In Canada, we are blessed with plenty of material things. Even our poor and homeless are not hungry or naked, as many charities and government programs provide them with the food and clothing they need.
However, people on the street are very often deeply wounded in their hearts. Most of them suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and are survivors of abuse. The mistreatment many of them have faced has caused them to lose their trust in people. They have lost hope. They are in despair and see no light. They feel lonely, rejected and abandoned by society. But there is hope. There is light.
Catholic Street Missionaries Society reaches out to the less fortunate and provides them with emotional & spiritual support. We bring God’s love to those on the street.
CSM recognizes the inherent dignity of each street person in God’s eyes. Every single one of them is worth Jesus’ life. He died for all on the Cross. Jesus himself identifies with those who are suffering. To us, they are the Crucified Christ. By consoling them, we are consoling Jesus.
At Catholic Street Missionaries, we spend quality time with our street friends, listening to their stories and offering prayers to those who are open to it. Whether they believe in Christ or not, our goal is to befriend and care for each one of them personally. Over time, we build lasting relationships and they begin to open up and slowly trust
people once again.
While us Canadians are well provided for in a material sense, CSM strives to fill the emotional longing that many people are still left with.
We don’t have strict metrics on how we measure the success of our interactions. We base it on how much love a street friend feels during our visit. The greater the warmth
they feel, the better. If he or she feels more loved after the encounter, then we have done our part.
Because giving them hope is showing love.
And we believe that it's love that heals.
