SUMMER 2024 Mission Magazine

A MAGAZINE OF
THE PONTIFICAL MISSION
SOCIETIES
SUMMER 2024
ANSWERING
HIS CALL

Secure Your Legacy,
Make Apostles of All Nations
August is National Make-A-Will Month.
Create your will for free with The Pontifical
Mission Societies and leave a lasting
legacy that helps spread the Gospel to all.
Join us in building a faith-filled future.
In this issue
Letter from the Secretary of the Society for
the Propagation of the Faith
Society for the Propagation of the Faith:
A Heart Left Behind: Sister Claude Gadd’s
Journey in Papua New Guinea
From the Dioceses:
Bridging Worlds: Father Paul Gitau’s Journey
from Kenya to Rochester
Embracing Mission:
The Spiritan Call to Lay Missionaries
Missionary Childhood Association:
A Family’s Journey to Lay Missionary Life
Society of St. Peter Apostle:
Jesus provides the ultimate answers to life’s
great questions
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04
08
12
16
21
The Pontifical Mission
Societies USA
THE PONTIFICAL MISSION
SOCIETIES USA
PUBLISHER: FATHER ANTHONY
ANDREASSI, NATIONAL DIRECTOR
EDITOR/WRITER: INÉS SAN
MARTÍN
PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL
OFFICE OF THE PONTIFICAL
MISSION SOCIETIES
IN COOPERATION WITH
DIOCESAN OFFICES IN THE
UNITED STATES
©THE SOCIETY FOR THE
PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH
MEMBER, CATHOLIC MEDIA
ASSOCIATION
Society of St. Peter Apostle:
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart
The Fulton Sheen Legacy Society Part 3
Editor’s Note
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3
Letter from the Secretary of
the Society for the Propagation
of the Faith
from July 17-21. Pope Francis said
the Eucharist is “a summons to go
forth, as missionaries, to bring the
message of the Father’s tenderness,
forgiveness, and mercy to every man,
woman, and child.”
Dear Friends of the Missions,
Greetings from a retreat house
just outside Rome, where I am
attending the General Assembly
of The Pontifical Mission Societies
(TPMS). This pivotal gathering,
under the auspices of Luis Cardinal
Tagle and Archbishop Emilio Nappa
of the Dicastery for Evangelization,
unites over 130 national directors
to assess and strategize missionary
work worldwide. We’ll review past
initiatives and consider new grant
proposals for hundreds of projects
across Asia, Africa, Latin America,
the Pacific Islands, and Oceania.
While the decision-making can
be tough—not all requests can be
approved—it’s also a profoundly
enriching experience. We hear
directly from those where the faith
thrives against all odds, thanks to the
sustained generosity of U.S. Catholics.
Your support has launched parishes,
schools, homes for the disabled and
elderly, and much-needed feeding
programs. It’s also crucial for the
Rev. Anthony
D. Andreassi
training of seminarians and religious
novices.
One of the highlights of this
assembly was the blessing of
encountering Pope Francis. It was
a profound privilege to share with
him the generosity of the people in
the U.S. and to receive his words of
encouragement. The Holy Father’s
presence and his message of solidarity
and mission have deeply inspired all
of us gathered here.
In this Summer 2024 edition
of Mission Magazine, I want to
highlight our collective spiritual and
financial backing of these missions.
As we approach July, dedicated to
Christ’s Precious Blood, we recall a
devotion established by Pope Pius IX
in the mid-19th century. Originally
set for the first Sunday of July and
now observed as a votive Mass, this
time calls us to pray for peace and
reflect on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice—
His love poured out on the cross.
This devotion resonates deeply
with us mission supporters as we
consider parts of His Mystical Body
suffering from poverty, persecution,
or deprivation worldwide.
According to the latest report from
Aid to the Church in Need, nearly 340
million Christians live under threat
or restriction. In Nigeria, for instance,
practicing faith remains perilously
dangerous; last Christmas, over
200 people were killed by extremist
violence. These are stark reminders
of the ongoing sufferings of Christ’s
Body. Reflecting on His Precious
Blood encourages us to support and
comfort our fellow believers enduring
these hardships.
In the United States, this summer
will also be the stage for the first
National Eucharistic Congress in eight
decades, to be held in Indianapolis
On the last day of the Congress, we
will be commissioned to go out into
the world as missionary disciples
as we enter the third year of the
National Eucharistic Revival: the
Year of Mission. Whether you are
attending the Congress or not, the call
to be missionaries still applies!
As summer offers time for
relaxation and family, let’s also find
moments for quiet reflection on the
Eucharist’s profound gift. May this
meditation bring us peace and inspire
greater kindness, compassion, and
support for each other, especially for
those in the missions enduring far
greater trials.
In His Mission,
Father Anthony Andreassi
National Secretary, Society for the
Propagation of the Faith

