Covid-19 and national lockdowns have taken their toll on the economy of many countries. And South Africa – which was already heading for recession before the pandemic – is one of the worst affected.

Almost 3 million jobs have been lost in the past 6 months – with families, women, the poor, less educated, and informal workers bearing the brunt of drastic loss of income due to unemployment.

On the Zulu Missions, many people are going hungry – and they are looking to the Church for help. While Mission Month traditionally focuses on evangelisation, with the Church encouraging people to put their faith in Jesus Christ – this year we need to respond with practical help as well as spiritual guidance.

Pope Francis says the effect of the pandemic has been to increase our awareness of the need to relate to others … “to rediscover that we need social relationships as well as our relationship with God”.

Now, more than ever, our priests and sisters need to follow our Lord’s example … not only bringing spiritual values like salvation, hope, love and compassion to people in great need – but also practical actions like feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and caring for the sick and aged.

Please will you walk with them? During October we ask you to:

• Pray for the Missions and all Missionaries
• Spread awareness in your parish, your community and the workplace
• Make a donation to help poor and suffering people on the Missions
• Consider leaving a bequest to the Missions in your Will

Find out more about our Missionary work by clicking here.