“And a little child shall lead them.” Normally we apply this to the Christ child. Today, I want to share the story of Aurora, a little girl of six years old whose life shows us in the “Here and Now”, that the love of the Christ child is very present in 2021.

One of our Charism Friends, Gerald Sseguya, went to the school district where Aurora is a student and spoke with the children about the large number of people who, because they have no home, are living on the streets of Edmonton, even in bitterly cold weather.

When she went home she said to her Mom, “Mommy, I want to do something to help my homeless sisters and brothers.” Her Mom listened attentively and soon a plan was devised. Aurora would draw and paint pictures which she would sell. All the money she raised would go to an organization that supports the homeless. Aurora’s Mom suggested Hope Mission, but Aurora said “No Mommy, it needs to go to Catholic Social Services. A nice man, by the name of Gerald, came to our school and told us how he works with those who have no home, especially through a program called, ‘Welcome Home’.”

Aurora, her heart full of love for those who have “no place to call home”, set to work drawing, painting and selling her works of art. This little girl raised $6,000.00 ! But that is not the end of the story.

When the CEO of our Agency, Troy Davies, went to receive the cheque from the school, little Aurora was present. Troy wanted to have something to give to her to show the gratitude of the Agency. He thought of a teddy bear which was picked up from the local grocery store. When he went to give it to Aurora, he noticed that the name of the teddy bear was Aurora ! Little Aurora, her eyes as big as saucers, looked at Troy and said “That’s my name !”

Yes, through a little girl, with a huge heart, love was shared, hope was given. Those of us who wonder what we can possibly do, might find it helpful to let these words of Scripture sink ever more deeply into our hearts : “And a little child will lead them”.