We are all citizens of a Global Village! We are part of a global family and are called to know our brothers and sisters from every corner of the world. And, contrary to popular belief, mission means not only going out, but also allowing others to come to us. There are many wonderful people connected to our diocese who have answered the call to mission. Let us follow their example!
Who is a Missioner? Although we recognize that ALL Baptized Catholics are called to mission, and that each one of us does mission in our own back yard at times, we also recognize that some are called to mission in a special way - those who answer the call to follow Christ's example by leaving their home and comfort zones to be in relationship with brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.
Missioners from St. Cloud Diocese: Who are our St. Cloud Missioners? Our Mission Office is always trying to stay in contact with those from our diocese who are living and ministering in various ways throughout the world. Currently we are aware of over 30 individuals serving in mission long-term. These individuals are priests, religious from various Religious Communities, and laity. They are young and old. They are new to mission, and have been in mission for over 40 years. Anyone can be called to serve! Here are some of the beautiful servants of Christ, who have answered the call to live in solidarity and build relationships through their mission spirit and presence abroad:
Mexico:
Nicaragua: Guatemala:
Bahamas:
Ecuador:
Bolivia: Chile:
Brazil: Tanzania:
Ghana: Namibia:
Russia:
Japan:
Bangladesh:
Indonesia:
Canada:
We appologize if we have missed any long-term missioners from our Diocese. Please contact the Misison Office if you are aware of family, friends or parishioners who are, or if you yourself are, currently engaging in mission abroad.
How can we be involved in the work of these great missioners? We see these missioners as bridges - between their home diocese of St. Cloud and their current areas of the globe. We therefore encourage them to share their stories - in writing and by speaking when they are home visiting. We also encourage you to listen to their stories, find out more about the work they are doing and the people they live among, and to support them as you are able. If you are interested in getting in contact with one of these missioners, or if you are interested in supporting the work they are doing, please contact the Mission Office.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Missioners from afar in mission to us: How many people from around the world are in mission to us in the St. Cloud area? Currently the Mission Office is aware of seven missioners from our partner dioceses or other communities around the world who are living and serving long-term in our Diocese of St. Cloud.
Who are the foreign missioners here presently? Those wonderful people who have come to share their faith and gifts with us include:
Have there been other missioners here in the past? Throughout the years a number of other missioners have served in our diocese, but since returned. Those whose presence we have been blessed with in the past include:
How can we be in contact with these foreign missioners? Many of these missioners are doing ministry in our parishes throughout the dicoese. You simply need to contact their parishes to be in touch with them. However, if you are not sure which parish they are ministering in, or you have other questions about how you can meet these great missioners, contact the Mission Office. We also strongly encourage your school, parish, group, faith formation program, youth group or family to invite these missioners to speak about mission, global solidarity and their culture. They have wonderful gifts to share! To invite a missioner, or other member of the Mission Office Speakers Bureau contact Kateri at the Mission Office. Or check out our Mission Education page for more ideas on how to bring mission to your group or community.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable & Legendary Missioners: Who are our notable returned missioners?
In addition to the missioners from our diocese currently serving oversees and those from abroad serving us here, there are many notable returned missioners from our diocese that we can't overlook. Although they are no longer serving in mission abroad, they do continue to serve the Church and mission in many ways. And still others have become legends for the great missionary witness they have provided to us and to the wider Catholic community through their life. We can't afford to forget any of our St. Cloud missioners, and we continue to count among those doing mission those who have returned. Below is a list of the great returned long-term missioners from our diocese. Nicaragua:
Mexico:
Honduras:
Brazil:
Tanzania:
Kenya:
Sudan:
Ghana:
Democratic Republic of Congo:
Indonesia:
Taiwan:
Who are our mission legends? Some of the wonderful men and women who answered the call to mission have now gone before us. One even answered the call to be a Martyr for the faith also. We miss them, yet are greatful for the wonderful witness they have been and continue to be!
Who is Fr. John Kaiser? Fr. John Kaiser was from Maine, MN. He grew up in the St. Cloud Diocese, where he went to school at St. John's Prep School and studied at St. John's University. He later went on to join the Mill Hill Fathers. He was a missioner in Kenya for many years, including teaching at Rakwaro Seminary in the current Homa Bay Diocese. He was also pastor of a parish in a near-by Diocese in Kenya, where he was serving at the time of his death. Fr. Kaiser was not afraid to stand up for the many injustices happening to the Kenyan people, especially the young Maasai girls, and the corruption in the Kenyan government at the time. Unfortunately some powerful people did not like his voice and strenth. Fr. Kaiser suspected that someone was trying to kill him; yet, true to his nickname as "the Rhino" for his size but also his incredible inner strength, he refused to back down to the injustices. On August 24, 2000, Fr. Kaiser was killed on a road side on his way back from Nairobi. He was shot in the back of the head with a shotgun. The Kenyan government ruled it a suicide. Yet to all those who knew Fr. Kaiser, it was clear that this was murder, and that Fr. John Kaiser had become a martyr of Catholic faith and GOD's justice! Read more. Don't forget to check-back for information on the 10th Anniversary celebration for Fr. Kaiser to take place in the fall of 2010!
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©2005 Diocese of Saint Cloud. All rights reserved. World map image done by Ferina Tjahyana of Pelita Harapan Junior High School.
Last modified Jan 8, 2010. Created by DM. Maintained by KM.
