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Mission Update

United States Vol. 11, No. 2


Catholic Mission Association Summer 2002

The Healing and Coping Church in Africa In This Issue


Rev. Gabriel Silonda
The Healing and Coping Church in Africa ... Cover
At the edge of despair, hope begins, Henri Nouwen.
From the USCMA Director; From the Chairperson
In the Africa I know, that is southern Africa, especially Zimbabwe, the of the USCMA Board........................................ 2
Church is organized into small Christian communities. These communities
are also known as small caring communities because of their role in assisting The Jubilee USA Network; Catholics for a
the needy and sick who are home-based. These communities are based on Peaceful End to Terrorism ................................ 3
the faith and tradition which believes that you are only human if you care
for another human being. We all are of the same humanity. Spiritual Growth and Social Change in China;
USCMA Co-Hosts Mission-Networking Day in
Although the AIDS pandemic has caused great hardships among the rural Northern California ........................................... 4
communities, one is astounded by their resilience in managing the problem
with very limited resources. The home-based care managed by small PERIODIC PAPER: The Mission of Dialogue ....Center
Christian communities has brought hope. While the problems are still big,
people are able to care for each other in such a way that the stigma of AIDS A Missioners Experience in the U.S.; A Mission
Trend .................................................................. 5
is slowly but surely diminishing. Sick people receive both spiritual and
bodily help from the small Christian communities.
USCMA Annual Conference/Meeting - Raleigh,

T here was a moment where people thought Africa was Jobs continent.
It is amazing how the story of Job provides hope. In the end Job
overcame the problems that were confronting him. This hope is built on
NC; Gathering the Fragments: A Survey of Lay
Mission Programs .............................................. 6

Book Review; Mission Travel Opportunities; 20th


the goodness of Godself. People are still able to smile in spite of the
Anniversary Endowment Campaign ................. 7
hardships they experience. Hope is the greatest gift the Church has given
people. One can hear a new meaning for the initials HIV. Hope Is Vital. A Call for Articles and Resources; Mark your
Despite poverty, people minister to each other Calendars ........................................................... 8
in a compassionate way. They care for each
other in their local places utilizing the small
resources they have. The church has found MISSIONERS UNITE IN PRAYER
that the help given to sick people within their
own communities is more important because
dignity is not compromised and cultural
factors are respected.
W E PRAY THAT THE CHALLENGE OF
PRESENT-DAY URBAN CULTURE MAY
KINDLE IN BELIEVERS A NEW MISSIONARY
My working in the rural areas for the past A Gathering of Youth ARDOUR IN THE CITIES. WE JOIN IN PRAYER
twenty years gives me an increasingly greater in Rural Africa
clarity of the need and the challenge to examine our methods. The solution
WITH OUR V IETNAMESE C ATHOLIC
to these problems does not lie in big conferences. CITIZENS THAT THEY MAY BE ALLOWED TO
COOPERATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR
We have the opportunity to empower small Christian communities through
their local parishes. Decentralization allows resources to be utilized by COUNTRY IN CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL AND
those who most need them. SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.
Continued on Page 3

