Ahead of tomorrow’s World Mission Sunday, Nuncio praises vital work of Missio

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024 tcnadmin catholic, charity, missio, mission

In addressing Missio supporters on Wednesday (16 October) evening, the Papal Nuncio to Great Britain, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, spoke of the difference the work of the Church continues to make in so many parts of our world, highlighting his own experience of mission overseas.

His Excellency encouraged everyone to take part in World Mission Sunday through prayer and giving, emphasising the importance of both faith and good works. He added that, through Missio, faith is alive and is a faith that transforms and heals our world.

At this time, Missio are asking for your prayers particularly for theirmissionary partners in areas of bitter conflict who continue to stand with and serve their communities.

‘Unfortunately, the news from Lebanon continues to worsen, and there seems to be no end in sight to the current crisis,’ says Fr Rouphael, the Missio National Director in Lebanon.

In a recent message, he shared: “It has been three weeks since the war was declared over Lebanon. As a result, approximately one million people have been displaced from the southern region of the country. In our area alone, we have around 250,000 internally displaced people from the south.”

In this time of great fear and danger, the true spirit of Christ’s missionaries shines as a beacon of hope. As is so often the case, the missionaries who live alongside and serve the affected communities are staying with them: “The Christian villages in the southern part of Lebanon have made the difficult decision to remain in their homes, despite the risk of destruction. We are doing our best to support their resilience in the face of such adversity.

“For us, the psychological toll of the situation is immense. Living in constant fear of the unknown is incredibly challenging. Moreover, the ongoing economic crisis continues to burden the Lebanese people.”

But, Fr Rouphael says: “While this is a heavy load to bear, the solidarity shown towards the displaced has been remarkable. The Christians of Lebanon have truly exemplified the spirit of love and compassion for their fellow citizens. An Imam recently expressed that without the support of the Christians, the situation would have been far worse. This is a testament to the power of unity and hope in the midst of such darkness.

Fr Rouphael asks for our prayers this World Mission Sunday, and for support for the communities he and his fellow missionaries serve.

Missio’s partners in Lebanon have been living alongside and serving communities for many years, and with faith in God and support from us, their international family, they continue to do so through thick and thin.

Support World Mission Sunday

World Mission Sunday is a moment of grace, where the entire global Catholic family can reach out and ensure that everyone deserves to know the love of Christ, no matter where they are or what their circumstances.

Without you, so many people would never have the chance to know God’s love. But together we can ensure missionaries can continue to invite all our sisters and brothers to the banquet.

Pic: Missio/T.Louapre