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5
Papua New Guinea
The Catholic Church’s presence is significant
in Papua New Guinea, with about 26% of
the population identifying as Catholic. This
religious community is supported by a network
of parishes and missions throughout the
country.
Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Papua New
Guinea in September 2024, as part of a tour of
Oceania that will also take him to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.
The history of missionary work in Papua New Guinea is extensive, with various orders and
congregations active in the region. Missionaries have played a pivotal role in education,
health, and social services, significantly influencing the local culture and religious practices.
Young tribe member in Piaya Village, Papua New Guinea. (Shutterstock)
Papua New Guinea faces significant economic challenges, with a large portion of its
population living below the poverty line.
Society for the Propagation of the Faith
A Heart Left Behind: Sister Claude
Gadd’s Journey in Papua New Guinea
Battling cancer and Parkinson’s
disease, Sister Claude Gadd
maneuvers her walker with the same
determination that once propelled her
through the rugged terrains of Papua
New Guinea. Despite her ailments
forcing her to return to the United
States after 36 years of missionary
work, her heart remains with the
people she served so far from home.
“I would go back tomorrow if I
could,” Sr. Claude confesses, her
voice a tender mix of fervor and
regret. “The longer it takes, the harder
it gets to return, but a big part of my
heart was left behind.”
"I would go back
tomorrow if I could.
The longer it takes,
the harder it gets to
imagine not returning."
Sr. Claude Gadd.
In 1986, Sister Claude Gadd
and six other Sisters of the Sacred
Heart embarked on a journey that
would profoundly shape their lives
and the communities they were to
serve. An international ensemble of
missionaries, including three from
Canada, two from Texas, one from
France, and one from England,
arrived in Papua New Guinea at the
invitation of Bishop William Kurtz of
Kundiawa.
“We went to Papua New Guinea
without really knowing where we
were going,” Sister Claude chuckles,
recalling the initial confusion over
their destination, “Even today, I bet
many of your readers will think it is
somewhere in Africa!”

6 7
(Just in case, Papua New Guinea is
not in Africa, but in Oceania, south of
the Equator and north of Australia!)
Hearing Sister Claude describe it,
one can easily imagine the chain of
islands that make Papua New Guinea
as a mosaic of untamed beauty and
ancient traditions, where every stone
tells a story and every path leads to
new natural wonder, from incredible
beaches and coral reefs to active
volcanos and dense rainforest.
From a Catholic perspective, it is
easy to understand why Pope Francis
will visit this country next September.
In the words of Sister Claude, “In
Papua New Guinea, every smile is
a prayer, every handshake a sermon,
and every sunrise a benediction.”
Their mission was clear, if daunting:
to bring the tenderness and merciful
love of the Father, revealed in Jesus,
to the poorest and most remote areas
of the globe. The preparation was
rigorous. “Our Mother Superior
brought us together in France for
eight weeks to get to know one
another first. Identifying who could
naturally lead was crucial,” Sr. Gadd
explains. This preparation fortified
them for the challenges ahead and
solidified their bond as a team, crucial
for their survival and success in the
unfamiliar territory.
Assigned to the pastoral center
of the Diocese of Kundiawa, Sr.
Gadd quickly adapted to her new
environment. “I was in charge of
organizing courses, buying food,
and coordinating with priests for
teachings,” she recalls. Her early years
were a whirlwind of activity, deeply
immersing her in the community and
its needs.
Sr. Gadd faced numerous
challenges throughout her tenure,
from logistical issues to cultural
barriers. However, her impact was
profound. She spearheaded child
protection, education reform, and
community development initiatives,
often partnering with local leaders
and international organizations like
UNICEF. “We developed programs
that were previously nonexistent
here, focusing on safeguarding
children and improving education,”
Sr. Gadd proudly states.
Life in Papua New Guinea was
starkly different from life in the
United States. Sr. Gadd describes it
as “a different world” marked by its
simplicity and the people’s visceral
connection with their environment.
“Everything is very present to them.
They don’t have a past or a future;
they live for today,” she reflects.
In 2023, health issues forced
Sr. Gadd to return to the U.S. for
treatment. The transition has been
difficult, with her battling not just
physical ailments but also a longing
for the mission field. “I miss the
purposefulness of my days there,”
she admits with a hint of sorrow in
her tone.
Despite her physical absence, Sr.
Gadd’s legacy in Papua New Guinea
continues. Many of the programs she
helped start have been adopted as
national policies. She remains hopeful
about the future of missionary work
in the region, offering advice to those
who might follow in her footsteps.
“Go with humility, learn from those
you serve, and prepare to be changed
as much as you seek to make a
change,” she advises.
Sr. Claude Gadd’s story is one
of extraordinary commitment and
transformation, not only of herself
but of the many lives she touched.
Her work stands as a testament to the
power of faith and dedication in the
face of adversity.

