Mission Magazine October 2024, World Mission Sunday

A MAGAZINE OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES
FALL 2024
NO EUCHARIST, NO CHURCH

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Letter from the National Director
A Journey of Faith and Mission:
From Childhood to Today
Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet:
A Call to Mission
No Eucharist, No Church:
A Call to Be Missionaries of
the Eucharist
The Missionary Union:
How Do We Become Missionaries of
the Eucharist?
Missionary Childhood Association:
“I wanted to keep learning,
but I had nothing left”
Society for the Propagation of the Faith:
A Missionary’s Journey:
An Argentine in Mozambique
The Missionary Union:
Father Hans Joachim Lohre, a sabbatical
year imposed by jihadist terrorists
Pope Francis’ Visit to Papua New Guinea:
A Beacon of Hope and Faith
Timor-Leste:
Resilience and Faith Ahead of
Pope Francis’ Visit
From Generation to Generation:
Embracing the Missionary Call
From the Dioceses:
Dallas is Breaking Ground
Editor’s Note
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04
06
08
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16
22
25
28
31
34
37
39
Cover photo by Josh
Applegate in partnership
with the National
Eucharistic Congress
We welcome your ongoing
feedback and your “letters to
the editor,” ever grateful for your
prayers and help. If you prefer
to send an “email to the editor,”
you can send it to
contact@missio.org
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The Pontifical
Mission Societies
USA
PUBLISHER: FATHER ANTHONY
ANDREASSI, NATIONAL DIRECTOR
EDITOR/WRITER: INÉS SAN MARTÍN
PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL
OFFICE OF THE PONTIFICAL
MISSION SOCIETIES
IN COOPERATION WITH DIOCESAN
OFFICES IN THE UNITED STATES
©THE SOCIETY FOR THE
PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH
MEMBER, CATHOLIC MEDIA
ASSOCIATION

A Letter from our
National Director
Did you know that sixty percent of
the world’s population lives in Asia?
Of this number, only 3%, or about 170
million people, are Catholic. Half of these
Catholics (about 85 million people) live in
the Philippines. The remaining half are
spread across the rest of Asia, which has a
total population of 4.5 billion people.
I, along with about 200 others, learned
this startling fact during a talk given by
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-prefect
for the Dicastery for Evangelization, at
a reception hosted by The Pontifical
Mission Societies (TPMS) this past July.
The event was held in conjunction with
the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC)
in Indianapolis, where Pope Francis
named Cardinal Tagle as his personal
representative. To celebrate this and to
formally launch preparations for this
year’s World Mission Sunday on October
20th, the TPMS National Office hosted
the reception, inviting all the bishops
attending the NEC, as well as Diocesan
mission directors, journalists, and other
friends of the Pope’s missions. We were
also blessed to have several TPMS Board
members attend, including Cardinal
Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the
United States, Archbishop Bernard
Hebda of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Barry
Jackson (a newly joined Board member),
and Archbishop Thomas Wenski of
Miami.
Cardinal Tagle’s presentation,
highlighting the Catholic population in
Rev. Anthony
D. Andreassi
Asia, served as a stirring reminder
of the significant work needed to
spread the Gospel. He also shared
personal anecdotes that illustrated the
importance of the support TPMS offers to
the Church, especially in its young, poor,
or threatened communities. His and the
Holy Father’s gratitude to Catholics in the
United States for their generous support
was a powerful testament to the impact
of our collective efforts. At the event,
TPMS provided materials to help priests
and parishes prepare for World Mission
Sunday and the entire month of October,
traditionally dedicated to praying for and
raising awareness about the needs of the
Church in the missions.
The TPMS reception with Cardinal
Tagle held on a Saturday evening was
followed the next morning by the
closing Mass of the NEC, which Cardinal
Tagle both celebrated and delivered the
homily for. The Mass, held in Lucas Oil
Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts,
was a resounding success, attracting over
50,000 worshipers, both lay and Religious,
along with dozens of bishops and
hundreds of priests who concelebrated.
In many ways, this Mass was the pinnacle
of the five-day Congress, touching the
hearts of many more people than just
those who were able to attend.
I highly recommend watching Cardinal
Tagle’s entire homily, which can be found
2

a Magazine of The Pontifical Mission Societies
online as a text or video recording. (For me,
the video is far better because it captures
the Cardinal’s warmth, wit, and wisdom in
a way that written words cannot convey.)
In his homily, Cardinal Tagle preached that
conversion to the Eucharist goes hand in
hand with the missionary conversion of
individual Catholics, as well as our parishes,
schools, and other Catholic associations.
Whom we receive in the Eucharist sends
us out to encounter all and bring Christ to
them. Is there a more resonant message
for those of us who hold the missions so
close to our hearts?
While the 2024 NEC concluded this
past July, it was the prayer of those in
attendance that the love of the Eucharist,
which called so many to participate,
will continue to touch their hearts and
animate them to bring Christ to every
corner of their lives and the earth. Please
join me in offering this special intention
that all the graces received because of the
NEC may continue to bless the Church
in our nation, especially that the Lord will
deepen the desire of many more to pray
for and support the evangelization efforts
of the Church.
Father Anthony Andreassi
National Secretary of the Society for the
Propagation of the Faith
Associate National Director
Scan here to view our
resources for World
MissionSunday 2024!
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Cardinal Luis
Antonio Tagle and Father Anthony Andreassi,
celebrating the missions during the National
Eucharistic Congress (Gabby Fonseca)

A Journey of Faith and Mission:
From
Childhood
to Today
By Cardinal Chrisatophe Pierre
Dear Friends in Christ,
As the cool breezes of autumn
usher us into a season of reflection and
thanksgiving, we are also welcomed into
the heart of the Church’s missionary call
with the celebration of World Mission
Sunday this October 20th. This special
day invites us into a deep reflection on
our shared call to be missionaries of the
Gospel, regardless of where we are in the
world.
I write to you as someone deeply moved
by the stories of faith and courage that
have animated the Church’s missionary
journey for centuries. My own journey was
profoundly shaped by the missionary spirit
– a spirit that was ignited in the warmth
of my family home through the pages of
a mission magazine much like this one.
These magazines, filled with stories from
Uganda to Asia and the first missionaries
in Canada, were not just tales of distant
lands but were seeds planted in fertile soil.
They grew into a lifelong commitment
to serving God’s people everywhere,
witnessing the transformative power of
the Gospel in the most remote corners of
our world.

Pope Francis greets Cardinal
Christophe Pierre, the Papal
nuncio to the United States, in the
library of the Apostolic Palace at
the Vatican on April 22, 2024. (CNS
photo/Vatican Media)
Having served as a papal diplomat in
Africa and Haiti before my appointment
to the United States, I have been blessed
to see the fruits of those seeds in the lives
of countless individuals and communities.
The Pontifical Mission Societies have
been a crucial part of this journey,
channeling the generosity of the faithful
into concrete signs of hope and solidarity.
From seminaries and schools to clinics
and catechetical programs, the impact of
your generosity is a living testimony to the
Gospel’s power to change lives.
As we prepare for World Mission
Sunday, I am reminded of the joy and
responsibility we share in supporting the
Church’s missionary work. The stories
we read, the prayers we offer, and the
contributions we make are all threads
in the rich tapestry of our faith, woven
together by our common mission to
spread the love of Christ.
I encourage you, dear readers, to dive
into the stories of this issue with open
hearts. Let them inspire you as the stories
in my childhood magazine inspired me.
Let us renew our commitment to support
our brothers and sisters in mission
territories through prayer, sacrifice, and
action. Together, we can continue to
write the next chapters of the Church’s
missionary story, fueled by faith, hope,
and love.
As the Pope’s representative to the
United States, I am honored to walk
this journey with you. May our shared
efforts on World Mission Sunday and
beyond be a beacon of hope to the world,
demonstrating the boundless love of God
for each of His children.
With heartfelt thanks for your
generosity and prayers,
Cardinal Christoph Pierre
Apostolic Nuncio to the United States

Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet:
A Call to
Mission
Photo by Jacob Bentzinger in
partnership with the National
Eucharistic Congress
“I get calls from bishops from
Asia and Africa, and often, during
the first three minutes, I hear no
words, just sobbing. They cry.
They are the ones who rely on
World Mission Sunday,”
is what Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
told us when we asked him about the
importance of this international day
of prayer and giving, to be marked
worldwide on October 20th.
According to the prelate, pro-prefect of
the Vatican’s Evangelization office and as
such, the man tapped by Pope Francis to
oversee the work of The Pontifical Mission
Societies at an international level, “having
a listening ear is already a help to these
bishops, almost like a missionary help.”
Cardinal Tagle explained that many of
these bishops are alone, misunderstood,
and even feel forgotten sometimes, so
being able to share their realities, even if
over the phone, helps them.
“Once they have regained some
composure, these bishops are able to
articulate, and the needs are immense
6

Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet
A Call To Mission
and varied. Some bishops are desperate:
they truly do not know where to get food
for their priests, or a salary for a catechist.
And of course, after I hear them speak, it’s
my time to sob for three minutes! But this
motivates me to pray, to want to act, and
to look for the resources. Somehow, we
usually find a way.”
The Filipino prelate said that the
greatest need beyond “the obvious
structural issues such as building a parish,
is formation.” Formation of seminarians,
ongoing formation of priests, of the
religious women, of the laity. Building this
community of the Body of Christ. “And
this is where the Solidarity Fund of the
Society for the Propagation of the Faith is
key,” he said.
The Solidarity Fund is made up primarily
of the World Mission Sunday collection.
Every single parish in the world is called
to contribute to this second collection
that gives grants to more than 38,000
seminarians, supports 258,540 religious
sisters who care for children and families
in mission territories, and over 844,000
catechists who teach the faith in Asia,
Africa, Oceania, and Latin America.
Stories of hope amidst despair
Cardinal Tagle shared poignant stories
from his encounters with missionaries
and bishops from around the world.
He speaks of Asia, the most populous
continent, where only three percent of the
population is Christian, with half of that in
the Philippines. He recounts the story of a
former student who serves in Cambodia
in a parish that has only one parishioner.
“‘After 15 years of preparation, you end up
with one parishioner,’ I told him. And he
said to me,
Following the 2015 earthquake that
killed 8,962 people in Nepal and injured
21,952 more Cardinal Tagle visited an
area almost a third the size of Italy with
only one parish and five parishioners.
Despite the challenges, these individuals
attract curiosity and interest through their
witness. In a refugee camp in Lebanon,
where there were no Christians, the head
of the camp asked, “Why do you care
about us?” Cardinal Tagle’s response was
simple yet profound: “Because Jesus
taught us to love everyone.” A little girl
then tugged at his arm and said, “I want
to get to know your friend Jesus.”
Cardinal Tagle also shared the
emotional moments he experiences
when bishops from Asia and Africa call
him, often sobbing. “They are the ones
who rely on World Mission Sunday,”
he explains. “Having a listening ear is
already a help to them, almost like a
missionary help.”
“If you shared these realities and these
stories with your family, friends, and
parishioners on World Mission Sunday,
I am sure that their hearts would be on
fire, I am sure they too would want to
help share the Good News with so many
people who desperately need good news.
And the greatest news is our Lord, Jesus
Christ. Please, invite all to the banquet!”
‘Your eminence, He is my
parishioner. The body of Christ
is present in this place, and I will
give my all to serve Him.’”
7

No Eucharist, No Church:
A Call to Be
Missionaries of
the Eucharist
Iraqi-born Mother Olga of the Sacred
Heart, founder of the Daughters of Mary of
Nazareth, speaks during the second revival
night of the National Eucharistic Congress
at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on July
18th, 2024. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)
8

No Eucharist, No church
A Call to be Missionaries of the Eucharist
As the National Eucharistic Congress
drew to a close, the resounding theme
that echoed through the hearts of
attendees was clear: “No Eucharist, no
Church.” This profound statement from
Pope Francis, reiterated by Cardinal
Timothy Dolan during the opening Mass,
set the tone for a powerful five-day event
held in Indianapolis from July 17th to 21st,
2024.
The Congress began in Lucas Oil with
absolute silence: tens of thousands of
people dropped to their knees to adore
Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
He told Jesus that the tens of thousands
of Catholics in the stadium had gathered
there to give him thanks and praise and
to be changed into “missionary disciples,
people filled with the joy of the Gospel,
people so grateful for the salvation you
purchased for us.”
He prayed for deeper conversion for
individuals, peace in war-torn countries,
those affected by abuse, and unity in
both the country and the Church. Bishop
Cozzens invited attendees to share in
silence their desires with Jesus and then
asked them to pray that the Lord would
also reveal his desires for them.
“Jesus, I trust in you,” he prayed, and the
stadium resounded as people echoed his
prayer.
everyone to surrender their hearts to the
Lord over the next few days. “How will we
know that we are experiencing Eucharistic
revival?” the papal nuncio to the U.S. asked
in his keynote speech on July 17th. “When
we are truly revived by the Eucharist,” he
said, “then our encounter with Christ’s real
presence in the sacrament opens us to
an encounter with him in the rest of our
life” and then “spills over in our daily life, a
life of relating to others, our way of seeing
others.”
On Thursday, Cardinal Dolan, president
of the Board of Directors of The Pontifical
Mission Societies USA, emphasized the
essential role of the Eucharist in the life of
the Church. “Without the Eucharist,” he
said, “there is no Church. It is the source
and summit of our faith, the wellspring
of our missionary zeal.” His homily was a
clarion call to the faithful to embrace their
role as Eucharistic missionaries, drawing
inspiration from the very presence of
Christ in the Eucharist.
“Lord, we have come here
because we want a revival, a
Eucharistic revival, and we want
every Catholic to realize that you
are alive in the Eucharist, and to
encounter your love.”
Present at the stadium were the 30
perpetual pilgrims who during eight
weeks this summer walked across
the United States in the Four National
Eucharistic Pilgrimage routes.
Cardinal Christophe Pierre encouraged
9

