The following letter comes from Senegal, where the Daughters of Charity are leading a hopeful initiative as part of the 13 Houses Jubilee Project. Rooted in the Vincentian tradition of service to those most in need, the project aims to improve the living conditions of nine particularly vulnerable families in a rural community by supporting the construction or repair of their homes.

The families were identified by four dedicated sisters, who, through regular home visits, recognized those living in the most precarious situations. The beneficiaries include elderly individuals, people with disabilities, single-parent households, and large families, many of whom have endured years in unsafe or unstable housing.

With tailored support to match each family’s unique challenges, the initiative provides more than shelter – it fosters hope, stability, and the recognition that every person deserves to live with dignity. This letter, written by Sister Maria Jesus Lopez, offers a firsthand reflection on the joys, struggles, and lessons of this mission – especially the importance of embracing perspectives different from our own.

My name is Maria Jesus Lopez. I have been a Daughter of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul since 1986. I have a missionary background, because from the beginning of my vocation I felt called by God to go ‘ad gentes’ (to the nations).

Throughout my journey, I have served in Equatorial Guinea, Morocco, Mauritania, and now Senegal. I have found deep joy in each of these missionary experiences. The call to mission has always been strong in my heart, and the Lord has always responded with boundless love. I am filled with gratitude for this love, and I am happiest when I can share it with the poor I meet.

I did not choose to coordinate this 13 Houses Project – I consider it a gift from God in my life. As the head of the community, I simply responded to the FHA’s call to improve the lives of these families. They are witnessing, as if by a miracle, their homes being restored.

This project has not been easy. Everything here operates in an informal, “home-based” way. One of the greatest challenges has been obtaining proper invoices for expenses, and many of the initial budgets were not well prepared. 

While this has made the process more difficult, it’s important to note that the families we are helping remain content with the little they have. Completing their homes is, in fact, the greatest gift we can offer them. It’s a reality that’s hard to grasp unless you’re living among the families. Often, we see things through a European lens, but the perspective here is entirely different. The value of home and community is far beyond what we might expect or understand. 

The Jubilee we are living is especially meaningful for us. The joy is visible in the faces of the people benefiting from this opportunity. Their happiness is our jubilation. We are moved – and we give thanks to God.

The most impactful story has been the passing of one of the beneficiaries. It has left us deeply affected. He was a good man, blind, who lived with his mother. Though he was ill, he carried on as if nothing were wrong, never even telling us about his condition. The illness progressed silently until it ultimately took his life. He simply slipped away, and we now believe he rejoices in the presence of the Lord. His mother remains heartbroken, yet she continues to help with the completion of their home.

Another moving story is that of Marcel, an elderly man living with his wife. He is practically completely disabled. The joy on his face – seen in the light of his eyes – was overwhelming. His happiness alone makes this entire project worthwhile.

The community is fully involved in the project. We’ve divided the families among us so that each sister is responsible for two or three – handling everything related to them, such as accounting, receipts, and photos. We have the support of a young Christian who serves as a contact between the families. We’ve tried to stay in the background as much as possible, because if it became known that we were behind this, we wouldn’t be able to respond to the number of requests from other families seeking help. This young man is a true Vincentian – sensitive and in solidarity with the poor.

The lives of these families are being transformed. They now have electricity, running water, bathrooms, and secure homes – things they never imagined possible. They can hardly believe it.

The 13 Houses Jubilee Project is truly incredible. We thank God for every person involved and for the good being done for so many families. For us, the challenge is meeting all the needs we encounter. We lack both financial resources and time. Even with all the money in the world, time is limited – and without proper follow-up, no project can succeed.

To other organizations or individuals considering launching a similar project in a culture different from their own, we offer this advice: it’s not about doing things for people – it’s about being with them. Listen, understand, and do not impose your own models. Their mindset is entirely different. Supporting their growth is a joy – but even the idea of “development” holds a different meaning for them than it does for us.

Warm regards, and THANK YOU for being here.