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Bishop Jerome Feudjio of the U.S. Virgin Islands served as the principal celebrant for the World Mission Sunday Vigil Mass on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral before a congregation of approximately 200 people that doubled in size from the previous year.
Many of those in attendance were natives of other countries who have relocated to Ohio.
Concelebrating the Mass were Bishop Earl Fernandes and nine priests either serving in the diocese or as missionaries. Also present were religious sisters from five orders, many of whom have come from outside the United States to work here.
The participants in the Mass reflected a cultural melting pot of Catholics in the diocese. The readings were presented in English and Spanish, and the languages used for prayer intentions included Tamil, Hindi, Polish, French, Swahili and Tagalog.
World Mission Sunday is observed each year by the universal church on the fourth Sunday of October to bring into focus the work of missionaries throughout the world and to promote support for them through prayer and financial contributions via a special collection.
All of the donations directly aid the life-sustaining endeavors of Catholic missionaries and religious orders serving the poor, who are in need of food, shelter, health care, schooling and employment.
Bishop Feudjio, a native of Cameroon and the first African-born bishop in the United States, spoke on behalf of the missions at the invitation of Bishop Fernandes, “my God-given friend.” The visiting bishop shared in his homily that he has seen the work of missionaries firsthand in the Virgin Islands since he was appointed as the spiritual shepherd there in 2021.
He referenced the phrase “hearts on fire” several times during his homily.
“World Mission Sunday focuses on the burning desire to spread the Good News,” Bishop Feudjio said.
He offered specific thanks to the people of the diocese for supporting his diocese, St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, which is located in the Caribbean and was once led by the late Bishop George Murry, SJ, who left there in 2007 after he was appointed to the Diocese of Youngstown.
“A lived faith is always incarnational (it is felt within the bones),” Bishop Feudjio said. “It is never distant but touches all of us.
“Our unity is a communion in the Body and Blood of Christ. We are of one mind and heart. Your participation in our diocese is a manifestation of the active role of the Holy Spirit in each and every one of us.
“Our mission is what brings us together. We did not give this mission to ourselves; the Lord has called us, chosen us and sent us.”
Bishop Feudjio reminded the faithful that the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the Holy Spirit is active in us when we support the missions and apostolates of the Church.” (CCC 688)
“This mission of the Holy Spirit is seen in our evangelization activity,” he said. “It is indeed what sets our hearts on fire.”
To do missionary work for the Church does not mean that an individual has to travel abroad, the bishop pointed out.
“You are missionaries … pilgrims on a journey,” he said.
“Please continue to support the missions.”
A reception was held afterward in the cathedral undercroft.
The following day, Bishop Feudjio celebrated Sunday Mass at Columbus St. Dominic Church for the predominately African-American congregation.
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