A quarterly newsletter on missionary efforts from around the world.
August 2025
Forging a Path to Education
In the mountains of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, small kindergartners trek up to ten miles each day just for the chance to learn. When they arrive, there is no classroom, only open air and dirt.
In the newly established parish of Saint Mary Mother of God, our missionaries serve more than 4,000 Catholics spread across 27 outstations. This vast region lacks even the most basic infrastructure, as local authorities have long overlooked the area.
Severely Lacking Resources
Several years ago, the local government opened a simple kindergarten, but it closed after only two years due to a lack of support. Today, the need for education remains and continues to grow.
Father Beny Fransiskus, CICM, leads the parish and describes the situation plainly: “I found at least four things that characterize this very remote place: no electricity, alack of proper and safe water, abysmal infrastructure, and very sad attention to proper education at schools.”
Responding to the Need
In response, Fr. Beny and his parish team developed a plan to establish a small kindergarten for all children in the region to attend.
Their plan calls for a 1,500-square-foot building with two classrooms and an office that will employ three teachers and welcome at least 30 students in the first year, God willing.
“This project will be a real witness of the Catholic Church’s strong presence in the region,” says Fr. Beny. “It’s a vital contribution to building a better civic life and culture for everyone.”
The total cost to launch this effort is $32,703. This work represents MercyWorks's mission to support local Catholic leadership responding directly to the needs of their people. If you feel called to help, you can make a secure gift online. Every donation brings these families one step closer to the education they deserve.
A Well of Hope Springs Forth!
This Easter, we turned to you, our MercyWorks community, to partner with us on a special project taking root in Laminia, Senegal. Our goal was to raise $2,500 to begin digging a well that would free young mothers and girls from the daily burden of walking miles for water.
Through your action and the Lord’s abundant generosity, we received over $7,500—far exceeding our original goal.
This wonderful achievement provides the full amount needed to build the well, freeing countless young girls to pursue an education. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ to our sisters in Senegal.
Prayer Request: Pray For Victims of Human Trafficking
On July 6, we celebrated the feast of St. Maria Goretti. Please join us in praying for all victims of human trafficking and our missionaries and volunteers who seek to bring healing to these sufferers through the Sunflower Center.
Habemus Papam! Welcome, Pope Leo XIV!
On May 8, the College of Cardinals elected Pope Leo XIV as the next successor of St. Peter. A missionary himself, and in his first address as Pope, the Holy Father calls to mind our universal call to be a missionary Church.
"We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges (and) dialogue, always open to receive (people), like this square, with open arms – everyone, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love." - Pope Leo XIV
Extend the healing hand of mercy to a vulnerable child in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Your support helps build their desperately needed classroom and provides a safe place to begin their educational journey.
A blessed August to you! Above, we introduced you to a new initiative to build a kindergarten for the children in the impoverished mountains of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Missionhurst very much wants to fund this worthwhile missionary work in solidarity with Father Beny and his parish team.
With your help, we know this is possible, thanks to you and many others as co-missionaries...and, of course, thanks to God’s generous provision to each of us. I ask that you
I also wish to send my ongoing gratitude to you for your past support of our common missionary work, especially for the completed water well in Lamina, Senegal, and for the completion of phase III of St Charles Primary School in Malawi.
Thank you for being so supportive, both through prayer and donations. Your vital participation in our work sustains the hundreds of missionaries serving in some of the world’s darkest and dire places.
Please continue to keep Fr. Beny, the Saint Mary Mother of God parish community, and the children we hope to serve in your prayers.
United in faith, prayer, and action,
- Fr. Pascal Kumanda, CICM
Novenas, Prayer Resources, and Stories from MercyWorks
Around the world, the MercyWorks community is praying and sharing stories to support our missionaries. Click below to read & pray with us 🙏🏽
