The Maryknoll Missionaries - Research Paper Example

? The Maryknoll Missioners In facts, a missionary is someone who has been sent by God on a mission. Usually, when people talk about missionaries, they categorize them like evangelists or pastors. Though there is biblical truth in this, a missionary’s occupation differs from that of a pastor or an evangelist. In this context, a missionary is entitled to do what God has ordained him to do, with love and compassion for people. Theologians argue that, the ministry of Jesus is a good example of what mission work entails borne in mind that, he did not do his will, but that of his Father (Gollock, 2010). His mission on earth was full of love and compassion for people. He dedicated his life to protect the weak and stand for the truth. From this, one can articulate that, mission work began with Jesus Christ. Since then, Jesus followers received a mission of spreading love and compassion to all people as a vital aspect of making disciples of all nations. To this point, it stands out that, the work of a missioner entails a lot such as, teaching and preaching the word of God, protecting the weak, leading the captives free, and giving gifts to men among others. In a way, missionary work is referred to as the great commission described in Matthew 28:18-20 of going forth and making men disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them the word of God. Throughout history, Maryknoll has emphasized missionary and ministry work particularly in Korea, China, Africa, East Asia, and Latin America. Up-to-date, these missioners have played a significant role in the Catholic Church, in alleviating poverty, and enhancing constructive changes to many lives. With this regard, the following paper seeks to discuss the Maryknoll missioners as well as their impact on people’s lives. MARYKNOLL MISSIONARIES A brief history As mentioned earlier, Maryknoll was founded as a Catholic mission society. It was established in 1911 with most men being skilled tradesmen. The group was led by bishops from the United States, and its development fell into two diocesan priests namely Father Thomas Fredrick and James Anthony of Boston. Just like Jesus, the two individuals had the commission, to encourage U.S missioners to set their lives apart for helping the community. Studies outline that, one year after its founding, three men joined who were fully dedicated to the mission work (Gollock, 2010). During this time, the number of brothers increased in that, by 1921, the community comprised of twenty priests, dozen brothers, and almost sixty five seminaries students. Men played a vital role at Maryknoll to the extent that they formed a movement of the “Fields A far Staff “. In 1920, the church recognized Maryknoll sisters who led the community into service as they recognize the needs in the community. In essence, the Maryknoll missionaries have served all over the world, as they become influential in regards to missionary activities. As of 2009, there were over 560 Maryknoll brothers and priests serving all over the world, mainly in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. In the 20th Century, they played a vital role in the Catholic Church of East Asia, and also extended into Latin American countries. Their aspect of mission For years, the Maryknoll Missioners have imposed love and compassion for people, as they work diligently to protect the weak and poor. For instance, they have had extensive connections with Latin American countries whereby, they have worked hard to eradicate poverty and improve lives of many Latin American. Poverty is a core issue affecting Latin Americans in the sense that, some live below the poverty line. With this in mind, Maryknoll Missioners have worked to help the needy in such communities as they renewed call to their membership in campaigning for justice for the poor. These efforts have been supported by donations from U.S as many unite to help the needy in the community. With no doubt; this has helped to alleviate poverty as they bring constructive changes to the Latin Americans. Typically, Maryknoll’s brothers and priests have served around the world to enhance constructive changes to lives of people living in poverty. Principally, they have worked in Southern Africa region where poverty is ranked highest. The Maryknoll missioners have been recognized for their heroic work in Asia whereby; they renewed a call for justice towards economic, cultural, and social oppression. In doing this, they have announced healing to people’s lives as justice continues to prevail in most communities. Following the World War 11, some missioners were sent to some regions of Asia to establish peace, comfort the weak, and work among the poor. In reality, this cost the missioners lives in that, among those working to eradicate poverty, some were raped, kidnapped, and murdered. Despite the oppression and persecution, the group still became widespread throughout the world and continued protecting the weak and standing for the truth. In essence, the Maryknoll missioners have set a pace of spreading the word of God. This has been achieved by recognizing the needs in the society. For instance, since the group was established, it has reached out to the sick in the hospitals as they comfort those who need to be comforted. In the 20th Century, Maryknoll missioners played a vital role in visiting the sick in the hospital as they give hope to them. The group has for long worked in hospitals as they impact the sick with the word of God. It is well-known that the sick often feel hopeless, lonely, and helpless. These aspects make them vulnerable to emotional disorders, which may eventually lead to depression. Over the years, this has created the need for Maryknoll missioners to protect the weak in the hospital as they enhance constructive changes to the sick (Gollock, 2010) Conclusively, it was part of missionary work to be sent in pairs, travel in remote areas, establish contact with the un-evangelized, and live among the local populations. Following this, many people were comforted particularly, those who are secluded from the society. For example, they took care of the orphans, widows and bereaved. In cases where some lacked basic needs such as shelter, they worked hard to ensure that basic these needs are imposed. From this, it is obvious that, the Maryknoll Missioners dedicated their life fully for God, as they offered their lives for service. Reference Gollock, G. A. (2010). Missionaries at Work. 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