Catholic Extension is encouraging young filmmakers to celebrate an "Extension Day" of their own choosing and to film the encounters as part of a video contest sponsored by Catholic Extension. The contest is called "Make Some Noise!" and will award multiple prizes of up to $1,000 for the ministry of the winner's choice and the opportunity to have the winning videos seen by Pope Francis. Extension Day is meant to be a day dedicated to extending the gifts of the Catholic faith through acts of prayer, service or philanthropy. And, because Catholic Extension's mission is to build the church in areas where challenges are great and resources are scarce, part of the intent is that acts extend beyond the typical boundaries of a parish or youth group or similar organization. Videos submitted for the contest should be less than two minutes long, explain the activity chosen for Extension Day, and complete the sentence: "Our Extension Day is extending the church's presence by ..." Videos do not need to be polished; they can be recorded on whatever is available.
Born during the turbulent era of the French Revolution, Saint Jeanne Jugan rose above hardship and a lack of formal schooling to become a profound vessel of Christ’s mercy. After losing her father at a young age and working through her youth as a kitchen maid and nurse, her life radically changed one freezing night when she encountered a blind, paralyzed elderly woman with nowhere to go. Jeanne carried the woman back to her own home, placed her in her own bed, and began a lifelong mission of radical hospitality. This act of profound love blossomed into the Little Sisters of the Poor , a thriving community dedicated to sheltering and honoring the destitute elderly. Despite later facing heavy trials—including being unjustly sidelined and stripped of her leadership by a controlling chaplain—Jeanne accepted her obscurity and exile with a joyful spirit, resting her complete trust in God's hidden providence until her death in 1879. In our daily lives, Saint Jeanne Jugan invites us to lo...