U.S. Catholic Mission Association


Mission Update Spring 2002
From the Director From the President of USCMA Board
Rosanne Rustemeyer, SSND Joseph Nangle, OFM
As I write today we are welcoming the Memorial Day holiday. The March 15th-16th meetings of the USCMA Board served as a
Traditionally this serves as the beginning of summer and events transitional moment and a time to look at critical aspects of the
that take us out into the great outdoors. I myself have waited Association. We gratefully remembered the gifts of outgoing
for an opportunity for reflection where Gods creative powers in Board President, Christine Beckett, GHMS. (I was elected as her
nature never cease to overwhelm us. What is so inviting? Perhaps successor.) We expressed thanks as well to Denise Madden-
it is still in nature where we are freer from humankinds Darnell and Patricia Chapell, SNDdeN, who completed terms as
manipulation. There is even some safety or security provided by Board members, and to Kevin Gilhooly, FSCnow on sabbatical
the open space in our post 9/11 world. before beginning a new assignment in his congregation. The Board
also selected an Executive Committee comprised of Stephen
One of the abiding questions today for those with mission minds Hicken, Betty Scanlon, RSM, Mary McGlone, CSJ, and Albert
leads us to wonder where our energies for proclamation, witness, Utzig, SSC.
dialogue, social transformation can most effectively be used to
strengthen Gods Reign among us. Recently, John Paul II met The Board members engaged in a discussion about USCMAs
with a group of mayors from the worlds major cities. His words prophetic and service roles. In addition to our traditional role as
strongly addressed his concern for the globalization of solidarity. mission resource and clearinghouse, do we have, from our
The goal of solidarity must be the advancement of a more human missioners experience, a challenging word for the U.S. Church
world for alla world in which every individual will be able to and society? While Board members perceived different emphases
participate in a positive and fruitful way, and in which the wealth to these aspects of USCMA, it was agreed that the Association is
of some will no longer be an obstacle to the development of others, called to speak prophetically, given the diverse work carried on
but a help, concluded the Holy Father. (Zenit News Agency by our Director and Staff.
ZS02051305) On March 15th, we also met, as we do annually at this Board
I find this significant because already in Redemptoris Missio meeting, with the Mission Committee and the Peace and Justice
promulgated in the early 1990s, the megacities were named as a Group of CMSM. The discussion brought further clarification
new area for mission. Along with cities the list included youth, not only to both the prophetic and the service roles of USCMA,
media, migrants and refugees, justice and peace, and care for the but to its relationship with mission-sending groups and missioners
environment. For those of us schooled in mission and mission in the field.
theology, have we even begun to address the change in attitude These reflections gave focus to the remainder of our Board
necessary to be effective missionaries today? meeting. While we continue our commitment to bring the
missionary word into the U.S. Church and civic life, the Board
According to Donal Dorr in his MISSION IN TODAYS WORLD, realizes that our best vehicle for doing this, is in collaboration
once a missionary always a missionary. For all of us the context with other similar groups. An example appears in this Mission
of our world at this time in history provides overwhelming Update on page 4 in the section, Catholics for a Peaceful End to
challenges and opportunities. What will the missionary activity Terrorism, which is an ad hoc group that meets to reflect and act
in the 21st century look like and who will be those missionaries? on post-September 11th events. Rosanne Rustemeyer, SSND,
Perhaps we still have more work to do in personally naming the Kevin Day, and I have regularly attended these meetings and have
impediments to our missionary response to this globalized world. been part of the preparation and dissemination of materials that
May the invitation to the great outdoors offer us the time and call for responses to terrorism other than retaliatory action.
space for that needed reflection. Happy summer!

USCMA Staff
Rosanne Rustemeyer, SSND, Executive Director rrustemeyer@uscatholicmission.org
Kevin Francis Day, Associate Director kday@uscatholicmission.org
Marie Stelmach, OP, Associate Director for Operations mstelmach@uscatholicmission.org
Anne Louise Von Hoene, MMS, Accountant/Admin.Assist. vonhoene@uscatholicmission.org

