Missionaries thanked for spreading the Gospel around the world

The Paterson Diocese on Oct. 20 held its annual World Mission Sunday Mass at St. Paul Church in Prospect Park, celebrated by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. He led the diocese in thanking and praying for missionaries, priests, laity, and consecrated persons for spreading the Gospel around the world, including to the poor.

Diocesan priests, including Father Henry Pinto, St. Paul’s pastor, and missionary priests from religious orders serving in countries around the world concelebrated the bilingual liturgy. Missionaries came from countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, the Philippines, and Ghana.

Many religious sisters from various orders also attended the Mass. Many people, including children, wore festive clothing of their native countries.

Parishioners, whose native countries were evangelized by foreign missionaries, assembled a mission exhibit displayed in the church hall after the Mass.

The exhibit included countries such as Columbia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, and Vietnam. Each table had the countries’ flag, patron saint, costumes, language, sample artifacts found in the country, and sample foods.

Through the Mission Office, the diocese coordinates activities to encourage and inspire the faithful to offer prayer and financial sacrifice to support the ongoing missionary works of the Church. Mila Burdeos, diocesan mission director, coordinated the local World Mission Sunday Mass.

— Michael Wojcik

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

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