1. No category

WALL OF KINDNESS
Wall of Kindness
appeared in an Iranian city to
help the poor.
“If you don’t need it,
leave it.
If you need it,
take it.”
For more information on the Wall of Kindness read article on back cover of this week’s bulletin.
Page 2
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
January 3, 2016
My dear sisters and brothers,
Mis queridas hermanas y hermanos,
Happy, Holy, Healthy New Year! Shakespeare once
said, “I can no other answer make but thanks, and
thanks, and ever thanks.” This was a wonderful
season of giving and receiving all because of you.
It is not over, this birthing. There are always newer
skies into which God can throw stars. When we
begin to think that we can predict the movements
of God, that we can box the Christ in a stable at
Bethlehem, and put him away for another year,
that’s just the time God will be revealed in a place
we can’t imagine or won’t believe. Those who daily
wait for God watch with their heart not their eyes.
Let us focus this year on our language – the power
of our words.
Feliz, Santo, y saludable Año Nuevo! Shakespeare dijo
una vez: "No puedo tener otra respuesta, sino que dar
gracias, gracias, y siempre gracias." Esta ha sido una
maravillosa temporada de dar y recibir y todo gracias a
ti. Este no es el fin, --este nacimiento. Siempre hay
nuevos cielos en los que Dios puede lanzar estrellas.
Cuando empezamos a pensar que se puede predecir
los movimientos de Dios, que podemos encajonar a
Cristo en un establo en Belén, y ponerlo fuera de
nosotros, por un año más, esto es sólo el tiempo en
que Dios se revelará en algún lugar, que no podemos
imaginar o creer. A aquellos que a diario esperan ver a
Dios con el corazón y no sus ojos.
Vamos a enfocarnos este año en nuestro idioma - el
poder de nuestras palabras.
It is not always easy to…
Apologize
Begin over
Take advice
Be unselfish
Keep on trying
Be considerate
Think and then out
Profit by mistakes
Forgive
Shoulder a blame
There can be no healing of the earth, no reform of
state or Church, no restoration of the unity and
felicity of family, no beauty in the arts or
entertainment industry, no reality in the media, no
truly liberal education, no city civility, no mindful
work, no renewal of humanity unless there is a
radical renewal of language. The most corrupting
influence in the world today – and the most
tolerated – is verbal pollution, a pollution begun in
childhood and fostered at home, on the streets, in
school, in the marketplace, in Congress, in the
White House, in churches, sports, and even
between lovers. The most gruesomely grotesque
feature of our cultural decline is the ugly shambles
of our language.
May our mouths proclaim the good things God has
done for us, is doing with us, and will do through
us.
With my love and affection,
Fr. Rich, SS.CC.
No siempre es fácil…
Pedir perdón
Comenzar de nuevo
Oír consejos
Ser generoso
Seguir intentando
Ser considerado
Pensar y luego actuar
Aprender de los errores
Perdonar
Echarnos al hombro una culpa
No puede haber una sanación de la Tierra, ninguna
reforma del Estado o de la Iglesia, ni la restauración de
la unidad y la felicidad de la familia, ni hay belleza en
el arte o la industria del entretenimiento, ni la realidad
en los medios de comunicación, ni hay educación
verdaderamente liberal, ni la urbanidad de la ciudad, ni
hay trabajo consciente, ni renovación de la humanidad
a menos que haya una renovación radical del
lenguaje. La influencia más corruptora en el mundo de
hoy - y la mas tolerada - es la contaminación verbal,
una contaminación que comenzó en la infancia y se
fomenta en el hogar, en las calles, en la escuela, en el
mercado, en el Congreso, en la Casa Blanca, en las
iglesias, deportes, e incluso entre los que se aman. La
característica más horriblemente grotesca de nuestra
decadencia cultural es el caos horrible de nuestra
lengua.
Que nuestras bocas proclamen las buenas cosas que
Dios ha hecho por nosotros, está haciendo en
nosotros y lo que hará a través de nosotros.
Con amor y cariño,
Fr. Rich, SS.CC.
January 3, 2016
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Page 3
HOLY SANTO NINO
SATURDAY, JANUARY 2
Jackie Bristow
8:30 AM D
5:00 PM
C
Alice Layman, Angelita Soto, Dolores Baca, Int.