8 9
From the Dioceses
Bridging Worlds: Father Paul
Gitau’s Journey from Kenya to
Rochester
Father Paul Gitau’s journey as a
Catholic missionary spans continents,
cultures, and communities. Ordained
in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1994, Father
Paul has since taken his calling to
Rochester, New York, where he
serves as the pastor of St. Paul Parish
and the director of the missionary
office in the Diocese of Rochester.
A Life Dedicated to Missionary
Work
Father Paul’s understanding of his
missionary role is deeply personal
and spiritual. He explains, “To
be a missionary, for me, it means
proclaiming the Word of God, or
catechizing because Jesus Christ
invites us to come to Him... we are
told, Go forth and baptize the people
in the name of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit, and teach them
to follow what I have taught, to
proclaim the good news to the whole
world.”
His connection to mission work is
also rooted in gratitude and a desire
to give back: “I was catechized and
supported by missionaries... they
built the schools, they built the
churches, they built the hospitals
and health centers that served my
community, my family, and myself.”
He shares that he probably
wouldn’t be where he is now had
it not been for a priest from Ireland
who covered his school fees. This
sense of passing on what one has
received is a central theme in Father
Paul’s vocation. His desire to give
back is what convinced him to stay
permanently in Rochester: “We not
only receive, but we also give back
what we received from Europe and
America,” he said.
This profound personal experience
of missionaries going to Africa fuels
his dedication to support the global
missionary work through his role in
Rochester as the head of the diocesan
mission office, part of the broad
network weaved by The Pontifical
Mission Societies.
Previously an extern priest who
had special permission to serve in a
different diocese, Father Paul was

10 11
incardinated into — or, fully adopted
into — his diocese in New York back
in 2012, just months after receiving
his U.S. citizenship. The process for
him to formally become a priest for
the Diocese of Rochester was years in
the making, as he first requested this
in 2008.
He arrived in the United States
with a bachelor’s degree in sacred
theology and a bachelor’s degree in
philosophy from Rome’s Pontifical
Urban University, which through
scholarships from The Pontifical
Mission Societies gives formation
to hundreds of priests, seminarians,
religious, and lay leaders from
mission territories. He came to
further his studies as he saw a need
for mental health specialists in his
parish in Kenya. At St. John Fisher
College he earned master’s degrees in
human service administration in 2005
and mental health counseling in 2009.
Challenges Faced by Foreign
Missionaries
Though we often tell the stories of
missionaries from the United States
going to one of the 1,100 territories
served in various ways by The
Pontifical Mission Societies, Father
Paul’s story differs in that he comes
from one of those territories and is
currently a missionary in the United
States.
Adapting to life in the U.S.
presented several challenges.
“There are three things any
missionary faces when spreading
the Gospel in a different country: a
language barrier, a cultural shock,
and drastically different weather!”
His first encounter with snow is a
vivid memory of the physical and
metaphorical change in climate he
had to endure.
Discussing the challenges foreign
priests face, Father Paul almost
jokingly mentions the weather, “I
know that when I saw snow for the first
time, it was here. Weather in Kenya
is quite different than in Rochester!”
But the challenges go far beyond
experiencing the physical cold: there
is the isolation that comes from not
knowing many people,
the misunderstanding
due to language barriers
– even when the priest
hails from and goes to an
English-speaking country,
there are then cultural
landscapes that they have
to navigate.
The role of foreignborn
priests in the U.S. is
critical yet fraught with
challenges. According
to the National Study
of Catholic Priests by the Catholic
University of America, 24% of priests
serving in the U.S. are foreign-born,
with many facing uncertainties due to
U.S. immigration policies​. Formed in
Rome’s Pontifical Urban University,
or in local seminaries, more often
than not with grants coming from the
generosity of people such as yourself,
these priests often fill significant gaps
in local dioceses.
A Continuing Call to Serve
Father Paul describes his role as a
missionary as proclaiming the Word
of God and “being an agent of God’s
grace.” His mission is rooted in the
Gospel’s call to “come to me, all
who are carrying heavy burdens”
(Matthew 11:28), emphasizing the
transformative power of receiving
and spreading God’s word through
the sacraments like Baptism,
Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
This man’s journey, and that of
thousands of foreign missionaries
spreading the Gospel to all nations,
is more than a geographical shift; it is
a spiritual mission that continues to
evolve. These men and women carry
with them not just the knowledge
and faith of their homeland but also
a powerful narrative of the Universal
Catholic Church, showcasing the fact
that we are all interconnected, with
individual stories that weave the
network of workers that He has sent
to the harvest.