Jesus,
I trust in you

No Eucharist, No church
A Call to be Missionaries of the Eucharist
On the second night, close to 50,000
Catholics prayed together, listened to
touching personal testimonies, and were
invited to reflect on how to turn away
from the obstacles that dampen the fire
of their love for Jesus Christ.
While Father Mike Schmitz and Mother
Mary Olga of the Sacred Heart moved
participants with their inspiring keynote
exhortations -- the last word was given
to the Eucharistic Lord. With only beams
of white light illuminating the Blessed
Sacrament, the darkness and the Latin
chants set to Eastern-style melodies led
one to forget the bleachers and flags of
the stadium that is home of the Colts.
“Too often we say, ‘We have the real
presence,’ but our hearts are far from
Him. Too often, we just don’t care,” Father
Mike said, speaking rapidly and with his
characteristic energy.
The remedy to indifference is love, he
said, and the road to love is repentance.
One of the most moving testimonies
of the gathering came from Mother Olga
of the Sacred Heart, a petite yet fiery nun
from Iraq. Her witness was a testament
to the transformative power of the
Eucharist. Growing up amidst the turmoil
of four wars, she endured unimaginable
hardships, including bombings and
abuse. Despite suffering from PTSD and
chronic nightmares, her unwavering faith
in Jesus Christ and His Real Presence in
the Eucharist has been her anchor. “The
Eucharist is my strength,” she shared
passionately. “In the darkest times, it is
Jesus in the Eucharist who gives me hope
and the courage to continue.”
During her session, Mother Olga
recounted several powerful stories,
including that of a little girl whose mother
was dying of cancer. In each instance, the
Eucharist was a source of healing, comfort,
and strength. Her stories resonated
deeply with attendees, underscoring the
Eucharist’s role in bringing Christ’s love to
those in desperate need.
“All these years of suffering led me to
the foot of the cross because I thought
the one who had suffered so much
would understand my suffering,” she
said. “As I was kneeling at the foot of the
cross, crying my heart to Jesus to help
me bear the crosses of my own life, I
encountered the pierced heart of Jesus
-- and that’s what I heard in my heart
on that day: That even on the cross and
through the cross, we can still choose to
love.”
The five-day Eucharistic Congress,
the first one in eight decades, drew
some 70,000 people, some for the entire
event, others only for the weekend. They
represented 50 U.S. states, 17 countries,
and various Eastern and Western
churches, and spoke over 40 languages,
showing the diversity of the Church,
which by its very nature is universal.
The closing Mass, celebrated by
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, further
reinforced the mission of the Congress.
Cardinal Tagle urged the faithful to
undergo a “missionary conversion,” to let
the Eucharist transform their lives and
propel them into the world as bearers of
Christ’s love. “The Eucharist compels us
to go forth and be missionaries,” he said.
“We cannot receive the Body and Blood
of Christ and remain unchanged. We
are called to be His hands and feet, to
bring His love to the ends of the earth.”
Throughout the Congress, several
bishops and lay leaders shared their
insights and calls to action. Archbishop
Jose Gomez of Los Angeles spoke
about the indispensable task of being
Eucharistic missionaries in each diocese.
“We must open our hearts to Jesus in
the Eucharist, knowing that He is truly
present and calls us to be His apostles in
the 21st century,” he said.
Brandon Whitmore, a young adult
leader from the National Shrine of the
Little Flower Basilica, expressed his hope
and excitement. “Seeing the passion,
11

MISSION Magazine
A magazine of The Pontifical Mission Societies
zeal, and devotion of people here when
receiving the Eucharist is inspiring,” he
said. “Being missionaries starts with our
Catholic friends. Inviting them back to
Mass or Church activities can have a
snowball effect on their faith.”
Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville,
Texas, highlighted the Marian dimension
As the faithful returned to their parishes,
the call to be missionaries of the Eucharist
remained at the forefront of their minds.
The National Eucharistic Congress
was not just an event but a catalyst for
renewed missionary zeal, reminding all
that with the Eucharist at the center, the
Church is alive, vibrant, and ready to bring
Christ’s love to the world.
of this mission. “As children of Mary,
we are called to be missionaries of the
Eucharist,” he explained. “The Eucharist is
the enduring presence of Christ’s sacrifice,
and we must announce this sacrifice as
the principal nourishment for our souls.”
Bishop Jorge Rodriguez, Auxiliary
Bishop of Denver, emphasized the
transformative power of the Eucharist.
“The Eucharist must necessarily make us
missionaries,” he stated. “If we have lived
the Eucharist well, we are compelled to
share what we have received.”
“Commit yourself to walking
with one person,” petitioned
Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens in
closing the Congress. “Commit
yourself to becoming a
Eucharistic missionary, someone
who lives deeply a Eucharistic
life, and having received that
gift, allows themselves to be
given as a gift.”
12

The Missionary Union:
A Peace Chaplain
How Do
We Become
Missionaries of
the Eucharist?
By Sister Rose Mary*
Having been together with 50-60,000
of our closest friends for five full days of
worship and adoration of Jesus in the
Eucharist, learning more about who
He is through prayer and various talks
presented by gifted speakers, we are
now sent out and asked, “How do we
become missionaries of the Eucharist?”
An encounter with Jesus through an
intentional event such as the one just
experienced inspires us and renews our
faith. Likewise, it necessitates a Eucharistic
conversion, as emphasized by Pope
Francis and conveyed through the Papal
Legate, His Eminence, Cardinal Luis Tagle.
At the culmination of an event of this
nature, we are filled with a palpable zeal
and energy, ready and desirous to bring
Jesus into a broken world. When we return
to the ordinary living out of our daily lives,
how do we retain such fervor and zeal,
becoming authentic missionaries of the
Eucharist? Venerable Mother Catherine
McAuley, foundress of the Religious
Sisters of Mercy, emphasized that our
zeal must also be humble. To ascend the
mountain of faith toward heaven, we
learn first to descend. As Saint Francis de
Sales reminds us, our Savior’s two favorite
virtues are meekness and humility: “Learn
from me, for I am meek and humble of
heart.”
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MISSION Magazine
A magazine of The Pontifical Mission Societies
Throughout our spiritual life, we must
return repeatedly to that first beatitude
preached by Jesus during the Sermon on
the Mount,
“Blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom
of heaven.”
It is one thing to have speculative
knowledge about our poverty and utter
dependence upon God. It is a different
reality to experience within ourselves the
depths of our poverty and humbly realize
that we are utterly dependent upon God.
We must know interiorly that without
Him, we can do nothing. We may have
undergone a life-changing conversion
during the Congress. We may, on the
other hand, have discovered that those
age-old faults, vices, and weaknesses we
saw in ourselves before the Congress met
us once again upon our return home.
We may feel discouraged at their all-toofamiliar
sight. This is when the rubber
meets the road, and we are to embrace
the call of Eucharistic conversion.
The Saints remind us to rely upon God’s
loving providence and that nothing—
not even our faults, weaknesses, and
sinfulness—falls outside of His providence.
Saint Francis de Sales tells us, “Be patient
with everyone, but above all with yourself…
Do not be disheartened with your
imperfections, but always rise up with
fresh courage.”
In all circumstances, trust in God’s
goodness, His goodness which is the sole
cause of His love for us. We, in ourselves,
cannot cause God to love us, even though
we try. There is no virtue or perfection that
we must possess to be good so that God
will love us. We cannot earn God’s love, and
we would do well to be liberated from that
erroneous belief. We think God loves as we
love. We see something good in another
and, thus, that goodness causes us to love
14

The Missionary Union
How do we become missionaries of the Eucharist?
the other. God’s love is greater. If we were
somehow capable of causing God to love
us due to our virtue, goodness, or natural
lovableness this would suggest that God
is mutable, and somehow His love would
be contingent upon our goodness. And
vice versa, the worse we are, and the
more we sin, the less God loves us. We
know God to be eternal and unchanging.
God’s goodness is infinite and eternal.
Thus, He loves us with an everlasting love.
His goodness is the cause of His love for
us and His goodness is unchanging.
The one thing that attracts God’s love
for us is our misery and the depths of
our brokenness—misery attracts Divine
Mercy. So, let us continue to descend so
that we might ascend the mountain of
faith in God’s love and goodness.
The Eucharist is the pledge of His eternal
promise of love for us. In and through our
reception of His Body and Blood, He says
again and again, “I am yours, and you
are mine.” Time and again, when we are
confronted with our failures, weaknesses,
and sins, we turn to Jesus through the
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in Eucharistic
Adoration, in Confession, through His
Word, and we do not stop turning to Him
in prayer. In prayer, both personal and
communal, He renews, refreshes, and
converts our hearts in His love. We are
then made ready to encounter others,
listen to them attentively, and bring them
to the uncompromising truth of Jesus’
love conveyed in the Gospel in humility
and meekness.
As Bishop Andrew Cozzens exhorted us,
pray for that one person who has fallen
away from the faith, and by your words
and example, bring them back to that
Eucharistic conversion.
*The author is a member of the Religious Sisters
of Mercy of Alma, in Michigan. She attended the
Eucharistic Congress with 13 novices and nine
perpetually professed members of the institute.
Listen now!
15

Missionary Childhood Association:
“I wanted to keep
learning, but I
had nothing left”
Sister Veronique prays with young
women at the St. Maria Goretti shelter
for women escaping forced marriages
in Kaya, Burkina Faso, on Feb. 23, 2022.
(CNS photo/Anne Mimault, Reuters)
16

