The Pontifical Mission Societies include the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Holy Childhood Association, the Society of St. Peter Apostle, and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious. These Societies promote a prayerful missionary spirit among baptized Catholics and to gather a fund of support for the evangelizing and pastoral programs of more than 1,150 local churches of the Developing World.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Responding to East Africa Crisis


A call for solidarity from the Church in East Africa. In response to that call to support the Church's increased service in the face of the growing crisis in this part of the mission world, the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States have established a special appeal for East Africa.

Pope Benedict XVI has called the Catholic community and the whole world to action, and everyone needs to play their part.

On the ground, Father Celestino Bundi, the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Kenya, has asked us for special help for the network of local priests and religious currently serving in the most affected areas. I am sure his request will not go unanswered as Catholics across our country want to respond. We have an immediate way of getting help through in this crisis, particularly though the network of Church personnel who are accompanying many of the suffering communities.


Prayer remains our first response, and we ask the Lord to send His comfort and sustaining hope to those suffering in East Africa, as He strengthens and blesses those who are helping those in such urgent need.

In this most devastating moment for our mission family in East Africa, the Church must continue with even greater effort its life-giving, hope-filled presence.

Direct contributions to www.GiveToTheMissions.org, or to: Pontifical Mission Societies Appeal For East Africa, 70 West 36th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10018, or call to donate at 1-800-431-2222, Monday through Friday (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT).

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