Lay Mission-Helpers celebrate 50 years of serving world's poor

Published: 2005-07-28

TEMPLE CITY, Calif. (CNS) -- The Lay Mission-Helpers Association July 24 celebrated half a century of serving the world's poor and marginalized -- five decades of following the biblical mandate inscribed on the rings they receive when they are commissioned: "For we are God's helpers." Msgr. Lawrence O'Leary, the organization's director from 1971 to 1983, celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving at St. Luke Church in Temple City. It was attended by more than 200 former Lay Mission-Helpers and family members. In his homily, the pastor emeritus of St. Martin of Tours Church in Los Angeles described the founding of the Lay Mission-Helpers as a "challenging thing" for any diocese to take on. "It was a real adventure," he said. "I think people here had great doubts about it and believed it wouldn't succeed. But here we are today after 50 years, and it still continues, which is so wonderful. It's wonderful to bring the word of God to poor, primitive people around the world, some of whom are still living in the Stone Age."

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