Embracing Mission:
The Spiritan Call to Lay Missionaries
The Spiritans’ mission focuses on evangelization, especially among the poor and
marginalized, placing a strong emphasis on working in areas that are spiritually
neglected and where the Church has difficulty finding workers.
The Spiritans arrived in the United States in 1872. They began their work in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, primarily serving marginalized African American and immigrant
communities.
The charism of the Spiritans is characterized by their commitment to the Holy Spirit and
dedication to the “apostolate of the difficult.”
In the heart of the Catholic Church’s
expansive family of congregations
and orders, the Spiritans, also known
as the Congregation of the Holy Spirit,
have cultivated a unique presence.
Founded in 1703 in France by
Claude Poullart des Places and
expanded under the vision of Francis
Libermann, the Spiritans have
dedicated themselves to serving the
marginalized and forgotten. Today,
they count over 2,500 members
globally, encompassing priests,
brothers, and lay associates who are
united in their mission to serve.

14 15
Father Mike Gray, Assistant
Director at the Spiritan Office for
Mission Advancement in the United
States, reflects on the essence of their
mission: “Our founders envisioned a
congregation thoroughly committed
to the evangelization of the ‘poor.’
Today, we continue in their footsteps,
adapting to the changing needs of
contemporary culture wherever there
is a greater need.” This commitment
has led Spiritans to extend their
service from pastoral care to tangible
actions like providing education,
advocating for justice, and fostering
economic development.
In the U.S., Spiritans focus their
efforts on working with the poor and
marginalized, often in areas where
ministers are scarce. Internationally,
their mission spans continents—
Africa, Asia, and Latin America—
where they provide a range of services
from teaching to medical care.
“We go to the people not primarily
to accomplish a task, but rather to be
with them, walk beside them, listen
to them, and share our faith with
them,” says John Boyles, National
Director of Mission Advancement for
the Spiritans’ U.S. province.
Central to their mission is the role of
lay missionaries, who bring a diverse
array of talents to the congregation’s
work. A notable example shared by
John is a school project in Tanzania,
a collaborative effort led by lay
individuals alongside Spiritans.
“This project exemplifies how
integral lay missionaries are. It was
spearheaded by a local benefactor
and supported by international
volunteers, all laypeople passionate
about providing education to those
in need,” he explains.
The path to becoming a lay
missionary with the Spiritans
involves a deep sense of calling
and commitment, supported by a
comprehensive formation program.
This preparation ensures that lay
missionaries are equipped to handle
the challenges of mission life,
including cultural adaptation and
logistical complexities.
Each Christian is called to mission
through their baptism, an invitation to
live out the Gospel values in everyday
life and to share those values with the
world. “By our baptism, we’re all
called to be missionaries,” explains
John. “This call manifests differently
for everyone; it might mean serving
as a priest or a religious, but equally
it could mean being a layperson
who brings the light of Christ into
the family, workplace, or wider
community.”
“Being a lay missionary is about
being transformed by the people
you serve and seeing the face of
Christ in them,” adds Father Mike.
The Spiritans first arrived in
the United States over 150 years
ago, setting roots in Pittsburgh
and Northwest Arkansas after
their members were expelled from
Germany. “The U.S. province began
when our German province was
expelled by the Kaiser,” Father Mike
notes, highlighting a significant part of
their history. They quickly established
a presence, with their first formation
house opened in Philadelphia in the
1920s, which marked the beginning
of a cycle that would see American
Spiritans sent as missionaries to
Africa by the mid-1920s and receiving
missionaries from there by the 1990s.
“This 60 to 70-year cycle is crucial for
us,” Father Mike continues. “It shows
how we grow to the point of having
native vocations and an established
seminary, and then begin sending
priests abroad as missionaries. Our
first goal when opening a mission in
a country is to help grow the local
Church to have Indigenous clergy.”
As the Spiritans look to the future,
they emphasize the importance of
lay participation in their missionary
work. “The invitation to serve as
missionaries is almost instinctual
for those moved by their faith and
desire to serve,” Boyles remarks.
This invitation extends to families
and individuals from all walks of life,
reflecting a dynamic and inclusive
approach to missionary work.
The Spiritans’ mission is a testament
to the power of faith and dedication,
driven by a commitment to service
and evangelization. Their story is
not just about the work done but
about the lives changed—both those
they serve and their own. As they
continue to invite more laypeople
into their mission, they reaffirm the
fundamental call to all Christians: to
share the Gospel and serve the world.
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16 17
Missionary Childhood Association
A Family’s Journey to Lay
Missionary Life
“In proclaiming the Gospel, you lay families are the primary
agents of evangelization, and you are called to communicate the
message of Christ to the world with your witness.”
Pope Francis, General Audience, St. Peter’s Square, September 2, 2015.
When Matt and Katie Glafcke
decided to delve into missionary
work with their six children guided
by Family Missions Company, they
embarked on a profound journey
that redefined their understanding
of faith, service, and family life.
They have served in Haiti and an
undisclosed country (for safety
reasons) in Asia.
Their story, also featured in
the Pontifical Mission Societies’
podcast “Frontiers of Faith,” offers
an inspiring glimpse into the life of
a family dedicated to spreading the
Gospel across the globe.
A Call to Mission
The Glafckes’ call to missionary
life was unexpected. Katie stumbled
upon an article about a missionary
family and felt a deep connection. “I
read the article, and my heart sang
because I had never encountered lay
missionaries before. I didn’t even
know that was a possible thing,”
Katie recalls. This discovery ignited
a desire within them to explore a life
dedicated to faith and service, despite
the challenges of uprooting their
already bustling family life.
Matt shared his initial hesitations,
tempered by a humorous yet
earnest contemplation of the drastic
change: “She shows me this, and
she’s like, ‘We could do this.’ And
I’m like, ‘Where do you want to
go? How many children do you
want to take?’” The idea of leaving
everything behind was daunting, yet
the pull towards missionary work
was undeniable. Matt’s journey
from skepticism to commitment
highlights the transformative power
of openheartedness toward God’s
call.
Founded in 1997, Family Missions
Company (FMC) is an apostolate
of lay Catholic missionaries – both
families and individuals – spreading
the Gospel worldwide, serving the
poor wherever they are, and making
disciples of all nations.
Families with children and single
adults are all vital parts of FMC’s
ministry to the world. The missionary
witness of the Christian family, the
basic unit of the universal Church,
is both essential and effective. In the
words of Frank Summers, co-founder
of this ministry, “As missionaries,
we are called to live God’s Word
as Jesus did, to proclaim it boldly
to others, to work into the fabric
of human society and culture, to
extend God’s love to all, especially
to the oppressed and suffering.”
Matt and Katie met during their
senior year of high school, and their