Missionary Childhood Association
“I wanted to keep learning, but I had nothing left”
ABOUT
BURKINA
FASO
Burkina Faso, home to over
20 million people, faces severe
socio-economic issues with an
estimated 62% of the population
living in extreme poverty,
defined as living on less than
$1.90 per day.
Approximately 19% of Burkina
Faso’s population is Catholic. The
Church often faces persecution
and challenges due to the
country’s ongoing conflict with
jihadist groups. Despite these
hardships, the Church remains a
vital source of support and hope
for the community.
“One evening, on our way home from
school, some armed men stopped us.
They told us to tear up our notebooks.
Then they burned our backpacks and the
school as well. I wanted to keep learning,
but I had nothing left,” shares Coulibaly
Félicien, a fifth grader whose resilience
reflects the spirit of the Diocese of Nouna
in Burkina Faso.
Under Bishop Joseph Sama’s guidance,
this diocese has become a sanctuary
for children amidst the insecurity and
displacement plaguing the country: of
the two million internally displaced, at
least 60 percent are children. Many are
traumatized, but mental health services
are limited, and children are often
overlooked for treatment. A U.N. survey
published in 2023 showed 103 mental
health professionals in the country of
more than 20 million people, including 11
psychiatrists.
Mass killings of villagers have become
common in northern Burkina Faso as
fighters linked to the Islamic State group
(ISIS) and al-Qaida attack the army and
volunteer forces. Those forces can then
turn on villages accused of cooperating
with the enemy. More than 20,000 people
have been killed, including thousands
of children, since the fighting began a
decade ago.
Thanks to the annual support from the
general fund of The Pontifical Mission
Societies, the Diocese of Nouna has been
at the forefront of addressing the needs
of the young population. Bishop Joseph
explains that the Missionary Childhood
Association, one of four societies, has
several programs aimed at helping kids
like Coulibaly: “Brave Hearts and Valiant
Souls, along with the children’s choir,
serve as vital means of transmitting moral,
human, and spiritual values to Burkinabé
society. These initiatives are crucial in a
context where the full development of
children is under threat due to the lack of
security.”
From March to July 2023, there was a
significant movement of people from rural
to urban areas of Burkina Faso, leading to
overcrowded schools and children unable
to access education. Bishop Joseph notes,
“We are grappling with incivility and
organized crime. Therefore, our pastoral
approach must emphasize non-violence,
culture, and social cohesion. We must
convey a message of peace and tolerance
to the youngest among us, as they are a
cornerstone of social unity.”
In response to the security challenges,
the diocese has embraced the pastoral
theme: “Remain faithful to your faith in
Jesus Christ and be a builder of peace.”
This theme is particularly important
as the community has witnessed
horrifying scenes, prompting many to
seek refuge. “Providing children with a
strong foundation in faith will help them
navigate these challenging times in their
spiritual journey,” Bishop Sama explains.
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MISSION Magazine
A magazine of The Pontifical Mission Societies
To this end, the diocese has launched
a Biblical Education Program to help
children better understand Jesus Christ
through the Sacred Scriptures.
One of the significant events organized
by the diocese is the Fraternization Day for
children from internally displaced groups.
And looking beyond World Mission
Sunday, Bishop Joseph is already workingand
praying- hard for a Christmas miracle:
One child, one full meal for Christmas,
which aims to provide a moment of joy
and foster a sense of community among
displaced children as the community
gathers to commemorate the birth of our
Lord, Jesus Christ.
“The Diocese of Nouna has a
predominantly young population,
and concerns about insecurity have
heightened uncertainties regarding
their future,” he says. The campaign also
encourages efforts in building daycare
centers and organizing group activities
for the children.
The aid received from The Pontifical
Mission Societies has been a lifeline for
many children. Bishop Joseph recounts,
“Thanks to the aid received, we could
provide school kits to 460 children.
The actions of unidentified armed
individuals have had a profound impact
on the students. Some were repeatedly
threatened on their way to school, while
others witnessed their school supplies
destroyed or set on fire.” This assistance
has been a huge relief for children,
parents, and teachers alike.
The children’s testimonies bring to life
the impact of these initiatives. Coulibaly
shares that the school in his village is a
mile away, and he walks every day with
some of his classmates. However, one day,
as they were coming back, armed men
stopped them and tried to destroy his
A family poses for a photo at their home in
Kaya, Burkina Faso, March 15, 2020. Most
people in the Sahel region in Africa are
poor and lack formal education and skills.
(CNS photo/Julien Ermine, Reuters)
18

Missionary Childhood Association
“I wanted to keep learning, but I had nothing left”
hopes for an education. Yet, thanks to the
support from the Missionary Childhood
Association, he said,
“I could continue my education.
My parents were overjoyed. I have
learned that we should think of
those in difficult situations. May
God bless all the benefactors and
bring peace back to the world.”
The Diocese of Nouna has also utilized
media effectively to reach out to the
community. Bishop Joseph explains: “The
subsidy we received allowed us to create
a commercial that aired throughout the
year, featuring children and encouraging
cautious openness towards others.
Additionally, we produced programs in
four different languages: French, Dioula,
Bwamu, and Mooré.
Through these broadcasts,
the participating children
could understand the
mission of the diocesan
radio, which is to be ‘the
voice of the voiceless.’”
In a region plagued by
insecurity and uncertainty,
the Diocese of Nouna, led
by Bishop Joseph Sama,
continues to be a pillar of
hope and faith. The initiatives
and support provided
to the children through
education, communitybuilding
activities, and
media outreach are
making a significant
difference in their lives.
The voices of the children,
filled with gratitude and
hope, are a testament to
the transformative power
of compassion and faith.
Bishop Sama concludes,
“We pray to God to
bless our efforts so that
we can continue to form
good future servants of the
Church for the life and
mission of the Church in
Burkina Faso and beyond.”
19

Society for the Propagation of the Faith
A Missionary’s Journey:
An Argentine in
Mozambique
ABOUT
MOZAMBIQUE
Mozambique, with a
population of roughly
34 million people, is one
of the poorest countries
in the world. In 2023, an estimated
62% of its population lived in
extreme poverty, defined as living
on less than $1.90 per day.
Father Juan Gabriel Arias,
an Argentine priest from the
Archdiocese of Buenos Aires,
has found fulfillment in his
missionary work in Mozambique.
His dedication brings hope and
transformation to the communities
he serves, exemplifying the true
spirit of missionary service.
The Diocese of Xai-Xai in Mozambique
is a place of striking contrasts. Known for
its beautiful beaches along the Indian
Ocean, the region is also marked by
significant socio-economic challenges. In
2023, an estimated 62% of Mozambique’s
population, roughly 21 million people,
lived in extreme poverty, defined as living
on less than $1.90 per day.
Amidst these challenges, however,
Father Juan Gabriel Arias finds his
“comfort zone.” A priest from the
Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, Argentina,
has found in this place the fulfillment of
his life as a priest.
“Being a missionary in Mozambique
is living the dreams I had when I entered
the seminary,” he explains. “It meets all
my expectations and allows me to live
the priesthood in its fullness. It is what
completes me the most as a priest and
as a person.”
His decision to serve in Mozambique
22

