MISSIONARIES of the Poor vocations are booming and their supporters here in Brisbane see why.
Kay Corcoran, who has been on two trips with the missionaries in Flores, Indonesia, and to the mother house of the order in Jamaica, said she felt grace the moment she met the missionary brothers.
“Just seeing that they have given up totally everything to do what they’re doing – careers, futures – and the reason they’re doing it is Christ,” she said.
She said when she first went there, she saw “one of the young brothers was mopping the floor of the chapel and singing about how Jesus loves the poor”.
She was overwhelmed by how genuine their charism and love for the poor was, she said.
The brothers take care of boys from a young age up to their 20s who have disabilities and cannot fend for themselves.
“One of the brothers saw one of the young boys in a cage by the side of the road, and he waited until the family came back from the field – because that’s how they keep some of the kids from wandering,” she said.
“It broke his heart to see the child like that.
“He took him back to care for him with the brothers – it’s amazing work that they do.”
MOP volunteer Louis Lamuri said they were looking for people over 18 years old “with a missionary heart” to join them on their next trip.
“People from all walks of life come along… it really is about people who have a feeling they want to make a difference in other people’s lives,” he said.
He said there was also a drive happening for the Timor-Leste Mission, and people from Brisbane could make in-kind donations.
The group were looking for new clothing for children, girls and boys, sizes 2-14; back to school supplies; adult toiletries, such as soap, toothpaste and brushes, shampoo; medication and first aid.
Medication such as paracetamol, aspirin, antifungal cream, tincture, powder, zinc powder, scabies treatment, calamine lotion, Betadine, antiseptic cream, hair lice treatment, Voltaren gel, cough medicines, cold and flu tablets.
Also, face masks and surgical gloves.
Mr Lamuri said there was a virtual information day happening for the Flores trip on Saturday, April 9 at 3pm.
For more information please contact Louis Lamuri on 0412 073 965 or via lamurifamily@outlook.com