18 19
very first conversation was about
recent mission trips to the Dominican
Republic and Ecuador. With that
experience of serving the poor and
sharing the love of Christ, their
missionary hearts were kindled.
For the past 10 years, the family
had made a spiritual home at St.
James Parish in Menomonee Falls,
Wisconsin. Three of the children
were baptized there, and the
couple had served as facilitators for
marriage preparation and intentional
discipleship in small groups. But they
kept hearing a call to serve the Lord in
a different way.
After visiting FMC in early May
2018 and being accepted for Intake
2018, they say they were filled with
profound peace and deep gratitude,
and “overjoyed to respond to a call
that will unite our entire family in
service to the Lord to share the Good
News of salvation to the ends of the
earth.”
Embracing New Challenges
Transitioning to missionary life
was not straightforward for the
Glafckes. The family faced numerous
obstacles, from financial concerns
to logistical issues of traveling and
living abroad. “It was really hard to
ask people to support us financially,”
Matt admits, discussing the profound
shift from self-reliance to dependence
on the generosity of others. This
transition challenged their ingrained
notions of independence and selfsufficiency,
teaching them to embrace
a community-oriented approach to
life and faith.
The family’s approach to mission
work is deeply rooted in their daily
interactions and the relationships
they build. “We go to the people not
primarily to accomplish a task, but
rather to be with them, walk beside
them, listen to them, and share our
faith with them,” says Katie. This
philosophy reflects a fundamental
aspect of their missionary work: it is
about presence and shared humanity
more than mere aid.
Life Lessons and Spiritual Growth
The experiences of the Glafcke
family highlight both the blessings
and the unpredictability of missionary
life. Their children, too, have
been profoundly affected by their
experiences, growing in faith and
resilience. “Our children are really the
ones who pretty much drove those
encounters,” Matt reflects, noting
how their children embraced the
missionary life with eagerness and
joy, often leading the way in forming
connections within the communities
they served.
The Glafckes’ story is a testament
to the power of faith in action.
Their journey underscores the
idea that missionary work is not
just about changing others’ lives
but also about allowing one’s own
life to be transformed. “If this is
what missionaries do, I want to be
a missionary,” their nine-year-old
declared after a particularly moving
family visit, encapsulating the
profound impact of witnessing faith
in action.
A Continued Call to Service
Today, the Glafckes continue to
embody the spirit of their calling,
with each location offering new
opportunities for growth and service.
Matt sums up their journey with a
reflection on the essence of missionary
work: “It’s about giving your life to
Jesus.”
Their life is a powerful reminder of
the universal call to missionary life—a
call that is not reserved for the few but
is accessible to anyone willing to open
their heart to God’s will. The Glafckes’
experience illustrates that the mission
field is not always a distant land but
often the ground beneath our feet,
wherever we are called to serve.

