missionaries bearers of peace and hope!!!

Tavannes, a small village located at 760 m. above sea level in the Swiss Jura massif where a Catholic community, in the minority, is increasingly faced with the challenges of propagation of various evangelical-sect churches and at the same time de-Christianization. It is here that the fraternity of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart has been operating for about 60 years.

It is difficult for us to organize and experience the children's day of prayer for peace, as Pope Francis had requested, but our activities and the prayers of the children of the choir are always centered on the urgency of peace and reconciliation.

In the spirit of peace announced by the angels at Christmas, we have made concrete gestures aimed, in particular, at the lonely people of the village.

Joyful songs of praise resounded in the streets of Tavannes during Advent. It is the children of the choir, dressed as   King Magi, who bring the good news of Christmas, bless families and raise funds for projects to help children. For their joy, the songs and the great enthusiasm are true missionaries of the Good News and announce Peace. They participate in the "Singers of the Star" action coordinated by the Mission Switzerland.

The Singers of the Star are a solidarity action proposed to children during the Christmas and Epiphany periods. Like the Magi, as Christmas approaches, the Star Singers proclaim this good news of the birth of Jesus and invite people for sharing.  A tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, this activity takes place in many countries and on all continents, under the support of Missione-Bambini.

In the Middle Ages, children from poor families went from door to door asking for some money, which they brought to their families to improve ordinary life.

Today, the Star singers do the same thing, but the money they raise goes to children around the world. This tradition sensitizes the youngest to the necessary solidarity with children from other regions of the world.

With this spirit of sharing, singing we go from house to house among lonely people; they await this moment with impatience and joy, they open wide the doors of their homes, they participate with empathy in the songs and wishes of peace and joy, they welcome with respect the blessing that the children bring them. They are very beautiful moments of sharing between children and elderly people; the adults are excited, the children amazed and enthusiastic. When we leave, the lonely people greet us with great gratitude and wave at us from the window.

Sr. Beniamina opens the small group of singers, while Sr. Paolina, like a "shepherd", follows and protects.

And how not to announce peace and joy to all passers-by? and passing in front of a garage, stop and enter singing. Certainly, the director, surprised and amazed at what is happening, does not understand, but the presence of the sisters reassures him.

Then the children sing with greater enthusiasm, and explain the project, wishing the people in the warehouse happy Christmas holidays and a new and holy New Year. Who would have imagined that the workers could slow down their work, for a few minutes rejoice with us, and sing the joy of the Good News? The happiness of both is inexpressible.

When we return to school after the Christmas holidays, we will continue our evangelization we will bring peace and joy to three Rest Homes in the valley.

A unique experience: bringing joy and human warmth to all these people!