July 31, 2011 A TASK FOR ALL
The other day a former parishioner and I were having a chat about missionary or international priests in the diocese. He was simply fascinated by the presence of so many of them in different parishes. It dawned on him that but for their presence, a lot of parishes would have to close down.
Then he shared this story with me. Years ago as he went through school, their pastor would encourage the kids to save their pennies and donate the money for the salvation of “pagan” babies. And so they did. He turned, looked at me and said, “I am glad I did. Look at you. Maybe that is why I now have a priest.” He thought it was a noteworthy investment.
I was a bit ruffled by the statement.
But yes, in the missions the church is beginning to flourish. Vocations to the priesthood and religious life are growing precipitously and so are other institutions, i.e. schools, health care facilities, orphanages, etc. What tops the list is the growth in seminaries and religious formation houses. And here I must admit without the pennies of my former parishioner, life would return to the cooler.
This weekend I am sure Father Frederick will share with us some of the exciting stories out there in the mission. And he will appeal to the generosity of the community and remind us to support the mission. We need to remember that the reason for missionary activity lies in the will of God, “who wishes all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, himself a man, Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:4-5).
Without a doubt, the whole Church is missionary and it behooves all of us to contribute towards its success.
My former parishioner’s comment is not far from right, come to think of it. When you have contributed to growing the Church out there, who knows, the return of the investment would be seen and felt as we go through this lean season of fewer vocations from the local church.
Welcome Father Frederick, God bless the mission!