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Cover image: Chuluunbaatar, one of the beneficiary of the House of Mercy, with Sister Veronica in front of Ulaanbaatar’s Cathedral, Mongolia.
Editor: Astrid Delayre
Contributors: Angus Rowan, David Muller, Fr Rob Galea, Isabella Giannasca, Samai Sum
Photos: Simone Medri, Catholic Mission partners
Design: Maria Fernanda Ramos, Smarta By Design
Printed by: BMS Group
Names of people under 18 have been changed.
Catholic Mission acknowledges that we live and work on the land of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respect to the ever‑present spirituality of Elders past and present.
This publication may include images of deceased persons.
Copyright Catholic Mission 2024 ABN 52 945 927 066
A Message from the National Director
I am delighted to welcome you to this edition of Mission Today which coincides with a very significant time of the year for Catholic Mission.
October is an important month as we observe World Mission Sunday, established by Pope Pius XI in 1926 to encourage a global day of prayer and awareness for the work of mission in every Catholic diocese and parish. Therefore, in this issue we are focussing on our mission to the world.
Through the inspiring work of Catholic Mission and our partners, we aim to showcase the impactful projects that emerge from collaboration with local communities. We were privileged to host Cardinal Marengo in June, who shares his insights and experiences from his ministry in Mongolia, one of the smallest Catholic communities globally.
Additionally, in this issue we report on the launch of Socktober, our initiative supporting Catholic schools in their efforts to combat poverty and injustice in Mongolia. Also, there’s a story on Pope Francis’ recent successful visit to Asia which serves as a salient reminder that the Christian faith transcends cultural boundaries and can enrich all lives within diverse contexts.
Fr Rob Galea’s reflections on missionary discipleship invite us to consider our role in this vital mission. I hope you find the contributions in this issue engaging and that they inspire you to become agents of change in the world so we can all make a real difference.
Yours in Mission,
04 We Are All Invited to Share God’s Banquet 05 “Walking on the Peripheries” a Story of Encounter in Asia-Pacific 07 Tammy Finds Her Mission in Life 08 The Life-Giving House of Mercy
A Lifelong Dream to Help the Young
Cardinal Marengo’s Heartfelt Visit Inspires Many
Samai’s Way of Giving Back to Communities Most in Need
Talking Mission Father Rob 16 The Lifelong Transformation that Immersion Provides 18 Kicking Goals for Mongolia’s Future
We Are All Invited to Share God’s Banquet
World Mission Sunday was first introduced in 1926 by Pope Pius XI to celebrate the unity that exists between Catholics in supporting each other in bringing forth the Kingdom of God. With this year’s theme, ‘Go and invite everyone to the banquet’, Pope Francis seeks to ignite a passion for mission, reminding us of the importance of inclusivity and care for all our sisters and brothers worldwide.
To celebrate this significant Sunday, in collaboration with our network of the Pontifical Mission Societies, we have united to share a message of hope, love, and compassion. As part of a new video campaign, we asked the question, “What does ‘Go and invite everyone to the banquet’ truly mean in people’s hearts?” We received overwhelming responses from more than 40 countries, each sharing their vision of God’s love and inclusivity.
A Cambodian missionary shared his insight: “For me, as a missionary here in Cambodia, inviting everyone to the banquet means that, as someone who has received all the graces and blessings from God, it is my responsibility and obligation to ensure that others also receive the Good News.”
Sharing is central to this 2024 message. As we share the banquet, our resources,
and our love, we ensure that everyone is gathered around the table to receive the Good News. This spirit of sharing is the essence of synodality—the call to walk together, emphasised in Pope Francis’ video message in the prayer intention for October, where he invites everyone “to walk together, taking the path of synodality.” He reminds us that “we are co-responsible in mission, we participate, and we live in the communion of the Church.”
Pope Francis highlights that, regardless of our vocation, career, or work in life, we all share a common mission: to bear witness through our lives. Everyone has a unique contribution to make, bringing their best abilities to the service of mission. In doing so, we embody the spirit of co-responsibility, where each person’s role is valued, and together, we take collective ownership of the Church’s mission, working side by side in unity.
Together, hand-in-hand with communities, we can bring this vision to life. It is best summed up in the words of a Tongan missionary who added, “Let us support one another in bringing everyone to participate in the feast. Let us celebrate our communion, our being together in the love of the Trinity, and let us go out in mission and invite everyone to the feast of the Lord.”
