Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brno (Agenzia Fides) - For the third time Holy Childhood children and adolescents in the Czech Republic celebrated their annual Day with a solemnity worthy of the best missionary tradition. About 2,000 children from Catholic dioceses all over the country accompanied by their group leaders gathered in Brno Cathedral. A sea of coloured flags, scarves and caps completed the marvellous spectacle of the Cathedral beautifully renovated after a long pause under the communist regime.
At 9am on Saturday 6 October, the apostolic nuncio Archbishop Diego Causero, opened a very 'special' day. Groups of children went all over the city to mission 'posts'. The parishes had prepared a welcomed taking inspiration from one of the continents: Asia, Africa, America, Europe, Oceania.
The first sign was an image of the Missionary Saints, evangelisers of the continent. The parishioners welcomed the children with songs, illustrations and plays... outside the church building games had been prepared and the "race of the people" in which the children joined with interest. The city of Brno was invaded by little missionaries on a silent and prayerful pilgrimage.
In the afternoon everyone went to the Cathedral for a great concelebration of the Eucharist. Besides the Apostolic Nuncio there was also Bishop Pavel Posád of Litomerice and the emeritus Archbishop of Hradec Kralove, Archbishop Karel Otčenášek. Mass was prepared in detail with hymns and symbolic gestures. The national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies Fr. Jiři Šlégr, commented the Gospel in a lively manner suited to children. The children performed the calling of the Apostles with a most effective choreography.
Among the special guests at the Congress Sr. Maria Teresa Crescini and Sr. Eliana Massimi representing the General Secretariat of the Pontifical Holy Childhood Mission; Holy Childhood representatives from Scotland, Josephine and Joseph McGrath, Poland Irmina Janus, Anna Sobiech, Iwona Olszewska, Dariusz Król and Slovakia Fr. František Kapusňák, PMS national director and Andrea Fojtiková.
Elderly Archbishop Karel Otčenášek, aged 87, greeted the children with a touching reflection: “for those of us who lived under the communist regime, it is like a dream to see the Cathedral filled with children gathered around the Lord to pray for the whole world ”.
In a Message to Holy Childhood children in the Czech Republic on the occasion of their Congress, the General Secretary of the Pontifical Holy Childhood Mission Society said: “The Pope thanks you, the whole Church is grateful for what you are and for what you do: great little evangelisers like Therese of Lisieux, like Francis Xavier, like the Apostles. Your celebration is a wonderful event and you bear witness to the whole country of joy and commitment for the Gospel. You not only listen to the Word of God and announce it, with your presence and example you announce God's love to the world. I know you work hard to help the poor children of the world, and you know that many children in Asia, in Africa, in Latin America live in great difficulty… millions of children have never heard of Jesus, they cannot call God, Father, because no one has announced the Gospel in their land. They do not have the hope that comes from the faith, they never celebrate a lovely day like this one, as you do every year. For these children whom you love as brothers and sisters you pray, and make little sacrifices. The Church thanks you because you help the Church to spread the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom of peace, love and brotherhood.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 11/10/2007; righe 44; parole 591)
