Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lisbon (Agenzia Fides) - Missions are still on the horizon for young Catholics in Portugal. According to the Foundation for the Evangelisation of Cultures this year again many will be taking part in mission projects. In Portugal this sort of mission activity for evangelisation and development is promoted by 41 different congregations, movements and NGOs.
This year the Foundation says 263 young people will take part in mission projects in Portuguese speaking countries: Mozambique will receive a total number of 109 volunteers, 81 young women and 14 young men; Angola will receive 59 volunteers, 45 young women and 14 young men; others will go to missions in Brazil, Guinea Bissau, São Tome e Principe, Timor, and in the Spanish territory of Mellilla in Africa and two volunteers will go to Honduras.
Most young people will stay on mission for 1 or two months, some for 6 months and some for a year or even longer. This year 65 are going for a period of 1 to 2 years and 198 for periods ranging from 1-2 to 6 months. Usually about 25 per cent of the missionaries decide to repeat the experience the following year.
The Foundation “Evangelisation of Cultures” has been sending young voluntary missionaries since 2003 in response to the Servant of God John Paul II who called Portugal to Mission in 1998. In the past five years Portugal has sent 1,386 young people on mission ad gentes. This mission requires hours of formation and preparation which is ever more demanding and commitment for collecting funds. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 24/7/2007; righe 23, parole 308)