Clare & Dan Eubanks
SUNDAY, JANUARY 3
8:00 AM WM Pauline Morales, Mary Rose Moore,
10:00 AM C
12:30 PM
5:00 PM
D
D
The Holy Name of Mary Feast of Santo Nino (Infant
Jesus) will be celebrated at the 10 AM mass on January
17, 2016. Please bring your image of Santo Nino and join
us at the courtyard at 9:30 AM. We will have a procession
around the courtyard and then process in before Fr. Rich
to the altar. We encourage you to wear your Filipiniana
attire but any attire is welcome.
All Parishioners are welcome to join us.
There will be a reception at the Pavilion after mass.
Encarnacion & Gregoria Sandoval, Int. Ron &
Jan Martindale
Salvatore Vasta, Anita Platania, Int. Saldana
Family, Mass for peace for the world
Salvador Velasco
People of the Parish
MONDAY, JANUARY 4
8:30 AM WM Int. Residents of Brookdale, Andre Laurent,
Salvatore Vasta
TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
Int. Jovencio Custodio
8:30 AM D
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6
8:30 AM PD Michael Ornelas
6:30 PM
D
People of the Parish
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7
8:30 AM PD People of the Parish
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
Int. Fr. Bill Moore
8:30 AM D
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9
Alice Layman, Julio & MaryLou Escobedo, Lisa
5:00 PM
D
Odeh
In Memoriam
ERIC GUERREROg
HELEN SCEGLIO g
D ANNY M AZRAANI g
Next Week Priest Mass Schedule:
Sat. 5:00—D,
Sun. 8—D, 10—D, 12:30—VP, 5:00—WM
Presider Key* C=Cronin D=Danyluk PD=Peter Dennis
WM=Bill Moore M= Donal McCarthy VP=Visiting Priest
*Schedule subject to change
PASTORAL OFFICE SCHEDULE
Monday, Jan. 18th—CLOSED
HORARIO PASTORAL DE OFICINA
el lunes, 18 de enero—Cerradó
Warm Hands and
Warm Hearts
Socks and Mitten Drive
Beginning January 1st, we will be
collecting NEW socks, mittens
and underwear for the many
men, women and children who
are in need at this time. All sizes
for all ages are needed.
Thank you for your care and concern for others.
WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday 5 PM, and 1st Saturday 8:30 AM (English)
Sunday 8 AM, 10 AM & 5 PM (English);
Sunday 12:30 PM (Español)
WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE
Monday—Friday 8:30 AM (English)
1st Wednesday 6:30 PM (Español)
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday 3:30 PM (English)
4th Wednesday of the month, 7:00 PM (Español)
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Holy Name of Mary Parish is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Please do not leave your purses or valuables unattended.
Page 4
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
WISE MEN STILL
SEEK HIM…
Life is filled with all kinds
of “epiphanies” –
manifestations of God’s
love in our lives.
Epiphanies can take
place over time and can
occur when we least
expect them. The
challenge is to keep our gaze fixed on the right “stars”
that lead us to finding Christ in our own Bethlehems
and Jerusalems. In the new year before us, may we
behold the many everyday epiphanies in which we
rediscover the love of God in our midst.
DE Colores!!
Have you heard of Cursillo? Would you like to know
more? We have a monthly meeting called Ultreya
where you can find out. Ultreya is held every fourth
(4th) Friday of the month. Please join us in the St.
Frances Room (ff 201) in the Sacred Hearts Hall. We
meet from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Hope to see you there.
January 3, 2016
Please Pray for the sick and the
suffering:
Madalyn Gentile, Charles Uhl, Terri Jackson,
Cookie Riniti, Mercy Bubalo, Marion Storti,
Bob Charles, Ron Chalman, Nora Wang,
Elena Wessel, Michael L. Cooper, Angelita Tesoro, Amelia Castillo,
Raymond Ruiz, Helen Calderon, Jerry Sterewalt, Lauren Paine,
Tony Quintero, Jim Guest, Kathy Stevens, Jarrett Jara, Violeta
Hernandez, Melinda Zamora, Nina Landaverri, Joan Ingram, Joe
Rosales, Carole & Bill Durban, Amelia Ventura, Louis Benavidas,
Margie Sanchez, Rick Garrett, Raymond Ruiz, Damacio Marquez,
Gloria Marquez, Berna Vigil, Terri Montez, Fr. Richard Hoynes,
Ramela Clutario, Wendy Peterson, Laurie Tandenberger, Joanie
Barone, Sonya de Hart, Miguel Perez, Carlos Lozano, Peter A.
