Since 2011, Ingham Region Catholic Parishes has formed a strong bond with the Missionaries of the Poor in Naga City and Manila, the Philippines. In that year, three members of the MOPs came to visit our parishes and schools. During their short stay with us, they touched hearts and inspired minds. One of the enduring inspirations was to visit them, in return, and to work alongside them in their primary mission of “serving the poorest of the poor.” 

This year’s trip will be our seventh. In 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018 students from grade 11 and 12 from Gilroy Santa Maria College, St Teresa’s College Abergowrie, and Ingham State High School went on Mission. In 2013 and 2017, a group of adult parishioners and friends worked with the MOPs. In 2015, the parish sponsored Fr Damian McGrath to walk the 1000km long Camino in Spain in support of the MOPs, a journey that raised $16,000. 

All up, through Mission Trips, Fundraisers and the general generosity of our people, our parishes have contributed over $250,000 to the MOPs during the past 10 years. This money has built homes for the poor, employed staff for care facilities, renovated the Kindergarten, helped to build the first and third floors of the MOPs care home in Manila City, provided food parcels for poor families, and much more.