News & Events

Give Us Today Our Daily Bread

Jesus answered do not send them away for you yourselves give them something to eat (Lk 9:13)

At St. Louis Church in Palamaner, we operate a bread center, and with the grace of God and the support of the parish priest, Brother Jaypal OFM, as well as the parishioners and benefactors, we are able to provide food to the poor, the sick, and the elderly every day. It is a humbling privilege to serve these individuals, who are truly close to the heart of God, and we find great joy in this encounter as it allows us to witness how our provider takes care of us all.

My heart swells with both gratitude and sorrow when I see the many people lining up for their daily sustenance, encompassing individuals of all age groups. Their tragic stories of how they ended up on the streets fill me with compassion and often bring tears to my eyes.

One remarkable observation is that despite the excruciating pain and mental trauma these individuals have endured in their lives, which has left them with nothing but the streets, they display beautiful smiles on their faces. Their happiness and contentment upon receiving their daily meal serve as a poignant reminder of how we should value our own food and be grateful to God, the ultimate provider.

I thank God for calling me to the Franciscan way of life, which allows me to connect with the poor and the marginalized. When I don my novice habit, I feel a profound sense of unity with the poor. It doesn't elevate me above them but rather places me beneath them, in a position of service and love. It reminds me of how St. Francis sought to be the poorest among the poor and even exchanged his garments for the attire of a destitute man. In a similar vein, my habit compels me to not consider myself above those we serve but rather alongside and beneath them, to love as St. Francis loved, to see Christ in the hungry and provide nourishment. This act of service not only brings smiles to their faces but also fills my heart with gladness.

Br. Kevin Prakash, Novice

Back