Awiapo told his story of struggle and hope when he visited the Diocese in March to promote the CRS Lenten Rice Bowl program.
“I have been a recipient of the good works of CRS Rice Bowl,” Awiapo told an audience of more than 150 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on March 11. “It’s important to come back, put a face to the issue and say thank you to all the people who have sacrificed and contributed so much money for people who are struggling around the world.”
Surrounded by poverty and famine, Awiapo’s search for food led him to a CRS sponsored school. He had to walk five miles every day to get to the school. With no food at home, the only nourishment he would receive is the food provided by the school. He continued attending the school, excelled and was awarded scholarships to attend college.
“If that little snack was never offered in my school, I never would have gone near that school and I would not be here today,” Awiapo said. “I am now blessed with a wife and four children and my children have never known what it means to go hungry. Some might ask, how did that change come about? I would say that it is the power of 40 years of CRS Rice Bowl.”
Today, Awiapo shares his story, inspiring people wherever he goes to support Catholic Relief Services by participating in the Rice Bowl program.
Aside from speaking at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Awiapo and Sergio Lopez of CRS also spoke at Resurrection Academy, Fontana and Sacred Heart Parish, Rancho Cucamonga.
“Sometimes people wonder if this really makes a difference, and the answer is yes,” Awaipo said. “I am a living testimony of what CRS Rice Bowl has done in my life and in the lives of so many others.”
This year marks the 40th anniversary of CRS Rice Bowl, the largest and oldest Lenten program used by millions of Catholics across the United States known for its iconic and symbolic cardboard “rice bowl.”
The program has evolved over multiple generations to become a tradition for Catholic families, parishes and religious educators. Since its inception, millions of Catholics have contributed alms totaling $250 million to support efforts that fight poverty and hunger in dioceses across the U.S. and overseas.
“CRS Rice Bowl is a Lenten tradition for Catholics around the United States who use the activities and features to bring relevance to their spiritual journey,” said Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations for CRS. “Pope Francis has renewed the call to put those in need before our own needs. CRS Rice Bowl is a great way to respond.”
Several parishes in the Diocese participate in CRS Rice Bowl in one way or another. Some parishes encourage families to take a bowl home and return it at the end of Lent. Many parishes incorporate the program into religious education and confirmation programs.
This year, St. Mel Parish in Norco began making it a requirement for their third year confirmation teens. Incorporating it as a long-term service project, confirmation candidates follow the calendar of Lenten reflections and actions that come with the cardboard rice bowl. They also watch videos, prepare meatless recipes that come from impoverished countries and answer faith-sharing questions.
“We are trying to get the youth to better understand the global Church and to acknowledge the blessings they can easily take for granted,” said Thomas Jenkins, interim confirmation coordinator at St. Mel.
In his travels throughout the United States, Awiapo works to instill a sense of mission in the people he speaks with, and assures them that every little act makes a difference.
“Solidarity can transform the world,” he said. “There are still millions out there that need hope and compassion, and I think you can bring hope to them through your efforts. Sometimes all it takes is a little act of kindness to change a life.”