School Mission Box design winners announced

The director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (Missio-Aotearoa) in this country, Fr Michael Pui, reintroduced Mission Boxes for use in New Zealand Catholic schools last year. The competition is part of an effort to encourage students in Catholic schools to appreciate and support the Church’s work in the missions.

The winner of the primary school section was Zanariah Comendador, a year 6 student at St Bernadette’s School, Hornby, Christchurch. The secondary school winner was Jamie Barillas from St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, Auckland.

They won prizes of $100 and $150, respectively, as well as a certificate.

Fr Pui said he was delighted at the standard of entries in the competition, adding that the entries from primary schools brought a smile to his face. He said he would reward each primary school entry with $10 and each secondary school one with $20.

Part of the winning designs may or may not be adapted for use on the actual boxes that will be sent out to the schools later in the year. This is particularly relevant in light of the death of Pope Francis.

Fr Pui hopes the Mission Boxes will be ready well before Mission Sunday on October 19 or by the Mission Month of October to serve as a focal point for the spirit of mission, which is to “faith raise” and to “fund raise”.

Funds raised go towards the Pope’s missionary endeavours in supporting people in poorer countries.

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