Young American Catholic Missionaries Face Obstacles : Their Family & Friends ( World Mission Day )

Pope Francis today released his message for the 2013 World Mission Day. It is a wonderful message.

He said in part :


The work of evangelization often finds obstacles, not only externally, but also from within the ecclesial community. Sometimes there is lack of fervour, joy, courage and hope in proclaiming the Message of Christ to all and in helping the people of our time to an encounter with him.

Many of those obstacles are firmly in the camp of the laity.

On that note yesterday Father Chern had a good article relating to this as to FOCUS missionaries that put their lives on hold to witness to the Gospel on College campuses. The biggest roadblock sadly are those closest to them at times.  See Spoiled by FOCUS .