Society for the Propagation of the Faith
A Missionary Journey: an Argentine in Mozambique
rather than in regions like El Impenetrable
in northern Argentina was driven by
a profound sense of purpose. “During
my seminary years, I did many missions
within Argentina, traveling to places like
Santiago del Estero, and Patagonia, in
the south of the country,” he recalls. “But
working in the interior of the country is
completely different from working in
Africa. In Argentina, I felt I was ministering
to people who had more faith than I did.
Here, I feel much more useful. Argentina
has many more priests and pastoral
agents compared to here, where the
Church is still growing and not fully
established. The level of evangelization
and social context is vastly different.”
When asked what he would say to
someone considering becoming a
missionary, including laypeople, Father
Juan advises, “Pray about it, talk to your
spiritual director, and start gathering
information. If you feel called to this life, you
need to be well-formed. Study catechesis,
theology, and learn the language and
culture if you know where you are going.
Formation is crucial, not just theologically
but also practically. If you are an architect,
doctor, or in any profession, think
about how you can contribute beyond
evangelization.”
Father Juan’s greatest joy as a
missionary is witnessing the growth of
the communities he serves. “Seeing the
communities grow, feeling like a tool of
the Holy Spirit, seeing how God works
in people, and changing their lives on a
pastoral level brings me immense joy. The
priestly fatherhood is very important to
me, and being here makes me feel like a
father to everyone.”
However, the challenges are significant.
“Every place has its problems and
difficulties, and you must weigh the good
against the bad. In Argentina, I also faced
difficulties. You need to discern where you
can be most useful, and generally, where
God needs you the most is where you will
be happiest.”
Father Juan receives spiritual support
primarily from the people he evangelizes.
“The prayer of the poor is powerful and
always heard by God,” he says. He also
receives support from fellow priests,
bishops, and friends, including Pope
Francis, who helps both spiritually and
materially. “As a diocesan priest on loan
to a diocese, I rely on the resources
and friends I have. Thankfully, God has
given me many friends who support my
mission.”
Reflecting on the theme for World
Mission Sunday, “Go and invite everyone
to the banquet,” Father Juan finds deep
personal resonance. “This phrase chosen
by the Pope was my ordination phrase. I
continue to identify with Jesus’ message
to invite those who were not initially
invited because the first guests rejected
the invitation. Going to the peripheries, ‘to
where the roads exit the city’ and inviting
them to the celebration is what faith is all
about – a tremendous joy. As a priest, I live
by inviting everyone to the feast of faith,
to convert and believe in God, because no
one embraces the message of Christ to be
worse off.”
Father Juan Gabriel’s work in
Mozambique exemplifies the true spirit of
missionary service. Despite the significant
challenges, his dedication brings hope
and transformation to the communities
he serves. “I consider myself privileged to
work here,” he says. “Perhaps I don’t fit
the traditional idea of a missionary who
sacrifices everything for the poor, because
the truth is, I am happy serving God here.
My comfort zone is this. The sacrifice
would be to leave!”
As he continues to invite others to
the banquet of faith, his journey inspires
us to support and pray for missionaries
worldwide, ensuring that the message of
the Gospel reaches even the most remote
corners of the earth. “God never leaves
us alone,” Father Juan says. “There are
always people willing to help, who want to
help. Are you among them?”
23

God never
leaves us alone
Father
Juan

The Missionary Union:
A Peace Chaplain
A family displaced by the military coup returns to a village in Toya,
Mali, June 6, 2016. Members of the clergy are seen as a “fourth branch
of government” in coup-stressed Mali. (CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey)
Father Hans Joachim Lohre,
a sabbatical year
imposed by jihadist
terrorists
Mali, a country in West Africa, is home
to about 20 million people. Despite its
rich cultural history, it faces severe socioeconomic
challenges. In 2023, 42.3% of
Mali’s population lived in extreme poverty,
defined as living on less than $1.90 per
day. The nation has also been embroiled
in conflict, with jihadist groups controlling
significant areas since 2012.
Father Hans Joachim Lohre, a German
missionary, spent 26 years evangelizing in
this land until he was captured by jihadist
terrorists in November 2022. He spent a
year in captivity until he was forced out of
Mali and told to never return.
Known by his friends as Father Ha-Jo,
he has been a Missionary of Africa, also
known as a White Father, since 1981. “I’ve
spent 26 years in Mali, working 11 years
in parishes where Christians are a tiny
minority,” he explains. “Our main work
was accompanying these small Christian
communities, sometimes only two or
three families. We organized numerous
training sessions for catechists and
laypeople.”
Father Ha-Jo’s mission extended
beyond parish work. He spent five years
in Burkina Faso helping young people
discern their vocation. He later served
as chaplain at the Catholic University in
Mali, where 80% of the students were
Muslim. “Many Muslim youths came to
me with their problems. They would say,
25

ABOUT
MALI
Home to about 20
million people, Mali faces
significant socio-economic
difficulties, with 42.3% of its
population living in extreme
poverty, living on less than
$1.90 per day.
It’s a predominantly Muslim
country, with less than two
percent of the population
(some 250,000 people)
being Catholic. Despite
unthinkable challenges,
such as active violence
and persecution against
Christians, in 2023, Catholics
in Mali raised $7,342 on
World Mission Sunday. They
also received $605,000
in subsidies from The
Pontifical Mission Societies.
Father Hans Joachim Lohre,
a German missionary who
spent 26 years in Mali,
exemplifies the dedication
of missionaries working in
challenging environments,
fostering interfaith dialogue
and community support
despite personal risks.
‘Father, I’ve never told anyone this before.’
I was very happy in this role, providing
moral education to both Muslims and
Christians.”
Despite the challenges, Father Ha-
Jo speaks fondly of the harmonious
relationships between Christians and
Muslims in Mali. “In daily life, we live in
symbiosis and harmony. It’s important
to understand that West African Islam
is marked by brotherhoods that seek a
personal relationship with God, much
like Christian orders in Europe.”
However, the rise of fundamentalist
movements over the past 20–30 years has
strained these relations. “In 2012, jihadists
took over two-thirds of the country,” he
notes, marking a significant shift in the
religious landscape.
On November 20, 2022, Father Ha-
Jo was kidnapped while on his way to
celebrate Mass in Bamako. “As I was
getting into my car, another car came
quickly behind mine. Three men jumped
out. One said, ‘Father, you’re under arrest.’

A girl smiles in her classroom at
Diarrabougou School in Mali. (CNS
photo/Michael Stulman, CRS)
I replied, ‘No, I need to go say Mass.’ But
they forced me into their car, handcuffed
me, and put a hood over my head.”
Realizing he was in the hands of
jihadists, Father Ha-Jo remained calm.
“Since 2012, we’ve known the risk of
kidnapping. I thought, ‘Okay, it’s a jihadist
kidnapping. I know they treat people well.’
I decided to see this as my sabbatical year,
a time to deepen my relationship with
God.”
Despite the circumstances, Father Ha-
Jo found solace in his faith. “I spent four to
five hours a day praying. I celebrated Mass
using bread they brought me. I couldn’t
hate my captors; I prayed for them. They
are not bad people, just misguided. They
want a society based on God’s laws as
they interpret them in the Quran.”
Throughout his captivity, Father Ha-Jo
felt the support of prayers from around
the world. “I knew my family, friends, and
the global Christian community were
praying for me. That gave me peace and
even joy. I prayed for them to feel the
same peace.”
After a year, Father Ha-Jo was freed,
a remarkably short time compared to
other hostages. “I was treated well. There
were no bad words or actions against me.
When I was freed, my captors asked for
forgiveness if they had done anything I
disliked. I forgave them wholeheartedly.”
Unable to return to Mali due to safety
concerns, Father Ha-Jo continues his
mission of interfaith dialogue in Europe.
“I’ll likely join the Missionaries of Africa
community in Marseille, working on
Christian-Muslim dialogue. It’s crucial
because there can’t be peace among
nations without peace among religions.”
Father Ha-Jo’s experience underscores
the power of faith and forgiveness. “Our
Christian faith is real. Trust in Jesus’
words: ‘I am with you always.’ In difficult
situations, ask what God is asking of you
and live it with Him.”
Father Hans Joachim Lohre’s story is
a profound testament to the resilience
of faith, the power of prayer, and the
importance of interfaith dialogue in the
quest for peace. “My mission now is to
pray for interreligious dialogue, for the
leaders of Al-Qaeda, and for peace,” he
reflects. ”These young men are trying
to live up to what they believe is God’s
word. As Christians, we should have the
same zeal to live and spread the Gospel,
but doing it with the Bible in our hands,
not weapons.”

