This year's Jesuit Mission Maytime Fair has raised more than
$150,000 for Jesuits working in impoverished communities across Asia.
Jesuit Mission said thanks to all of the supporters and
volunteers who contributed to the 1 May event at a special Mass and celebration
last Thursday night at Xavier College, Kew.
Trish Barr, President of the Maytime Fair Committee, said
there had been lot of new additions at this year's event, including an art
exhibition and more activities for children. Students and staff from Xavier
were strongly involved as always, but she said students from other schools in
the area were also very active in setting up and running stalls.
‘From all of the feedback we had it was excellent', she said.
Australian Jesuit Renato Zecchin, currently based in
Pakistan, was also a special guest on the night, along with missionary Fr Tom
Lees SJ. Fr Zecchin spoke about his work on the ground in Pakistan, and said
the support from people back home in Australia was incredibly valuable.
‘It's not an easy place to be because it's dangerous', he
said. ‘The people are very poor, and so we're very grateful for your prayers
and the support that you provide for us.'
The total amount raised at the event was $158,200.
Australian Provincial Fr Steve Curtin accepted the funds from the Maytime Fair
committee on behalf of Jesuit Mission, and said the money raised would go a
long way towards helping the poor in developing communities in countries like
India, Cambodia and Pakistan.
‘It's not only the money - the money goes a long way - but
it's the prayers. People like Renato and so many other missionaries know that
there's a wonderful army of people back home that are praying for them and
supporting them', said Fr Curtin.
For more on Jesuit Mission's work,
go to www.jesuitmission.org.au.
Click here for photos from the night.