20 21
As the Glafckes continue their
missionary journey, their story
encourages all of us to consider how
we might live out our baptismal call to
mission, whether across the world or
within our own communities. Their
lives remind us that mission is about
more than geographical location—it
is about a heart open to God’s call,
ready to spread the joy and love of the
Gospel wherever it may lead.
The pictures featured in this article of the Glafckes
family in rural Asia and Haiti were courtesy of
Family Missions Company.
Society of St. Peter the Apostle
Jesus provides the ultimate answers
to life’s great questions*
Listen now!
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is a small Central African country with a
population of 1.75 million people. It is one of the few Spanishspeaking
countries in Africa. It has significant economic disparities
despite its oil wealth.
Father Nicéforo Obama, from Equatorial Guinea, was inspired to become a priest by the dedication
of Spanish Carmelite missionaries in his hometown.
The Society of St. Peter the Apostle plays a crucial role in supporting native vocations in mission
territories like Equatorial Guinea. It provides essential funding for the education and formation of
seminarians and religious.
* The pictures illustrating this article, as well as the interview with Father Nicéforo Obama, are courtesy of TPMS Spain.

22 23
In the heart of Equatorial Guinea,
where over 70% of the population
is Catholic, Father Nicéforo Obama
stands as a testament to the
transformative power of faith and
the enduring impact of missionary
work. Born into a community deeply
influenced by Spanish Carmelite
missionaries, his journey from a
village boy to a dedicated priest
encapsulates the potential of religious
vocations in missionary territories.
Father Nicéforo’s spiritual and
educational journey began in his
small hometown of Ebibeyín,
profoundly shaped by missionaries
who were not only spiritual guides
but also educators and healthcare
providers. They opened a health
center and taught local children to
read and write, laying the foundations
for lifelong learning and spiritual
growth.
“From my earliest understanding,
the Church was a beacon of hope
in our community,” recalls Father
Nicéforo, reflecting on the profound
influence these missionaries had
on his early life. A group of Spanish
Carmelite Sisters of Charity of
Vedruna settled in his community
in the 1980s. “In the catechesis,
the encounters they organized,
I was impressed by their social
and charitable work. As a child, I
wondered what these women were
gaining by leaving everything in
Spain and coming to my town to
open a health center, to teach us to
read and write, to run Sunday school.
This sparked my interest.”
The call to the priesthood came
early for Father Nicéforo, moved by
the missionaries’ selflessness and
dedication. “I saw life’s vulnerability
and realized that Jesus provides
the ultimate answers to life’s
great questions,” he explains. This
realization spurred him to dedicate
his life to serving others through the
priesthood, following in the footsteps
of those who had impacted his life so
profoundly.
Navigating through his formative
years, Father Nicéforo pursued his
calling at the minor seminary in his
diocese and later at the interdiocesan
major seminary that serves all
five dioceses of the country. These
educational institutions are vital in
nurturing the vocations of many
young men like Father Nicéforo,
particularly in a country where
economic constraints can stifle such
aspirations.
The challenges for young men
pursuing religious vocations in
Central Africa are significant, given
the economic realities many families
face. “If families can barely afford
food, how can they support a
vocation?” he points out. This harsh
economic reality makes the support
from organizations like the Pontifical
Mission Societies’ Society of St. Peter
the Apostle essential. This society
helps fund the formation of priests
in mission territories, ensuring
that vocations can flourish despite
financial hardships.
Today, the Catholic community
in Equatorial Guinea is vibrant and
growing, with a significant increase in
native vocations. “Currently, we have
over 100 seminarians in the major
seminary, reflecting an exponential
growth in vocations,” states Father
Nicéforo. Their formation is made
possible through scholarships from
the Society of St. Peter the Apostle,
one of four Pontifical Mission
Societies.

24 25
The number of seminarians
continues to grow every year, which
the priest believes is nurtured by the
Church’s efforts to meet the spiritual,
educational, and healthcare needs of
its people, particularly where state
services are lacking.
As Father Nicéforo celebrates
a decade of priesthood, his life
and work exemplify the profound
impact of missionary activity and
the enduring power of faith. His
journey from learning under the
care of missionaries to leading his
community in faith and service
underscores the critical role of the
Church in not just nurturing faith but
in fostering societal development.
Father Nicéforo’s story is a powerful
call to action for the global Catholic
community, emphasizing that
supporting a native vocation through
the Society of St. Peter the Apostle
“helps a multitude of people.” In
countries like Equatorial Guinea,
where the Church often provides the
primary services of education and
healthcare, supporting a vocation
extends far beyond the spiritual
realm—it is a direct investment in the
community’s well-being.
Society of St. Peter the Apostle
Thank you, from the bottom of
my heart
In Sierra Leone, a country marked
by its religious diversity and history
of civil strife, the Catholic Church is
witnessing significant transformation,
driven by local leaders like Bishop
Bob John Hassan Koroma of Makeni.
His life and ministry showcase the
profound impact of missionary
efforts and the growth of the Church
in regions once dominated by other
faiths.
Bishop Koroma, born into a
Muslim family in 1971 in Kamabai,
close to Makeni, attributes his
Christian faith and vocation to the
influence of missionaries. “I am a
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a West African nation with a
rich cultural heritage and a history marked
by civil conflict. It has a diverse religious
landscape, with Islam being the predominant
faith.
Bishop Bob John Hassan Koroma was
appointed as the Bishop of Makeni in 2023.
Born into a Muslim family, he converted
to Catholicism through his education at
missionary schools.
Bishop Koroma credits European missionaries
for his faith and vocation, highlighting the
significant impact of the Pontifical Mission
Societies, particularly the Society of St. Peter
Apostle, which supports native vocations in
regions like Sierra Leone where the Church is
becoming increasingly self-sustaining.

