The Army Of Good never fails to surprise me or lift me and others. Today, two big boxes of books from a welcome immigrant program in Maine –  Neighbors In Books – arrived at Bishop Maginn, sent by AOG member Aldona Shumway.

I couldn’t begin to describe how our unofficial but mighty group has helped the refugees and immigrants coming to America, a much more complex and sometimes hostile country than they imagined.

We have shown hundreds of people and scores of families the true heart of America – we love, care, and help.

Thanks, Aldona, for your great heart and good work.

These books are already being distributed and will encourage reading, trust, and community.  They make a huge difference. Last week we brought a carload of prom dresses; next Tuesday, I’m getting a giant jewelry box purchased in thrift stores. Some beautiful stuff.

We donated $7,000 for a goodbye prom to Bishop Maginn as a community. The school is closing, but the refugee program isn’t – we’re going to a new school with Sue Silverstein and the refugees at Bishop Maginn.

Thanks, much, to Aldona and all of you good people. We have done a lot, we have a lot to do. This is what life is about.