Five loaves and two fish

Fr. Vincent Klein SJ reflects on the joy and generosity of a solidarity Christmas meal organized for isolated and homeless individuals in Marseille. Held at Saint-Cannat due to ongoing renovations at Saint-Ferréol church, the event brought together volunteers of all ages, including high school students, to create a festive and fraternal celebration.

Preparation began weeks in advance, with teams organizing decoration, logistics, catering, and entertainment. On the day, volunteers transformed the church into a banquet hall, setting up tables and festive decorations in just over an hour.

The celebration started with a procession of children and Santa Claus carrying gifts and the poster “Messengers of Peace,” this year’s Advent theme. Among the 120 guests were elderly individuals, families, and people experiencing homelessness. Around 40 high school students volunteered, assisting with service, entertainment, and cleanup.

The meal began with a blessing from Fr. Steves Babooram SJ, rector of Saint-Ferréol, and featured contributions from the solidarity restaurant "Le République," local bakeries, and other businesses. Santa Claus, played by Fr. Vincent de Marcillac SJ, distributed gifts to children and adults, bringing smiles to faces often marked by life’s challenges.

Despite limited resources, the community’s generosity mirrored the miracle of the five loaves and two fish. An abundance of food, gifts, and volunteers created an atmosphere of shared joy. Many high school students, who also serve breakfast to the homeless on Sundays, prepared thoughtful gifts for attendees.

The celebration welcomed people of various faiths and backgrounds, embodying a spirit of inclusion and solidarity. In an era of increasing isolation, this event reminded everyone of the transformative power of generosity and shared humanity. As Fr. Klein notes, “At Christmas, God becomes human and brother to all—an invitation for us to be messengers of this love every day.”