In the name of Pope Francis, on October 23, 2022, the whole Church is coming together to pray and help. World Mission Day - Mission Sunday - is the biggest solidarity event in the whole world. In every church in the world, we think of the whole Church and especially of those who are much worse off than us.
In order to look into different corners of the world Church, we choose a different target country every year. This year, we chose the Asian country of Cambodia, which we also visited in April and went through many supported projects. Cambodia is a very poor country, there were major riots and genocide was committed against its people. Even today, landmine injuries are widespread in Cambodia. A cruel reminder of this country's troubled past are the consequences that must be borne even by those who were not even born during the tumultuous years of the Khmer Rouge regime and the subsequent civil unrest.
The Mission Sunday poster features a young boy, Chen, who had his legs amputated after a landmine exploded near him. He was only 16 years old at the time. One day, he and his two younger brothers went out to look for bamboo shoots. They walked through the woods and then up the hill that bordered their property. They knew this road well. Unfortunately, just then a mine exploded and Chen lost both his legs.
When he woke up in the hospital, he realized that his life would never be the same again. He felt complete hopelessness, knowing that his options would be very limited from now on. He was very afraid and worried about the future, but thanks to the Arrupe Center he got the opportunity to get an education and start working on his future.
Immediately after his injury, Chen was connected with Bishop Enrique Figaredo Alvargonzalez and the staff of the center. The Arrupe Center cooperates with local hospitals and helps people with disabilities find a safe home, gives them access to education and employment opportunities, which are of great help to them. Chen himself said of the center's help: "It's like I've been given a new life."
The goal of the Mission Sunday collection is to support the work of the Church in Cambodia, which cares for people maimed by landmines and people with health problems. Through the collection, we try to help them so that they can live a full life.
On Mission Sunday, we celebrate the worldwide family - the Church. On Sunday, October 23, 2022, let's join millions of Catholics in praying for one another. Let's be enriched by the gifts of other nations and let's support those who live much harder than us in Slovakia. If you decide to help financially, you can do so at your church on Mission Sunday, October 23.
