Our Symbols and Patroness

The Baby Jesus
Sometimes the cross we bear every day brings with it a feeling of weakness or even powerlessness. In addition to looking at the crucifix, it can help us to contemplate the Baby Jesus, learning to identify with Him in His powerlessness, smallness, and complete dependence on those around Him for His daily needs. Even though He was God, He could not speak, walk, or do anything tangible for Himself…but nonetheless, even lying in His bed all day, He was redeeming us – because He was fulfilling the will of His Father.  For this reason, the Baby Jesus has a special place in the spirituality of Mission Hope members. He is the faithful companion who remains with us every day, with whom we can share our feelings of smallness, weakness, or uselessness – and whom we can spiritually accompany and comfort.  His constant presence teaches us patience and hope, teaching us that, like Him, we can win countless graces for souls simply by fulfilling God’s will for us with love – even when we feel helpless. The members of Mission Hope receive a pocket-sized Baby Jesus figurine to keep with them, as a reminder that He accompanies us always.

Our Patroness
The Patroness of Mission Hope is Our Lady of Sorrows, who accompanied her Son as He was suffering on the cross. In the final moments of his life, Christ gave His mother to us as well. Now, her motherly love remains with us at every moment, especially when we are suffering under the weight of our own cross. She is always there, giving us the strength we need to carry our cross and to remain faithful to God’s will for our lives.

Our Feast Day
The annual feast day of Mission Hope is Good Friday, when the Church contemplates Christ’s supreme act of redemption, which gives meaning, hope, and purpose to each suffering and each act of sacrifice, no matter how great or small. Each Friday of the year is a day of special significance for members of Mission Hope.

Our Traditions
As members of Mission Hope, we are called to collaborate with God in the eternal salvation of souls. We share this vocation in a very particular way with those people who consecrate their lives to this mission through the priesthood, religious, or consecrated life. Since each one of the vocations in the Church is sustained by the mystical body of Christ, we unite ourselves every Friday of the year to offer our prayer and sacrifice for vocations and for all members of Mission Hope around the world.

Spiritual Benefactors
Members can also decide to become the spiritual benefactors of their parish, religious community, or movement, offering themselves for the specific needs and intentions of their community, thus providing a real and much-needed support to their apostolic efforts.