Description: Tammy, a dedicated Mission Ambassador.
Tammy Finds Her Mission in Life
“The mission of the Christian in the world is a mission for all, a mission of service, which excludes no-one; it requires great generosity and in particular the gaze and heart turned heavenward to invoke the Lord’s help,” said Pope Francis.
Being a Catholic Mission Ambassador means embodying a mission of service that is inclusive, generous and deeply rooted in faith. It requires a heart attuned to the needs of others and a spirit of selfless giving that is committed to sharing the stories of and supporting those on the margins of society.
Tammy Nguyen, a refugee from Vietnam, is a shining example of what it means to live a mission of service. Her journey to Australia began in a refugee camp in Malaysia where she spent a couple of years before settling with her family in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1984.
Tammy’s early life saw her raised with a strong faith. She attended a Catholic school, was fervent with her prayers and was surrounded by family members who had dedicated their lives to religious orders.
One of her aunts was a Carmelite Sister, and Tammy fondly recalls the times she spent visiting her and feeling a strong call to serve. “I would have been a nun if I had not come across (to) Australia.”
Despite her strong faith, Tammy experienced a sense of incompleteness, a longing for “something more”. This feeling grew when, at the age of 33, she moved to Brisbane and started her family. As she navigated the challenges of finding her place in a new city, Tammy grappled with a sense of belonging. In search of comfort, she turned to the one place she knew well—the Church. Joining Sunnybank Parish, she was warmly welcomed into the community, and for the first time in a long while, Tammy felt “alive again”.
Becoming an active member of her parish, Tammy was moved to put her faith into action and spread the love that God wants everyone to be able to feel. At this time she was introduced to the work of Catholic Mission.
One Sunday during Mass, Tammy encountered Catholic Mission’s Parish Appeal, which was highlighting the work of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Nha Trang, Vietnam. These Sisters were providing essential resources, including clean drinking water, to neglected farming families—work that resonated deeply with Tammy, given her roots in Vietnam. Inspired by the work of Catholic Mission within her home country, Tammy met with the team and felt the call to join the Mission Ambassador Program.
Despite her fear of public speaking, Tammy faced her fears and has now been speaking for more than seven years across several parishes within the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
“Being an Ambassador brings a lot of joy to not only yourself but also to the people that you are helping directly or indirectly,” said Tammy.
As a long serving Mission Ambassador, Tammy finds it fulfilling to achieve the goal of making a difference in people’s lives and hopes to one day be able to travel the world as a missionary.
Tammy said,
Everyone deserves the best that life can offer and being an Ambassador for Catholic Mission is a step to making the world a better place for kids, adults, the underprivileged and everyone that needs a helping hand, near and far.”
Are you an active member in your Church community? Would like to put your faith into action by sharing the work of the Church in communities around the world?
The Mission Ambassador Program may be for you! If you are interested in learning more and getting involved, please contact Isabella, our Parish and Community Engagement Coordinator, at igiannasca@catholicmission.org.au or on 02 9919 7832. All ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate.
The Life-Giving House of Mercy
Pope Francis describes the House of Mercy as a “point of reference for a variety of charitable works, hands outstretched towards our brothers and sisters, struggling to navigate life’s problems. A safe haven, in other words, where people can find a listening ear and an understanding heart.”
Located in the heart of the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, the House of Mercy provides people in need with shelter, food, access to medical specialists, showers, laundry and counselling. The centre is providing much needed life-giving services to the city’s most vulnerable.
Administrated by Brother Andrew Tran Le Phuong SDB, also the Financial Administrator of the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, the House of Mercy represents a beacon of hope for many in a city that is facing rapid and challenging urbanisation. He is aware of the urgent need to create pathways so people can access essential services.
“Eighty per cent of the service of the Church here is for the social education of the marginalised people in the country,” said Br Andrew.
One person who has benefited from these services is Chuluunbaatar who
is sharing his story to raise awareness about the reality of the situation and the importance of people having access to a centre like the House of Mercy. After a life-altering injury, Chuluunbaatar had faced significant hardship, and for a time he lived on the streets of the capitol. However, he is now able to eat warm food, shower and has access to medical specialists. Chuluunbaatar also has a safe space where he is able to look after his mental and physical wellbeing.
