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Press Release "Christian vocation not something that we design" - Dr. Diarmuid Martin at Viatores Christi 50th anniversary Mass "Christian vocation is not something that we design for ourselves - it a calling that we answer," said Archbishop Diarmuid Martin during his Homily at the 50th anniversary Mass for overseas lay missionary group, Viatores Christi, which he celebrated yesterday in their headquarters in Phibsboro, Dublin. "This applies to every particular vocation; it also applies to the basic vocation of all Christians", he said. Viatores Christi members have been answering their Christian calling since 1960 - more than 2,000 of them have gone overseas to take up long-term voluntary assignments in areas of need in 48 different countries. Viatores Christi celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2010 and yesterday's Mass opened the Jubilee celebrations as well as officially opening its new headquarters at New Cabra Road, Phibsboro. The association, which provides a training programme for those intending to take up an overseas assignment, offers ordinary people from all walks of life, the opportunity to bear witness to their faith in a very practical way - by sharing their lives and skills with those in need in developing countries. Regarding this, Dr. Martin said "Faith in Jesus Christ challenges us to look for salvation and fulfilment in ways which seem to go against the logic of conventional wisdom. In today's world faith asks us to discern about what are the fundamental values which should govern our lives and our hearts and to seek not just the conventional no-risk or low risk answers" Dr. Martin said that he would pray especially for Viatores Christi members in Haiti. Maeve Bracken, who had just returned from a two-year assignment in Haiti, was present at the celebratory Mass. She later spoke to Dr. Martin about her experience of the recent devastating earthquake and of her hope to return to Haiti. Addressing a packed congregation made up of Viatores Christi members, staff, friends and their families, ranging in age from one to 90, Archbishop Martin said that he hoped that Viatores Christi would continue to flourish for the good of the Church of Jesus Christ for the next 50 years. Speaking afterwards, Archbishop Martin said "I think that Viatores Christi is an example of how, when people put the care of Christ in first place, you will attract the idealism of young people." ATTACHED PHOTO: Viatores Christi member Peter Matu (who will shortly take up an assignment in Zambia) chats to Dr. Martin. PRESS RELEASE ENDS For further details, please contact: Colette Rooney Development Officer Viatores Christi 8 New Cabra Road Phibsboro Dublin 7 Tel. 01-868 9986 www.viatoreschristi.com
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