26 27
product of missionaries,” he stated
in a heartfelt video for The Pontifical
Mission Societies Spain. “I come from
a Muslim home, and it was through
schooling that I ultimately became a
Catholic. Later, I went to the seminary
and became a priest. Thanks be to
God for this.”
His education and formation
were supported by the Society of St.
Peter the Apostle, which helped him
pursue further theological studies
in Rome, achieving a Licentiate in
Sacred Scripture and a Doctorate in
Biblical Theology. “I want to give
thanks from the bottom of my heart
for what European missionaries
have done for our land,” he said,
emphasizing the dual role of faith and
social uplifting in the missionaries’
work.
Bishop Koroma’s leadership in
Makeni, a diocese that extends across
the northern half of Sierra Leone,
is particularly significant given
the area’s predominantly Muslim
population and its relatively recent
exposure to Christianity. The area saw
its first substantial missionary activity
in the mid-20th century, leading to
the establishment of an apostolic
prefecture in 1950, and becoming the
first diocese in the country in 1962.
us grow in matters of faith but also
by promoting the dignity and wellbeing
of our people.”
Under Bishop Koroma’s guidance,
the Diocese of Makeni is not only
growing in numbers but also in local
leadership, moving from traditional
missionary-led initiatives to fostering
local vocations and lay participation
in church activities. Fostering local
vocations by supporting regional
seminaries and formation homes is at
the core of the Society of St. Peter the
Apostle’s mission.
“Never lose heart,” the bishop said,
addressing former missionaries and
missionary orders that have served
in Africa. “Know that you have had
a great impact on the evangelization
in this part of the world, helping
The bishop’s work and his
diocese’s evolution reflect a broader
trend in Sierra Leone’s Catholic
Church, moving towards greater
local involvement and leadership.
This shift is crucial in a country where
interreligious coexistence is the norm,
and the church plays a key role in
societal healing and development.
Bishop Koroma’s story is a
compelling reminder of the lasting
influence of missionary work and the
power of faith to transcend cultural
and religious boundaries, fostering
a community dedicated to spiritual
growth and social justice.

28 29
Trailer: Follow That Bishop
Rome Reports
Scan and
watch the
video!
Archbishop Fulton Sheen
The FBI Files
Over the last two issues of Mission
magazine, we have been exploring
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s life and
legacy, especially his work supporting
the missions while National Director
of the Society for the Propagation of
the Faith in the United States (1950-
1966). In this issue, we will interrupt
that series to discuss a fascinating
new short film about Sheen entitled,
“Follow that Bishop.”
Produced by Rome Reports and
co-directed by Antonio Olivie and
Sean Patrick Lovett, this 28-minute
documentary uses a previously
relatively unknown moment in
Sheen’s life as a fascinating vehicle to
expand on the much larger and more
important roles he played as a writer,
evangelist, bishop, and promoter
of the missions. As part of the
film’s release, TPMS co-sponsored
screenings at the Sheen Center for
Thought and Culture in New York
City and the Catholic University of
America in Washington, DC.
The story begins in 1943, at the
height of the Second World War,
when an anonymous source alerted
the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) of then-Monsignor Sheen’s
strong criticism of the Soviet Union
and its leader Joseph Stalin, topics
he had been speaking about for
many years, in fact, along with his
intellectual criticism of Marxism.
Recall that the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
were allies against Nazi Germany,
and some believed that any criticism
of the U.S.’s allies could hurt the
overall war effort. This led the bureau
to open a file on Sheen and launch an
investigation.
Since winning the war was of
paramount importance, the FBI
followed this and many other pointless
leads. Eventually, the agents assigned
to tail him came up with mostly
worthless facts about Sheen such as
that he liked chocolate ice cream, kept
up a rigorous and somewhat ascetic
schedule (including most notably

