We hunger for Christ

During my college years, the “Daily Bread” program at Ateneo, designed to assist students struggling financially, caught my attention. My limited budget made the program incredibly appealing, yet I hesitated. I wrongly assumed its low profile meant it was outdated. I dismissed the program, assuming it was an under-advertised initiative. However, the idea of “Daily Bread” as a beacon of hope for underprivileged students within a prestigious university stayed with me. It was a powerful reminder that even in seemingly privileged environments, there are still some people who need help.

This realization led me to learn about the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, a congregation founded in 1821 by Fr. Andre Coindre in Lyon, France. Their mission, rooted in the compassion of Jesus Christ, focuses on educating young people, especially those from marginalized communities.

I was surprised to discover their widespread presence – they operate in 29 countries, running schools, providing care for abandoned children, and guiding young professionals. My knowledge of them had been limited to their spirituality center in Davao City, but I learned they also run Cor Jesu College in Digos City and have a home in Bogo, Cebu, catering to abandoned children, echoing their original mission in Lyon.

The Brothers of the Sacred Heart taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of mission over popularity. Their commitment to serving the youth and the less fortunate underscores the significance of “whys” in any organization. While the “hows” and “whats” are important, the fundamental “whys”—the reasons for existence—are paramount and cannot be disregarded.

Their whys are exemplified by their mission that stems from a compassionate heart, as exemplified by Fr. Andre and St. Claudine Thévenet, (a collaborator) who cared for three abandoned children during the French Revolution. They saw the face of Jesus in these children, and their founding of the “Religious of Jesus and Mary” was a testament to her unwavering commitment to serving those in need.

The Brothers of the Sacred Heart remind us that as Christians, we should not simply provide some open doors, but actively build new paths to invite those who have strayed back into God’s embrace. They embody this principle through their innovative approach to mission. Despite their size, they have embraced innovation, adapting to the changing world. Project M.O.S.E.S. (Mobile Operations for Street Children, Education and Services) is a prime example of their proactive approach, extending their spiritual services closer to vulnerable street children. They have been conducting various accessible and community-based immersion programs, aiming to make the congregation’s acts of social charity accessible to those in need. They believe in taking initiative, “picking up the phone first,” instead of waiting for others to call for help.

The Brothers of the Sacred Heart are powerful witnesses to the words of Prophet Isaiah: “The Lord does not abandon His people. He calls us for new life.” They are instruments of God’s love, reminding us that His invitation is often unpopular, but it is a tiny voice within us, calling us to trust Him and embrace a life of service. He is our “Daily Bread,” nourishing us with His love and calling us to share that love with others. Their proactive duties in society are powerful reminders to gaze at the pierced wound of our Lord Jesus Christ, symbolizing the loveliness and sacrifice of our Lord. Like the street children, the youth, and the broken-hearted, we are called to fix our eyes on Him and find solace despite the different hungers we experience. The Brothers’ expansive love surpasses mere physical hunger, mirroring Christ’s compassion for spiritual and emotional needs. This includes love for those consumed by anger, shelter for the homeless, truth for those who bear false witness, peace for those embroiled in internal and external conflict, redemption for those who are bound by sin, companionship for the isolated, and the promise of eternal life.

Now, I realize that the Daily Bread program is a powerful reminder that God is the bread of life. And until now, He is asking the same question and invitation: “What is it in life that you hunger for? Here I am, make me a part of your life. I am the bread of life.” And this bread of life is being offered by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, emphasizing that Christ is still what we hunger for. (Francis Manayan)