By Steven Filizzola
It began one Sunday October morning in a beautiful Church in the hills of Norwalk. An innocent talk on “kindness” with the Saint Jerome elementary faith formation children went slightly off cue. The “little ones” wanted to know a bit more- “How do we show lots of kindness?” So, they learned the virtue of compassion. “But what can we really do to help others in need?” So, they learned the virtue of generosity. Suddenly, they realized that even a little child…one with a compassionate soul and a generous heart…can make a difference in the lives of others. And, they understood, with smiles bright and beautiful, that a small “army” of passionate children can make a profound impact on the world.
After learning of the kindness and compassion of Saint Francis of Assisi, their inspired idea was born. The children of Saint Jerome decided to work hard, raise funds, and do “wondrous deeds” to make a difference in the lives of others. And, so, the “Saint Francis of Assisi Team” was created, in honor of their favorite Saint and their newfound desire to be compassionate and generous children.
The children now work hard at Church on projects to raise funds. And, they have begun their “One Dollar Assisi Fund” in which they each earn one dollar per week at home. Then, they donate their hard-earned pay to the Assisi team fund to undertake their “wondrous deeds.”
Their first kind act, in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, was to sponsor two rescue puppies. Their next act was to “adopt” a 4-year-old girl living in poverty. Now, their new little friend, Monserrat, will have enough food when she is hungry, medicine when she is ill, and plenty of books to go to school.
For Thanksgiving, the children, some as young as five, collected over 300 cans of food to donate to a Church pantry in Bridgeport. They will soon complete their “Compassion at Christmas” deeds (including buying their new friend Monserrat a Christmas present). And there will be lots more for the children to do in 2024. Kindness and compassion must never end, they agree.
Wondrous deeds from the children. More importantly, profound lessons for the “little ones” as they grow in faith and charity: the greatest form of kindness is being compassionate and generous to those who need our help. Both with individual acts and as part of an inspired team, helping just one person can change the world…maybe not the whole world…but their world. So, the elementary children of Saint Jerome will, indeed, change the world. Someone’s world, that is, who needs their compassion.
