Seraphic Mass Association

Our Story

The guidance of Divine Providence, the prayers of countless people, and the determined work of the friars, diocesan priests, religious sisters, and lay missionaries enabled the Capuchin Mission of Mendi to grow and thrive. However, without the financial support of the Mission Office in Pittsburgh, the work would not have been possible.

Fr. Cecil Nally founded the Mission Office in the 1920s. When the province accepted the invitation to go to Puerto Rico in 1930, he was ready to help.

With his organizational genius, he was able to bring together many dedicated benefactors who believed in the work of the missions and gave their whole-hearted support. The work of the Mission Office grew apace, and the work of the friars in Puerto Rico received sufficient support.

In 1953 Fr. Don Nally, a younger brother of Fr. Cecil and a veteran missionary in Puerto Rico, was asked to join the staff of the Mission Office. This enabled the work of the office to grow at a providential time; sixteen months after Fr. Don joined the staff, the Province accepted the mission in Papua New Guinea. This placed a huge burden on the Mission Office, but it was up to the challenge. Through an increasing number of generous benefactors, the financial demands of a primitive mission halfway around the world were met. The prayers and sacrifices of these generous people made it all happen.

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