sainttheresecenter

The initial design for the Bear is a black and white Bear (black & white are the colors of the
Dominican Order) This ties in the fact that the director of the Saint Therese Center is a
Dominican Priest and a part of a world wide Religious Order of Dominicans, many who
serve various populations of HIV+ individuals. Half of the sales from this bear will also
benefit a group of Dominican Sisters from the Philippines who are ministering to the HIV+
men, women and children in Loitokitok Kenya, Africa. (pronounced: loi-talk-e-talk)

Christ himself has modeled for us the
best example of caring for the ill,
visiting the sick, taking care of those
abandoned and rejected by society.
Jesus always lived with a welcoming
spirit and he strived to teach us to be
welcoming and helping Communities
with faith.

Worldwide HIV/AIDS is at pandemic
proportions. HIV/AIDS is a biger
problem than any one or single issue.
We must be united. We need strong
Christian communities who can
nurture and build up the spirits of our
brothers and sisters, and their families
who live with the woundedness of
HIV/AIDS. We are Called to
challenge attitudes that alienate
members of Christ's body based on
lifestyle choices. We must Challenge
attitudes that imply anyone deserves
this illness or that AIDS is only a
problem if you are gay or a drug
addict. We must not forget the human
family that is suffering greatly in our
world today. HIV/AIDS is affecting
all - parents, children, teenagers,
husbands and wifes, grandparents, the
wealthy, the poor, in our colledges,
high schools, elementary schools,
churches, and workplaces. Someone
you know has had his or her life
painfully changed by the reality of the

HIV/AIDS illness. You just may not
know it know. But we will never know
the suffering of our neibor if we fail to
witness true CONCERN. We must
begin respectful Conversation that
helps others to know we are willing to
be Companions in our lives and faith
Journeys. We must help to break the
silence and ignorance that still exists
around the issues and predjudices of
HIV/AIDS. If you are not an expert
in the teaching of this subject. or for
the developing a meaningful response,
then reach out and Collaborate with
those partners in faith who are there to
support you. Peer groups can be the
best Champions for supporting any
values and behaviors that young
people want to uphold. Adults have
the responsibility to nurture the
possibility of healthy Choices and
attitudes for their children. By
participating in workshops, class
discussions, parent nights, Parish
social ministries and other outreach
activities not only on behalf of, but as
well with those who are affected by
HIV/AIDS in our world community
today. Then and only then will any
response be built out of true Christian
compassion and authentic Charity.

On the chest of the bear is a Red Ribbon, made out of
roses. The red ribbon is the international symbol for AIDS
awareness. The rose is a symbol of Saint Therese (the
Little Flower). Therese promised: "I will spend my heaven
doing good upon earth�I will let fall from heaven a
shower of roses." Thus the falling petals from the AIDS
ribbon, also they signify the many lives of people infected
with HIV that thru the intercession of Therese she has
helped.

Sister Mary Concepcion, O.P. writes:

"The scourge of AIDS has been spreading out due to the lack of awareness which has
happened in all countries especially here in Africa. We need to intensify the awareness
campaign. This is partly caused by customary sharing of wives in the same age group. Early
marriage of young girls to old people for dowry. In these contexts the girls will continue to
enjoy love affairs with male counter parts of their age group. Their husbands have also
other wives.

The other reason is the initiation of young people from one age group with the other age
group. They have to come together in the ceremony of circumcision of boys and girls.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are other social problems which have also affected both
men, women and children in this community. It contributes in larger extent to the spread of
HIV/AIDS."

In a recent note from Sister Mary Concepcion G. Cajilig, O.P. she writes:

"We are deeply grateful that you have considered our proposal and for adopting us as a
"sister" agency. I appreciate very much your trust and confidence to us working in the
frontline. Personally, I thank Saint Therese to whom I have a special devotion throughout
my religious life. She is really GREAT in helping me in all my endeavors.

We will keep in touch but maybe sometimes it is delayed because we are living in the
"bush" interior part of Nairobi which is seven hours bus ride with very rough and dusty
roads. We are keeping you in our prayers, praying also that a benefactor will win big Mega
Bucks Slot Machines.

Mat Saint Therese intercede for you always for the services you have to the less fortunate.
Thank you so much for your generosity."