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Mission animation Advancing an understanding of “mission” is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to others today. The U.S. Catholic Mission Association (USCMA) unites and supports people committed to the cross-cultural and global mission of Christ. It provides updates on news and trends in the missions, both in the U.S. and abroad. These are very helpful to all of our Sisters, particularly those who have repatriated to the U.S. after many years overseas. The theme of the USCMA’s 2008 Annual Conference, held in Baltimore in late October, was, “Mission: A Journey of Hope.” Sisters Anne Louise von Hoene (the accountant for USCMA), Juanita Ortega, Patricia Patton, Rosemary Smyth, and Mary Zosso attended, along with Mrs. Susan Thompson, who works in our Alliance for Justice Office.
The Conference included a special Mass at the Baltimore Basilica of the Assumption to mark 100 years since the status of the Catholic Church in the U.S. was changed from a primarily mission-receiving territory to a mission-sending one. Today, the Church in the U.S. is both. The first keynote speaker, Michael Amalados, S.J., presented his thoughts on “Mission in Our New Global Context.” He spoke of economic globalization and the speed of modern communication. “The people of God have to be involved in the world in new ways in order to transform it.”
Diane Bergant, C.S.A., discussed “Biblical Insights for Mission in a New Globalized Context” in the second keynote speech. Our Sister Mary Zosso shares, “She spoke of God’s call, beginning with Abraham…to become a community. We are invited to participate as God’s people with all of creation, in the mission of God for the transfiguration of all.” Panel speakers from Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, the Philippines, Tunisia, the U.S., and Zambia gave real-life reports from their mission experiences. Throughout the Conference, meaningful prayer rituals inspired all.
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