Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New York City (Agenzia Fides) - The Maryknoll Missionaries (Society for Foreign Missions of the United States of America), one of the most important U.S. missionary institutions for the mission Ad Gentes, yesterday celebrated its century of life in the Cathedral of St . Patrick, in New York City. "His Holiness willingly joins the entire family of Maryknoll in remembering the profound zeal for spreading the Gospel and the growth of the Church", wrote the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI. The main celebration was a Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated on Sunday 30 October, attended by more than 2,000 members of the institute, other priests, friends and donors, who wanted to pay tribute to this missionary institute founded in 1911, now present in 28 countries.
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, presided the Mass concelebrated by several Maryknoll priests. The celebration began with a procession of flags, opened by the United States and the Vatican, of all countries where there the Maryknoll missionaries are present. Then the processional cross followed, which contained the relics of the founders of Maryknoll: Bishop James Walsh and Father Thomas Price, as well as those of Mother Mary Joseph, foundress of the Maryknoll Sisters.
"The vision of the founders has been successful not only in an impressive missionary expansion in Asia, Latin America and Africa, but also as a revival for the concern of Mission Ad Gentes among generations of Catholics in the Church of the United States" wrote Cardinal Bertone.
Among the special guests who attended the Mass, there were numerous representatives of the countries where Maryknoll missionaries are present, and some intentions of prayers of the faithful during the Mass were in their native language, such as Hakka, English, Quechua, Spanish, Swahili, and Taiwanese.
The Mission Society of Maryknoll is also present in parishes and schools in the United States, committed to urging the Catholics to carry out their mission through vocations, prayer, donations and volunteer work. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 31/10/2011)
