By Missio
Thanksgiving and perseverance were two words that stood out at the Hexham and Newcastle Diocesan Mission Mass on Tuesday 9th August.
The Mass was hosted by Missio Diocesan Director, Fr Greg Price, at St Anne’s, Darlington, and concelebrated with Fr Anthony Chantry MHM, National Director of Missio, Fr Emmanuel Mbeh MHM, and Fr Robert Moore.
We gave thanks for all those who support Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries by their prayers and donations, or by volunteering their time and skills. Rita, a parishioner of St Robert’s, Fenham, has supported the work of the missions for an amazing 65 years (she started as a teenager), only stepping down from the role of Local Secretary (organising the Red Box collections in her Parish) earlier this year. It was wonderful for Fr Anthony to be able to meet her in person and thank her for this important ministry to the Church.
We were delighted to be able to present several Missio Local Secretaries, who were present at the Mass, with long service awards. Bronze awards, for over 10 years’ service, were presented to Richard from St Anne’s, Darlington, and to Stella and Michael, a husband and wife team from St Patrick’s, Langley Moor.
Lorna, the Local Secretary from St Mary’s, Aycliffe, was also at the Diocesan Mass but will receive her award in her home Parish in November when Fr Emmanuel will visit the parish to make a Red Box appeal: she received a handshake from Fr Anthony, and a round of applause from the congregation.
Silver awards were made to Moira from St Gregory’s, South Shields, for 20 years of service and to Sandra from St Teresa’s, Darlington, for 30 years of service. On accepting her award, Sandra said that she didn’t realise she had been volunteering for that long.
In his homily, Fr Anthony encouraged us to persevere and to take as our model Blessed Pauline Jaricot who, despite much suffering and many obstacles, preserved in her mission to share God’s love throughout the world.
The fruit of Pauline’s perseverance was the founding of the pontifical society, known as the Association of the Propagation of the Faith. We, as Missio supporters and volunteers, are a part of Pauline’s legacy as we strive to build a vibrant missionary family around the world