They Joyful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Mondays and Saturdays. Here we have attached each Mystery to a Missio story or project to anchor your meditation.
‘And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done according to your word.”’ Luke 1: 26-38
Fr Michael
Fr Michael is a Mill Hill Missionary who is currently serving communities in east Malaysia. He was previously in Cameroon.
Born into a Catholic family in a small village in India, Fr Michael knew he wanted to be a Priest from an early age. But that doesn’t mean his journey has been an easy one. He shares:
‘I was appointed to Cameroon where I served for two years. It was a challenging mission experience for me as a newly ordained Missionary Priest. And because of political crises and civil war in Cameroon, I had some bitter experiences. Sadly, the civil war in the country eventually meant I was asked to withdraw from Cameroon and go back to my home country India. I received my new appointment from the General Council to Malaysia, specifically to the Diocese of Sibu in Sarawak State. To be honest, my biggest challenge initially was to learn the local language (Iban), and to travel in a longboat to the long houses because I don’t know how to swim! but I really consider myself a very lucky priest to be sent here to live among these loving people. I find myself welcomed everywhere and every house I visit, I feel like one of their family members.
Fr Michael trusts in God to send him where he is needed. No matter how challenging things get, he is prepared to serve and to trust in God, answering the call to Mission as Mary, the first Missionary, did so long ago.
Our prayer
As we ponder the mystery of the Annuncuation, we pray for all those answering God’s call, being open to the Word.
‘When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’ Luke 1: 39-45
As we ponder the Mystery of the Visitation, we pray for those who are lonely and in need of visitation – from us and, through us, from Christ. May we, like Mary, be ready to reach out and serve others, with a loving heart.
‘And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.’ Luke 2: 1-7
Oceania – Solomon Isles?
We pray for all mothers, and especially those preparing for the birth of a child in poverty of difficulty. We pray that they will always receive the help, compassion and support they need.
‘They brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord’ Luke 2: 22-38
Confirmation of children? Lat Am?
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions’
Focus: Ethiopia
The return of those who were lost: trafficking victims in Ethiopia