The missionary behind the Red Box still inspires global outreach
The first of April 2026 marks 110 years since the death of Fr Thomas Jackson MHM, the English priest whose visionary approach to mission helped to create the Red Box.
Today, more than a century after his death, Jackson’s legacy continues to shape the work of Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries, and the communities we serve worldwide.
From mill town poverty to a life of service
Fr Thomas’ story begins in the northern mill town of Preston in the mid‑19th century. Born into poverty in 1844, he grew up at a time when children from poor families often worked long hours in mills rather than attending school.
Jackson was sent to work at age ten, eventually labouring full days in harsh industrial conditions. Unable to read or write, he nonetheless nurtured a deep spiritual life, listening intently to Scripture and finding comfort in prayer.
A self‑made scholar and missionary priest
Determined to learn, young Fr Thomas slowly taught himself to read. His desire to engage more fully with his faith soon grew into a calling to priesthood, specifically missionary work, and he joined the Mill Hill Missionaries in London.
Though he could afford only a few months of training, benefactors and the recognition of his academic promise enabled him to complete the six‑year programme. It was help he never forgot.
Courage under fire in the Middle East
Fr Thomas was ordained a priest on 28 September 1879 (age 35), and the very next day was sent to Afghanistan as a Chaplain to the British Army during a period of bitter conflict. Travelling first by boat to India and then walking roughly 700 miles, he reached the wounded soldiers he had been sent to support.
He ministered on the front lines of four battles, earning a reputation for bravery rooted in compassion. He surprised even himself with his calm presence on the battlefield, as he often struggled with anxiety; but Fr Thomas believed deeply that God’s love must be present wherever suffering was greatest.
A mission to the jungles of Borneo
After Afghanistan, Fr Jackson was sent to Borneo – at that time a largely unexplored island of rainforests and mountains, plus significant dangers ranging from disease to extreme terrain.
He travelled tirelessly through challenging landscapes to serve remote communities. Over time, he recruited more Mill Hill Missionaries and missionary Sisters from Manchester, helping to establish Borneo’s schools and very first health clinics.
The Red Box: A small object with global impact
After 15 years serving the people of Borneo, Fr Thomas returned to England due to ill health. There he helped to train future missionary priests. At the training college he saw many young men from poor families like his own, who couldn’t afford to finish their training as they ran out of money. Fr Thomas remembered the help he had received and decided to pay it forward.
He came up with the simple idea of a small collection box. He shared the boxes in local Catholic churches and asked people after Mass to take a box home and put in whatever pennies they could spare. Even a small amount would be appreciated.
In time, many more people had boxes at home and there was also enough to send money to missionaries who were sharing God’s love in struggling communities overseas. The money helped to build schools, clinics and simple churches, where people could grow in faith as the family of God.
A legacy of faith, hope and love
The Red Box began as Fr Jackson’s response to the need for missionaries to share the Gospel across the world. More than a century later, through the generosity and compassion of Catholics like you, the Red Box has raised many millions of pounds for mission projects worldwide. You are Fr Thomas’ legacy, embodying his belief in collective generosity and faith‑driven action.
Fr Thomas Jackson’s life demonstrates the power of determination paired with compassion. Rising from poverty, he became a source of hope across continents. Even 110 years after his death, the spirit of his mission remains very much alive.
His influence continues through Missio’s global work alongside the Mill Hill Missionaries, and through every Red Box still used today.
You might like to revisit this Mission Rosary focus this week: