Over 100 years ago, when the American missionary and martyr Blessed Francis Xavier Ford embarked on his great adventure to China, he did so with the firm conviction that his mission was first and foremost to preach Christ and establish His Church. Today, however, if you were to judge from the communications of missionaries seeking our support, their work is almost entirely social and material. There is no mention of strengthening the local Church or converting souls, but of worthy works such as building wells and schools or helping families out of poverty.
11:59 AM
The missionary’s first task is the soul
Blessed Francis Xavier Ford believed the missionary’s primary task was to preach Christ and establish His Church, while leaving local Catholics to transform their own communities
Ruadhan Jones
5 min read
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