From the middle of the nineteenth century, ours Infant Jesus Sisters in Singapore welcomed children in an orphanage associated with their convent. This orphanage closed in 1983 but the sisters have kept in touch and, last December, brought together a number of "elders". A look back at a great reunion party!
But first let's go back to the origins... in 1854. On a moonlit night, a dark figure quickly made its way to the Gate of Hope. Clutching a small can of milk, he hesitated before putting it down and disappearing into the darkness. A desperate cry pierced the silence. The heavy door of the convent creaked open and a sister came out. "My God! A baby in a box! she murmured, taking the little bundle in her arms. Doubts wavered in her mind, so many mouths to feed, so little to give. But faith quickly dispelled them. "He will provide. Miracles happen. This is how, over the years, and for more than a century, the sisters of the convent have taken in many abandoned children, offering them shelter, love and a future.
A reunion of hearts
Since then, while the sisters still run schools, the orphanage has been closed. But not forgotten! In mid-December, a special meeting was held for those who had once been a resident of the convent. "Many had not seen each other for decades, and as they gathered, a nervous anticipation filled the air," Sr. Agnes still remembers with emotion. "Even in the darkest of times, kindness can light our path and faith can transform lives. Throughout the ages, the spirit of compassion has transcended boundaries, bringing people together in profound and unexpected ways. From the selfless devotion of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus at the Gate of Hope in 1854 to the interfaith harmony celebrated in Singapore today, the message remains the same: we are all connected, bound by the universal call to love and serve one another. At noon, the convent hall was animated by chatter, laughter and tears of joy. Old friends kissed, hands joined, and memories resurfaced. Sons, daughters and grandchildren watched with admiration as the past came to life. At the end, as the reunion drew to a close, voices trembled with emotion. "Thank you, sisters, for all that you have done for us. Thank you for sharing your faith in a God who loves us," said one of the participants. Another added, "Even if a mother or father can forget us, God never will. We have forgiven the past and now we live happily for Him in the present.
"This special moment has once again shown that the universal language of love speaks louder than words, affirming that each of us is cherished as we are. May we carry this spirit of love and unity into every encounter, becoming beacons of hope, peace and joy...
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