This October, Catholic Mission and the broader Catholic community will come together to celebrate World Mission Month, guided by the theme “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples.”
During this time, we are called as baptised people to unite in faith and turn our beliefs into action.
To celebrate our unity in mission and in Christ, Catholic Mission is journeying with our sisters and brothers in the Diocese of Mpika, Zambia, to create sustainable solutions to the ongoing food and hunger crisis.
Two inspiring figures who embody this mission in the Diocese of Mpika are Sister Jane and Bishop Edwin Mulandu. Both have dedicated their lives to serving the community in a region deeply affected by prolonged drought, crop failures and ongoing economic challenges. These conditions have left many families vulnerable, with limited access to food and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
In response, Catholic Mission alongside the Diocese of Mpika have launched the Maize Mill Project. This initiative creates long-term solutions by equipping women with the skills and resources to grow, harvest and mill their own maize. By doing so, families can secure a steady source of nutrition and income, breaking the cycle of poverty.
At its heart, the Maize Mill Project is about empowerment. Women, often excluded from economic and social participation, are now being given the tools to play a central role in shaping the future of their families and communities. Bishop Mulandu shares this vision, explaining:
“As a diocese, we strongly feel and are convinced that empowering women will solve a lot of issues at the household level and in the community.”
Through training, education and access to sustainable resources, the project not only addresses immediate needs but also builds resilience, dignity and hope. Sr Jane’s leadership and dedication ensure that women are supported, encouraged and given the opportunity to flourish. As she states:
“That’s my wish. That if woman can be empowered, I’ll be the most happiest.”
The Maize Mill Project is a living example of this year’s theme, “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples,” showing how mission is a shared journey of walking alongside communities, listening to their struggles and working together for a brighter future.
As we celebrate World Mission Month, Catholic Mission invites schools, parishes, friends and supporters across Australia to stand in solidarity with the people of Mpika. Together, we can continue to nurture hope, unity and faith in action, ensuring that communities most in need not only survive but thrive.
