To celebrate the Beatification and legacy of Blessed Pauline Jaricot, Missio is holding special Masses across the dioceses of England and Wales. On Saturday 25 June, we joined Missio supporters in Norwich and Salford for truly enjoyable Masses and talks.

Blessed Pauline – a Saint for our time

Blessed Pauline was born in Lyon, France in 1799 and is one of the founders of Missio, the Pope’s charity for world mission.

Pauline Jaricot was a remarkable young lay woman with formidable faith. Aged 19, Pauline began helping missionaries overseas. She decided to support them through prayer and material help. And so, she established a penny collection among her father’s employees: the first social missionary network.

Supporters met in small groups to donate pennies, pray and exchange news about ‘the missions’. In turn they created more groups. This network became the Propagation of the Faith in 1822. In England and Wales the Red Box, in partnership with the Mill Hill Missionaries, fulfils Pauline’s vision.

Norwich

Bishop Alan Hopes celebrated Mass in St John’s Cathedral, Norwich. He was joined at the Mass by Fr Anthony Chantry MHM, National Director for Missio in England and Wales, who preached on the ‘remarkable missionary spirit of Blessed Pauline Jaricot, who is an inspiration to us all’.

Fr Anthony shared some his own experiences of mission in South Africa and how, through prayer and the support of the Red Box, we can make a real difference to poor and young Churches throughout the world. Bishop Alan thanked the Missio Local Secretaries and volunteers for their efforts in supporting the global Church and gave encouragement to continue our faithful efforts within the East Anglia Diocese.

After Mass, Fr Kevin Hughes MHM shared some more reflections on the life of Blessed Pauline, and how she continues to inspire our own calling as Baptised Catholics to spread the Good News of Christ in our communities.

Anne, the Missio Local Secretary for the Cathedral parish shared,

‘This has been a wonderful occasion and something we can build on as a Diocesan community. Thank you Missio for coming to the Diocese to be with us’.

Thank you to those Missio volunteers who were able to join us, despite the challenging transport situation! Huge thanks too, to the Cathedral staff for their support.

Salford

Meanwhile, Local Secretaries and supporters gathered at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, Salford, for the annual Missio–Mill Hill Missionaries summer Mass.

Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Corcoran, General Superior of the Mill Hill Missionaries. Fr Jan Klaver MHM, Fr Dermot Byrne MHM, Fr Vincent Oates MHM and Fr Bob Hayes, the newly appointed Missio Diocesan Director for Salford.

Salford has a wonderful history of Missio and Mill Hill Missionary partnership, and we were very grateful (as always) for Fr Jan Klaver MHM and his fantastic organisation. Fr Jan knows all the Local Secretaries in Salford Diocese very well and keeps in touch with them.

Fr Corcoran gave the homily and thanked everyone for their missionary endeavours in their own parishes. After Mass we gathered for a lovely spread of refreshments in the Cathedral Cloisters and had time to chat and catch up.

Continue the legacy

Blessed Pauline Jaricot’s legacy is now known and felt throughout the world. And that all starts with you, our amazing supporters and volunteers!

• If you’d like to give to the Red Box, you can do so here>>
• We’re holding Masses throughout the year. To find out what’s on in your diocese, click here>>
• You can read more about Blessed Pauline Jaricot here>>
• Do you have some time to help us out? Volunteering can take just a few minutes or as much time as you can spare! Find out more>>

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