Praying with depth in Catholic Mission Month
International
Catholics are being asked to recognise missionaries around the world who are reaching out to those on the margins as the Church celebrates World Mission Month in October.
Cardinal Giorgio Marengo IMC, Apostolic Prefect of the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, invited the faithful to reflect on the “importance of depth – being solid in prayer”.
Using his personal experience as missionary, Cardinal Marengo reflected on the role of missionary work within the broader global community, especially in countries like Mongolia.
“We have also started a joint venture in serving the people of God there, and not only the people of God – the members of the Church – but the larger community in Mongolia that we serve,” he said.
When he first arrived there, the Catholic community comprised just a few hundred people. Today, it has grown to 1500.
“The growth happened because many people from different walks of life were attracted by the gospel; they were moved by what the first missionaries were doing,” Cardinal Marengo said. “For our people, many times the first connection with the Church is precisely through the witness of a friend within the community – someone whose life has been transformed by faith.”
The Church has grown and become an essential service provider, especially in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, a rapidly growing city facing challenging urbanisation. Among the key projects the Church has created to offer vital support is the House of Mercy, recognising the increasing need to provide shelter to people facing homelessness.
Learn more about the House of Mercy at catholicmission.org.au
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