World AIDS Day Service

WHO: The Wheaton Franciscans: Canticle Ministries, Canticle Place and Upendo VillageWHAT: Working Together: World AIDS Day Community Prayer Service. The Wheaton Franciscan Sisters’ Justice, Peace and Integrity for Creation Office, Canticle Ministries, Canticle Place and Upendo Village, NFP are partnering to host a prayer service to commemorate the 33rd World AIDS Day in the United States and the 25th service held by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters. WHEN: Monday, December 1, 2014 Service at 7:00 P.M. Refreshments to followWHERE: The Our Lady of the Angels Motherhouse – Chapel, 26W171 Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187WHY: This service is open to the public. While the service is being hosted by ministries of the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters and will take place in their chapel, it is ecumenical and is designed to hold symbolic reverence that pays homage to all those affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and to remember all those who have lost their battle with AIDS. This service is an outlet for those who have been affected by or are living with HIV/AIDS to find a community of support and gain a positive outlook on the future of an AIDS-free generation. In addition to the remembrance and reflective service, the Wheaton Franciscans’ three HIV/AIDS ministries, Canticle Ministries, Canticle Place and Upendo Village, will share their mission and how they are contributing to a future with an AIDS-free generation.NOTE: This is the first service in the past 26 years that includes all three of these ministries. It was planned this way as an answer to the President’s emphasis on utilizing partnerships to make a greater impact and achieve an AIDS-free generation.ABOUT THE MINISTRIES:Upendo VillageUpendo Village is located in Naivasha, Kenya and operates with a clinic, community center and staff house providing resources and support for more than 7,500 people per month affected by HIV/AIDS. Clients are surrounded with loving care, and are given resources and access to programs that improve health, restore self-respect and give hope. Upendo Village, created in 2002 with the dedicated and loving partnership of The Wheaton Franciscan Community and The Assumption Sisters of Nairobi, is an Illinois 501(c)(3) corporation responsible for fund raising and professional oversight of operations. Canticle PlaceCanticle Place is a property offering apartments for persons disabled by HIV/AIDS. It is the first and only property in DuPage County built specifically to meet the needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Canticle Place was created by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters, with Sister Alice leading. Today Canticle Place is a community that fosters a caring environment with quality living for residents to meet all their needs.Canticle MinistriesCanticle Ministries is committed to Human and Community Development in ourselves and our services. We assist individuals and families coping with HIV/AIDS. Canticle Ministries also has opportunities for mentors and volunteers and ways people can help the organization. Throughout the year, Canticle Ministries holds events to commemorate HIV/AIDS achievements and awareness campaigns.