War Does Not Discriminate

Posted by Holly Benner on Mar 30, 2022 2:32:22 PM

It currently seems impossible to turn on the television or radio without hearing something about the war happening in Ukraine. The death and destruction is accompanied by millions of people, fearing for their lives, fleeing as refugees to other countries for safety. Unfortunately, groups just as large are being left behind, cut off from basic utilities and lacking access to water, food, medication, electricity, sanitation, and even shelter. Hospital workers are struggling to give care and are being forced to relocate their patients to bomb shelters or basements. For many of us, the thought of this currently happening is almost impossible to comprehend and accept. Unfortunately, for myself, I have previously come face-to-face with the terrors that surround war.

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Topics: Catholic Missions, help the Pope's missions, prayer, sacrifice, Lent, Africa, MCA, Missionary Childhood Association, peace, Ukraine, war

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Posted by Holly Benner on Feb 28, 2022 1:19:23 PM

I love Ash Wednesday: the symbolism of receiving a cross of ashes on my forehead; the start of Lent, 40 days for prayer and sacrifice, demonstrating our gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Every year these reminders help me to not take Jesus’ love for granted and to grow a bit more in my faith.

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Topics: Catholic Missions, help the Pope's missions, prayer, sacrifice, Lent, Africa, Sisters, Nuns, food, Ash Wednesday, MCA, Missionary Childhood Association

The Poor Widow’s Mite

Posted by Holly Benner on Feb 24, 2021 12:27:13 PM

In the past few weeks, I have received numerous phone calls from a priest friend in Philadelphia, Monsignor Vincent Walsh, who has been very supportive of the work I have done in Africa throughout the years. His spiritual support remains a big part of my life. During our recent phone calls, he’s asked me many questions about my conversion and my calling to missionary work. His current goal is to publish a book about my mission adventures. As I was sharing with him, one particular story came to my mind. It was a time that I felt like I was personally witnessing the “poor widow’s mite” (Mark 12:41-44) from the Gospel.

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Topics: Catholic Missions, Lent, widow's mite, Africa, mission journey

The Word This Lent...

Posted by Holly Benner on Mar 11, 2020 5:32:01 PM

“And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring (the) good news!’” (Romans 10:15).

Missionaries from around the world have many stories to tell – joyful events, as well as sad, even fearful times. Here’s a story from my missionary service that happened one Holy Thursday that reminds us of the power of words – and the Word.

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Topics: Catholic Missions, mission visit, missionaries, Lent, Nigeria

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