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Holy Bears Benefiting Saint Therese Center - Diocese of Las Vegas
HIV/AIDS Outreach &
Outreach in Guaymate Dominican Republic
 
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)
 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.
 The Tag on the side of the bear has the well known "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign with the
"Welcome" removed and "Therese: placed in, this signifies the work of the Saint Therese
Center in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas - which is the southern part of the
state of Nevada.
 The footpads of the bear contain the Holy Bear Symbol (Halo) and the letters HIV standing
for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The outreach of the Saint Therese Center is to all
those infected and affected by the virus. It is also a reminder to all people living with
HIV/AIDS that they and we are all called to be holy!
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."
The Challenges are immense:
HIV/AIDS has destroyed and destabilized the basic family unit, created a "lost
generation" of orphans and increased the number of prostitutes, homeless and
dropouts.
It has suffered economic growth, crippled industrial and agrarian productivity and
commanded mass resource reallocation; and has encouraged and abetted human
rights violations and sexual violence.
Click on the Holy Bear to download Order Form
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