Red Box history in the making

Celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Red Box began yesterday when Archbishop Vincent Nichols met Fr Anthony Chantry, General Superior of the Mill Hill Missionaries, Fr Bernard Phelan MHM, the Regional Superior of the Mill Hill Missionaries, Canon James Cronin, new Missio National Director, and Mgr John Dale, the outgoing Missio National Director.

Archbishop Nichols said on behalf of the Bishops' Conference: "All the Bishops of England and Wales recall with pride the decision made by our predecessors 75 years ago to unite the parish-based activities of the APF and Mill Hill Missionaries. The Bishops warmly endorse the contribution made to the life of the local Church by these two societies through their constant and forthright proclamation of Christ's universal mission to teach the Good News to all peoples and to serve the poor. This steady and diligent work on the part of APF and Mill Hill enables Catholics to live out their own missionary vocation and to take an active part in the universal mission of the Church."

Canon Cronin pointed out that: "In St John's Gospel some Greeks came to St Philip with a simple request, 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus'. There are many across the world who still say, 'We wish to see Jesus'. I have recently had the opportunity of visiting places where the Church is very young and still growing - where Red Box help is vital in building the visible and tangible presence of the Church. It has been a great joy to see that in those places the faith is strong and Church members such lively witnesses."

Fr Chantry summarised the Red Box story in a few words: "75 years ago, a special partnership was forged between the APF and Mill Hill to raise awareness, spiritual support and funds for this great venture: the Red Box partnership. Since then the world has changed almost beyond recognition and our understanding of mission has
developed and grown. Today many of the countries to which Mill Hill Missionaries were sent have vibrant young Churches, willing to send their own missionaries out into the world."

Mgr Dale continued the reflection on the Red Box story. "Our forebears could never have imagined that the Red Box would have got this far: 75 years and going stronger than ever! It is a tribute to those who have gone before, and to those who continue to keep the flame burning, that the Red Box should still be serving the Church at home and overseas. This is one of the most powerful signs of love for the poor that we have in the Church - long may it continue!"

Today the iconic Red Box, unique to England and Wales, is present in more than 200,000 homes. Thanks to the generosity of so many people, in 2010 the Catholics of England and Wales contributed more than £3 million to 39 dioceses in countries such as Pakistan, South Africa and Zimbabwe and to Mill Hill's work with the poor in 27
countries.

In order to mark the 75th anniversary of missionary cooperation, special Masses of Thanksgiving are being celebrated in each diocese in England and Wales during 2011. These Masses are unique opportunities for mission supporters to rejoice in their shared commitment to spreading the faith and to helping the Church lay down strong foundations across the world.

Source: CCN