Reaching out with love and commitment

By Matthew Nguyen, Salesian Lay Missioner

Vunabosco, PNG, 6 October 2019 -- The call to mission is for everyone, yes everyone! In the Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands Vice Province, it is easy to think that missionaries are only the priests and religious in our lives. The Salesian priests guide us in our faith. The religious brothers work with the youth and the sisters give their time and energy to spreading the Good News. Yet, we must not forget that the call to mission is for all.

At Don Bosco Technical Secondary School, Rapolo, we are grateful for the efforts and commitment of lay people who serve in simple yet extraordinary ways. Every week lay volunteers dedicate their weekends to lead Catechism classes for the young children of the newly established parish. On the other hand, this is an extremely sacred ministry for those who donate their time and talents. The children start their day praising their God at the Eucharistic celebration and continue to learn more about Him at the catechism class.

The Salesian Co-operators share their talents and gifts in a very practical way. Every Sunday, these amazing people go out to different communities and offer basic medical checkups of blood pressure and sugar levels for the people of the village. This helps the people create a ‘healthy plan of life’ so that they may live a long and healthy.

This is Mission! The love of Christ and neighbor drives the mission in our hearts to serve one another. We pray for all our missionaries, that they may be blessed and encouraged to continue their ministry. “Go out to all nations and proclaim the Good News”, Christ tells us. These people put the command of Christ into practice. Our lives give you thanks and praise, O God!

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