Since HEAL began 5 years ago, many people have expressed a desire to visit Nigeria and personally participate in our mission of forming future Servant Leaders of Africa. Deacon Leo and I have discussed and begun plans to host missionary visitors in a way that would ensure they have a great experience.
Of course, missionary travel to a foreign land like Nigeria is the first step in what Pope Francis has called “Missionary Discipleship.” Such discipleship requires what St. Paul called Self-Emptying or Kenosis (Phil 2:6-11), the spiritual ethos of HEAL’s mission. Thus, the theme of the 5th Annual HEAL Benefit on Thursday, October 4th was “Missionary Discipleship via Self-Emptying in Africa.”
Missionary Discipleship Honoree
Fr. James Heyd gave the keynote address and spoke to our guests about the history of Bishop Vincent McCauley’s missionary exploits to Uganda. Fr. Heyd mentioned his own past missionary experience of helping sponsor construction of a Catholic school in Uganda. He said HEAL’s work reminded him of the self-emptying sacrifice needed for such work in the Lord’s vineyard.
We showed our guests a video, highlighting the risks and adversities that often surround the missionary call in juxtaposition with images and video footage of HEAL’s work in Nigeria. The video vividly portrayed both the programs and prayer of the mission as designed to uplift and form the almost 300 poor rural village children in our care. You will be able to see the video soon.
Our evening closed with an appeal and donation collection, but with a unique cultural twist. I broke out my Igbo chief outfit while Sr. Ann and Sr. Racheal of the Messengers of Justice danced from table to table in African fabric with baskets on their head! Cultural enrichment and missionary discipleship go together!
If you attended our benefit, we hope you had a great time! If not, please take this opportunity to show your support.