Faith

The community of St. Tereza's outstation is grateful to the Pontifical Mission Societies for the gift of faith and help with their church's construction.

Propagation of the Faith

The Widow's Mite Comes to Life

Friday, August 28, 2026Faith

In the parable of the Widow's Mite, Jesus speaks to His followers of two types of people: wealthy ones and a widow. The wealthy ones flaunt their riches, even in the temple. They give a great deal, but they can well afford it. No sacrifice is made.

The widow in Jesus' story has great significance for His time. Having lost her husband, this woman had no means of support. She lived on the margins of society, perhaps begging to survive. Yet, when it came time to give, she dug deep, sacrificing her last mite -- all she had -- so that others might benefit.

This story was lived out for me on a mountainside in Uganda at the St. Tereza outstation, where I was their "Honored Guest". Though I protested that I was no one special, parishioners were determined to show me how grateful they were that I had come to their mud--brick church to share in their bi-annual Eucharistic celebration.

At the end of Mass, I was told to sit in front of the altar as people formed a line to greet me. Villagers came forward, shook my hand, and gave me gifts. A man stood at my right to relieve me of my treasures after the giver was properly thanked. He piled up the eggs, avocados, coffee beans, bananas, and six live chickens that were placed in my lap. (I was most welcome at my next home visits as I brought dinner!)

An elderly woman approached, knelt before me, and put her head in my lap, crying. I turned to my host Father Cyril to ask, "Why is she weeping?" His answer, "She has nothing to give you." broke my heart. I lifted her face to tell her that because she had shared her faith and the Mass with me, she had given me the world.

Just then, she thought of the rosary she was wearing around her neck, as many Ugandan women do. Her eyes lit up as she took it off and placed it over my head. It was all she had.

I knew the rosary was not just for me, it was for all our benefactors, too. In that moment, she gave her precious possession to thank anyone who has ever prayed and sacrificed so that she could have a priest visit her village, even if it's only twice a year. The rosary I gave her in return paled in meaning.

My rosary recitation now includes a meditation on the beautiful parable that I was blessed to witness as it came to life in Uganda.

- Maureen Crowley Heil is Director of Programs and Development for the Pontifical Mission Societies, Boston.