Sharing God’s love through practical help
In mission territories, like Malawi, the scattered villages and remote communities make ministering to our sisters and brothers in need a particularly tricky challenge. So the humble bike, combined with the energy and commitment of the missionaries we support overseas, becomes nothing short of a spiritual and practical lifeline.
Recently, Bishop Vincent, the former National Director of Missio Malawi and now Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, shared that his diocese had received a donation of two adult bicycles via a local business which is supportive of the Church. Bishop Vincent was delighted with the gift, which will be used to ‘play a crucial role in serving people in hard-to-reach areas.’
Speaking to a local radio station, he explained:
‘We give various services in the community in Malawi, but here in Lilongwe, we have hospitals, CCJP [Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace], Catholic Health Commission… and also the pastoral areas where we are in communities where we need a means of transport for our people. So, we are very grateful for this donation. It is going to help us very much to fulfil our mission as a Church to change communities and improve the lives of the people.’
A simple but brilliant solution
The gift of bikes inspired Bishop Vincent to further raise awareness of the work the Church is doing locally, and how simple and practical gifts like this are vital in supporting mission.
He extended a call to all businesses and corporations in Malawi, to make use of the Church in supporting the needy across the country. He explained that the Church knows where the people in greatest need can be found and is therefore well placed to help: a hub to receive and distribute gifts on behalf of donors to the places they can help the most. But, he said, without the resources and means to reach them, it can sometimes be difficult to provide our sisters and brothers with that vital spiritual and practical help.
Bishop Vincent was very clear about the difference the new bikes will make:
‘The bicycles will be delivered to Nambuma Parish Church, to ease mobility of the health workers when they want to deliver life-saving care.’
More than a set of wheels
Inspired by the gift of bikes, Bishop Vincent has stressed that, as a Catholic Church,
‘Our duty is not just to preach the word of God in the church. Our duty is to bring hope and salvation; salvation through a good life, you know. But as a Church, sometimes we lack, because we are a big Church and there are so many needs.’
In countries like Malawi, bikes can help to meet these needs in so many different sectors. They uplift communities by increasing access to health, education, and jobs. In particular, bikes can help empower women and girls, by providing a safer, swifter means of transport. And, of course, they’re cheap to run and great for the environment!
Bikes on a mission
In 2023, Missio donations were also funnelled into bikes for Malawi – this time, for children in Lisanjala. Sr Nilcéia, a missionary Sister who serves the Lisanjala community, shared her joy that the children had the opportunity to learn a life-enhancing skill, but also just to play and have fun. This, she reminded us, is so very important for all children, especially those living in poverty who so rarely have gifts or toys of their own.
Sr Nilcéia also shared how delighted the entire community was for the children; they held a Mass of Thanksgiving and sent this lovely footage of the children enjoying the bikes. In a community so beset with problems of poverty, what a joy it is to be able to provide such an uplifting and useful gift.
‘The spirituality of the bicycle’
Simple, practical gifts such as bicycles have a significance far beyond their humble frames in communities of faith; so much so, that they find their way into the Church’s teachings!
French laywoman and mystic, Venerable Madeleine Delbrêl, believed passionately that the Kingdom of God was to be found in the streets and communities of ordinary people. ‘This world, where God has placed us, is our place of holiness,’ she explained.
Venerable Madeleine once spoke of what she called ‘the spirituality of the bicycle’, addressing Jesus in these wonderfully colourful and simple terms:
‘To be with you on your path, we must go, even when our laziness begs us to stay. You have chosen us to stay in a strange balance, a balance that can be achieved and maintained only in movement, only in momentum. A bit like a bicycle, which does not stay upright unless its wheels turn […]. We can stay upright only by going forward, moving, in a surge of charity’.
– Umorismo nell’Amore. Meditazioni e poesie, Milan 2011, 56.
And Pope Francis explored her words in a General Audience last year, saying:
‘Only on the move, on the go, do we live in the balance of faith, which is an imbalance, but it is like that: like the bicycle. If you stop, it does not stay upright.’ General Audience, Saint Peter’s Square Wednesday, 8 November 2023
What a brilliant analogy to apply to the missionaries we support, who never stop working tirelessly to ignite God’s love in the world’s poorest countries! Both metaphorically and literally, the humble bicycle is transforming communities; keeping missionaries and the people they serve connected, empowered and on the move, and bringing the light of faith to our sisters and brothers around the world.
How you can help
Missio ignites God’s love by helping local missionaries to work alongside global communities that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief. Because missionaries serve the poorest and most vulnerable communities, they are well placed to talk to our sisters and brothers in mission dioceses, and hear from them what their community needs.
Sometimes this need might be very specific: a motorbike for a Priest to celebrate Mass in remote villages; a simple community hall so people can gather together; vaccinations to protect vulnerable children. Whatever our missionaries need to help them share the joy of the Gospel, Missio strives to provide it.
Help us provide communities with the things they need by donating to ‘where the need is greatest’ today>>