Our Mission Masses throughout 2024 continue and it has been truly wonderful to travel the dioceses, meeting and thanking our Local Secretaries and volunteers! We have been delighted to share the joy of mission with all our supporters. Here are some highlights from the Mass in Salford:
As the Cathedral Church of St John the Evangelist is undergoing restoration, the Mass was arranged by Fr Jan Klaver MHM to be held in the temporary Cathedral.  Missio’s National Director, Fr Anthony Chantry, joined Rev Mgr John Corcoran, our Salford Diocesan Director Dcn Davie Nalikata, and several Mill Hill Missionaries to concelebrate Mass. We joined our supporters and volunteers across the diocese – a wonderful opportunity, as always, to give thanks and express gratitude for all that they do.
In the Gospel of the day – Mark 4:26 – 34 – Jesus explains that the kingdom of God is like a seed sprouting and growing, though nobody can see it happen. Fr Anthony reminded us in his homily that God’s kingdom grows and develops like this – without us necessarily being aware of it. But, he explained, we are not to worry about the growth of the Kingdom. Our job is simply to bloom where God has planted us, carrying out our daily duties and letting the Holy Spirit work.
Praying for Missionaries in Nigeria
Fr Anthony illustrated his theme about God being in control by sharing a story he had heard from Fr Solomon Zaku, Missio’s National Director in Nigeria. Terrorist groups often cause much suffering in Nigeria, and Christians are frequently targeted.
Fr Solomon recalled that he was visiting a local Nigerian parish, but when he arrived the priests and other staff were out. He settled into his accommodation and then headed off to run errands in town. While he was at the bank there was a loud explosion. It crossed Fr Solomon’s mind that it was just his luck to visit the bank when it was being raided.
In fact, it was not the bank that was being raided; an explosive device had been planted in the parish complex which Fr Solomon had just left. If he had delayed his visit to the bank by just a few minutes, he would have been killed.
Fr Anthony explained that this story shows how much courage it takes to bring the love of Christ to communities where violence and unrest cause real and present threats. We give thanks for the faith of Fr Solomon and for all Priests, Sisters, and lay missionaries who risk so much to reach out in love to the communities they serve.
Our wonderful supporters
At the end of Mass, Fr Bernie Luna MHM expressed gratitude for the 88-year relationship between the Mill Hill Missionaries and Missio in England & Wales, and for all our dear friends who support the Red Box.
Fr Bernie explained that the Mill Hill Missionaries’ share of money from the Red Boxes is used mostly for training of their students to the priesthood. At present there are more than 150 students, from various countries, training to be Mill Hill Missionaries.
The Red Box difference
If there was no Red Box, Fr Bernie continued, he would not have been standing there as he was himself one of the Red Box beneficiaries!
Fr Bernie was ordained in 2010 and first appointed to Pakistan. He worked in Sindh Province in the south of the country, serving minority communities whose rights were not respected and whose children, especially girls, were denied education. The Mill Hill Missionaries set up hostels where the children could stay and attend school, and their families also benefit from support which comes from the Red Box.
Fr Bernie thanked our amazing Red Box volunteers for their wonderful work and dedication. He quoted the adage:
‘Kindness is an action that the blind can see and the deaf can hear’
which perfectly sums up the universality of missionary work, and reminded all of us of the part we play in supporting the spread of loving kindness through our prayers and donations.
Thank you!
A huge ‘thank you’ to all our friends, supporters, and volunteers who made this such a joyful occasion. Thank you especially to Fr Jan Klaver MHM and everyone involved in providing the delicious refreshments and other organisation of the event. It was wonderful to share this special day with you all and see the Holy Spirit very much at work in Salford!