Novena for the Centennial - Day 8

Since 1921, the Quebec Foreign Mission Society is at the service of the Gospel.  We are celebrating 100 years; we wish to celebrate together the journey of our missionary commitment. We are celebrating the dynamism of our missionary Society, and with gratitude, we remember our past, we renew the passion of living the mission in communion in our historic present, and we rekindle the hope for the future.
 
This novena is meant for the members and associates, former members and associates, candidates and seminarians in formation, affiliates, friends, members of our Churches and/or local communities, the youth who belong to our networks, and the persons of good will who wish to join us in our thanksgivings to God for the dynamism and the renewal of our missionary Society. 

Bible reading for reflection: Luke 10.21
 
 "I give you thanks, Father, for having revealed those things to the childlike" .
 
  
Prayer of thanksgiving:
 
We give you thanks, Lord, for having revealed to us your infinite love reflected in different peoples and cultures, and for your gentleness in calling us to collaborate in your mission bringing hope to the desperate, bringing your love to the abandoned, bringing a smile to those who are sad; because blessed is the one who walks with your people and recognizes you in its simplicity.  

Commitment: We invite you today to take a few minutes of your time and to send a WhatsApp to a person whom you know and who is going through some difficulties, to send to that person a message full of hope, of love, of faith and/or joy. In the comments, leave an emoticon which reflects the message that you send. 


 

Prayer for the Centennial of the SME

God ever faithful,
“Whom shall I send?” - you ask us.
On this path, on the same boat,
where we all are,
we answer to you:
“Here we are, Lord, send us" (Is. 6,8)
 
Your Spirit pushes us and carries us,
encourages us and sends us to mission
to the world and to all peoples.
It is your endless love
the one that moves us
"to run the risk of the encounter
at the service of the Gospel".
 
In today's Church and history,
here we are, Lord, send us.
We are a small Missionary Society that,
humble and confronted with many challenges,
wants to be part of the transformation of hearts,
minds, bodies, societies and cultures,
at all times and in all places.
 
Here we are, Lord,
at the service of your Gospel,
to bear witness to your love
and your salvation,
attentive to the needs of bread and justice,
freedom and work, dignity and peace
of our brothers and sisters,
taking care of all your creation as well.
 
Here we are, Lord, send us,
to seed hope,
to build up a new world,
holding your word and discovering your presence
in all peoples and cultures.
 
Reaching out to their encounter,
we proclaim that you are
the ever-merciful God,
whose love last forever.
 
May, the Virgin Mary, first disciple and missionary,
pray for us, now and forever. Amen.