Here, they support me mentally. I used to be very hurt, and kept thinking what shall I do now. But there is no such thing here. I know what I will do today and tomorrow. It gives me a very nice hope,” shared Chuluunbaatar.
The House of Mercy provides a sanctuary for people with a variety of needs; people without a place to call home, people in need of a meal or a bed. Chuluunbaatar is one of the many who rely on the services provided.
This World Mission Month, we are inviting you to join us in supporting the House of Mercy so it can continue to provide life-giving services.
Above: Portraits of beneficiaries of the House of Mercy.
A Lifelong Dream to Help the Young
Br Andrew Tran Le Phuong, SDB, has served as a Salesian Brother for more than 25 years, with a vocation to help young people access quality education. Born in Vietnam, Br Andrew moved to Mongolia as a Salesian missionary in 2004, after participating in a missionary expedition in the East Asian country four years earlier.
Currently, Br Andrew is the Financial Administrator of the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and the Project Manager for both the House of Mercy and the Don Bosco Caring Center.
The House of Mercy has been the dream of many people. It’s a place where people feel welcome and safe, where they can find a home,” said Br Andrew.
The House of Mercy stands as a beacon of hope for many in the community who would otherwise be unable to access basic services. Br Andrew’s work in Ulaanbaatar focuses on helping the most vulnerable and addressing the growing disparity in the rapidly changing capital city. He is dedicated to improving education and health services.
Nearly 80% of the Church’s work in the country revolves around providing social and educational services for people living on the margins. Br Andrew always dreamt of passing on his knowledge to younger generations. Now, as the Administrator of the Don Bosco Training Center, he is able to live out this dream as he witnesses the many students who are receiving a decent education and finding employment. His contributions are essential in providing disadvantaged young people access to quality education.
“The countryside had almost nothing at the time. When we started the school, people asked why we would build a school there. But now, after 15 to 18 years, it’s become the heart of the city,” said Br Andrew.
At the core of Br Andrew’s work is the desire to help and inspire people. As a missionary, he shares the Word of God, but more importantly, he conveys the values of the Gospel. “The message I send to the children is to be a good person,” said Br Andrew. “God has always asked us to be good people. And being good means respecting human life, being honest, thankful, and grateful. These are Christian values”.
Above: Brother Andrew with Sister Veronica at the House of Mercy.
Description: A beneficiary enjoying a warm meal provided by the House of Mercy.
Catholic Mission l The Pope’s
Cardinal Marengo’s Heartfelt Visit Inspires Many
In June, Catholic Mission was privileged to host His Eminence Cardinal Giorgio Marengo IMC, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in Australia as a special guest. This unique visit has been a source of inspiration for many as he shared news about the missionary work of the Church in Mongolia.
During his visit, Cardinal Marengo had the opportunity to meet with Catholic Mission’s friends and supporters in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, but also reaching beyond the borders, as people joined the conversation online. Outlining the efforts of the small but vibrant Catholic community in Mongolia and his missionary journey, Cardinal Marengo was able to reach many hearts by sharing his passion.
“By being a missionary, I am always reminded of the freshness of the faith. That it is not something once and for all given. It’s an everyday discovery. Never be satisfied with what you know or what you think you know, but always deepen your faith,” said Cardinal Marengo.
One of the key events during his visit was his participation in a panel discussion Bridges of Faith on the importance of interfaith dialogue with other esteemed guests. Cardinal Marengo highlighted
the significance of interfaith dialogue in fostering a harmonious future, talking about the ways in which it enables people from different religions and backgrounds to express themselves freely and work together towards building a sustainable society. Cardinal Marengo said,
I envision the Catholic Church in Mongolia as tiny seeds in the Mongolian steppes, aiding society’s development and growth.
“Interfaith dialogue is an essential part of its work, as we are a tiny minority, and so it’s the only way for us to be present there. But we see in that an evangelical way to be present in the society, to share the Gospel values and to also promote an understanding of religious traditions as protagonists in building up a better society.”
Cardinal Marengo’s visit has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege to hear him speak. His dedication to serving the marginalised and promoting interfaith dialogue serves as a powerful reminder of the Church’s mission to be a source of hope and solidarity in the world.
Above:
Cardinal Marengo (L) meeting with Catholic Mission’s friends and supporters.
Samai’s Way of Giving Back to Communities Most in Need
Working directly with communities is central to the mission of Catholic Mission. With our hands-on approach, we strive to embody Catholic Social Teachings. Guided by these principles, we must ask ourselves: How can we ensure our projects benefit the community and provide long-lasting support?
