Welcome to Photo Friday! Each Friday, we share photo collections of our favourite shots from our sponsor sites around the world.
Yesterday, February 4 was International Day of Human Fraternity, a time to celebrate and strive for the peace, harmony, and togetherness of all of mankind. In his heartfelt address via virtual event yesterday, Pope Francis expressed that despite our differences in cultures and traditions, we are all brothers and sisters, “born of the same Father.”
In honour of this special day, we’re sharing our top 5 “brothers” photos from our sites! (don’t worry- we have a collection of “sisters” photos for later, too!) May the loving and joyful bonds between these brothers from all over our diverse and beautiful world remind you that no matter our differences, we are all born of the same Father and Christ unites us as our brother.
#5: Pasqual and Ramon
Little brother Pasqual and big brother Ramon are from our Dominica site in Paraguay. Pasqual is still in elementary school, while Ramon is getting ready to graduate high school! Ramon is also budding as a soccer star. He says that training keeps him away from common “teen problems” in his area, such as underage drinking and drug use. He tries to be a role model to his younger siblings including Pasqual, and motivates them to study and pursue their dreams.
#4: Daniel, Roger, and Brandon
Since the tragic loss of their mother to cancer, Daniel, Roger and Brandon were living in cramped conditions with their loving grandmother and aunt. Daniel, the eldest, ensured his younger brothers could continue with their education, and they fortunately were paired with Chalice sponsors. As the older boys grew into young men, our site’s Sisters saw that they needed a place of their own. Their uncle Tadeo offered to give them a piece of land for their own house. Through generous donors to the gift catalogue, their dream of a small house came true. “They don’t stop thanking God, our Luis Amigó site, and their benefactors,” writes the site staff.
#3: Kevin and Benjamin
Kevin and Benjamin are brothers from our Leventate Mujer site in Bolivia. They live with their aunt, Milenka, a 29-year-old woman who has kindly been caring for her nephews for over 10 years. Both boys are outstanding students that dream of becoming great professionals. “When I grow up I would like to be a civil engineer, because I am very good at math,” says 14-year-old Kevin. When I grow up, I want to be a lawyer to defend people,” says 11-year-old Benjamin!
#2: Hugo and Victor
Hugo and his brother Victor live with their family in a rural property far from the city. Their family helps take care of animals, which include chickens, ducks, pigs, cows, and horses. The boys do not have many toys, so they have imagined their own, created from recycling and wood. All of this hard work and creativity takes its toll on these growing young men. Hugo and Victor had previously had to double up in beds shared with their siblings, but thanks to generous supporters of the gift catalogue, the boys finally have a place to rest their heads that is all for them!
#1: Roman and Tarasyk
When Roman was four and Tarasyk was just four months old, their father passed away. The family from Ternopil, Ukraine was in a difficult situation, as their mother was raising seven children alone and couldn’t work. Sponsorship was a tremendous support, and gave the family access to food, clothes, and school supplies. The family also received a stove through our gift catalogue! We’re so happy that sponsorship helped support these brothers and their family throughout times of difficulty.
Follow Chalice on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates from our sponsor sites, impact stories, and more! Be sure to check back next week for another Photo Friday.