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October 2009: World Mission Sunday Mass Celebrated at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis |
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 On October 18, 2009, Most Reverend Robert Hermann, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, celebrated the World Mission Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. The 10:00 a.m. Mass was the official Archdiocesan celebration of World Mission Sunday.
Bishop Hermann encouraged the faithful to pray and sacrifice for the missions. He praised the work of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, which oversees the annual World Mission Sunday collection, as well as the Daily Worldmissionnaires, one of the largest mission support groups in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. He also shared a story of how he first became interested in the missions at a young age. In grade school, his class raised money for children in China through the Holy Childhood Association. He was touched after hearing their stories, so he decided to donate a $5 bill from his piggy bank to help. He was pleased that he could play even a small part in helping these children in China, and has had an interest in the missions ever since.
Bishop Hermann also congratulated Msgr. Francis Blood, Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, for his excellent leadership and promotion of the Pontifical Mission Societies, as well as our missions in Bolivia through the Latin America Apostolate.
Prior to the blessing in the dismissal rite of the Mass, Msgr. Blood spoke to thank Bishop Hermann for celebrating the Mass for World Mission Sunday at the Cathedral. He also thanked Msgr. Joseph Pins, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica, for his hospitality in hosting the Archdiocesan celebration of World Mission Sunday; Fr. Kevin Schroeder, Master of Ceremonies; Dr. John Romeri, organist and choir director of the Cathedral Choir; Scott Kennebeck, Cantor; the Cathedral Choir; and Mr. Jim Sweeney (President of the Daily Worldmissionnaires) and Mr. George Kerry (Moderator of the Daily Worldmissionnaires), who presented the bread and wine to Bishop Hermann. He also recognized all members of the Daily Worldmissionnaires who were present at the World Mission Sunday Mass.
Bishop Hermann and Msgr. Blood greeted the faithful after Mass and in Boland Hall, where they enjoyed coffee and donuts. Ms. Linda Dalton, Coordinator for the Daily Worldmissionnaires, shared information on the program and visited with members who had attended Mass.
Thanks to everyone who attended this year’s World Mission Sunday Mass! We are grateful for your support of the missionary work of the Church. Special thanks to all members of the Daily Worldmissionnaires who made the effort to participate in this special Mass.
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