Questions/comments re: meetings & conferences meetings@uscatholicmission.org


Questions/comments re: Mission Update/Current Topics news@uscatholicmission.org

Website: www.uscatholicmission.org

U.S. Catholic Mission Association Page 2


Mission Update Spring 2002

Continued from Page 1 The Jubilee USA Network


AIDS is both a social and economic problem. Fighting AIDS should address The Jubilee Network Council semi-annual
both of these concerns. Due to poverty, people engage in risky behaviors to meeting was held in Washington on May
sustain themselves A starving mother does not worry about what will happen 4th & 5th. Beginning with a reception for
in three years but what is happening now. Unless the economic issues are Jubilees visitors from the South,
handled properly, the chances of eradicating AIDS will be very difficult. I approximately 60 committed activists
have been involved in projects that eventually provide income so families can from across the U.S. participated in
stay together rather than be divided by poverty. These projects gradually workshop sessions on topics such as
minimize the AIDS situation. Illegitimate and Odious Debt, and
Governments have plundered the economy, compromised health standards, and Ecological Debt and Export Credit
increased poverty. Churches have adopted the role of maintaining health Agencies. One of the most interesting
standards in difficult situations. I think that if Africas governments were to sessions was on Jubilees plans to form
improve, the economic conditions would improve. This, in turn, would reduce Partnerships with church congregations
the infection of AIDS caused by poverty. similar, in many ways, to what churches
did in relation to Central America and the
The Church has opted to keep orphans within their cultural background. Orphans Sanctuary Movement. The gathering also
remain with extended families. Small Christian communities are able to screen included lobbying on May 6 th and
families and award financial grants to those in need. In this way children are planning for the Fall Mobilization to be
able to remain in a normal home environment, strengthening community life. held around the IMF/World Bank
One diocese built a massive center to deal with the problem but it is now a meetings in late September.
white elephant because money is used in its maintenance rather than in helping
Catholics for a Peaceful End
orphans. The Diocese of Bulawayo has built camps with several buildings
where children between the years of 9 and 13 came to learn simple skills, to Terrorism
ordinarily learned at home, such as the looking after goats and chickens and The ad hoc group of faith-based
maintaining gardens. All of this engages people on the local level to better organizations, including USCMA, which
their own situation. There is no universal solutiononly local solutions for developed the Statement, A Catholic
local problems. Community Responds to the War,
described in the last Mission Update, has
While there is a need for the external funding for these projects, the power of continued to meet and to work towards
the local people must not be compromised. People must always feel that they peaceful alternatives to the war on
are doing it themselves. The role of the external helpers could be compared to terrorism. In April, the group sent a letter
the role of a midwife who responds to needs without controlling the growth of to the churches and people of the Holy
the child. Training in management is important; but, respect for the people Land, expressing sorrow and regret for the
should be the guiding principle. Help can be oppressive when helpers feel they violence and suffering of both Israelis and
know what is better for the one being helped. People are now suspicious of big Palestinians with hope for a peaceful
AIDS organizations. Seemingly more money is spent on the administration of solution to that crisis. A Pentecost
AIDS conferences and workshops while those who are sick are mere objects. Statement, following up on A Catholic
The joke in Africa is that if you want to get money, start an AIDS project or a Community Responds to the War, was
Church. The involvement of the local Church and the dioceses cuts the developed and sent to President Bush and
unnecessary bureaucracy. members of his administration, to key
members of Congress, and to the Policy
Life-enhancing drugs could assist people to live longer. Their cost places them
Committee of the Bishops Conference.
beyond the reach of the ordinary worker. Africa needs the commitment of the
More than 4,500 people signed onto the
developed countries, along with a more humane local social system, to make
first Statement and more than 600 onto the
the drugs more accessible. While volunteers are welcome, they must always
Pentecost Statement. The Statements can
work with the people, empowering them to handle their problems.
be found on web sites:
African Wisdom www.orbita.starmedia.com/maryknoll and
If you want to help me, you are not welcome. If you want to work with me www.orbita.starmedia.com/statement
solving my problems, you are very much welcome. respectively. For those who cannot access
these web sites, USCMA will be happy to
Fr. Gabriel is a priest from the Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Recently, he returned send copies of the Statements upon
to Africa after participating in the Sabbatical program at Washington Theological Union. request.

U.S. Catholic Mission Association Page 3


Mission Update Spring 2002

A Missioners Experience in the U.S.


People, Culture, and Missionhurst Congregation - Key to Successful Experience
FATHER FIDELE OKITEMBO DIKETE, CICM, WAS ORDAINED A PRIEST ON JUNE 1, 2002, AT ST. JOHN BERCHMANS
CHURCH IN SAN ANTONIO, TX. HE IS A NATIVE OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DRC). FR. FIDELE
ENTERED THE MISSIONHURST C ONGREGATION IN 1991 IN KINSHASA, THE CAPITAL OF THE DRC. H E PROFESSED HIS
FIRST VOWS IN 1992 AND IN 1995, HE CAME TO THE U.S. TO BEGIN SEVEN YEARS OF TRAINING FOR THE PRIESTHOOD. FR.
FIDELES STORY REFLECTS AN EXPERIENCE OF LEARNING AND APPRECIATION.

S even years of study for the priesthood in the United States has immersed me into the multicultural reality of the country. I
have learned languages (English and Spanish), and most importantly the language of humanity which is love for the
people.
I have ministered to African-American, Anglo, and Hispanics in the US. Three crucial things have made my experience possi-
ble and successfulthe love for the people, the respect for the culture, and the relationship with the Missionhurst Congregation,
especially the experience of its formation program.
Firstly, my love for the people helped me to adjust. Though I have to admit that the first time I entered into contact with the
American culture, I was confronted with a different reality and setting. I learned that love is not judgmental. Love is patience,
admiration, forgiveness, understanding, and openness to others. In spite of my difference, I was able to admire the beauty in the
people. In return, the people could sense the love and respect I had for them.
The second important element is the respect for the culture. I believe that culture is what makes us who we are. I credit my
Congregation which takes seriously the learning of the language of the people to whom we are called to minister. I learned
English and then Spanish. This helped me to put myself into their shoes, to admire their values, and to see their beauty. I had to
put myself into their shoes when it came to food. At first, broccoli seemed tasteless. I couldnt connect it with any vegetable
from my country. I never said broccoli was bad, just different. Different doesnt mean bad or wrong or good. Different just
means different. Today, broccoli is my favorite vegetable. I wonder if I will be able to find some broccoli in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo because maybe upon my return, home vegetables might seem tasteless as well. I have fallen in love with
the American Culture and the people to whom I minister. Being a missioner is a lot about attitude. Having a positive attitude
assures the success of mission.
Finally, the Missionhurst training which involves many years of formation begins in the
country of origin. It enables the candidate to interact with other candidates from different
backgrounds. It equips one to function positively. It provided me with opportunities to
learn and to connect through new families and friends.

I would like to end by affirming that all cultures generate values and are good. As a
missioner, I have learned to appreciate cultures rather than to pass judgment on them.
Getting along in a culture with people is like falling in love with someone. It requires time, Fidele Dikete, CICM, (Diacionate
patience and perseverance. As a Missionhurst, I sincerely love and respect the people to Ordination) 2 nd from left, with Friends
from Christ the King Parish, San Antonio,
whom I am sent. I adopt a listening attitude and try to gain a knowledge and understanding TX: Juanita, Lupita, Fr. Alfonso Guevaro,
of their socio-economic, political, cultural and religious realities... (Art. 4 of Our Pastor, Sally, and Sr. Mary Ann Lucy, OP
Constitutions). This is my missionary experience and I want to thank all who have made this possible.

T he number of United States Catholic


missioners serving outside the U.S. and A MISSION TREND:
people linguistically, culturally, and/or
economically are outside the stream of the
within the U.S. is 6,108 according to the USCMA BROADER UNDERSTANDING OF & dominant culture. Both the leadership of the
2001 survey. This represents an increase of 225 APPRECIATION FOR THE sending organizations and the missioners
over the 1999 survey. Worthy of note is the fact CONCEPT OF HOME MISSION recognize and value the distinct identity of
that those serving within the U.S. borders in these people and how that identity is perceived
cross-cultural and home missions is up from 2,040 to 2,631, an within the larger cultural context of the United States.
increase of 591. This reflects a broadening of the understanding of
what it means to be a missioner in the U.S. These are missioners
who are ministering in such areas (though not exclusively) where
W hile the number of U.S. Catholic missioners serving within
U.S. borders has increased, the number serving outside U.S.
borders has decreased by 366 from 3,843 to 3,477 since the 1999
the people have not heard the Word of God or have not had it survey. This has been the trend since 1968 when the number peaked
effectively proclaimed to them, where the local church may easily at 9,655. The 1960s reflected the invitation to religious congrega-
be understood as institutionally underdeveloped, or where the tions by Pope John XXIII to pledge 10 % of their members.
U.S. Catholic Mission Association Page 5
Mission Update Spring 2002

USCMA Gathering the Fragments:


