Special deliveries made with love

Elders receive pope’s book featuring their stories

Unbound staff around the world enjoyed a little early Christmas by bearing gifts and bringing joy to people who couldn’t be more deserving of it.

It all began with a project initiated by Pope Francis. He had the inspiration to write a book in which he’d engage with elders from around the world, learning from their experiences and entering into a dialogue with them. Because of Unbound’s experience working with elders, the organization was invited to participate in the project and embraced the opportunity.

"Sharing the Wisdom of Time,” published in the fall of 2018 by Loyola Press, featured stories of dozens of elders from across the world, including 23 from Unbound. The book has won numerous awards since its debut. But as gratifying as those things were, the greatest joy for Unbound staff has been in sharing the book with the elders who contributed to it. Throughout 2019, staff members visited elders featured in "Sharing the Wisdom of Time" and presented them with copies of the book. Following are a few of those moments captured in photos.

Coroneria, left, and her husband, Raphael, right, share a smile after being presented with a copy of “Sharing the Wisdom of Time” at their home outside of Meru, Kenya. Happily married for more than 50 years, their story was featured in the book.

Maria was excited to receive her book at her home in Medellin, Colombia. A widow for several years, she lives on what she earns from running a small store and the benefits of her Unbound sponsorship.

Rosa Maria, a retired farmer and potter, holds her copy of “Sharing the Wisdom of Time.” She lives in a community outside Managua, Nicaragua.

Bernard lives in a village outside of Meru, Kenya, where he was presented with his copy of “Sharing the Wisdom of Time.” Blind since he was a small child, Bernard weaves baskets to supplement his income and is helped by his Unbound sponsorship.