"Service to All Life with Grace Through All Philosophies"
"Farm Sanctuary"
Gene Baur & Rev. Paula ~ "ThanksLiving 2009"
"Farm Sanctuary" Gene Baur ~ Founder & Author Fall 2009
In this day and age of an uncertain economy, it would be no surprise that few people would worry about farm animals. Everyone, that is those who are not vegetarian or vegan, has to eat right? And worrying about animals that sustain one's very existence may not seem that important compared to job loss, debt and other life challenges.
Well, Gene Baur would not necessarily agree with that thinking methodology. Gene is one of, if not the first, to understand the need for compassion and care for these beautiful living creatures, that do, indeed, sustain us. Do animals have feelings? I think most if not all of us would agree. But can we take these things too far? I don't believe so, and neither does Gene Baur.
Gene Baur grew up in Hollywood, and for years worked in the media venue, including television, film and commercials. Today, he campaigns to bring about awareness with regard to the negative consequences of industrialized "factory" farming and our cheap and inhumane food system. He currently lives in rural New York State and is the co-founder and President of Farm Sanctuary. Farm Sanctuary is America's leading farm animal protection organization. Gene is not espousing anyone become a vegetarian or vegan ~ he is only promoting healthy and humane lifestyles for those very creatures that we use for our own sustenance.
Gene has educated millions through his documentation of the cruelty involved in factory farming, and also lends his expertise in testifying to assist in getting humane legislature passed toward these humble and gentle creatures created by God. With that in mind, the NIC is proud to have met Gene again this year, and to present him with our "Beacon of Light" Award! We applaud him for his groundbreaking and sustaining work ~ making us all think twice about how to live together in peace and harmony with ALL God's creatures.
Gene is at the forefront of making all of us aware that there is no need for cruelty to animals ~ that all animals, again, who have been created by God, have an alienable right to live a happy and carefree existence. He is doing a fabulous job in not only bringing about this awareness, but also by living it.
I ask that you send him your prayers, get a copy of his book, and when he is in your area, attend his presentation! It doesn't matter if you are not a vegetarian ~ just hearing his words of care and compassion toward farm animals is inspiring to all.
"Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco" Beacon of Light ~ "Holy Spirit Award" April 2009
While reading the Chicago Tribune one day in 1996, I saw a small article about "adopting a sister" from a Catholic organization in North Haledon, New Jersey. Keep in mind, this was before the Internet was so prevalent in our daily lives, and so I quickly sent off a letter of inquiry to the Salesian Sisters asking just what their adoption program was all about. Having been raised Catholic, and having attended Catholic grade school, obviously, I have an affinity for nuns. Even though one or two of the nuns that taught me were rather strict, for the most part, I always felt loved and cherished by them. The love that shone from their eyes, at least to me, during those formulative years remains with me to this day.
Sr. Mary Rinaldi of their Development Office called me after receiving my letter to explain their program. Upon adopting a Sister, that Sister will pray for you, your family, or whomever you choose, as needed, along with other programs they have as well. And by adopting a Sister, she can remain with her Order throughout her retirement, forever. So, not only would I benefit from this adoption, so would my "sister." What a fabulous concept.
My adopted Sister is Sr. Gloria Machado FSM, and she lives in Tampa, Florida at the St. John Convent connected to that area's Salesian Sisters Order. We immediately began corresponding a bit, and I felt I could share anything with her, which I did. No matter what the situation in my life ~ good, bad or indifferent, Sr. Gloria wrote back talking of God's Love for all His children, reminding me to look to Him for solace and the answers I was seeking. She was right. Of course! She also said how she would keep me in her prayers, and you know, that really made all the difference in the world to me at the time, and to this day.
The Mission of the Salesian Sisters, Priests, and Brothers is to educate the young, especially the poor. Their very title was chosen by St. John Bosco because of the esteem he had for St. Frances de Sales, and his desire that his Sisters, Priests, and Brothers imitate the kind and gentle ways of this saint.
The Salesian Sisters are celebrating their Centennial this April ~ "Celebrating Youth...Building The Future" ~ their motto for 100 years of dedicated service here in the U.S. ~ all beginning with four Sisters who arrived in the U.S. from Italy in 1908, serving the poorest of the poor, the neediest of the needy, whether in spirit or financially ~ of which I include myself at times.
They have also published a book about their work ~ "The Yes Lives On" detailing their years of faithful work. If you seek a comforting, nurturing presence in your life, I highly recommend you "adopt" a Salesian Sister ~ there is no faith requirement. A Sister who has given her life to serve others, and now who can be honored by us "serving" her.
The National InterFaith Council honors the Salesian Sisters for their loving care toward others by bestowing our "Beacon of Light" Holy Spirit Award to them this Spring. They truly are an organization that not only "renews" the spirit of others, but shines that renewing spirit each and every day with their adoptive families. We send them our most heartfelt blessings and love. Please visit them and be renewed!
