Editorial

In the service of others

By Kathy VanLoon
July/August 2008

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This summer all eyes are on China as the host of the 2008 Olympic Games. And what a spectacular opening ceremony it was, displaying China's creativity and technological expertise, and its rich, ancient cultural history.

It is fitting that we would open this edition of the magazine with a story about China. With Scarboro Missions' 90th anniversary taking place on November 9 this year, we present an article by Fr. Dave Warren about Pope Benedict's June 2007 papal letter to the Catholic Church in China.

Scarboro Missions holds the Chinese Church and people close to its heart. From his early days in the seminary in Genoa, Italy, Monsignor John Mary Fraser, founder of Scarboro Missions, desired to go to China, a dream he fulfilled in 1902. He returned to Canada to found the China Mission College, precursor to Scarboro Missions, in 1918, in order to train and send missionary priests to China. Today, three Scarboro missionaries continue to serve in China by teaching English at the university level. In this way, they witness God's presence in their love and respect for the people, since the Chinese government forbids prosetylizing, or attempting to convert the people to Catholicism.

Our history in China also drew our attention to the opening of the Taoist International Tai Chi Centre in Orangeville, Ontario, which is written about in this issue. People of many faiths and cultures gathered for the festive hospitality and were present as practitioners of the three religions of China (Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian), wearing red and blue robes, chanted ancient prayers on the front steps.

In their mission journey, Scarboro missionaries have always encountered people of other faiths and cultures. In recent years, dialogue with other faith traditions has become a priority for Scarboro Missions and we are known in Canada and around the world for our expertise in this area. Some of this work is highlighted in this issue.

Scarboro missioners understand mission as serving the reign of God, witnessing to a world of justice, peace, and love, the hope of all humanity. The majority of our expenditures go to support this work of service to others. "Like good stewards of the manifold graces of God, put yourselves at the service of others with whatever gift you have received." With these words of St. Peter (1 Peter 4:10), Fr. Frank Hegel presents an account of Scarboro's use of the financial resources that have been given to us in 2007.

In this and every issue, we try to give you an account of our journey in mission, how this journey has transformed us and helped to reshape our understanding of mission.

In his closing, Fr. Hegel speaks for all Scarboro missioners when he writes, "We at Scarboro Missions are ever mindful that our work is possible because of the practice of stewardship on the part of our benefactors and partners. We know that you have made sacrifices to support us. We are most grateful to you for sustaining us in our mission work through your prayers, encouragement, and financial contributions. We remember you in our daily prayers and masses and we ask God's blessings for you."

This summer, preparations are underway for November 9, Founder's Day, when we will celebrate our 90th year since Fr. John Mary Fraser established the China Mission College. These celebrations will focus on our profound gratitude and blessing for the privilege of taking part in this mission journey.

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