On the 40th day after the Resurrection, as Jesus ascended into Heaven, he instructed his apostles to go out to the whole world and make disciples of all the nations. That is the missionary impulse that has spread the Gospel to the far corners of the earth for nearly 2,000 years.
It was missionaries from Europe who first preached the Gospel in Asia and Africa, in places like Kumbakonam in southern India. Now, missionaries come from these places to Europe and America where priests are few. Our Lady of Fatima, St. Rita, and St. Peter up in Eaton Rapids, all of these are local examples of parishes now pastored by priests from India. A priest from Africa is pastor in Flint.
Now it is our turn to support the missions and places where the church’s financial resources are slim and cannot keep pace with the growth of the Catholic population. The Diocese of Kumbakonam is one such place. This weekend we welcome their recently retired Bishop Emeritus Antonysamy Francis. He will preach about the needs of his diocese and he will ask for our help.
The American dollar doesn’t stretch very far in America these days, but once it is exchanged into Indian rupees, great things can happen, things that will reshape the lives of those we help, creating hope and light where there was only despair and darkness before. Most of us will never go on a mission trip. Many may never visit a foreign country, but participating in these annual mission appeals year after year allow us to play a role in the spread of Jesus’ Gospel love all over the world.
Bishop Francis will not be asking for a second collection. Plan ahead and prepare your gift before you come to Mass this weekend. There will also be envelopes in the pews for this purpose that can be placed in the regular parish offertory. All checks can be made payable to Queens with ‘mission appeal’ written clearly on the memo line or the front of the envelope.
Use the link below to make an online gift. Scroll down until you see ‘Mission Co-Op Appeal.’
