World Mission Sunday – 2009
Sisters share about our missions – L to R: Srs. Madeline Marie, Karen, Mary Lawrence, Adelaide (not pictured) and Mary Madonna
“Together with Jesus we celebrated our diversity of gifts!”
On Mission Sunday, October 18th, five of us SFP’s, Sisters Adelaide Link, Mary Lawrence Vanderburg, Madeline Marie Hill, Mary Madonna Hoying and Karen Hartman, were privileged to attend a celebration of “The Gifts of Asian Catholics” at Sacred Heart Church in Fairfield, OH. It was prepared by the Asian Community of priests and laity of Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino, Chinese and American participants.
Ethnic dances; Representatives from the various Asian communities dressed in beautiful dress from their unique cultures.
A meaningful Eucharist at 3:00 PM was celebrated by the Presider, Fr. Bonaventure Bai, OFM, originally from China, and eight other priests from various mission areas. Fr. Dan Kroger, OFM, who spent many years in the Philippines, gave the homily. The music and general intercessions were done in several languages. Together with Jesus we celebrated our diversity of gifts!
After Eucharist, we assembled in the Fellowship Hall for entertainment and food from the Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and Filipino Communities. It was delightful, especially when Fr. Bonaventure and children (who were dressed as angels) performed many dances. There was an interesting and delicious variety of food!
Real angels spread their wings to the music!; Representatives from the various Asian communities dressed in beautiful dress from their unique cultures.
We SFP’s had a display table where we met with the people and gave out brochures about our missions, especially our new mission in the Philippines. Many people came by to talk and were pleased with the information. All in all, it was a wonderful World Mission Day!
- Sister Mary Madonna Hoying, SFP; Photos by Sister Mary Madonna, SFP