Annual Conference/Meeting - October 25-27, 2002 A Survey of
Pre-Conference - October 24-25, 2002 Lay Mission Programs
Marriott-Crabtree Valley Tina Moreau-Jones

Raleigh, NC For the past six years, the Catholic


Network for Volunteer Service, the St.
Preparations for the USCMA Annual Conference and Pre-Conference Seminar Vincent Pallotti Center and the United
in Raleigh, NC are well under way. Several of USCMA staff members made States Catholic Mission Association have
two site visits to Raleigh. There were warm and friendly receptions from worked with programs that send lay
members of the Inter-religious community, the staff at the Diocesan Pastoral missioners and volunteers overseas to
Center and the Marriott-Crabtree Valley. share information that might yield greater
The Rev. Dr. Alan Neely, a long time supporter of USCMAs ecumenical efforts, collaboration among programs.
provided many introductions to the Inter-religious community leaders, all of Recently, all three organizations, through
whom have expressed interest and promised assistance. USCMA is confident Jim Lindsay, Andy Thompson and
that this years participants will experience in Raleigh a community that has Rosanne Rustemeyer, SSND, have
been and continues to be active in building Inter-religious understanding, combined resources that have enabled
acceptance and cooperation. Tina Moreau-Jones to create a survey
Evelyn Matttern, SFCC, will facilitate the Pre-Conference Seminar: entitled Gathering the Fragments. The
Contemplation and Mission. goal was to gather training and formation
curricula from all participating groups.
Dr. Scott Alexander, Associate Professor of Islam and Director of the Catholic- Currently, a study of the findings and a
Muslim Studies Program at Catholic Theological Union will share his synthesis of materials are underway.
perspectives on the history and future of Muslim-Christian relations and Upon completion the information will be
interfaith dialogue. There will be opportunity for round-table conversations made available to all those interested.
and interaction with a panel.
The survey was sent to sixty-six
Several prayer experience are planned. On Friday noon there will be a trip to a organizations; thirty responses were
Mosque for Jumah prayer; in the evening there is prayer at a nearby Synagogue received. More than half of the groups
and at the hotel there will be Japanese Buddhism and Hindu prayer presentations. cover such topics as missiology, Catholic
Eucharist Liturgy will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Community on social teaching, inculturation, personal
Saturday afternoon. Prayer site options will be listed in registration material. and social transformation, spirituality,
There will be a choice of six workshops (participants may choose two) centering simple living and communication.
on the themes: AIDS/HIV in Africa, the Catholic Church in the American Eighty-eight percent of the programs
South, Catholicism in China, the Latin American Church picture, Immersion offer retreats. The findings thus far yield
and Short-term Mission Experiences, and the How to start an Interfaith group. an overall positive picture of the
outstanding work being done in the
The Annual Meeting takes place on Sunday morning and the gathering concludes preparation of overseas lay missioners.
with prayer and noon lunch.
Various forms of collaboration currently
A Conference brochure, with hotel and airport information (available now on exist among groups as evident in the
the USCMA web site: www.uscatholicmission.org), and a registration section findings that sixty-three percent work
including sign-up for trips and workshops will be mailed in July. with other mission groups or
Readings of interest, related to the conference theme, can be found on the organizations. Hopefully, the results of
internet. the findings will be an invitation to
Visit: continue to ask the question: How can
http://puffin.creighton.edu/jesuit/dialogue/ for Mission and Interreligious Dialogue we, as lay mission organizations,
collaborate and share our resources
http://www.usccb.org/seia/index.htm for USCCBEcumenical and Interreligious
better?
Affairs
Gratitude to all who assisted with the study.
http://www.monasticdialog.com/index.htm for Monastic Interreligious Dialogue
MID
U.S. Catholic Mission Association Page 6
Mission Update Spring 2002

