Compassion is Our Passion…

Ranked a great virtue in numerous religions and philosophies, compassion is considered in all the major religions as among the greatest of virtues. More vigorous than empathy, compassion commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate another's suffering. It is often, though not inevitably, the key component in what manifests in the social context as altruism. The English noun compassion, literally meaning to suffer together with, comes from Latin roots. Compassion is thus related in origin, form and meaning to the English noun patient (one who suffers).

At the Father Fred Foundation we are driven by our desire to demonstrate the virtue of compassion. As a volunteer or donor, you can participate in that compassion. Your gift empowers us to reach out and touch the lives of hundreds who cross our threshold every week seeking relief from their suffering and circumstances. Your interest in our work, your desire to help us with your gift makes you a co-participant in the corporal acts of mercy that are done here every day on your behalf and to benefit the poor of our region.

As we celebrate this season of re-birth, we are encouraged. Here at the Father Fred Foundation we are actively engaged in looking at the weaknesses of others with compassion, not accusation. It's not what they're not doing or should be doing that's the issue. The issue is our own chosen response to the situation and what we should be doing. If you start to think the problem is "out there," stop yourself. That thought is the problem. Join us in making compassion, your passion.

Be blessed and be a blessing to others,

Fr. Iakovos