Annually, each parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles participates in the Mission Co-op appeal (part of the Propagation of the Faith) which benefits missions around the world. This weekend, Fr. Bob Dowd from the University of Notre Dame and Holy Cross Mission Center joins us and will share the great work taking place at our sister parish Holy Cross, in Dandora, Kenya—specifically at Visitation Maternity Ward.

Since the grand opening of the maternity ward in 2017 (part of the Brother André Medical Center),1,250 babies have been born in clean, safe and compassionate maternity conditions, and 120 babies treated in their Special Care Newborn Unit.  Last month, Msgr. and 32 travelers (25 adults and 7 high schoolers) visited the facility and witnessed the essential services offered to the women and children of the Dandora community, including pre- and post-natal care, childbirth and inpatient maternity care, outpatient referrals, and child welfare services. 

Despite the poverty in Nairobi, the state-of-the-art medical center and maternity ward at Holy Cross Parish serves as an oasis of beauty and hope. This facility stands as a beacon of community and comfort, and an antidote to the many challenges of living in Dandora.

This weekend, we offer Fr. Bob a warm St. Monica welcome, and thank you in advance for supporting Visitation Maternity Ward. Make your gift in one of these ways:

1. Place a special Mission Co-op envelope in the collection basket or return it to the parish office.
2. Visit the Duval center after Mass to give online. We have iPads available for your convenience and Africa volunteers to assist.
3. Visit Dandora.HolyCrossUSA.org to make your gift online.