A message from the National Director

Now mid-way through 2022, the Catholic Church has had much to celebrate already this year, especially with the recent beatification of Blessed Pauline Jaricot in May. Sadly, we have also seen tragedy in many communities in Australia and around the world, facing challenges such as natural disasters and ongoing conflict.

In this edition of Mission Today you will find a variety of stories about the beatification celebrations and more on the impact that Bl Pauline Jaricot has had for us as a Catholic community. One story in particular, Mayline’s miracle, was the beginning of the path for the beatification of Bl Pauline Jaricot.

We also celebrate three significant anniversaries for the Church this year; the first, 400 years since the establishment of Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples; the second, 200 years since the foundation of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith by Pauline Jaricot in Lyon, France; and lastly, 100 years since the Society of the Holy Childhood, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, and the Society of St Peter the Apostle – Catholic Mission’s work with children, communities and Church leaders – were consolidated and conferred as Pontifical by Pope Pius XI. These anniversaries remind us of the important mission work of the Church and how it has expanded over the years.

I am pleased to share that as an organisation, Catholic Mission has committed to several new plans and strategies that represent our responsibility to work toward reconciliation and caring for our common home. We are also working to form and educate the next generation through the interactive and holistic mission program, Socktober, which encourages students to use their heads, hearts and hands to take action in mission and help children like them around the world.

I hope this Mission Today fills your spirit with hope for the future and shows you the real difference that you can make with your prayers and gifts.

Thank you for your faith-filled support of Catholic Mission.

You will also find stories from our projects around the world – examples of how you can stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need through prayer and action. From Ethiopia to Ukraine, these stories show the critical role the Catholic Church plays for communities in most need, and offer us a way to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, as he has called us to be in Acts 1:8.

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