A message from the National Director

Welcome to this special edition of Mission Today. It is special because in these pages you will read stories inspired by the charism of prayer and charity of Pauline Jaricot which guides all our mission activities. In 2022 we will celebrate the beatification of Pauline and significant anniversaries in our history.

In this edition we highlight an international campaign, created in response to a call from Pope Francis, inspired by Acts 4:20: “For we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard”. It encourages us to continue to support the work of mission for vulnerable people during this challenging time. The campaign features the faces and voices of missionaries from over 50 countries and has been translated into more than 30 languages.

The fifth Mission: one heart many voices conference, hosted by Catholic Mission in partnership with Catholic Religious Australia, was an experience for participants to explore the challenges of living the joy of the Gospel and leading mission now, as Pope Francis has asked. Pauline Jaricot’s commitment provided the resources to enable this ongoing mission and the opportunity to look outward to the world, yearning for the transforming message of the Gospel.

Our national schools’ engagement program, Socktober, through powerful metaphors found in sport, engages Catholic school students’ heads, hearts, and hands in key issues of mission and social justice. Pauline Jaricot understood the value of such holistic missionary cooperation, and her prayer circles worked in a similar spirit of collaboration to support missionaries around the world.

As we approach the end of 2021, I invite you to make a faith‑filled gift and support many programs around the world – just like the Lisanjala Health Clinic in Malawi, the focus of our 2021 Christmas Appeal – meaning more children and communities in need will be given the care and support.

These stories and initiatives are just a few examples of the work supported by Catholic Mission, and I hope you find them inspiring.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support for the work of Catholic Mission.

Fr Brian Lucas National Director

Part of the international Pontifical Mission Societies/Missio network

Propagation of the Faith • Children’s Mission • St Peter Apostle • Missionary Union