Pope Francis’ Visit to Papua New Guinea:
A Beacon
of Hope and
Faith*
Pope Francis’ visit to Papua New
Guinea in September 2024 marks a
historic moment for the nation, as he
brings Christ’s message of hope, faith,
and solidarity to the peripheries of the
Catholic world. This visit, part of his
broader tour of Asia, underscores the
Pope’s commitment to reaching out to
those often overlooked. As the National
Director of The Pontifical Mission
Societies–Papua New Guinea, Fr. Victor
Roche, SVD, shared, “Pope Francis is
particularly stressing those places which
are on the peripheries, dioceses, and
countries that are usually not recognized
or remembered for any significance.”
Fr. Victor highlighted the anticipation
and preparation that preceded the
Pope’s visit, emphasizing the joy and
surprise felt by the local Catholic
community. “We are almost at the end
of the world, even if we are near Australia.
We are almost insignificant. But we have
19 dioceses, and we are all joyful that he
will be visiting us from the 6th to the 9th
of September,” he said.
Papua New Guinea grapples with
significant economic challenges, with a
high poverty rate affecting nearly 40% of
the population. The majority of people rely
on subsistence farming, and the country
struggles with limited infrastructure and
access to basic services.
28

Pope Francis’ Visit to Papua New Guinea:
A Beacon of Hope and Faith
ABOUT
PAPUA NEW
GUINEA
From September 2-13, Pope
Francis visited Indonesia,
Papua New Guinea, Timor-
Leste, and Singapore. It
was the longest trip of his
pontificate so far. In addition
to strengthening the faith of
the local population, his trip
helped shine a light on several
social issues, while promoting
peace and reconciliation.
Close to 32% of the population
of Papua New Guinea is
Catholic, totaling some two
million people. The Catholic
Church plays a vital role in the
country, providing not only
spiritual guidance but also
essential services in education,
healthcare, and social welfare.
Despite being a minority
religion, the Church’s influence
extends into many aspects of
daily life, fostering community
development and advocating
for justice and human rights.
Papua New Guinea faces
significant economic
challenges, with a high
poverty rate affecting nearly
40% of the population. The
majority of its people rely on
subsistence farming, and the
country struggles with limited
infrastructure and access to
basic services. The Catholic
Church’s efforts in education
and healthcare are crucial in
addressing these disparities
and improving the quality of
life for many citizens.
Despite the country’s challenges,
the Church remains a beacon of hope
and resilience. “The Catholic churches
in Papua New Guinea are full every
Sunday. Close to 75-80 percent of
the baptized go to church on a given
Sunday,” Fr. Victor noted. The liturgies are
lengthy and engaging, often lasting close
to three hours, with interactive homilies
that encourage participation from the
congregation.
The Church’s structure relies heavily
on lay leadership due to the vast and
dispersed nature of the communities.
Fr. Victor, for instance, manages 27
outstations, with lay leaders playing a
crucial role in maintaining the Church’s
activities. “We could not do any of the
many things we do were it not for the
lay leaders, who not only ask to be
involved but who are actually involved,
spearheading many initiatives,” he said.
However, the Church faces challenges,
such as the attraction of other faiths
and the need for better formation of
lay leadership, particularly for women.
“Some of the people are attracted to
the faith of other churches, leaving the
Catholic Church to go to Pentecostal
denominations,” Fr. Roche explained.
Strengthening lay leadership remains a
priority to sustain the Church’s mission.
In 2023, Papua New Guinea received
$473,500 from The Pontifical Mission
Societies, which went to aiding various
catechetical projects as well as the
construction of health clinics, orphanages,
and schools, and the forming of priests,
religious, and lay leaders. “Almost all the
dioceses of Papua New Guinea receive
support from The Pontifical Mission
Societies. Every year I take the applications
for projects, and every year, the support
comes, making so much of our life a
reality!” Fr. Roche stated.
Papua New Guinea’s Catholic
community also contributes to the global
mission of the Church through annual
29

MISSION Magazine
A magazine of The Pontifical Mission Societies
collections, supporting seminaries, the
Missionary Childhood Association, and
World Mission Sunday, held on October
20th this year. In fact, during the 2023
edition of World Mission Sunday the
Church in Papua New Guinea raised over
$20,000, a big effort for a country where
the majority of the population lives on less
than $1.90 a day. This reciprocal support
highlights the unity and solidarity within
the Universal Church.
The priest expected that the papal
visit would bring attention to pressing
social issues such as climate change,
“a big concern for us, as we know that
unless something changes, several of our
islands will disappear in the next 50 years.”
The Pope’s global influence, he argued,
ensures that these concerns gain visibility,
advocating for urgent action to address
environmental challenges.
Father Victor believes that the impact of
Pope Francis’ visit will extend beyond the
immediate joy and celebration, fortifying
the faith of Catholics and garnering
respect and curiosity from non-Catholics.
Broadcasted on radio and television, even
those in remote areas were expected
to participate in this historic event. “The
impact of the visit will be mainly on
the faith of the people,” he said. But he
expected it to also bring attention to the
needs of the poor and marginalized.
“This visit will not only
strengthen our faith in Christ but
also give visibility to some of our
earthly challenges.”
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The people of Papua New Guinea will
carry the Pope’s message in their hearts,
continuing their journey of faith with
renewed vigor and determination.
*By the time this magazine has reached your home,
the visit will have already taken place, leaving behind
a strengthened faith and renewed spirit among the
people. You can read more about the papal visit in
our blog at www.onefamilyinmission.org.
30

The Missionary Union
How do we become missionaries of the Eucharist?
Young East Timorese refugees play a game at
Don Bosco Comoro camp outside Dili, East Timor.
(CNS/Bazuki Muhammad, Reuters)
Timor-Leste:
Resilience and
Faith Ahead of
Pope Francis’
Visit*
As Pope Francis embarked on his
Asian tour, his visit to Timor-Leste from
September 9th to 11th was anticipated
to shed light on a nation marked by its
struggle for independence and resilient
faith. Juan Ángel Artiles, a Spanish
missionary with the Claretians, provided
insight into the significance of this visit
and the current realities faced by the
Timorese people.
Timor-Leste’s path to independence
was fraught with difficulties. The nation
first proclaimed its independence in 1975,
amidst an Indonesian invasion. However, it
was not until a referendum in 1999, where
the majority voted for independence,
that the nation truly began its journey
to sovereignty. “It is a young country,”
said Artiles. “They made two official
proclamations of independence, the first
in 1975 and the second around the year
2000.”
The visit of Pope John Paul II during this
tumultuous period was a significant event
that bolstered the Church’s support for
independence. “It was truly extraordinary,”
Juan Ángel recalled. “The Church at that
time strongly supported independence,
and it’s something the people of Timor
do not forget. They know that they
owe their independence largely to the
Catholic Church.”
31

