| The present Maryknoll Lay Missioners started out as a program located within the Maryknoll priests group, the Maryknoll Society. In 1994 the lay missioners formed a separate entity known as the Maryknoll Mission Association of the Faithful and became legally independent although through the years they have depended on generous moral and financial support from the Society and from the Maryknoll Sisters' group, the Congregation. |
The anniversary celebration was planned by Sami Scott who transferred to Cambodia from Venezuela, when that region closed. Here she sets up candles representing the eight core values of the Maryknoll Lay Missioners.
A good number of Maryknollers now serving in Cambodia, former lay missioners, and various friends--many of them lay missionaries in other Catholic groups--gathered at the home of Sami and Susan Sporl for the celebration. Here they join in the opening hymn.
Another cause for celebration today was the recent renewal of four Maryknoll Lay Missioners with the MKLM. During the summer, Lisa Pirie, Celina Campas, Sami Scott, and Charlie Dittmeier all extended their contracts to enable them to stay in mission in Cambodia.
Near the end of the ceremony, all those present extended their hands in blessing for the four MKLMers who renewed their contracts for further service in Cambodia.
To record this moment and this group for posterity, all the present Maryknoll Lay Missioners in Cambodia posed for a photo: Celina Campas, Sami Scott, Charlie Dittmeier, Adel O'Regan, Lisa Pirie, and Susan Sporl, the newest member of the group.