There are guest lecturers, guest soloists, guest preachers, guest speakers and so many other guests. As the celebration of Christmas draws to a close, I’m lending my space this week in the Rhode Island Catholic to a guest columnist, “Sara.” Jim Jahnz, the Secretary for Catholic Charities and Social Ministry for our Diocese, and I met her at a gathering at the diocese’s Emmanuel House shelter in Providence just a few days before Christmas. Her message, carefully written on small, thin pieces of paper, warmed our hearts that cold evening and brought us all to tears. I hope you will find her words uplifting and inspiring. I certainly did.
Here is Sara’s story of struggle in her own words:
“As I am sitting here today my heart is filled with true and deep gratitude. Before being welcomed into the Emmanuel Shelter I honestly didn’t know where I was going to go. With tears I prayed and shortly after that I made a call (one of about 10 that day) looking for a safe place to rest my head that night. During this call I was given the name of the Emmanuel Shelter. Instantly after calling and speaking with a pleasant voice (Mike) my heart felt relief beyond words. Mike reassured me that Emmanuel is safe and clean. He wanted to make sure that I was a ‘good Sara’ (lol) as there was previously a Sara that had given him a ‘time’ let’s just say.
In entering that night I was met by a strong, firm, no-nonsense energy (that of Rhonda). I felt put off by it at first, but came to appreciate her presence and her ways. I remember thinking about the name Emmanuel (that means God is with us). God led me here; God was with me and in me and worked through and continues to work through these beautiful souls who truly care. I say this to say that God is with and in each of us here. We have been given a gift of a clean, peaceful, overall supportive place to rest and reposition ourselves on the path of our highest good.
I believe that when the holiday is broken down into its parts, Christmas means More Christ as “mas” means more (in Spanish). To embody Christ’s love and allow Christ’s love to transform us in ways that we could never do on our own.
My heart is full of love and gratitude this Christmas as I feel a sense of home because of love of Christ serving us daily, selflessly through words of encouragement, food, clean clothes, a very comfortable bed and kind people (all the women) surrounding me.
Please remember to be grateful. We have it really good here and let this time support the best move forward.
Merry ‘more’ Christ today and always. With a truly grateful heart, Sara.”
In his Apostolic Exhortation, “Dilexi Te” (“I have loved you”), Pope Leo urges us to move beyond concepts, ideas, and theories about poverty to concrete acts of charity, viewing our brothers and sisters who experience poverty as family and a source of spiritual wisdom, walking a path of holiness rooted in the Gospel. “A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today.” (#120)
Please pray for Sara and so many other guests who seek shelter at Emmanuel House these cold winter months. Pray too for the staff — Mike, Rhonda, Tracey, JB — and so many others who provide welcome and friendship to so many in need.
Thank you, Sara! Your wisdom and witness are unforgettable. In 2026, I pray that we will all receive and enjoy “more” Christ.
If you would like more information about Emannuel House and its ministry go to www.dioceseofprovidence.org/homeless-shelter.
