Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - The people of God in the Philippines in every parish, community and association need ongoing missionary formation, not only in view of the missionary month of October and Mission Sunday. Missionary formation must be part of regular pastoral activity in every local Church. This was stated by the Catholic Bishops in the Philippines in view of a missionary programme of formation for seminarians, te clergy, religious and lay associations, during the next view new liturgical year which starts in Advent.
The Bishops urge lay Catholics to “bear witness and proclaim to the nation the presence and coming of the Kingdom of God”, in a spirit of respect and dialogue with people of all religions, cultures and traditions, giving special care to the poor and acting with solidarity. The mission field today is vast: poor people, indigenous people, cities, rural areas, migrants, refugees, displaced persons. The objective is to promote the universality of the Christian message through dialogue of life, proclamation of the Good News and prayer.
In response to the call from the local Church, in November the Salesians in the Philippines organised a missionary seminar on the theme: “Forming a network of missionary volunteers”. Almost to coincide with the anniversary of the first Salesian mission to Patagonia 11 November 1875. The aim of the seminar- according to ANS Salesian news service- was to re-launch 132 years later the dream of di Don Bosco to reach new lands and promote new mission awareness among the Salesians and lay people. Channels of mission include 'Auxiliaries of the Mission' newsletter and a weekly SMS service for religious and friends and those who wish to pray for missionaries. The Salesians also presented a mission formation kit and hand book for religious and lay volunteers. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2007 righe 26 parole 267)
