Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) - Everything is prepared for the arrival of the participants of the 5th National Missionary Congress, that will take place in Cochabamba April 16-20, with the theme: “Bolivia with Christ: Listens, Learns, and Proclaims.”
“This Congress places us in harmony with the missionary dimension of the Church and is an effort to try to revive this spirit in all people as baptized persons who are committed in their faith, as we are,” said Fr. Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Bolivia, in an invitation made to the faithful to participate in the Congress. “The 5th Conference told us that the Church in this continent must place itself in a permanent state of missionary activity. That is, the mission is not only an activity, it is a way of life, a spiritual attitude that must characterize the baptized and all Church organizations.” With that in mind, this Congress will seek to awaken the missionary awareness among all the baptized faithful.
Just the day before the Congress is set to begin, a missionary enthusiasm can be noted among the various ecclesiastical jurisdictions that have already been making preparations for the event. The National Missions Office of the Bolivian Bishops’ Conference has stated that it hopes for an attendance of 700 persons from the country’s 18 jurisdictions. In the meantime, in Cochabamba, last-minute preparations are being made at the event site.
Tomorrow, there will be an opening Mass at 4:30pm. Immediately following, there will be a welcome address and official opening of the Congress. The talks scheduled during the Congress are: “We are Missionary Disciples,” “The Community as Missionary,” and “Sent on the Mission.” There will also be several missionary testimonies. The Congress will end on Sunday, April 20, with a closing Mass and a missionary sending. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 15/4/2008; righe 26, parole 300)
