On World Mission Day 2020 – the one time in the whole year when the global Church comes together in celebration and support of mission – the Pontifical Mission Societies of England and Wales (Missio) have chosen to honor the courageous and selfless women and men who are working in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, as the note sent to Agenzia Fides informs.
Sister Nilcéia is a Brazilian missionary working in a health clinic in a remote area of Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world. She has responded to God’s call by devoting her life to the practical care and spiritual nourishment of the most vulnerable. The nun says: «Our small clinic is an oasis of hope. Despite the challenges, we persevere in this work because we love God and we love his people. I believe in the goodness of God and we serve as Jesus did. But sometimes, the darkness seems very dark. We share all that we have but sometimes it is not enough to save a sick child. The need here in Malawi is great but the Lord is faithful, and we continue to serve. We take courage from knowing you are with us in this mission.
Together we are one family, one faith, one Church, and together we share love through good actions».
The National Director of Missio England and Wales, Fr. Anthony Chantry, of the Mill Hill Missionaries (MHM), visited some Missio projects in Malawi at the end of last year. A missionary himself, he knows well that Missio’s prayers and donations are fundamental for communities in difficulty in mission territories. Fr. Chantry emphasizes: «World Mission Day is a wonderful opportunity for the global family of the Church to be together in solidarity and faith. Every parish in the world celebrates belonging to a world Church, prays, and offers what one can for the benefit of others. By participating, we are extending a hand of friendship and encouragement to our sisters and brothers in the poorest countries and to missionaries in the world, who share God’s love with everyone».»In this year of uncertainty and fear caused by the pandemic of the Coronavirus – he concludes -, from climate crisis to conflicts in the world, it is more important than ever to be a light in the darkness».
