It’s been 3 weeks since Leo Okonkwo arrived in Chicago from Nigeria! Time flies when you’re building an organization…and having fun doing it. We have been to many events and have met many new people who support the HEAL mission. To all those we meet, we convey the message of self-emptying service to the poor and marginalized orphans and widows in our care in the Niger Delta. This past weekend, Leo and I attended the Totally Yours Marian Conference in St. Charles. Bishop Alberto Rohas, Episcopal Vicar for Vicariate III in the Archdiocese of Chicago, celebrated the Saturday morning Mass. After Mass, Leo introduced himself to Bishop Rohas and began telling him about his Companions of the Poor Missionaries and their work in Nigeria with the support of HEAL.
Bishop Rohas appreciated the news of the mission, and encouraged us in our work. Speaking of news, this is the last newsletter before our 1st Annual HEAL Benefit next Wednesday, 10/29. RSVP today for what will be an unforgettable evening featuring our indefatigable keynote speaker, Jason Jones, along with gifted composer, Michael Shimkus. You will also learn about HEAL’s current mission work and our vision for the future.
Back to the Marian Conference, the keynote speaker was renowned Biblical scholar, Dr. Scott Hahn. Dr. Hahn explained that when Jesus said “Do this in remembrance of me” at the Last Supper, He was referring to the “New Testament” in His blood (Luke 22:19-20). In short, the New Testament is Jesus’ sacrificial gift of Himself to us on the cross as represented in the Eucharist we celebrate every Sunday.
HEAL strives by God’s grace to obey Jesus’ words at the Last Supper in the carrying out of our mission in West Africa and we invite you to join us!