Mission Sunday - 18th of October 2009

As Catholics we understand "Mission" in many different ways - There is the mission of Christ; the mission of the Church; the mission to spread the gospel; the mission that each one received at Baptism and Confirmation.

Each year the Church dedicates one Sunday, all over the world, to reflecting on the Foreign Missions. This particular missionary effort in which the Irish have been significant contributors involves, principally, two main emphases - Evangelisation and Development.

Catholic theology and spirituality have generally tended to favour a view of the human being as a person who comprises physical, psychological, spiritual and religious aspects.

Any attempt at evangelisation must take account of the overall circumstances of the people if it is be effective in spreading the gospel.

Any attempt at development must be rooted in gospel values if it is to contribute to a development that will be long-lasting and meaningful.

The Augustinians have been involved in foreign missions since their inception - in fact some of the first missionaries to Latin America were Augustinians as, indeed were some of the first Christian missionaries to China.

The Irish Province has been no slouch in participating in these efforts. Our missions are, or have been to the following places - Britain, United States, Australia, Nigeria, Ecuador, Benin Republic and Kenya. Some friars have worked individually in some other places such as Papua New Guinea and South Africa.

We also have one friar who has worked for some years in Canada and another who has just recently gone to Cuba.

Today is a day for celebrating the fact that, as Augustinians, we have had, and continue to have, so many men and women who are willing to bring Christ's message to other nations.

If you want to contribute to this missionary effort there are, principally4 ways to do so:

1: By prayer and your participation in the liturgy bearing in mind the needs of missionaries.

2: By keeping touch with a missionary - perhaps one that may have spoken in your local church.

3: Financial contributions are always needed and ALL of the money goes to people.

4: Become a missionary. Either join us or some other group like Viatores Christi who you can find at this link http://www.cobweb.ie/viatores_christi.htm