Morales, Laura Oulages, Harlen Campa, Inez Sarrail, Olga Bennett,
Wendy Peterson Jennifer Caballero and Baby Grayson Ignacio.
RESPECT LIFE ROSARY
Friday, January 22nd, 2016 marks the 43rd anniversary of the Roe V. Wade
Supreme Court decision. The Knights of Columbus San Gabriel Valley Chapter
will once again hold their annual Respect Life Rosary in front of the Ninth Circuit
Court of Appeals Building located at 125 S. Grand Avenue, Pasadena, CA
91105. This peaceful one-hour event will begin at 12-noon and should conclude by
1 PM. All are invited to attend and pray the Rosary. Contact David Flores at
(626) 422-3211 or [email protected], or Tim O’Donnell at (818) 731-4983 or
[email protected] for further information.
For more information, contact:
Rita Austin at 909-593-9403.
Dates:
Friday, January 29th (12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 30th (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Where:
Church Parking Lot
124 S. San Dimas Canyon Road
San Dimas, CA 91773
To schedule for a free pick-up of larger TVS &
Appliances, call: (909) 518-7943.
Make sure to mention it is for:
HOLY NAME OF MARY!!!
Electronic Items Accepted:
Computer Monitors • PC Systems • UPS • Cell Phones
Television sets • Laptops • Printers • Fax Machines
Cameras • Copiers • LCD’s • Vacuums • Plasma TV’s
Scanners • VCR’s • DVD’s • Appliances
NO BATTERIES AND FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS
Large Household Appliances are Welcome.
PICK UP ONLY
Brought to you by Holy Name of Mary School &
Greenway Recycling
(CEWID #106269)
January 3, 2016
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Page 5
EUCHARISTIC
MINISTER TRAINING
Have you been thinking
about serving as a
Eucharistic Minister? The
winter class is scheduled for
Saturday, January 9 from
8:30 am-12:00 noon in
Rooms 201 and 201 of the Faith Formation Building;
and Monday, January 11 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm in the
church. Please plan on attending both classes. We look
forward to serving with you. Please RSVP to Joan
Chung, 909-599-9707 or Jan Martindale 626-331-6073.
To submit an article for the parish bulletin email it to
[email protected] The article must
be a word or publisher file. Due to holiday deadlines,
please submit articles 2 weeks in advance.
Adult
Confirmation
Adult Confirmation is
beginning again soon! If
you are an adult, 18 or
older, and have not
completed your
sacraments, we invite you to join us to receive the
sacrament of Confirmation! Adult Confirmation classes
begin on Tuesday, January 20 from 7:15 to
8:45pm. Class fee is $50.00. Also, if you have
completed your initiation process and would like to be a
Sponsor to one of our candidates, please come and join
us...we always need sponsors who are willing to share
their faith and walk the journey with our Candidates
who will be receiving this sacrament. To register,
please call Charlie Martinez at (909) 599-1243 ext. 140.
Clases de Confirmación para
Adultos comienzan pronto!
Si usted es un adulto, mayor de 18 años, y no ha
completado sus sacramentos, le invitamos a unirse a
nosotros para recibir el sacramento de la Confirmación!
Clases de Confirmación para adultos comienzan el
Jueves, 21 de enero 7:00-9:00pm. Favor de traer copias
de sus certificados de bautismo y primera
communion. Costo de la clase es de
$50.00. Además, si usted ha completado su proceso de
iniciación y quiere ser un padrino/madrina de uno de
nuestros candidatos, por favor, venga a la primera
clase ... siempre necesitamos padrinos/madrinas que
están dispuestos a compartir su fe con nuestros
candidatos. Para registrarse, por favor llame a Charlie
Martinez (909) 599-1243 ext. 140.
Winter Shelter
February 1st through 15th 2016
This February 2016 Holy Name of Mary
will be hosting a winter
shelter for the homeless. Items we are collecting now: New
or slightly used bath towels and
new travel sized shampoo,
conditioner, soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes,
women's personal hygiene items, shaving cream and
disposable razors. All items can be brought to the parish
office attention Winter Shelter.
HNM MARRIAGE MINISTRY PRESENTS:
DATES For Catholic Couples
Caring for your marriage begins with making Ɵme for
each other
Have a date with your spouse.