MISSION Magazine
A magazine of The Pontifical Mission Societies
ABOUT
TIMOR-LESTE
The Catholic Church in Timor-
Leste has been a steadfast
presence for over 500 years,
dating back to the early
Portuguese missionaries.
During the Indonesian
occupation and the subsequent
struggle for independence,
the Church played a pivotal
role in unifying the people and
advocating for their rights on
the international stage.
Today, the Church continues
to be a cornerstone of the
community, providing not
only spiritual guidance but
also essential social services.
An estimated 98% of the total
population of 1.3 million is
Catholic.
Timor-Leste, a young nation
that gained full independence
from Indonesia in 2002, faces
significant economic and
social challenges. The country
started from a position of severe
disadvantage, with much of its
infrastructure destroyed in the
wake of independence. High
poverty rates, limited access
to education, and inadequate
healthcare services continue to
hinder development. Despite
these challenges, the Church
remains a critical institution in
addressing these issues and
supporting the nation’s growth.
In 2023, Timor-Leste Catholics
raised $3,100 during World
Mission Sunday. The local
Church also received $119,650
in subsidies used to build two
churches and a school.
Following the withdrawal of
Indonesian forces, much of Timor-Leste’s
infrastructure was ravaged. “In ten days,
from September 4-14, 2000, practically
70% of the infrastructure was destroyed,”
Juan Ángel explained. The country faced
immense challenges, starting from a
position “less than zero” as the missionary
described it. The loss of qualified teachers
and the destruction of educational
infrastructure left a significant gap that
needed to be filled.
The Church stepped in to provide
stability and continuity. It became a
crucial institution for education and
social services, helping to rebuild the
nation’s foundations. “The Church has
been there for over 500 years,” Juan
Ángel emphasized. “It has been a primary
unifying factor and something that
provides consistency to the country.”
In this challenging context, the
Claretians have focused on supporting
catechists and providing educational
opportunities. Juan Ángel and his
fellow missionaries work in the most
mountainous region of the island where
they have established a Vocational
Training Center and a Technical and
Vocational Secondary School with a focus
on civil construction. “We noticed that a
huge percentage of people didn’t finish
the educational system; they dropped
out, and there was no response for them,”
he explained.
The Claretians’ efforts are not just about
education but also about addressing social
issues, particularly gender disparities. “Our
work is more social, primarily considering
the reality and culture, to narrow gender
disparities as much as possible and to
support the development of women,”
Artiles stated.
Timor-Leste’s history is marred by
violence and division, and the process
of reconciliation remains ongoing.
“Previously, there was a group of Timorese
who were not in favor of independence
32

Timoir-Leste
Resilience and Faith Ahead of Pope Francis’ visit
Father Juan Ángel Artiles, a Spanish
missionary with the Claretians. (TPMS Spain)
presence and visit will be a stimulus,”
Artiles asserted. It highlights the
universal nature of the Catholic
Church and the interconnectedness
of its members worldwide.
As Timor-Leste continues its
journey of rebuilding and growth,
the steadfast presence of the Church
and the support of the global Catholic
community remains essential. Artiles’
message to the listeners of Radio
María encapsulated this spirit:
and carried out tremendous actions like
beating people, burning houses, and
murdering people,” Artiles explained. The
Church plays a crucial role in promoting
forgiveness and healing. “It’s a task that
involves the willingness to forgive. That’s
an effort, and it has to be made; it’s a
personal choice, you can’t force anyone to
do it.”
Evangelizing in Timor-Leste comes
with its own set of physical and
logistical challenges. The difficult terrain
and poor infrastructure make travel
arduous. Artiles, who has experienced
these challenges firsthand, noted the
importance of consistent presence and
effort. “If someone had asked me 20 years
ago what the most important thing for
a missionary is, I would have made a list,
and a car wouldn’t have been on it,” he
said. “When you’re there, you realize that
if you don’t have transportation, you can’t
move around for many things.”
Despite these difficulties, the
commitment to serving the local
communities remains strong. “We usually
have a program where we go to all the
chapels to celebrate Mass once a month.
This is true in both the dry and rainy
seasons. You have to make the effort; you
have to go.”
Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste was
expected to bring renewed hope and
attention to the country. “The Pope’s
“We are present in many
very different places with very
different social, economic, and
political situations. But we are
there, and we will always be
there with them.”
*By the time this magazine has reached your home,
the visit will have already taken place, leaving behind
a strengthened faith and renewed spirit among the
people. You can read more about the papal visit in
our blog at www.onefamilyinmission.org
This is the logo for the Sept. 9-11, 2024, visit of Pope
Francis to Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste.
(CNS photo/Holy See Press Office)
33

MISSION Magazine
A magazine of The Pontifical Mission Societies
From Generation to Generation:
Pope Francis greets Bishop John O. Barres
of Rockville Centre, N.Y., during a meeting
with bishops from the state of New York in
the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican Nov. 15,
2019. The bishops were making their “ad
limina” visits to the Vatican to report on the
status of their dioceses to the pope and
Vatican officials. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Embracing the
Missionary
Call
It is moving to be able to write for
The Pontifical Mission Societies Mission
magazine since my father Oliver Barres
wrote for this very magazine under the
direction of Archbishop Fulton Sheen in
the 1950s and 1960s.
Many of these articles ended up
being chapters of my father’s book on
the Catholic worldwide mission entitled
World Mission Windows, published by
Alba House in 1963 just two years before
the Second Vatican Council’s document
on the missions, Ad gentes.
The great Catholic missiologists in
history like Bishop Sheen teach us that a
deep passion and conviction for Catholic
global worldwide mission makes us much
more effective missionaries in daily life
in our local Catholic parishes, dioceses,
universities, hospitals, institutions, and
especially in the secular public square.
Bishop Sheen baptized me on October
6, 1960, at St. Augustine’s parish in
Larchmont, New York. I can only imagine
his riveting voice saying “I baptize you
in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” as
he poured water over my head in the
presence of my parents, godparents, four
older sisters, and family friends.
Providentially, Bishop Sheen was not
only baptizing me but, in a certain sense,
sending me out as a future Successor of
the Apostles and Diocesan Bishop on a
global Catholic mission.
My parents Oliver and Marjorie had
34

oth been ordained Congregational
Protestant ministers from the Yale Divinity
School but had converted and entered
the Catholic Church in 1955. My father’s
book One Shepherd, One Flock describes
how they gradually came to embrace
the truth claims of the Catholic Church,
truth claims that are the fulcrum of the
Church’s call to global, worldwide mission.
My parents were friends with great
Catholic missiologists like Fr. John
Considine, MM, often considered the
missiological brains and architect of
Maryknoll’s approach to the missions.
They were also friends with Bishop
William McNaughton, MM, who, in his late
30s, was a Council Father as the Bishop of
the Diocese of Inchon, Korea.
The holy lives, ecclesial missions, and
inspirational teachings of these great
Catholic figures have inspired my life
and mission as a 21st-century American
Catholic Bishop, but they also help to
express Catholic teaching on missiology
and evangelization and inspire our own
integration of that teaching in our 21st
Century Catholic witness.
All the Catholic missiology and
evangelization documents from the
Second Vatican Council’s Ad gentes
(1965) and Pope St. Paul VI’s Evangelii
nuntiandi (1975) to Pope St. John Paul
II’s Redemptoris missio (1990) and Pope
Francis’ Evangelium gaudium (2013)
share certain critical themes:
Catholic missiology is grounded in
the doctrine and experience of the
Trinity. The saints open their souls
contemplatively to the indwelling
presence of the Holy Trinity, and it is
precisely this indwelling of Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit in their souls
that launches them on their unique
Trinitarian ecclesial missions to make
disciples of all nations. The great
missionary saints understand that the
Biblical and Eucharistic mission of the
Church is animated by the presence
of the Trinity -- Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit – and expressed in the mission
mandate of Matthew 28: “Go, therefore,
and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to observe all that
I have commanded you. And behold, I
am with you always, until the end of the
age.”
Jesus Christ is the unique Redeemer of
the World: the Alpha and the Omega,
the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all
peoples, cultures, geographies, and
moments of history.
As “the universal sacrament of
salvation,” the Catholic Church is by its
very nature missionary.
All Catholics are called to be
missionaries and to be constantly open
to “missionary conversion.” All Catholic
dioceses, universities, hospitals, and
institutions must seek to deepen their
spirit of “missionary conversion.”
Catholic evangelization needs us all
to be both witnesses and teachers of
the faith in the context of our universal
baptismal call to Holiness and Mission.
All Catholic evangelization is focused
on the mysterious power of the
Cross of Jesus Christ and all Catholic
evangelization requires what Pope St.
Paul VI called a “crucifying effort.”
The vibrant living of the Beatitudes
in Matthew 25 and the spiritual and
corporal works of Mercy are critical to
the witness and progress of Catholic
evangelization.
Pope St. John Paul II stresses: “The
Church proposes. She imposes nothing.
Open the doors to Christ!” A critical
component of Catholic evangelization
is the Catholic emphasis on Religious
Liberty seen in the Second Vatican
Council’s Declaration on Religious
Liberty.
35

