Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Fides Service ) – The first Congress for Italian Missionaries in Argentina closed on 12 December with a Concelebration of Mass presided by Archbishop Eduardo Mirás of Rosario also President of the Argentinean Bishops’ Conference. "I was deeply impressed by the spirit of brotherhood and sincere joy" Father Francesco Ballarini from Verona, Italy, one of the Congress organisers who has worked in Argentina for many years, told Fides. "Most of the participants came to Argentina 20, 30 and 40 years ago to serve in various parts of the country ranging from the Tierra del Fuego (in the far south) to La Quiaca (in the far north on the border with Bolivia). Their fields of action are varied: among native peoples, in rural areas, in city slums amidst social exclusion... The baggage of experience they have to offer is extraordinary and stirs enthusiasm” Father Ballarini told Fides. More than two hundred participants represented about one thousand Italian religious men and women missionaries, Fidei Donum priests and lay men and women members of various church associations and movements.
"The missionaries voiced gratitude for the love and accompaniment of the Church in Italy which sent them here in the first place and which they have always felt close to them in the toiling” Father Ballarini told Fides. But the missionaries were not the only ones to say thank you. Bishop José Luis Mollaghan, of San Miguel, the diocese which hosted the Congress, and Bishop Justo Laguna, of neighbouring Morón diocese, highlighted and praised the outstanding contribution offered to the local Churches by Italian missionaries. Bishop Laguna said he admired their ability to adapt to the Argentinean culture and life style in order to serve with sincerity.
Speakers included Mr Juan Esteban Belderrain, Director of the Claritas Foundation for Political Studies and Prof. José María Poirier, editor Criterio magazine, who illustrated the present cultural, political and social situation in Argentina. Archbishop Carmelo Giaquinta of Resistencia, also President of the Bishops’ Commission for Social Pastoral, emphasised the Church’s service in education to a civil conscience during the various crises which have befallen Argentina in recent years. Quoting statement by the Argentinean Bishops last year, Mgr. Giaquinta said "every new crisis demands new answers". Bishop Jorge E. Lozzano auxiliary of Buenos Aires, recalled the challenges identified and addressed by the Argentinean Bishops’ Conferences: a thirst for God, social exclusion, the family, etc.
"But the Congress was not all analysis and study - Father Ballarini concluded – is was above all an encounter of brotherhood, spiritual sharing, unity with God and among ourselves". "I have always felt my local Church was with me" one Italian Sister said, and a priest added: "I was a little discouraged but the Congress has renewed me in spirit. (R.Z.)( Fides 15/12/2003; lines 38; words 495)
