Living Dollars

Did you ever see "living dollars"? Well I have -- just a few weeks ago, in Indonesia.

During that mission visit, I met children on the island of Nias who were lovingly cared for by Sisters, both at an orphanage and in a home for children with disabilities. I also got to know parishioners at the only Catholic parish in Banda Aceh on the predominantly Muslim island of Sumatra. As I spent time with the children and the Sisters, and the people of the parish, I realized that I was face-to-face with the living, breathing reality of your contributions to the Pontifical Mission Societies.

On the island of Nias, vocations to the priesthood and Religious life are flourishing. In these vocations, there is great hope, indeed, as local men and women prepare for a lifetime of being our Lord’s presence among their own people. And you are part of that hope, as you support, through prayer and sacrifice, their formation for the priesthood and Religious life through the Society of St. Peter Apostle, one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies.

The Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of Mercy form one such Religious Community. They staff an orphanage on the island of Nias, as well as a school. In fact, your contributions are also helping to rebuild that school which was destroyed by an earthquake in March 2005. How beautiful to watch the loving care these Sisters provide to these children, helping them to realize that they are not alone and that the Lord loves them.




More living examples of your generous response to the Pontifical Mission Societies were found at a home for handicapped and disabled children and young people, also on Nias. It was inspiring for me to watch the Franciscan Sisters as they helped these little ones go through their everyday routines. The smiles and joy on the faces of these children gave witness to the fact that the message of these Sisters -- the "good news" of God's great love for each one of us -- was heard.

And finally there was my visit to Banda Aceh, an area of Sumatra devastated by the earthquake and tsunami of December 2004. As I celebrated Mass in the rebuilt Sacred Heart Church -- refurbished with your gifts to the Pontifical Mission Societies -- I realized that here was, perhaps, the greatest living example of all. In this church, the small Catholic community on this Muslim island is able to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus, to be nourished and strengthened by our Lord in the Eucharist.


As I greeted parishioners during the Sign of Peace at the Mass I concelebrated at Sacred Heart Church, I heard from many an extension of that greeting of peace and thanksgiving to each of you who support the Church's evangelizing mission through the Pontifical Mission Societies. I pass that on to you now, and the message of my own great gratitude, having witnessed the living reality of your dollars of support.