A global awareness campaign has been launched by Catholic Mission as part of World Mission Month, inspired by words from Pope Francis.
Earlier this year, the Holy Father highlighted his passion for the Pontifical Mission Societies – known in Australia as Catholic Mission – saying the mission is at the heart and identity of the Church, and the worldwide network, reflects the rich variety of the “people with a thousand faces”.
National Director Father Brian Lucas said Catholic Mission, as part of that global network, felt connected “with all the communities, in every corner of the world”.
“World Mission Month is a time when Catholics all over the world join to support and celebrate global missionary work,” Fr Lucas expressed.
World Mission Month will this October focus on the essential work of priests, religious and lay missionaries in Cambodia, supporting people with disability and their families.
For over 20 years, Bishop Enrique “Kike” Figaredo Alvargonzalez and his team in the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang have been working to advocate for people with disability, providing support such as healthcare, food, financial assistance, and education.
Bishop Kike also features in an inspirational video produced by Catholic Mission, that connects mission partners across the world.
More than 30 missionaries based in more than 25 different countries speak of hope in a variety of languages. At its heart though, the video, launched as part of World Mission Month, has a simple message, but with great impact: we are still here.
Some of the other voices include Sr Veronica Cibaric, Sr Francise Frauggia, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Fr Theobald Muchunguzi, Fr Anton Grech, and Jose Maria Cantal Rivas OMP.
“Missionaries around the world remain dedicated to serving their communities,” Fr Brian added.
“They are the people with a thousand faces, comforting the lives of some the most vulnerable communities, like Bishop Kike, they are saying we are still here, doing our best to keep vital life changing projects running.”
View the Global Mission video here: www.catholicmission.org.au/wearestillhere