Reflection

What a wonderfully vivid picture the prophet Zephaniah paints of God’s people rejoicing with joyful singing and celebration! Despite years of suffering and hardship under cruel and unjust leaders, the people are now filled with a profound sense of gladness. What is the source of their joy?

God’s presence and love has transformed their sorrow into dancing. ‘The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love.’ This deep assurance of being loved and cared for by God has liberated them from fear and despair.

This enduring joy is quite different from the fleeting happiness that comes from material things. Christmas gifts or treats will certainly delight us, but the happiness that comes from the gift itself doesn’t have the same lasting, nourishing quality as the joy that flows from loving others and knowing that we too are loved. And who loves us more than God who ‘will exult over you with loud singing’?

It is this joy which is embodied in the work of Fr Léon in Cameroon. Rather than offering the young people he serves momentary distractions or diversions, Fr Léon’s mission is to create an environment where they can discover the kind of transformative joy described in Zephaniah.

Through projects like the Holy Angels Youth Choir, Fr Léon is giving children sustaining and lasting faith formation. Through their shared joy in music, they are creating a new future – not based on the violence or despair that is present in their daily lives, but in the liberating love of God.

Your prayers and generosity are a gift which lets children who have gone through unimaginable fear and loss know that they are loved. More than that, by giving them the opportunity of coming together to sing, learn, and pray, Fr Léon is enabling them to hope for a better future by working with them to build a sense of belonging and the chance to thrive in safe, faith-centred communities.

Fr Léon sends this message to our supporters:

‘You wipe away the tears of many and bring joy to countless lives. As Pope Francis says in Fratelli Tutti, this is truly the joyful Gospel of Christ. May God inspire you to help establish a more just and compassionate world.’

By following Fr Léon’s example, and supporting missionaries like him, we too can participate in that great work of transforming sorrow into singing; despair into delight.

This Christmas, please continue supporting Fr Léon and missionaries like him throughout the world. Keep them in your prayers and give what you can to help invest in the futures of these young people, ensuring they grow up with hope, strength, and faith.