When I joined the Mill Hill Missionaries in 2004 for my basic formation in Luanda, Kenya, I had no idea how my studies would be funded. Throughout my seminary training, I never had to worry about food, transport, accommodation, medical bills, or school fees—all were provided, thanks to the Red Boxes!
After my ordination in 2014, I was appointed to serve at St. Jude’s Parish in Fundong, Cameroon, West Africa. While there, I received a donation from Missio England and Wales. With that support, we were able to construct St. Francis Xavier Nursery and Primary School in Boyui. The school has brought smiles to hundreds of innocent children who now benefit from it. Churches such as St. Michael, Muteff and St. Gerald, Mbissi in Fundong Parish, Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon, were also built thanks to the Red Boxes.
When I was appointed as an appealer in England and Wales, I wondered what kind of work awaited me. I was told I needed to obtain a UK driving licence to be able to travel. Thank God, I passed on my second attempt!
For the past two and a half years, I have been driving all over England and Wales, moving from parish to parish in different dioceses. I have travelled both the South and North, and have come to know most places in England and Wales. My only companion on these journeys is my SATNAV—I simply follow its directions, though sometimes I still get lost! That’s life.
I have experienced the hospitality of the people everywhere I go. They are always happy to welcome me and eager to hear about our missions and the need to support missionaries and their work. There is always a positive response. Sometimes, my Mass schedule is tight, and I must carefully plan my time. Some people wish to learn more about the missions after Mass, but often I have to leave promptly to reach another church, perhaps twenty minutes away. In this country, we cannot keep people waiting—time is precious, and we must be punctual.
After speaking about our missions and the importance of supporting missionaries, some people sign up for Red Boxes, and some choose direct debit or cheque. Many also donate through contactless payments. People give from the bottom of their hearts. It is inspiring to see such generosity, especially given the many challenges people face. I am always touched by this kindness.
It is important to understand how the money is collected. Every penny counts. We have Missio volunteers in most churches. When the Red Boxes are distributed, volunteers collect them after about three months, depending on local arrangements. They empty the boxes and bank the cash into the Missio account, then return the boxes to their owners. Every contribution, no matter how small, adds up. As the saying goes, “one by one makes a bundle.”
In 2024 alone, Missio funding supported the training of 1,751 seminarians for the priesthood across 33 seminaries in 8 countries in Africa and Asia. Missio has also supported the training of religious sisters, constructed many churches, and assisted missionaries working in challenging situations. I have seen first-hand where the money goes. It all starts with a penny in a Red Box, a £10 Gift Aid, a £20 cheque, a £10 direct debit, or a tap of £10 or £50 on a contactless device. With this support, Missio is able to fund projects worldwide, bringing smiles to millions by changing lives.
Our Missio volunteers go the extra mile—organising tea and coffee mornings, evening meals, BBQs, quiz nights, bingo nights, and other events to support Missio’s work. The people I meet are humble, and their joy comes from supporting the Church and praying for our missions.
I have greatly enjoyed their generosity—a cup of tea or coffee, food and drink—especially when I spend a weekend in a parish or with a family. They look after me very well, and I remain deeply grateful.
I thank all our Missio supporters for reaching out to millions of struggling and suffering people worldwide, across different backgrounds, cultures, and religions, to bring them hope and a smile. Our Christians may not be able to travel to all these places, but their support reaches people in war zones and disaster-affected areas. As you continue to support the mission of the Church, we ask you to keep praying for our missions, and we promise to pray for you as well.
Thank you, and God’s blessings!
Fr. Noah Monday Mbabazi, MHM
