Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The headquarters of the Pontifical Mission Societies of Argentina hosted a National Encounter for Diocesan Directors of Missionary Groups in Argentina, held April 12-13 and organized by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. This was what a reported to Agenzia Fides, in a statement from Fr. Adrian Luis Santarelli, National Secretary of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. These encounters are part of the evangelization itinerary being completed by nearly 600 Missionary Groups across the country and beyond its borders.
On Saturday, each diocese presented a report that was evaluated and there was an overview of the reflections made during the Third National Missionary Congress held last year in San Nicolas. It seems that, in general, although the number of Missionary Groups has not increased, there has been a more mature, responsible, and committed effort on their behalf in carrying out their activities. As well, it has been observed that the majority are not only made up of young people and adolescents, as they were when they began, but today they are the expression of community life, including adults and families. There were 3 main characteristics of Missionary Groups determined: prayer, as the personal encounter with Jesus who sends us; formation, as a listening to the will of God and progressing in the meaning of being a member of the Church; and reaching out to those most in need.
There was also a discussion held on Argentina’s participation in the Third American Missionary Congress that will take place in Quito (Ecuador) this August, assuring that the congress has already begun with the work that is being carried out in each country. Participants also reflected on how these Missionary Groups can complement the observations to be made in CAM 3.
On Sunday, Fr. Juan Carlos Greco, IMC, presented the theme of the Great Continental Mission, that will be launched at the CAM 3, as well as the key role that the Missionary Groups will play in helping communities enter into this “permanent missionary state.” Participants will also discuss initiatives, in light of their own local situations. Also attending the encounter will be the Bishops who are members of the Bishops’ Committee for Missions, Bishop Jose Vicente Conejero (the Committee’s President), and Bishop Luis Armando Collavuol. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/4/2008; righe 30, parole 382)