From Generation to Generation
Embracing the Missionary Call
Catholic evangelization and mission
require fidelity to every dimension
of Catholic teaching. Catholic
evangelization and missiology cannot
be separated from Catholic Trinitarian
Theology, Christology, Pneumatology,
Biblical and Fundamental Theology,
Dogmatic or Systematic Theology,
Sacramental Theology, Moral Theology
(including the Gospel of Life and
Catholic Social Justice Teaching),
Spiritual Theology, Anthropology (the
Church’s view of the human person),
and Eschatology (the Church’s teaching
of the Last Things).
This fidelity to every dimension of
Catholic teaching and evangelization
is in service of the ecumenical and
interfaith mission of the Catholic
Church. Ecumenical and interfaith
progress occurs when the Catholic
Church is open to sharing the liberating
and objective truths of her teaching in a
spirit of charity and mercy.
May each one of us respond to our
baptismal call to “holiness and mission”
and may we be vibrant instruments of
“missionary conversion” in the daily life
and mission of the Church we love.
*Bishop John O. Barres, STD, JCL is the Bishop of
the Diocese of Rockville Centre (Long Island, NY).
His episcopal motto “Holiness and Mission” is taken
from Pope St. John Paul II’s encyclical Redemptoris
Missio which emphasizes the universal call to
holiness and mission in the Catholic Church. It also
expresses Bishop Barres’ commitment to Pope
Francis’ emphasis on global Catholic missiology
and evangelization and the call for the “missionary
conversion” of Catholic parishes and every dimension
of Catholic life and witness to the world.
“Holiness and
Mission”
36

From the Dioceses:
Dallas is
Breaking
Ground
37

From the Dioceses
Dallas is Breaking Ground
By Juan Rendon*
I was recently named Diocesan Director
of The Pontifical Mission Societies (TPMS)
in the Diocese of Dallas. One of my
first goals was to establish an advisory
committee. The committee is represented
by the diocesan directors of the offices of
catechesis and family life; youth, young
adult, and campus ministries; and
multicultural diversity. We also have a
delegate to the religious, a permanent
deacon, and an MCA representative. Both
the Office of Development and Catholic
schools are consultants.
I am fairly new to the work of TPMS but
not to the missions. In addition to my role
with TPMS, I also coordinate our diocesan
medical, catechetical, and youth missions
to Bonito Oriental, Honduras, and San
Isidro, Costa Rica. In the past, I participated
in missions by taking Catholic high
schools’ students to Nazareth Farm in
Salem, West Virginia. I also did a mission
in Cerocahui, Chihuahua, Mexico with the
Society of Jesus.
Our first step for promoting the work
of TPMS in the diocese will focus on
sending out a personal invitation to all
the priests to participate in the World
Mission Sunday 2024 day of reflection
and generous giving. We will personalize
all the information we send to them for
the SPOF collection and October events.
Also, we will host a day of reflection at the
beginning of the month to reflect on this
year’s message “Go and Invite Everyone
to the Banquet” to kick off World Mission
Month. Furthermore, we have a very
talented Communications Office that will
help us feature the work of TPMS through
social media.
This is the first year that as a diocese
we will have organized events to foster
the importance of the missions. My
hope is that the groundwork we do this
year will set the foundation for the years
to come. The Diocese of Dallas is a very
generous diocese and the people of God
always respond to the mission of the
Church. I hope to instill in the people of
our diocese a sense of recommitment to
be an integral part of the very fabric of
the Church, evangelization, and mission,
and to see themselves as engaged in the
missions as the missionaries themselves
who travel to remote areas of the world to
proclaim the Kerygma.
* The author is the Dallas’ Diocesan Director of TPMS,
and this is his first year coordinating the local efforts
for World Mission Sunday.
38

Editor’s Note
Dear friend of the Missions,
As we worked on this issue of Mission
Magazine, which is reaching you only
weeks before World Mission Sunday, my
mind kept going back and forth between
the theme chosen by Pope Francis for
this International Day of Giving, “Go and
Invite Everyone to the Banquet,” and the
feeding of the 5,000 with five loaves of
bread and two fish. It is the only miracle
of Jesus, aside from the resurrection, that
is recounted in all four Gospels.
We can look around us, watch the
news, and read in the papers about the
ongoing wars and conflicts, about the
many who are starving, and tell ourselves
that there is nothing we can do. Yet, the
Gospel teaches us differently. We are
reminded of the little boy who had but
five loaves of bread and two fish and gave
them to Christ, who then fed more than
5,000 men, not counting the women and
children, and had enough left over to fill
12 baskets.
In Jesus, our littleness becomes
extraordinary and feeds multitudes.
Imagine having the faith to be so
generous as to give what little we have,
trusting that He will put it to good use.
What does our faith look like when we
give our littleness to God? We had a
glimpse of that during the Eucharistic
Congress. Some 60,000 people came
together, sharing their faith, their time,
and their resources, allowing Jesus
to work on our collective littleness to
create something magnificent.
The miracle of the feeding of the 5,000
is not just a story of abundance but one
of profound faith and trust. It challenges
us to believe that even the smallest acts
of generosity can lead to great miracles.
Ines San
Martin
This is the essence of World Mission
Sunday. It’s about recognizing that our
contributions, no matter how small,
can make a significant impact when
entrusted to God’s hands.
Your support of missionary men
and women through The Pontifical
Mission Societies embodies this spirit.
Whether it’s through building parishes
and schools, providing healthcare, or
supporting catechists, our collective
efforts transform lives. As we prepare for
World Mission Sunday on October 20th,
let us embrace the call to be generous,
to give what little we have, and to trust in
God’s ability to multiply our gifts for the
greater good.
This World Mission Sunday, let us
remember the little boy with his loaves
and fish. Let us be inspired by the faith of
those who have gone before us, and let
us open our hearts to the possibility of
miracles. By praying together and giving
generously, we participate in the divine
act of feeding the spiritual and physical
hunger of countless people around the
world where the Church is too young, too
poor, or actively persecuted, and as such,
unable to stand on its own.
Thank you for your continued support
and generosity. Together, we can make
a difference. Let us all go and invite
everyone to the banquet, sharing the
love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
United in His mission,
Ines San Martin
39

In support of
those spreading
the Gospel…
The money needed to support those
serving in the Pope’s missions comes
from loving Catholics like you.
Won’t you send whatever contribution you
can in the enclosed envelope
today so that the priests, religious and lay
pastoral leaders in the
missions may not only survive, but thrive,
in their ministry?
Thank you for supporting our missionaries.
Please be assured of my prayers for you
and your family.
Dear Rev. Anthony D. Andreassi
Send your gift in this
MISSION envelope to:
Rev. Anthony D. Andreassi
Society for the Propagation
of the Faith
70 West 36th Street, 8th Floor,
New York, NY 10018
Your diocese will be credited
with your gift.
Your gift is tax deductible.
Enclosed is my gift of:
$250 $100 $75 $50 $25 Other $_____
$700 (one year’s help, mission seminarian)
$300 (one year’s help, Religious novice)
$5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500 Other $____
I want to be a monthly donor to the Missions!
I would like information on a Gift Annuity.
Please contact me about remembering The Society for the Propagation of the
Faith in my will.
Name
Email
Address
City State Zip
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