Cost: $15 per couple (includes book)
Dates: Jan. 11, Feb. 22, Mar. 14, Apr.11
Time: 7-9pm
Where: HNM Church, in the new Hall
For inquiries:
Carlos and Agnes Salazar
(951)313-7458
Dave and Giselle Smith (909)229-0889
Page 6
THE HOLY FAMILY, MARY, JOSEPH AND JESUS
Wise women also
came.
The fire burned in
their wombs
long before they saw
the flaming star in the
sky.
They walked in
shadows,
trusting the path
would open
under the light of the moon.
Wise women also came,
seeking no directions,
no permission from any king.
They came by their own authority, their own
desire,
their own longing.
They came in quiet,
spreading no rumors,
sparking no fears
to lead to innocents’ slaughter,
to their sister Rachel’s inconsolable
lamentations.
Wise women also came,
and they brought useful gifts:
Water for labor’s washing,
fire for warm illumination,
a blanket for swaddling.
Wise women also came,
at least three of them,
holding Mary in the labor,
crying out with her
in the birth pangs,
breathing ancient blessings
into her ears.
Wise women also came,
and they went,
as wise women always do,
home a different way.
During the month of November, we celebrated our
Mass of Remembrance for our loved ones. If you
brought a picture in to display during the month,
you may pick it up in the Pastoral Office. God
bless you and thank you so much for sharing these
photos with us.
December 27, 2015
For the 2016 year
Holy Name of Mary
has created a parish
calendar.
If you
would like to have a
HNM calendar we
are asking for a $5
donation
per
calendar to off-set the printing cost. Please
stop by the Parish Office today to get your
There comes a time in your life, when you walk
away from all the drama and people who create
it. You surround yourself with people who
make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on
the good. Love the people who treat you right,
pray for the ones who don’t. Life is too short
to be anything but happy. Falling down is part
of life, getting back up is living.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The Shield Men’s group wants a few good men!
Wait, what am I saying! Shield wants a whole bunch of
good men! Young or (ahem!) mature. Come find good
friends, Catholic fellowship and an
increased spirituality.
Any Tuesday evening, 7PM
in the Day Chapel.
No cost or obligation.
Just a great welcome!
Preparing and
Sharing the Sunday
Readings Online
Reading next Sunday's
readings during the week ahead
prepares us to absorb the Word of God into our lives. There
are no meetings because we prepare and share online via
email. You will receive the readings on Monday and you can
share your responses to the reflection questions with the rest
of the group. This is a wonderful way to pray with the
scriptures.
January 3, 2016
THE EIPHANY OF THE LORD
Did you miss last year’s OneLife LA? You
won’t want to miss this year! On January
23, 2016, join Archbishop Gomez and tens
of thousands in downtown Los Angeles for
the second annual OneLife LA, an event
celebrating the beauty and dignity of every
human life from conception to natural
death. Beginning at 12:00pm at La Placita/
Olvera St., we will walk to Grand Park for a
family-friendly day of inspiring speakers, live music,
entertainment, food trucks, and exhibits from
community organizations serving those in need. The
Requiem Mass for the Unborn at the Cathedral will
follow at 5pm.
¿Se perdió el evento UnaVida LA el año pasado? ¡No
puede perdérselo este año! El 23 de enero 2016,
únete al Arzobispo Gómez y decenas de miles de
personas en el centro de Los Ángeles para el
segundo evento anual UnaVida LA, un evento que
celebra la belleza y la dignidad de cada ser humano
desde la concepción hasta la muerte natural.
Comenzando al mediodía en La Placita/Olvera St.,
caminaremos hacia Grand Park para un día familiar
donde habrán conferencistas, música en vivo,
entretenimiento, camiones de comida, y puestos de
organizaciones comunitarias que sirven a personas
necesitadas. Concluiremos con la Misa de “Réquiem
para los No Nacidos” en la catedral a las 5PM.
Please email Ministry if you wish to attend event. The
ministry would like to reserve a bus for a group of
individuals. [email protected] Limited
seating and a fee of approximately $20.00 for each rider
Queen of Peace Rosary Group
You are invited to join us on Thursday evening
Dec 10, 2015
Fr. Bill Moore, SS.CC.
Adoration, prayers & worship We meet in the
Sacred Hearts Hall Room 206 – 207 Starts at 6:45 pm .
Celebrate Every Body!