Book Review Mission Travel Opportunities


Mission in the Third Millennium, edited Cuba Currents: Hunger and Justice Issues
by Robert J. Schreiter, CPPS. Maryknoll, September 7 - 15, 2002
New York: Orbis Books, 2001.
Join this seminar sponsored by the Hunger and Housing Ministry Team of the Pacific
This book is the aggregate of six keynote Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is a continuation of their
addresses presented to the members of commitment to better understand hunger and justice issues from a global perspective.
SEDOS (Service of Documentation and Contact:
Studies) made up of Catholic Mission- Center for Global Education at: 1-800-299-8889
Sending Congregations. The group took the www.augsburg.edu/global or E-Mail: globaled@augsburg.edu
occasion of their annual Spring Seminar to ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

identify contemporary issues affecting


Land, Peace and Social Justice:
mission in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin
Old Testament Perspectives on Problems
America, and North America. During the October 14 - 18, 2002
seminar each paper was presented followed
by a formal response and a time for small Co-sponsored by Maryknoll Mission Institute and Overseas Ministries Study Center
group process. and held in New Haven, CT. Contact:
Overseas Ministries Study Center (OMSC) at: 203-624-6672
Schreiter draws the papers together in the E-Mail: study@omsc.org
Epilogue concluding that mission is Gods ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

work, that the character of todays world


needs continued conversion, and suggests Visit the Land of Martyrs, El Salvador
that reconciliation is a model for November 10 - 12, 2002
contemporary mission. Visit sites where Archbishop Romero, U.S. Church women, Jesuits and women co-
workers were killed. See the peoples struggle for human rights and dignity under a
Having witnessed the presentations set in
harsh economic world. Contact:
conversation with one another, I recommend
Global Awareness Through Experience (GATE) at: 608-791-5283
this book as we approach mission in the 21st www.GATE-Travel.org or E-Mail: GATE@fspa.org
century. By Rosanne Rustemeyer, SSND

20 th Anniversay Endowment Campaign


Goal: To ensure USCMAs financial $250,000.
Goal
stability by raising $250,000 in
endowment contributions.

Current Contributions: 44%


$110,000.
Received
We with to thank all members who have given
generously in support of the 20 th Anniversary
Endowment Campaign. The Campaign continues
through October 2003.
The USCMA Board of Directors invites you to join in the celebration of our 20 th Anniversary by:
Renewing your commitment as a USCMA member
Contributing your ideas and skills to the Association
Making a financial donation to the Endowment Campaign
Yes, I renew my commitment as a USCMA member and wish to help ensure the financial stability of the
Association as a prophetic missionary presence for the Church in the U.S.
Enclosed in my Endowment Contribution of $ ______________.
Name _________________________________________________

U.S. Catholic Mission Association Page 7


Mission Update Spring 2002

A Call ffor
or Articles and R
Articles esour
Resour ces
esources
www.mission-education.org needs your mission education articles and resources. Mission-
education.org is targeted for visitors of all ageschildren, youth, college students and adults.
The web site features links to programs, video/audiotapes and other resource materials of interest
to various groups and individuals.

Christine Beckett, GHMS, president of


Glenmary Sisters and past chairperson of
USCMA Board of Directors notes that the
sponsors have bridged the aged-old gap
between mission at home and mission
beyond our borders by providing educational
materials and experience in one ver y
accessible site.

As a member of USCMA and a sponsor of this web site, you are invited to submit articles
and resources for consideration. It is our goal to make this web site a comprehensive one-stop
shopping site for mission education. To do this successfully we need your help by providing us
with articles and resources on the missionary nature of the Church and how U.S. missioners are
serving here at home and throughout the world. Kindly submit your material to Kevin Day via e-
mail at kday@uscatholicmission.org or via postal mail to USCMA.

U.S. Catholic Mission Association NON-PROFIT


3029 Fourth Street, NE U.S. POSTAGE
Washington, DC 20017-1102 PAID
WASHINGTON
DC 20017
PERMIT NO. 420
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
USCMA
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Pre-Conference
Oct. 24 - 25, 2002

Conference and Annual Meeting


Oct. 25 - 27, 2002

Raleigh, NC
Marriott-Crabtree Valley

COME & EXPERIENCE


Contemplation, Mission,
Inter-religious Dialogue

SEE PAGE 7 INSIDE FOR DETAILS.

U.S. Catholic Mission Association Page 8

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