Our recent Mission Masses in Purley and Canterbury were opportunities to celebrate the Church’s universal mission with our supporters and friends. We welcomed our new Southwark Diocesan Director, Fr Joseph Donkor, and witnessed the living missionary spirit across the Archdiocese!
Each diocese throughout England and Wales has a Missio Diocesan Director, who is appointed by the local Bishop to coordinate support of the overseas mission of the Church. At our Mission Mass at St John the Baptist’s Church in Purley, we welcomed Fr Joseph Donkor, who is currently serving at St George’s Cathedral in Southwark, as our new Missio Diocesan Director for the Archdiocese of Southwark.
After Mass, Fr Joseph spoke with Missio volunteers and supporters, saying:
‘My heart is full of joy to work alongside you as Missio volunteers carrying out our mission in our diocese. I know that together, we can carry out the mission God has entrusted to us.’
Hope in Cambodia
During the Mass, Fr Anthony Chantry – Missio’s National Director in England and Wales – preached on the need to find hope in all things, particularly in this Jubilee Year. Fr Chantry spoke of his experiences of visiting Cambodia where he met people who are beacons of hope in their small communities, after the many years of brutal dictatorship. They are building the Church with resilience and dignity by providing compassionate education for all.
Read more about our projects in Cambodia>>
Refuge in Cameroon
The Mass in Purley was closely followed by a similar event at St Thomas Church in Canterbury where Fr Gerry Hastie MHM, General Councillor for the Mill Hill Missionaries, preached passionately about his recent visit to Cameroon. The Church in this part of the world is bringing hope where there is conflict and providing refuge for communities trapped by violence.
Fr Hastie thanked all Missio supporters and volunteers for their prayerful support through the Red Box, which enables missionaries in Cameroon and across the world to continue to share the Gospel message.
Read more about our work in Cameroon>>
Thank you so much!
A huge thank you to the parish communities of St John the Baptist, Purley and St Thomas, Canterbury for hosting Mission Masses, and especially to the volunteers who supported us with hospitality. We look forward to holding further Masses and events in the Archdiocese in future.
In 2024, the Archdiocese of Southwark raised over £682,000 for Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries through Red Box and regular donations. Our thanks go to all those dedicated Local Secretaries, Red Box holders and all who support the work of mission through prayer.