November, 2009         

The month of November finds us remembering and thanking. In the first two days we remember the heroes of our faith – all the Saints, who gave their lives to Christ in so many exemplary ways. We remember as well all the faithful departed, who are the heroes of our lives. In the eyes of God many of them are probably saints as well as those who have been officially canonized by the Church. All the Mission sites will observe these days that are rich in local customs as a living sign of faith in eternal life and undying love for the departed. We are grateful for their lives.

In the United States the spirit of gratitude visits us again at the celebration of Thanksgiving Day. Together with family and friends and a roasted turkey, we give thanks for all that we have received from our loving God.

It’s easy to speak for all the missionaries of the Society of St. James the Apostle in saying that we are all deeply grateful to God for the missionary call with which our lives have been so blessed. We are grateful as well that a brother missionary has been declared a Saint.

Last month, on October 11th, Fr. Damian of Molokai, what was then known as the Kingdom of Hawaii, was declared a Saint. For sixteen years, he devoted his life to living and working with the banished lepers, as those persons suffering from Hansen’s Disease were labeled back then, ministering to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. He taught them about Christ and formed a community of faith among those whom the healthy considered outcasts. The day would come when St. Damian began a sermon by saying: “We lepers.” He died on April 15th, 1889, at the age of 49. On October 14th, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring him for his recognition of human rights and the dignity of all and his work with individuals afflicted with Hansen’s Disease. Clearly as a missionary St. Damian gave up his health, his life and suffered for the people of God.

Suffering is a part of our Christian discipleship. The Prophet Isaiah speaks of the “suffering servant,” who takes on the guilt of all and makes a life offering. In the figure of the “suffering servant” is seen the hope for a Savior. In the Gospel reading from this year’s World Mission Sunday (Mark 10: 35 – 45) after having spoken of his suffering, death and resurrection earlier on, Jesus tells the Apostles that they too will suffer. When James and John sought adulation, power and privilege, Jesus promised them that they would drink from His cup of suffering, telling them as well that they must be the servants of all.

Service and suffering are signs of the missionary life lived in solidarity with God’s poor. St. Damian is a shining example of these signs. All missionaries – not just the priests of the St. James Society – are signs as well in their mission sites around the world.

Some might think that the missionary work of the Church is just a part of the Church’s history that has come and gone. That is far from the truth. While the Church is growing rapidly in Africa, some of the historically strong base areas of the Church seem to need a jump-start. Pope Benedict speaks of the need for a re-evangelization of Europe. Two years ago in South America the Bishops started a new evangelization effort with the practice of a permanent mission outreach effort to the majority who have been caught up by a growing secularization. The missions of the Society of St. James are working with their local bishops in this pastoral plan. On another front, Cardinal Francis George, OMI, of the Archdiocese of Chicago, has recently published a book, named The Difference God Makes. Mr. John Allen, Jr. of the National Catholic Reporter has described the work as “a vision for the evangelization of contemporary American culture.” Along with that proposed plan, it has been observed that many missionary congregations are moving their headquarters to China and other parts of eastern Asia. The Mission outreach work of the Church has certainly not ended, be it at home or abroad.

Though suffering is part and parcel of a life lived in solidarity with God’s poor, the capacity for a greater love, compassion and forgiveness can be an accompanying blessing. While discipleship is noted by suffering and service, as our Lord taught, the focus always shines on service. Our choice to follow the Lord as missionaries is a gift from God. God is the One who enables us to serve others lovingly.

This month we remember two missionaries with gratitude. After serving in Peru, Fr. Adrian Crowley has been blessed with a call to serve in Africa under the sponsorship of a local bishop. A longtime member and always friend of the Society – Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan – has been called home to his eternal rest.

Through Baptism we are all called to be disciples. The Lord will strengthen us to suffer and to serve. We pray that all followers of Christ will be able to do so faithfully. May we live always in a way that shows how we have assimilated the teachings and example of Christ and have made them our own.

Sincerely,

Rev. Kevin Hays
Director

Fr. Adrian Crowley

Adrian Crowley served seven years with the Society of St. James, all in Peru, in the desert coastal plain of the shanty town Villa El Salvador, nine miles from the capital city of Lima in the parish of Our Lady of Peace. Working originally alongside Fr. Eugene Kirke, and latterly with Fr. Simon Cadwallader, he strove to build up the catechetical basis of the parish, an area with many social and spiritual challenges. Seventy-five per cent of the people are without regular employment and 65 per cent of the population are under 30 years old. He built a main parish church and welcomed the community "Cenáculo" to the area, a group of young missionaries who are working with abandoned babies and homeless children. He spent much time dealing with the day-to-day problems which face those who live hand to mouth and with a great generosity of spirit.

He will be remembered by the community as a very dedicated pastor who never spared himself in serving them and instructing them in the most important things in life. He has now taken up a new challenge in a new country. He is currently working in the diocese of Monrovia in Liberia where he is establishing a house of Christian formation for young adults.

Fr. Brendan O'Sullivan

In a festive display of traditional music and attire, Peruvian dancers bring up offertory gifts of fruit at the Society's 50th anniversary Mass in Peru.

The rainy summer season in Ecuador is cause for much suffering, as flooding sweeps away entire homes and livestock, and turns the roads into mud, making them impassible. Mosquitoes and other insects bring disease and discomfort, which is inescapable for some people, as seen in the image of the house on stilts.

With no roads, the people of the Peruvian highlands have no option but to travel long distances on foot over rough terrain, often days at a time, to get to their destionation.

Many of Ecuador's poor, including children, earn their livlihood by picking through waste and selling it to recycling industries. Often times the people's homes are built right on the garbage dumps.

Society priest Fr. Denis Parry is just one of many missionaries who stand in solidarity with God's poor, sharing in their tears and hardships, as well as their joys and celebrations.

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