By Armando Machado | Correspondent

Faithful from throughout the Diocese joined with the universal Church in celebrating World Mission Sunday Oct. 23 as Father Peter James Alindogan, diocesan mission director, celebrated Mass in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, part of Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park.

During his homily, Father Alindogan spoke of the Biblical story of the tax collector and his feeling true remorse and seeking divine mercy, stressing the importance of spiritual renewal and how it stems from expressions of genuine humility.

“I ask you to pray for all missionaries in the world. Jesus is continually calling us [to serve and spread the Good News],” he said, telling the congregants they should serve “with humility in your hearts and confidence in the Lord. … God loves us, and we should never forget that.”

World Mission Sunday, which is celebrated each year on the next to last Sunday in October, it is a day set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church’s missionary works through prayer and sacrifice. This year’s theme was “Mercy Changes the World,” on this, the Holy Year of Mercy.

Father George Koottappillil, parochial vicar, said it was an honor for the parish to host the diocesan World Mission Sunday Mass.

“We have a multi-ethnic parish,” explained Father Koottappillil, who is from India, the country where St. Teresa of Kolkata founded the Missionaries of Charity.  

In fact, among the nearly 170 people in attendance were the sisters from the Asbury Park chapter of Missionaries of Charity, wearing their recognizable white and blue habits. The sisters attended the Mass with a group of local children whom they bring to Church every Sunday by bus.

 One of the sisters who did not wish to be named said it is important “to serve the people, always in humility.”

Lifelong parishioner Theresa Vaccaro, 92, said she enjoyed the homily message of service, sacrifice and humility, especially with the Missionaries of Charity sisters in attendance.

“I think their work is wonderful, what they do,” she said.

Vaccaro, who attended the Mass with her caregiver, Dawn Behrman, was baptized at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and attended its school. She said she’s always tried to give of herself to the parish and still volunteers at the food pantry. 

Charles and Barbara Doherty, who have been members of Mother of Mercy Parish for five years, said they were grateful World Mission Sunday was held in Asbury Park, adding that they were glad to take part in acknowledging and praying for the missionaries of the world, both at home and abroad.

“It was a wonderful message,” Barbara Doherty said of Father Alindogan‘s homily. “One of my favorite sayings is ‘go out and preach the Gospel and sometimes use words.’”