A global awareness campaign has been launched by Catholic Mission as part of World Mission Month, inspired by words from the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis highlighted his passion for the Pontifical Mission Societies, known in Australia as Catholic Mission, saying the mission is at the heart and identity of the church, and the worldwide network reflects the rich variety of the “people with a thousand faces”.
“Catholic Mission is part of that global network. We are with all the communities, in every corner of the world,” says Catholic Mission National Director, Fr Brian Lucas.
“World Mission Month is a time when Catholics all over the world join to support and celebrate global missionary work.”
This year World Mission Month in October focuses on the essential work of priests, religious and lay missionaries in Cambodia, supporting people with disability and their families.
For over 20 years, Bishop Enrique “Kike” Figaredo Alvargonzalez and his team in the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang have been working to advocate for people with disability, providing support such as healthcare, food, financial assistance and education.
Bishop “Kike” also features in an inspirational video produced by Catholic Mission, that connects mission partners across the world. More than 30 missionaries based in over 25 different countries speak of hope in a variety of languages. At its heart though, the video, launched as part of World Mission Month, has a simple message, but with great impact: we are still here.
Some of the other voices include Sr Veronica Cibaric; Sr Francise Frauggia; Cardinal Charles Maung Bo; Fr Theobald Muchunguzi; Fr Anton Grech; and Jose Maria Cantal Rivas OMP.
“Missionaries around the world remain dedicated to serving their communities,” says Fr Brian.
“They are the people with a thousand faces, comforting the lives of some the most vulnerable communities, like Bishop “Kike”, they are saying we are still here, doing our best to keep vital life-changing projects running.”
Catholic Mission is the Australian agency of the Pontifical Mission Societies – the Catholic Church’s global organisation dedicated to continuing Jesus Christ’s mission in the world: that all may have life to the full.
Founded in Sydney in 1847, Catholic Mission contributes funding and project support to critical church-run initiatives in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America. These include spiritual formation, pastoral care, education, health, sanitation and agricultural programs. Here in Australia, we form people to go out and be missionary in their professional and personal lives; to pray, advocate and take action for those on the margins. Catholic Mission has offices in 27 Australian dioceses.
You can help Catholic Mission support people with disability and their families. Visit www.catholicmission/cambodia for more information.
With thanks to Catholic Mission.
