Gratitude

I just opened a card written by one of our students. Her name is spelled Brighter (and she is!), but it is pronounced "Bridget."

Brighter comes from a poor neighborhood here in Dodoma. As a student at the Jesuit primary school she excelled in every way -- academics, performing arts, and being a wonderful person. Here at St. Peter Claver she receives a 65% reduction in her school fees.

Her card was a thank you note. She begins with "The Lord be with you" -- which I think might be a little joke because I catch her smiling at morning Mass as we struggle with the proper responses at or English-language Masses using the new translation. After her thanks she writes, "May the Lord accept the sacrifice at my hands. Thank you for helping me attend your school."

I am touched that she has connected what happens at the Eucharist with the generosity of people who have donated funds to help her with her study. As with the bread and wine, she is now taking up these gifts and offering them to the Lord in her studies. Pretty sophisticated thinking, if you ask me!