Letter from Fr Michael Gormly
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Email17.02.2011
Dear Missionary Friends,
In this mailing I simply bring you direct quotes from missionary colleagues in overseas situations. You will find that each writer is dedicated to the well-being of people in need. Each reminds us that they are doing what they were called to do. Moreover, they are keen that their experiences be shared with those who support them from New Zealand.
Father Daniel O’Connor, from Hokitika, is a Columban priest living in Pakistan:
“Pakistan has not been a peaceful place in 2010. However, in Christmas week I spent time in a village that was close to the Bethlehem scene for me. We travelled one and a half hours over bumpy mud tracks to where 12 Christian families had gathered to join the harvesting of a rice crop. Although payment from the rich landlord was only a meager share in the crop, we thanked God for the harvest with a shared meal. I deeply experienced intimacy with the bountiful God who provides food. UN reports declare that about 50% of the people live below the poverty line. Millions were displaced in the flood disaster, vast acres of crops were devastated, thousands of homes destroyed and many animals died. Last week we again took food rations and clothes to people in need in our parish area. The funds from New Zealand are greatly appreciated.”
Sister Mary Dillon, an Irish Columban Sister, writes from Myanmar (formerly Burma):
“We are already eight years in Myitkyina, and things have not greatly changed. The health and education standards are very low, with malaria and infant deaths high. The poverty and sheer drudgery to survive is a real challenge for the poor. The Government seems to have a blind eye to the misery of the people. I appreciate your support for the work we are doing with HIV/AIDS people. The HIV virus continues to spread rapidly in Myanmar. In the past few weeks I have known 7 people with AIDS who died. At the moment we have 52 sick with the AIDS virus. The shelter we have provided provides food and nursing care, and a clinic in the town provides medication.”
Father Larry Barnett, from Takaka, works in the Diocese of Hsinchu, Taiwan:
“In Taiwan, we continue to run an after-school program, providing time, space and teachers for almost 100 primary school students. There is tuition in Dayan (the mother tongue and culture), in English, and in the use of computers. They also have the chance to play, and we give them a nourishing snack before going home. The diocesan finance council has agreed to rebuild the local church in Yung-An, as a special diocese-wide project for 2011. If readers feel the urge, we would gratefully accept donations towards the furnishing. Meanwhile the work of the parish continues. Every weekend we have Mass or Service in 8 Villages; we attend weekly house prayers in villages; and keep an eye out for the next missionary challenge.”
Sister Margaret Milne, a Wellington Mercy Sister, works in Santiago, Chile:
“After
the February earthquake, 2010 was an incredibly busy and demanding
year. One of the lasting effects of the earthquake has been the
post-traumatic stress syndrome. The donations from New Zealand have been
a great help in enabling a number of people to receive physiotherapy at
the local Mercy House. The service is offered to stroke victims who
have been abandoned by the public health system. Muchas Gracias!”
Father Don Hornsey, from Morrinsville, works in Compapata, near Cusco, Peru:
“This year I am placing a strong emphasis on building up community groups through formation courses. In the Peruvian mountains, the people’s faith is closely linked with basic needs, and with culture and language (Quechua). The generous support from priest friends across New Zealand has enabled me to complete the building phase of the project. The first in a series of formation courses has already started.”
You will note that our missionaries are grateful for what we do to support them. It is assuring to know that they are spending funds wisely to meet real needs. Also, they invite every supporter in the New Zealand church to feel part of the efforts to build a world of truth, justice, love and peace.
Wishing you every blessing,
Father Michael Gormly
Co-ordinator of St Columban's, New Zealand
