Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cuautitlan (Agenzia Fides) - Yesterday, the diocese of Cuatitlan welcomed over 10,000 children from all over the Mexican country to participate in the 13th National Congress for Missionary Childhood and Adolescence of Mexico (CONIAM), February 14-17. The main goal for the Congress is to increase the missionary zeal among the children and adolescents of Mexico, in order to offer greater cooperation in service of the Universal Church, in her mission to make Christ present in the world.
In his letter of invitation, Bishop Guillermo Ortiz Mondragon, Bishop of Cuatitlan, states that this event is “an opportunity to strengthen this identity in every diocese within the Church that passes on pilgrimage through Mexico,” while it also “transmits the Church’s invitation to all children and adolescents to have a personal encounter with Jesus that allows them to join in communion with the pastors of the Church in being missionaries of the Gospel in their family, their school, and their surroundings.”
Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, native of Cuautitlan, has been chosen by the Congress as model of disciple and missionary. Thus, the Congress’ theme is “Be like Saint Juan Diego, disciple and missionary.” The catechetical talks will all be focused on Saint Juan Diego, as well. “Surely, this 13th Congress for Missionary Childhood and Adolescence,” the Bishop concluded, “will offer us all the opportunity to realise our missionary responsibility as members of the Church and to see Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin as a model for learning how to be disciples and missionaries.”
The Congress is held every two years and is organised by the Pontifical Missionary Societies, together with the Missionary Commission of the Episcopal Conference. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 15/2/2008 righe 21, parole 272)