30 31
his daily Holy Hour each morning),
and once talked a police officer out of
giving him a speeding ticket. All of
these small but now comedic details
about his life soon led the FBI to give
up all suspicions. By the early 1950s,
both the bureau and its long-serving
director, J. Edgar Hoover, had done a
complete about-face on now-Bishop
Sheen and invited him to speak at
a graduation ceremony of newly
inducted agents. Sheen’s file on the
FBI was now officially closed, and he
went from being someone who might
be a threat to national security to an
American legend.
After using this amusing anecdote
from Sheen’s life to grab the
audience’s attention, the documentary
goes on to briefly tell his story as both
a churchman and national figure
who garnered interest and attention
beyond just the Catholic community
thanks to his national syndicated
radio show and television show,
which at its height had a viewership
of over 30 million and won him an
Emmy Award in 1953.
The documentary concludes by
discussing the miracle in 2010 in
Illinois of the sudden recovery of a
stillborn infant attributed to Sheen’s
intercession, which is now pivotal in
his By canonization. Ines San Martin The documentary
shows footage of this now healthy
13-year-old boy playing with his
brothers and sisters, as well as an
interview with his mother regarding
the details of his miraculous return to
life after going 61 minutes without a
heartbeat or respiration after birth. As
part of Sheen’s canonization process,
which began officially in 2002, he was
declared a “Servant of God,” and six
years later, as the process continued,
Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed
him “Venerable Servant of God
Fulton J. Sheen.” We now await his
beatification as the Church continues
its investigation.
To watch the trailer of “Follow that
Bishop,” scan the QR at the beginning
of the article. The full version can be
viewed at Rome Reports. We will
continue our examination of the life
of Fulton J. Sheen, including more
fascinating facts, in subsequent issues
of Mission magazine.

32 33
Editor’s note
Embracing Independence:
A Call to Solidarity
As the summer sun shines upon
us, we find ourselves celebrating
a beloved American holiday -
Independence Day. This is a time
when we come together to celebrate
the freedom and opportunities
our nation provides. It’s a day of
barbecues, fireworks, and cherished
moments with family and friends.
But as we revel in the United States’
independence, let us not forget our
brothers and sisters around the world
who are dependent on us, both in
prayer and in material support.
In the Communion of Saints, we
are bound together as one family,
connected through the love of Christ.
This connection transcends borders
and reaches to the farthest corners
of the earth. While we celebrate our
own freedom, we must remember
that millions across the globe are
still yearning for liberation from
poverty, oppression, and persecution.
Furthermore, there are millions who
are waiting for the freedom that
comes from realizing that they are
children of a loving God who has a
plan for them because they have yet
to be introduced to the joy of the
Gospel.
This Independence Day, and
throughout these summer months,
when we often have more time to
spend with our loved ones and
to reflect on the graces God has
bestowed upon us, let us make a
conscious effort to extend our hearts
and prayers beyond our own little
corners. As we look back and ahead,
let us remember those who suffer
and continue to face unimaginable
challenges. And let us also remember
those who accompany them on a
daily basis. The missionary women
and men, the priests and religious,
and the thousands living a life
dedicated to faith and service, despite
the challenges of uprooting their
already bustling lives.
Prayer is a powerful tool that unites
us with our brothers and sisters in
need. In our moments of gratitude
for our own blessings, let us offer
prayers for those who are still caught
in the grip of poverty and injustice.
Through our prayers and in offering
up our more challenging realities, we
become a beacon of hope.
Together, we can create a network
of faith, love and support that
transcends distance and brings
comfort to the afflicted.
Furthermore, let us remember the
material support we can provide.
The Pontifical Mission Societies have
been working tirelessly to alleviate
suffering and bring the light of Christ
to those in need. Our generosity can
make a tangible impact on the lives
of our brothers and sisters, providing
them with the resources they
desperately need to build a brighter
future.
So, as we celebrate the red, white,
and blue, let us also embrace the
call to solidarity. Let us make this
Independence Day a reminder of
our responsibility to those who are
dependent on us. May we be driven
not only by our love for our nation but
also by our love for all our brothers
and sisters in Christ.
PS: If you would like to subscribe your parish to
MISSION Magazine, we ask for a small contribution of
$2 per copy per issue. This means that, for 50 copies of
the four yearly issues, the suggested contribution from
your parish would be $400. For more information or to
subscribe, please reach out to contact@missio.org.

In support of
those spreading
the Gospel…
The money needed to support those
serving in the Pope’s missions comes
from loving Catholics like you.
Won’t you send whatever contribution you
can in the enclosed envelope
today so that the priests, religious and lay
pastoral leaders in the
missions may not only survive, but thrive,
in their ministry?
Thank you for supporting our missionaries.
Please be assured of my prayers for you
and your family.
Dear Rev. Anthony D. Andreassi
Send your gift, in your
MISSION envelope, to:
Rev. Anthony D. Andreassi
Society for the Propagation
of the Faith
70 West 36th Street, 8th Floor,
New York, NY 10018
Your diocese will be credited
with your gift;
your gift is tax deductible.
Enclosed is my gift of:
$250 $100 $75 $50 $25 Other $_____
$700 (one year’s help, mission seminarian)
$300 (one year’s help, Religious novice)
$5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500 Other $____
I want to be a monthly donor to the Missions!
I would like information on a Gift Annuity.
Please contact me about remembering The Society for the Propagation of the
Faith in my Will.
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email
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