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World AIDS Day is Monday, December 1. Candlelight vigils and services will be held in many cities. In Philadelphia, a procession will form at the University of the Arts, on Broad Street in the heart of the city. We will pray for the 42 million people worldwide who have the HIV infection, which leads to AIDS. In many nations, Medical Mission Sisters are involved in hands-on care of those who are suffering with HIV/AIDS; in training caregivers and counselors; in teaching HIV/AIDS prevention; in working with parishes and dioceses to establish programs to care for AIDS orphans; and in being AIDS buddies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sister Therese Hayes has been recognized for her 15 years as a volunteer buddy with ActionAIDS. Founded in Philadelphia in 1986, ActionAIDS is Pennsylvania's largest AIDS service organization, currently helping over 3,500 individuals and 150 families living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. They also educate over 15,000 youth and adults in communities throughout the area. As a buddy, Sister Therese provides one-on-one emotional support, companionship, and help with the tasks of daily living to individuals suffering with AIDS. More volunteers are greatly needed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As the holiday season approaches in Rubanda, Uganda, Sister Joan Marie Doud prepares for the annual Mass for AIDS patients. "We pray for those who have died in past years, and then we pray for those who are struggling with the disease," she explains. "This celebration seems to give them new life." Sister Jane Fell makes plans for the annual Christmas party for the Parish Orphans Support Group. She remembers last year's party: "With about $120 we hosted 68 children with a full meal, a balloon and a few sweets for each ... and then we gave a bar of soap and a blanket to each of their 22 families. And the children were so happy!" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sister Lorraine Ryan, founder and director of our Women's Circle program in Boynton Beach, Florida, has received the Women's Peace Power Foundation Award. This award honors women who help to empower other women. Women's Circle assists women of limited means to prepare for employment in our changing society. It has also been recognized by the Diversity Venture Fund of the United Way of Palm Beach County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The newest CDs of Medical Mission Sisters' music by Sister Miriam Therese Winter - KEEPSAKE and Hymns Re-Imagined - might be "just the thing" for someone on your Christmas list. For ordering information, please click on: http://mtwinter.hartsem.edu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Medical Mission Sisters 2004 calendars are available upon request. Please e-mail us if you would like to receive one.
December 1,
2003
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