Canossaville Heartbeat – Vol 41
If we live simply, many others will simply live.
– Mahatma Gandhi
When I returned from the Camino de Santiago, many people asked me, “Why did you do it?”
The answer begins with gratitude.
As I celebrated my 70th birthday, I wanted to make a pilgrimage of thanksgiving to God. After my total hip replacement in December 2022, I also wished to discover whether I could still undertake such a journey, trusting in His grace every step of the way.
This year also marks Canossian Village’s 85th Anniversary. I wondered if my pilgrimage could become a journey of hope for the children and families entrusted to our care. So I set myself a simple goal: to raise $8,500—one hundred dollars for every year of Canossian Village’s life—and to carry our families with me in prayer.
I walked from 2 to 7 June. The Camino was beautiful, but it was also demanding. The steep climbs challenged my new hip, the long descents tested my knees, and the changing weather reminded me that every pilgrimage requires perseverance.
There were moments when I quietly asked the Lord, “Why am I doing this?”
Then I realised that I could stop whenever I wished. I could rest, call a taxi or continue another day. I always had a choice.
Many of the families we serve at Sallim Road do not.
Financial struggles, uncertainty and the daily demands of raising children do not pause. While education opens doors to a brighter future, our children need more than opportunity. They need encouragement, belonging and people who believe in them. Above all, they need to know they are loved.
Along the Camino, silence became a gift. Away from meetings and responsibilities, I found myself listening to birdsong, flowing streams and the steady rhythm of my footsteps. In that quiet, I prayed for the children and families of Canossaville. Every uphill climb became a prayer for those carrying heavy burdens. Every valley reminded me that no one should have to walk life’s journey alone.
St Magdalene of Canossa taught us to recognise Christ in the poor and to serve with humble and generous love. The Camino reminded me that this pilgrimage of charity continues each day through our mission.
By God’s Providence and through your generosity, we raised almost $12,000, far beyond our original goal. Thank you for walking with us.
As we celebrate 85 years of Canossian Village, I invite you to continue to Step Up with us. Together, through prayer, generosity and hope, we can help every child experience dignity, opportunity and God’s faithful love.
Find out how you too can walk for the children and families in need at Canossaville.