This question gives rise to many other questions, such as: How can we truly help people if we don’t understand their reality? By walking alongside people experiencing hardship from the beginning, our team, in collaboration with our partners, can truly understand the needs and challenges of individual communities.
Samai Sum is one of Catholic Mission’s Program Officers in the Regional Mission Development Office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. At the heart of his work is building connections with the communities he serves. From Cambodia to Mongolia, Samai works across diverse cultures, each with their own traditions. In his role, he ensures the effective delivery of projects by visiting communities and conducting Monitoring & Evaluation, assessing the progress of projects, identifying potential complications, and finding solutions.
The reason I wanted to work for Catholic Mission is that the centre I lived in was supported by the work Catholic Mission does. It’s my way of giving back, to say, ‘this helped me, and now I can do the same to help others’,” said Samai.
One of the most important aspects of Samai’s job is to ensure the projects benefit the community. Guided by Catholic Social Teachings, we are mindful of the principles of Subsidiarity and Participation, which hold that all people have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Samai visits communities beforehand, speaking with the people to understand their specific problems, and together identify effective and sustainable solutions.
“We personally visit people in the community, including beneficiaries, and ask them directly what benefits they expect from the projects, how these will affect them positively or negatively, and what obstacles or barriers might exist,” said Samai. In doing so, Catholic Mission guarantees the community’s needs remain at the forefront of project development, so they benefit first and foremost.
Learn more
Above: Samai (R) visiting the House of Mercy project, meeting with our partner Brother Andrew (L).
Meet Father Rob, a modern-day missionary in Australia, reaching hundreds of thousands through his podcast, music, and social media.
Fr Rob, could you start by sharing about your background and what initially drew you to your calling?
I was brought up in Malta, which is predominantly Catholic. So, it was a very Catholic upbringing, but at the age of 12 or 13 years old, I went through quite a rebellious stage. I was just so lost and confused. Then, I was forced to stop and think. The only place I knew to turn, was to where I saw my parents turn to, and that was ultimately their faith. This is because they had also struggled throughout their life, and I always saw them turn to God in their pain. So, for the first time, I decided to stop and do that. And through going to youth groups, then reconciling with my family and getting the professional help that I needed, I found hope again. After that, I spent the rest of my life wanting to help other young people come to that same understanding of God’s love and God’s purpose for their life.
How did you decide to be a voice in the community?
Learn more
We invite you to read Talking Mission, the newly introduced interview corner, where we invite guests to share their own missionary experience and how they turn Mission into action. Get inspired today.
I never decided to be a voice, but I just can’t keep quiet because if you encounter God’s love, you can’t be still about it. If you’ve discovered something that you know is going to change lives you feel like you can’t stop talking about it until people hear about it. I never seek to be seen or to be heard, it’s just that I cannot be still. I’ve discovered this incredible hope, this incredible love of God, and I want the world to know so I’ll do whatever it takes for people to hear that message.
How would you define mission in the context of your faith and your work?
I would define mission as overflow. For me, mission is not about social justice. It’s not about doing the right thing. It’s not even about the poor. It’s about what Jesus has done for me. It’s an overflow, so I’ve received so much love that I must give it to others, but it starts from the source. So, in a sense, no matter how much you give, if it’s an overflow, you can never take the glory. You can never receive credit for it in a sense because you just naturally cannot help but give.
Would you say that sharing this overflow would define you as a missionary?
Absolutely. I mean, of course it requires self-sacrifice. It requires a lot, but at the end of the day it’s not about me. It’s not about my message. It’s not even about my Church. It’s simply about what God has done and what I’ve seen God do. So, yes, I am a missionary. I am a missionary in everything I do.
How can we better engage with young people toward meaningful missionary work?
It starts with you. So first, I would say work on your own Holiness. Work on your own relationship with God. Our young people don’t need to be preached at. They need people, leaders at the front who are ready to become vulnerable, to show their own brokenness and their own struggles, but also their own victories. Young people connect with human encounter and with divine encounter, so it’s about witness. So, to get started, get on the path to become vulnerable and talk about your struggle on that narrow path. But this also creates pathways for discipleship. It’s extremely difficult and it’s about helping them understand God’s love. And that consequently, God’s love calls us to action.
