Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Parma (Fides Service) – The feast of Saint Francis Xavier, patron of the missions, is also the anniversary of the Italian Xaverian Missionary review “Fede e civiltà”, today known as Missione Oggi”. Which has been regularly published since 1903 and this year marks its centenary. 1903.
In a note sent to Fides Xaverian Father Marcello Storgato recalls that “Fede e Civiltà” was inspired and established by Blessed Guido Conforti. It was preceded by a “Saggio”, in December 1903, presenting the review: a 20 page illustrated monthly; editor Rev. Ormisda Pellegri; the contributors were all volunteers.
Number 1 published in 1900 was an anticipation to promote missionary animation and spread what was called the “Apostolate of Faith and Civilisation”. The initiative was launched in 1899 by Conforti, to support the new Institute he opened on 3 December 1895 for the “formation of young missionaries to carry to our distant brothers in Africa and Asia the Faith and Civilisation which alone form the true greatness of peoples”. Conforti sent a copy of this first issue to many bishops with a personal letter of presentation and a request “for some good hearted priest or lay person to promote the initiative ”. Many bishops responded with enthusiasm.
The first issue was produced by Rev. Pellegri and some students of the first Xaverian community; but many of the articles were written by Conforti himself. A copy of that exceptional publication can be seen at the Mother House in Parma, in the sector “Memorie Confortiane Saveriane”, directed by Father Ermanno Ferro.
Father Nicola Colasuonno is the new editor of “Missione Oggi”. He takes over with the new century. Father Nicola is from Bari, he studied theology in the United States where he worked in missionary formation and animation. He was on mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the time of president Mobutu, working to inculturate the Christian message and promote justice and peace through Basic Church Communities. Since his return to Italy, he has worked at the Xaverian Novitiate in Ancona and in missionary animation. As he starts his mandate Father Nicola says: «Missione Oggi offers me a path to walk with many readers and with an exceptional staff always ready for reflection and provocation. The surprises will be never ending but, as always, they re blessed by God who leads us on our journey». (S.L.) (Fides Service 3/12/2002 – lines 36; words 478)
