Hollywood film star Whoopi Goldberg surprised a group of Catholic nuns by dressing up in a habit and presenting them with a new van and $10,000 towards their work with poor communities in New York City.
The Franciscan Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary are an order of traditionally black sisters who serve the African American community in Harlem. Their apostolates include youth evangelisation, education, palliative care and a food pantry.
Goldberg, who played a nun in one of her more endearing Hollywood roles in the film Sister Act, invited members of the order to appear on her talk show ‘The View’ after witnessing their work providing food parcels for their local community, reported Catholic News Agency.
Speaking to Sister Gertrude Ihenacho, a Nigerian-born sister who serves with the order, Goldberg, who grew up in New York, said: “Now I understand that the biggest challenge you all are facing, when it comes to running the pantry, is keeping enough food stocked to feed the over 20,000 people that you feed a year – is that correct?”
The oscar award-winning actress continued by saying: “Well I think we might have a solution”. She proceeded to explain that Retail Me Not – the digital coupons website – and car manufacturer Toyota were generously donating gifts towards their work.
Sr Gertrude, who could not contain her excitement, jumped up and down, shrieking with delight.
The sisters were in shock of the massive donation! It was one tearful surprise for a group of women who most certainly deserve it.
source:thetablet