This year, World Mission Sunday is in real jeopardy as the pandemic means that less parishioners are attending Mass, with less offerings in the basket. The implications for overseas communities in the months ahead will be devastating. In many of our poorer parishes overseas, missionaries are working on the front line. These women and men already do so much, walking hand-in-hand with marginalised communities, long before and long after any emergency. The pandemic adds even more challenges for missionaries, many of whom are in war-torn countries; remote areas where political conflicts, violent protests, extreme poverty, malnutrition, and diseases are rife. These are crises faced on a daily basis and, looking beyond COVID-19, sadly these crises will remain.It is for this reason that I am appealing to you directly.Your on-going support of World Mission Sunday plays an enormous part in easing their suffering – and I know it will continue to do so. In an attempt to help lessen the impact of COVID-19 on World Mission Sunday Mass collections in the coming weeks, parishes and communities will receive a supply of donation envelopes. The envelopes will feature Sister Marie Catherine. From Niger, Sister Marie Catherine is one of tens of thousands of missionaries overseas who dedicate their lives to the marginalised. It is missionaries like her that your parish is supporting.Please provide these missionaries fwith extra spiritual and financial support on this World Mission Sunday. I know how challenging these times are. Although we may suffer here in Ireland, let us spare a thought and a prayer for our brothers and sisters overseas who are struggling to survive in the face of much adversity. I thank you for your continued help at this time. Be assured of my prayers.Sincerely,Michael P O’Sullivan, M.AfrNational Director
You may provide financial assistance to World Missions Ireland online;
Or, call Fiona on 01 497 2035
