Celebrating the First "Day of the Program"

Sunday, August 17, 2008, we celebrated our first “Day of the Program” with a mass of thanksgiving and a special lunch for all of our students, their families, friends of the program, and our donors. It was a very special day for the Program, an opportunity for sharing the dreams and the reality that is the scholarship program Nuestro Ahora. Below, Celsa Gomez (one of the scholarship students) shares a bit about the special day. We received nearly 50 guests from close by and far away, from San Salvador, San Vicente, Sonsonate, La Libertad, California, and Massachusetts among other places. We want to extend a heartfelt and sincere thank you to all those who offer the Program support. It is because of you that Nuestro Ahora is able to continue growing and helping the youth, the future of El Salvador. . .

Nuestro Ahora, Inc., from left to right, Georgina (Local Committee), Celsa (prep student), Tati (prep student), Reyna (university student), Father Mark Ravizza, SJ, (who celebrated Mass), Cristina (Local Committee), Odilia (Local Committee), Miriam Haydee (prep student), Vickie (founder), and Magda (university student)

Hello to everyone. I hope you all are well. It makes me happy to be able to write again to you and share some of the joys and blessings God has given us.

This Sunday brought me so much joy. It was the first mass of the scholarship program, where we were all together, students, friends, family. We shared the liturgy and the readings that helped us reflect and continue to think about our goals.

After the mass we enjoyed lunch together. There were lots of smiles and congratulating. For me, it was a success to be able to participate in the mass and help my friends from the scholarship program in the day that I think we’ll remember for a long time.

It’s always a special month as well because we celebrate Monseñor Romero’s birthday. We also remember Jean Donovan and Sisters Dorothy, Ita, and Maura who are always present in our minds, accompanying us in our journey with their powerful examples of dignity and justice that we all need in this world.

Archbishop

Oscar Arnulfo Romero

and The Four American

Church Women, drawn by

Catherine Martin, O. Carm.

We thank all the donors, the Local Committee in El Salvador, and the Board of Directors in the United States for the unconditional support they offer us.

We also thank Father Mark Ravizza, SJ, for celebrating the mass for us, our friends, and our families and for accompanying us on this unforgettable day.

Wishing you all many blessings and the profound joy of God,

Until later,

Celsa.