Jackie Bristow Memorial
5K Run/Walk and Munchkin Mile
Saturday, January 9, 2016
San Dimas Civic Center
Start time 8am for Munchkin Mile,
8:30am for 5K
More info and online registration at
www.jackiememorial.org
Jackie Bristow grew up in San Dimas and attended
Holy Name of Mary and St. Lucy’s High School. Here at
Holy Name Parish, Jackie was an altar server and sang
in the teen choir. While at St. Lucy’s, Jackie ran cross
country for three years, and graduated at the top of her
class in 2006. Jackie passed away on January 1, 2008
from complications related to an eating disorder. She
was only 19 years old.
Page 7
MARRIED COUPLES!
THE PERFECT GIFT!
Didn’t find that perfect gift under the tree?
The gift that will be the best gift you have
ever given to your spouse – The one that
will forever bring a smile to each of your
faces when you think of that gift? HOW ABOUT A
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND?
Put a completed application form under the tree with a
bow on top. The next weekend dates are Jan. 22-24,
and March 11-13. For more information, please contact
Cameron and Barbara Troxell at (909) 621-5724.
Newlyweds — you’ve embarked on a journey that is
at the heart of a civilization of love and life.
Now is the time to grow and strengthen the beautiful gift
of love that God has given you in the unity of marriage.
If you’ve been married for up to 5 years,
join us for Newlyweds 101: God Centric – a marriage enrichment program.
Newlyweds 101: God Centric
Series of 6 Monthly Friday Sessions from
January 22 – June 24, 2016
For more information:
archla.org/newlyweds101
or contact Candy Metoyer
[email protected] | 213.637.7250
724 East Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773
Pastor
Fr. Rich Danyluk, SS.CC. Ext. 114 [email protected]
Director of Pastoral Ministry
Charlie Martinez Ext. 140 [email protected]
Director of Administration
Pat Joyce Ext. 112 [email protected]
Grief Support Minister, Liturgy & Weddings
Brenda Luna Ext. 137 [email protected]
Director of Music
Dolores Gomez Ext. 135 [email protected]
Parish Secretary
Deborah Lamborghini Ext. 110 [email protected]
Administrative Assistant
Michele Cote Ext. 199 [email protected]
Communications Coordinator
Gabby Ulloa Ext. 136 [email protected]
St. Vincent de Paul Conf. Ext. 138
Phone: (909) 599–1243 • FAX: (909) 599–4230
Website: HNMparish.org • Email:
Holy Name of Mary School
124 S. San Dimas Canyon Road, San Dimas, CA 91773
Phone: (909) 542–0449 • holynamemaryschool.org
Principal, Holy Name of Mary School
Deborah Marquez Ext. 226 [email protected]
Deacons
Marv Estey Ext. 177
Al & Rita Austin (RCIA) Ext. 110
Jose & Maria Guadamuz Ext. 171
Mario & Irene Lopez Ext. 110
Coordinator of Catechetical Programs
Melanie Bailey
Ext. 232 [email protected]
Youth Minister & Confirmation Coordinator
Candice Brown
Ext. 234 [email protected]
Religious Education Administrative Assistant
Serving Senior Living Communities: Brookdale, Hillcrest, Casa Bonita, San Dimas Retirement & Atria
Serving Camps: Afflerbaugh, Paige & Rockey
This Week’s Events at Holy Name of Mary
MONDAY, JANUARY 4
8:30 AM MASS
9:00 AM SS.CC. Assembly
5:45 PM Miracle Monday Rosary
6:30 PM Deacons Meeting
7:00 PM Hispanic Ministry
7:00 PM Alcoholic Anonymous
TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
8:30 AM MASS
10:00 AM Tuesday Rosary Group
9:30 AM School Board Executive Board Mtg
6:00 PM Lectors Practice—Spanish
6:00 PM Men’s Shield Steering Committee
6:30 PM Teen EM Training
6:30 PM PTG Board Meeting
6:45 PM Life Teen Core Meeting
7:00 PM Men's Shield Weekly meeting
7:00 PM Spanish Adult Faith Formation
7:00 PM Lectors’ Monthly Meeting—Spanish
7:30 PM Choir Practice—Adult English
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6
8:30 AM MASS
5:30 PM Adult Faith Formation—Spanish
6:30 PM MASS
7:00 PM Marriage Ministry—Spanish
7:00 PM School Dinner Dance Committee
7:00 PM R.C.I.A
7:00 PM Maravillas de Jesus
7:00 PM Centering Prayer
CHURCH
Hall
LIB
MC
OLG
Faculty Room
CHURCH
Chapel
MC
CHURCH
MC
Damien Room
J5
FF 208
FF 206 & 207
FF 209
OLG
CHURCH
CHURCH
Damien Room
CHURCH
FF 206 & 207
LIB
Damien Room
FF 205
Workroom
For Wedding and Marriage Information please
contact Brenda Luna at 909-599-1243 ext. 137.
