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History |
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In 1887, Miss Mary Virginia Merrick founded the Christ Child Society, as a national volunteer service organization dedicated to helping children in need. Miss Merrick was born on November 2, 1866 to a prominent Washington, D.C. family. Given her family’s privileged circumstances, Mary could have expected a comfortable life. At the age of 16, Mary suffered a fall from the family play house, and was confined to her bed or wheel chair for the remaining 72 years of her life. It was in her suffering that she turned with confidence and love to God, seeking his guidance. Mary refused to let her physical discomfort interfere with her working on behalf of needy children. Immobilized on her back, she stitched with infinite patience the first layette, comprised of clothing and necessities, for a child in poverty. As a bystander, Mary had observed the extreme poverty of Washington during the 1880’s. The district was a place of unpaved roads, slums, filth and destitute children—and not one of widespread social outreach. It was against the backdrop that Mary set in motion a vision of philanthropy that would result in a nationwide membership of volunteers — over 8,000 strong—working through a federation of chapters to assist America’s neediest families. Mary possessed a deep, simple faith. ‘To see the Christ Child in every child and serve Him’, was her vision.
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Christ Child Society of Texas, Capital Area
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Mary Virginia Merrick , 1866-1955
DECLARED A SERVANT OF GOD BY THE CONGREGATION OF THE CAUSES OF SAINTS (APRIL 2003) |
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The Christ Child Society is pleased to announce that our founder, Mary Virginia Merrick, has been declared a "Servant of God." This is the first step toward Canonization. We invite you to read more about our founder on the National Christ Child Society website. Click Here to read more.
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