In the heart of Uganda, in the district of Kasese, a small act of kindness has blossomed into something much greater than anyone could have imagined.
At Our Lady of the Wayside School in the United States, a community of students, led by their teacher Joe Nigliazzo, set out to make a difference across the world.
Through the ‘Change for Change’ campaign, they raised funds and rallied their community to assist those in need. Their mission? To bring hope to girls in Kasese, Uganda.
In collaboration with the Dress A Girl group at St. Mary of Vernon, 30 women handcrafted 300 dresses. Each stitch is a symbol of compassion and love.
Sharon Rudy, a new parishioner, led this initiative, ensuring that each dress was made with care, knowing the impact it could have on young lives in Uganda.
Deacon Don Grossnickle, working tirelessly with the MAAP Foundation, carried these dresses across the ocean to the Kasese Diocese. But he brought much more than just dresses.
Kasese, a community recently devastated by mudslides and violence, has faced unimaginable loss. Homes were destroyed, and lives were taken by deadly mudslides and terrorist attacks.
The dresses, while simple, carry a powerful message of solidarity. They are a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are people who care.
In the Bible, the parable of the mustard seed teaches us that the smallest of seeds can grow into the largest of trees. This story is no different.
The dresses are just the beginning. Through continued efforts, a $30,000 clinic and a pig farm are being established, providing sustainable support for the Kasese community.
This story shows that small acts of kindness, like the mustard seed, can grow into something far greater. They can uplift communities and bring hope where it is needed most.
Compassion is not just a feeling; it is action. Little by little, we can make a difference. Just like a mustard seed, our small efforts can grow into something magnificent.
