PASTORAL WORK

This year we provided $607,820 to support the start or continuation of 30 pastoral projects, including 19 lay formation programs. In addition, we helped to build ten churches and chapels, and to remodel a multi-purpose hall, a parish rectory, and several youth centers, so that the poor who live in remote areas can have a suitable gathering place for worship, prayer, and social activities. Some representative projects appear below.

Brazil

Fr. Roy Shea, who works in the Diocese of Maraba, wrote that his parish was experiencing many challenges, including the steady migration of parishioners in search of a better life elsewhere, an encroaching culture of violence, and the dominant presence of evangelical churches. Fr. Roy appealed for funds that would provide religious training for lay leaders who would, in turn, train others, thus qualifying more parishioners to conduct catechetical courses for the community.

Cameroon

Fr. Desire Essama Awono’s parish of St. Peter the Apostle in Minkan had only one chapel for 14 villages and 18,000 Christians. In remote villages people celebrated Mass with nothing more than tents or trees to protect them from drenching rain or scorching sun. With the support of our benefactors, the community can now gather at a real chapel for worship and religious instruction.

Several years ago in Yaounde, CICM-Cameroon took out a construction loan for Centre D’accueil CICM, a guest house and spiritual center next door to the Provincial House. Last year, 500 people passed through the center’s doors to attend seminars, symposiums, and retreats. The center was totally dependent on the city for its water (which is not safe to drink) and electrical supplies, both of which were frequently interrupted for weeks as a time. Fr. Faustin Ambassa appealed to Misisonhurst for funds to buy a new generator and to drill a borehole well that provide safe drinking water. Thanks to our generous benefactors the center now has a reliable supply of electricity and a clean water well with distribution pipes that will also provide water to the local community in the event of a persistent shortage.

Guatemala

The recovery process in the aftermath of civil war is continuing this year for the indigenous Q’eqchi–Maya, while they struggle to rebuild their fragile community. To support and assist them, Fr. Quitero Galva has formed pastoral groups to help minister to those living in the region's remote villages.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Fr. Wilner Pierre in Kinshasa, manages the only retreat and formation center there for the religious, who need a place to refresh, update, adjust, and renew many important programs. The center also offers a training program for the men and women formation directors who assist young men who may feel called to become Missionhurst missionaries. Though the cost is small by our standards, it is insurmountable for the religious from poorer parishes. Thanks to our benefactors, we were able to award scholarships that allowed many deserving religious to attend these formation programs.

Haiti

In 1960 KIRO was founded in Port-au-Prince to provide on-going formation for youth leaders at local, diocesan, and national levels, reaching into even the most remote areas. The only nationwide youth movement in all nine dioceses, KIRO’s membership has grown to 62,000 comprising 603 youth groups. Children ages 3 to 20 and older leaders ages 21 to 35 are active participants. Recent job instability, poor roads, and lack of communication between groups has led to the loss of experienced local leaders. To address this shortage, Fr. Alexander Kakolo Beya wants to concentrate on visits and the formation of regional leaders who can help minimize the difficulties and strengthen local groups. In addition to providing opportunities for children to grow in the Church and improve communication between KIRO diocesan committees and local groups, Fr. Alex hopes to encourage local youth groups to become active in social projects, such as providing relief to hurricane victims. Our benefactors enabled Missionhurst to fund this formation program as well as to cover the production costs of KIRO membership publications.

Additional pastoral programs were funded in Haiti, Mexico, South Africa, and the Philippines.

IN THE STATE OF GUERRERO, MEXICO, FR. ISIDORE NDJIBU'S PARISHIONERS CELEBRATE A WHOLE MONTH OF "ALL SOULS," GIVING THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY A JOYOUS TIME TO KEEP THEIR CULTURAL TRADITIONS ALIVE.

IN THE PHILIPPINES, FR. DIDIER'S PARISHIONERS FROM BOTH PRO-AND ANTI-MINING FACTIONS SHARE A MEAL AFTER A RECONCILIATION MASS AIMED AT DEFUSING TENSIONS.