For Annulment Information please contact
Charlie Martinez at 909-599-1243 ext. 140.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7
8:30 AM Mass
5:00 PM Children’s Choir—Spanish
6:15 PM SS.CC. Secular Healing Mass
6:15 PM Spanish Bible Institute
7:00 PM Spanish Study Group
7:00 PM Prayer Shawl Ministry
7:00 PM Prayer Shawl Ministry—Spanish
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
8:30 AM Mass—Blessing of the Babies
7:00 PM Maravillas de Jesús
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9
8:30 AM Communion Service
8:30 AM Eucharistic Ministers
10:00 AM Baptisms—English
10:00 AM Prayer Shawl Ministry
3:30 PM RECONCILIATION
5:00 PM MASS
CHURCH
Music Office
CHURCH
FF 208 & 209
FF 203
OLG
MC
CHURCH
Chpel, FF203,204
CHURCH
FF 201, 202
CHURCH
MC
CHURCH
CHURCH
PLEASE NOTE:
Adoration: Monday—Saturday at 6am in the Church
Please refer to your Scout’s Calendar for your meeting times &
locations.
Centering Prayer: Monday—Friday at 8am in the Chapel
Please refer to your Faith Formation Calendar for class schedule.
Rosary Group: Monday-Friday 9am Chapel
Early Morning Adoration
Weekday Mornings 6:00 AM— 8:30 AM
Sign-up Sheet in the Narthex of the Church.
Liturgy of the Hours
Monday – Saturday after Adoration Exposition
Iranians spontaneously create 'walls of kindness' to help the homeless
Faced with cold weather and a troubled
economic situation, Iranians are organizing
spontaneous outdoor charity drives.
But the "walls of kindness" appearing in major
Iranian cities have also generated a debate online
about efforts to help the poor.
The idea seems to have started in the northeastern city of Mashhad, where someone installed
a few hooks and hangers on a wall, next to the
words: "If you don't need it, leave it. If you need it,
take it." Donations of coats, trousers and other
warm clothing started to appear.
The person who initially set up what came to
be known as the "wall of kindness" wishes to
remain anonymous, according to a local
newspaper. But the idea quickly spread to other
cities, fueled by thousands of Iranians on social
media.
The drive increased in popularity as severe
cold weather recently engulfed the country. Photos
of walls across the country have been posted by
several users, who are asking their fellow citizens
not to "let any [homeless people] shiver in the cold
this winter."
"This is a great initiative. Hope it spreads
across Iran," said one Facebook user. "Walls
remind us of distance but in some streets in Shiraz
they brought people closer to each
other," said another, citing the southern city where
the second such wall sprung up.
However, some have taken this spontaneous
show of charity as a sign that the government isn't
living up to its pledges.
"People are helping each other out in a country
with so much wealth. Those in charge seem not to
share similar concerns as that of the people," said
one Facebook user. "If only we had wise and caring
statesmen, we would not have a single needy
person in this country with this amount wealth we
have," another one complained.
Despite promises of a better future by Iran's
President Hassan Rouhani and the government's
efforts to bring the country out of its international
isolation following the landmark nuclear deal in
July, Iran is still grappling with a recession, the
effects of sanctions and sluggish employment.
Many ordinary Iranians are badly affected by the
situation and reports say that the number of the
homeless in major cities has risen as a result.
Official figures suggest that around 15,000 are
homeless in Iran, although other reports say there's
that many in the capital alone and that the total
figure is much higher. Various official organizations
are in charge of providing welfare to the homeless,
who are described in Iran as "cardboard sleepers."
But there are questions about how transparent
and effective these initiatives are, which partially
explains why people have decided to take the
matter into their own hands.
"We need to do it ourselves. Life is too short.
Be kind as much as you can," one Instagram
user said. One comment on Facebook read: "We,
the people, are the media. By sharing [photos] of
these kindness walls, we showed that we make the
news, if we are resilient."
The "wall of kindness" idea is similar to
another citizen-driven initiative, called "Payan-e
Kartonkhabi", ("ending homelessness"), where
fridges have popped up on city streets so that
people can leave food for the homeless.
BBC December 20, 2015