We still need to hear it. Here in MH Toronto so many come to us from near and far, people who are desperate to believe this truth. The young, the old, the single, the married, and even children are often so stressed out and so beleaguered by their circumstances that they are prey to anxieties, illnesses, and spiritual confusion.

So many come to our house. They call; they write. Can I see you? Can you help me? Will you pray for my intention?

During the past year alone, hundreds have contacted us. Let me share with you a few stories.

Last fall we assisted a young African woman whose mother became ill and died unexpectedly in her home country. Besides everything else, this young woman was under threat from creditors for the money she had borrowed for her mother. She was frightened, depressed, even suicidal. We helped her and encouraged her to take practical steps to improve her situation.

Families have been a primary focus for us—home schooling families; families with a sick child or one at risk in some way, families who desire to stay in touch with Madonna House. All families these days seem to be under pressure from the secular society.

One little six year old was threatening suicide. He felt unloved because his father was not with him, and his distraught mother brought him to us for prayer. Recently we received his First Communion picture and a note saying he is now evangelizing his class, telling them that Jesus and Mary love them.

We’ve been involved with families in other ways, too.

One of the highlights of our summer was a Cana Day for families, a blessed day for all who attended.

Since we see promoting the Catholic understanding of marriage and family as vital to rebuilding a culture of life, we invited Dr. Teresa McKenna to give a presentation called "Theology of the Body: Marriage and Celibacy" at one of the monthly gatherings at our house. We also participated in the excellent Fifth Annual Toronto Pro-Life Family Retreat weekend.

Then there is our friend, Jim (not his real name), who is both emotionally ill and elderly. Last year, his condition was so bad that we were wondering if he would live another year. Then he moved from his freezing room to a men’s shelter. With regular meals and a warm place to live, he began to get better. We continue to be his family, and we rejoice to see this wonderful change.

Our monthly prayer meetings are really international. At one meeting, for example, ten different countries were represented. Many of the people who attend have spent time in Madonna House Combermere, and they establish and cement friendships by meeting here.

Two young Korean women, blood sisters, who spent a few months at MH Combermere, became closely associated with us as they sought ways of improving their English.

We’ve helped them find appropriate living accommodations and an afternoon English tutor, and they’ve been teaching us about Korea.

We’ve witnessed to God’s love in other ways as well. We gave career/vocations presentations at two high schools and took part in a live radio program. And as we do every year, we stood with many others in silent protest against abortion on Life-Chain Sunday.

Fr. Duffy gave a talk at a parish Life in the Spirit seminar, and we’ve had information/book tables at the Lift Jesus Higher Rally and the National Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference.

In preparation for the upcoming Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City, we organized some of the lay groups of this city to host an evening with the Ark of the New Covenant.

Carol Ann Gieske continues to serve on the archdiocesan pilgrimage committee, which is involved with the organizing and preparations for some of the Toronto people who will be attending the Congress.

God shows us his love through others, too. Last year our house was deteriorating. Fortunately, just when we were desperate for help, the Lord sent people who needed us and who were also able to help us do some of the repair work.

Meanwhile, ordinary life goes on: the phone and the doorbell ring, and e-mails and donations needing attention continue to come to us.

In these ways, and in others, too, we follow in the footsteps of our foundress, Catherine Doherty, and try to be channels of God’s love to everyone we meet.