Bl. Odoric: Missionary to the Far East – Jan 14 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 14, 2025, on how the story of Blessed Odoric reveals the enduring courage and faith of a missionary spreading the Gospel to the farthest corners of the world.

Father spoke of Blessed Odoric of Pordenone, a 14th-century Franciscan missionary whose extensive travels to the East made a significant impact on Christian mission work. Born in 1265, Odoric joined the Franciscans at a young age, initially preaching locally before pursuing a calling to bring the Gospel to distant lands. His missionary journeys spanned the Balkans, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and eventually China.

Odoric contributed to the flourishing Franciscan mission in Khanbaliq (Beijing), established by John of Montecorvino. Despite immense challenges, the mission thrived for a time, boasting 20,000 Christians and extensive efforts in evangelization, such as educating children in Latin and Gregorian chant. The eventual fall of the Yuan dynasty in 1368 led to the mission's destruction, though later centuries would see the Church rebuilt in China.

Odoric's writings documented his observations and the marvels of the East, making his travelogue a medieval bestseller. His life of prayer, penance, and devotion to spreading the Gospel exemplifies missionary zeal. His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that even in hardship, the seeds of faith can take root and flourish.

Matthew 28:19 - NAB - "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations." -
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/28?19

Romans 10:15 - NAB - "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" -
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/10?15

Catechism of the Catholic Church #852 - Missionary motivation rooted in God’s love for humanity -
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/852.htm

Catechism of the Catholic Church #931 - Consecrated life as a special call to spread the Gospel -
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/931.htm

Catechism of the Catholic Church #2473 - The witness of martyrs -
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2473.htm

00:00 – Introduction
00:07 – Bl. Odoric's Life and Mission
01:29 – Journey to China and Evangelization
02:03 – Early Franciscan Efforts in China
04:19 – Odoric's Arrival and Impact in China
05:56 – Return to Europe and Final Years
07:00 – Decline of Missions in China
09:41 – Legacy of the Church in China

Ave Maria!

Mass: Bl. Odoric of Pordenone - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4883
Readings: Tuesday 1st Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011425.cfm
1st: heb 2:5-12
Resp: psa 8:2, 5-9
Gsp: mar 1:21-28

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=593&r=1360

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