Happy New Year 2023!
Friends, partners and benefactors, as we begin 2023, we look forward to a year of peace and plenty. The year of the rabbit is associated with abundance. May the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit bring abundant blessings for you and your loved ones. May our lives be filled with tenderness, compassion, good cheer, hospitality and gentleness. I pray that the new year fills us with graces, joy and love for us and for our world.
You are probably aware that Canossaville is part of the Canossian family, a worldwide religious organisation. We are spread over 33 countries serving in schools, parishes, homes, and even in the slums. Wherever the Canossian Sisters are present, nothing stops us from reaching out to those in need. Canossaville is a social service agency in Singapore who reaches out the poor and needy in our society especially those in the Aljunied-MacPherson area. Our staff and partners also collaborate with our Sisters in the region and reach out to those in need in Myanmar, the Philippines, Timor Leste, Indonesia and Malaysia.
In 2024, Canossians worldwide will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Our Foundress, St Magdalene of Canossa, who was born on 1 March 1774. Thus, we will begin a year of preparation for the big celebration. Despite the predictions that 2023 is going to be a challenging year for many in different parts of the world, the General Council is inviting the Sisters and our partners to come Together to Serve.
For Canossians, we celebrate by reaching out to those in greater need. Even though we continue to live under the shadow of COVID-19 and the war waged against Ukraine along with the millions who continue to suffer under their dictatorship and threats of war among super-powers, we come together as Canossians to make a difference wherever we are. Trusting in God’s grace and goodness, we will celebrate by making the world a better place and ensuring that things work out positively.
Canossaville cannot do it alone. With your help and support, we can, and we will make an impact in our society. When St Magdalene started her first school of charity in 1808, she did not know that the Canossian Institute would spread to the different continents of the world. As one Canossian family, with our staff, volunteers, stakeholders, donors and partners, let us come together to serve and improve the lives of those around us and sow the seeds of hope for the future generation.
Thank you for your continual support and we look forward to a greater collaboration to impact the lives of the children and families in our care. God bless you and wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year.