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"The Miracles of Mercy": The Story of Mrs. Irene Auberlin
(Page 2)
At first glance, Mrs. Irene Auberlin did not seem unlike any other housewife in Detroit in the 1950’s. Yet after watching a television program during the Korean War in 1953 that featured a blue eyed, biracial, Korean orphan, it was clear that Mrs. Auberlin was extraordinary in that took decisive action to help this one child. She began to call herself a, “world class beggar,” because she asked anyone who would listen for supplies. She collected diapers, cribs, clothing, formula, and anything else that could be given to the Korean orphanage. Her own home became the office, warehouse, and shipping point for the tons of donations that poured in from those inspired by both a hopeless child and a determined woman.
Mrs. Auberlin shipped three barrels of baby items to the Star of the Sea Hospital and Orphanage in Inchon, South Korea. Sister Philomena, the nun who ran the orphanage, wrote Mrs. Auberlin to thank her for her extraordinary efforts. Sister Philomena’s encouragement drove Mrs. Auberlin to continue collecting supplies and other resources to meet the needs of the orphanage. Mrs. Auberlin placed this ad in the Detroit-area newspapers:
Wanted: Persons of all ages to invest money here to gain a hundred fold in Heaven. Every investment guaranteed. Earthly dividends are the thanks of orphans in Inchon, Korea. Investments may be made by sending money orders to Sister Philomena, CSP, Star of the Sea Hospital and Orphanage, APO971 San Francisco, California.
The response to the clever and compelling classified ad was overwhelmingly positive, and many Detroiters donated money and supplies to Mrs. Auberlin’s cause. The story of the Korean orphans and Mrs. Auberlin’s determination spread quickly throughout Michigan and other states, and even more supplies poured in for the children. Using a list of items that Sister Philomena needed, Mrs. Auberlin asked doctors, hospital administrators, and pharmaceutical suppliers to help her turn, “the sins of waste into the miracle of mercy worldwide.” Mr. Auberlin repaired the donated medical equipment that was given.
The Story Continues...
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