Dear St. Francis de Sales Family,
We have gathered here to present twenty bicycles to children who walk nearly five miles each way to attend school. It is a privilege to share this special moment with these children, their parents, their families, and the entire village community.
Every school day, these children begin a long and difficult journey. They walk almost five miles to school and another five miles back home. They make this journey in the heat, rain, and changing weather because they understand the importance of education. Despite the distance and the many challenges they face, they remain committed to their studies and continue dreaming of a better future.
Their determination is truly inspiring. These children remind us that education is a precious gift. They are willing to make great sacrifices to attend school, learn, grow, and prepare themselves for the future. Their courage should inspire all of us to appreciate the opportunities God has given us.
From now on, these children will no longer need to walk such a great distance every day. They will be able to ride their bicycles to school. These bicycles will save them valuable time and energy and make their daily journey easier. They will arrive at school less tired, have more energy to concentrate on their lessons, and return home sooner to spend time with their families and complete their studies.
When we arrived in the village, the children were waiting for us with great excitement and beautiful smiles. They knew they were about to receive something that would make an important difference in their daily lives. Seeing their happiness and gratitude touched our hearts deeply.
These bicycles were made possible through the kindness and generosity of the parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. When members of our parish community learned about the needs of these children, they responded with compassion and generosity. Even though they live many miles away, they opened their hearts and chose to accompany these children on their educational journey.
On behalf of the children, their parents, their families, and the entire village, I offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this wonderful project. Your generosity has provided much more than transportation. You have given these children encouragement and shown them that they are loved, valued, and not forgotten.
Parents naturally want the best possible future for their children. The families gathered here are making sacrifices so that their children can receive an education. Today, through the generosity of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, they have received additional support and renewed hope.
These are more than bicycles. Each bicycle is a gift of hope, education, dignity, opportunity, and a brighter future. Each one represents a bridge between a child and the classroom, between present difficulties and future possibilities, and between the generosity of one community and the needs of another.
These bicycles also remind us of the power of working together. When people join their hearts and hands in love, even a simple act of kindness can transform someone’s life. A bicycle may seem like an ordinary object, but for a child who walks many miles every day, it can open the door to new opportunities. It can help that child attend school regularly, arrive on time, study with greater energy, and continue pursuing his or her dreams.
To the parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, please know that your kindness is making a real and lasting difference. Because of you, these children will have a safer and easier journey to school. Because of you, they will have more time and energy for their education. Because of you, they know that a community of faith cares about them and believes in their future.
May God bless these children and protect them every day as they travel to and from school. May God give them wisdom, knowledge, courage, and perseverance. May they grow in faith and become a blessing to their families and communities.
May God also bless the parents, teachers, caregivers, and everyone who works to support these children. Finally, may God abundantly bless the generous parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church for their compassion, prayers, and continued commitment to helping those in need.
Today, we celebrate not only the gift of twenty bicycles but also the gift of hope. Let us continue working together so that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future.
Thank you, and God bless you all.
Fr. Bala
September 2026