How can we all celebrate World Mission Month and create meaningful change?
I would use this month as an opportunity to, one, tell someone about Jesus, someone you would have never imagined. So, step out. Take this whole month for you to be a missionary and to take one step towards that. And the second step is to figure out how you can become someone who advocates for the poor. This is the month for you to become a disciple. This is what Jesus did. He helped us. He preached the gospel, but He also reached out to the broken, to the poor, to those the rest of the world found
The Lifelong Transformation that Immersion Provides
A Catholic Mission Immersion is an experience of life, faith, and justice, where participants engage at a grassroots level with local communities in remote Australia and across the world. Participants gain an understanding of local cultures, new perspectives on faith and self, and a lifelong commitment to engaging in Jesus’ mission.
Within an immersion, facilitators represent the key leading pillar of support and guidance. As they accompany the participants, they ensure the journey runs smoothly and provide pastoral care to make discernment a part of the living experience.
David Muller is one of Catholic Mission’s long-standing Immersions facilitators, guiding participants on immersions for 10 years. For him, the most important aspect of being a facilitator during an immersion is providing participants with pastoral support and guiding them based on their individual experiences.
far outweigh any challenges. During the immersions, he speaks of how rewarding it is to see the group transform, as participants are gaining new perspectives.
After 25 years as a teacher, his role as a facilitator fulfils his pursuit of standing against social injustices. “Information and knowledge are the key to solving injustice,” said David. “If people know more about a situation, they can make an informed decision or take an informed course of action to try and help overcome that injustice.
“So, the more people can understand the real situation by talking to those directly affected by it and by that injustice, the better our society will be at making those informed choices. And that’s what immersions do.”
From every immersion, both facilitators and participants leave with the feeling they can do something positive and to bring about that better world. Jesus often referred to this work as building the Kingdom of God. Learn
As a facilitator, issues can arise that require flexibility and problem-solving; however, David has found the rewards
Above:
A group of participants accompanied by David on an immersion.
On the right: Participants learning traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dances.
Kicking Goals for Mongolia’s Future
The field at Trinity College, Beenleigh in Queensland, buzzed with excitement as students from five Catholic schools gathered in August for the official launch of the 2024 Socktober season. It was more than just a sports day—the event marked the beginning of a journey where soccer, a game loved by many, would be used as a tool to raise awareness and inspire action for a global cause.
With the first kick of the ball, the Socktober season was officially launched, an exciting event for many Catholic schools and their communities nationwide.
Socktober, a Catholic Mission initiative and part of World Mission Month, utilises the world’s most popular game to connect students with pressing social issues such as poverty and injustice.
This year, the spotlight is on Mongolia, a country where families endure harsh winters, rising poverty, and limited social services. Through Socktober, Australian students are learning about these challenges and how they can make a real difference by raising funds and awareness in their own communities. At the launch, students engaged their ‘head, heart, and hands’ to create a
meaningful difference for many children around the world. Sue Williams, the Youth & Schools Engagement Officer for QLD, commented, “The energy among the students was so invigorating. I can tell this year will be a great Socktober season.”
It was clear these students were not only having fun but were inspired to help others.
This year students across Australia are kicking goals for the Don Bosco Caring Center in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The facility provides shelter, education, and meals to children who have been abandoned or left to survive on the streets. It offers these vulnerable children hope for a better future, and by participating in Socktober, students across Australia are playing their part in that mission.
One of the most powerful aspects of Socktober is that it’s more than just a fundraising event—it’s about cultivating empathy and a sense of global solidarity. As students learn about the struggles of children in Mongolia, they are encouraged to take action, not only by raising money but by sharing what they’ve learned with their communities.
Above:
A child from the Don Bosco Caring Center playing soccer during summer.
Sue emphasised this point:
Socktober is about more than money. It’s about connecting young people with their own missionary spirit, helping them understand that they can make a difference in the world.”
So, students are not only playing soccer; they are part of something much bigger. Money raised will provide essentials like warm winter clothing, school supplies, and nutritious meals for the children at
Socktober Mission Packs
Because Mission is accessible everyone and every step counts, Catholic Mission has created resources packs that can help everyone to understand the issues of social justice through the Mission lens. Engaging the heads, hearts and hands of students, the Mission Packs are empowering them to understand not only what they are doing to support communities in need but why they are doing it.
Discover our Mission Packs on our website and start your missionary
