Mother Mary Hughes: Protector of the Homeless

Receipt from Mother Mary Hughes for the US$5,000 contribution by Master.

For over six decades, “Mother” Mary Hughes has collected and laundered clothing and blankets and distributed them to the homeless to help them survive and to feel comforted. Over this time, her work has been honored by four Georgia Governors and two US Presidents, and greatly appreciated by the people she cares for, who often shed tears of love and gratitude upon seeing her. At age 94, Mary Hughes declared unconvincingly that she “hopes to retire this year” from her lifelong passion.

On December 8, Golden Year 5 (2008), Mother Mary Hughes’ 95th birthday, Supreme Master Ching Hai granted her the Shining World Compassion Award for her pure-hearted love and life of selfless sacrifice. Presented by our Association members, the beautiful Award plaque was accompanied by a US$5,000 offering from Master to aid Ms. Hughes’ cause and to assist her in her retirement, along with a letter of admiration from Master that read, “Your sacrificing nature for the wellbeing of these wonderful men, women and children reminds us of humanity’s central role in protecting all of God’s children…. Thank you “Mother” for uplifting our world with your inspirational example of love in action.”

Through God’s grace, may Mother Mary Hughes continue her compassionate service to the less fortunate for many years to come.