A group of Jesuit Missions’ supporters and benefactors gathered for a special thanksgiving Mass in Wimbledon yesterday (Wednesday, 20 August).
Guests were thanked for their consistent and ongoing support for Jesuit Missions, which has enabled it to carry out life-changing work across the world for decades.
The service was followed by a “fireside chat” with Fr David Harold-Barry, a Jesuit who has lived and worked in Zimbabwe since 1966 and has maintained a strong relationship with many supporters in the UK and Ireland.
Fr Michael Barnes SJ, who celebrated the Mass at Sacred Heart Church, highlighted the generosity referenced in the Parable of the Vineyard Workers in the day’s Gospel.
He likened this to the kindness of Jesuit Missions’ supporters and noted that the organisation is grateful to all who get involved.
“[The] message, I hope, resonates with our gathering today,” he said. “Each and every supporter of Jesuit Missions, regardless of when or how we’ve contributed, is part of a shared mission – God’s mission.
“One that bears fruit not just in this life, but in the life to come. Your generosity mirrors the vineyard owner’s: open-handed, rooted in trust.”
In his talk, Fr Harold-Barry spoke of the problems of the world – including in Zimbabwe – but that he is “optimistic” for the future thanks to the work of organisations such as Jesuit Missions.
He added he is buoyed by the messages shared throughout the Church in the Jubilee ‘Year of Hope’ and positively referenced the late Pope Francis’s commitment to “process”, noting that things can “take time” to yield results.
Paul Chitnis, Director of Jesuit Missions, explained how his organisation’s work has changed over the years – including moving towards indigenous communities leading the bulk of the projects – but that its core values have remained.
“Development, and the promotion of justice and reconciliation, all in the service of faith, are the watchwords for our work today,” he said.
Jesuit Missions supports multiple projects across ten countries, covering subjects such as human rights, education and the environment.
Visit www.jesuitmissions.org.uk/donate to give towards this work, including information on leaving a donation or a legacy.
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