Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Salvador (Agenzia Fides) - Today, May 16, until Sunday, May 18, the First National Missionary Congress in El Salvador is being held. Its theme is: “Missionary Parish, beyond the Frontiers.” This First Missionary Congress marks a step forward in the long missionary path of the country and the continent, according to the presentation letter from the Archbishop of San Salvador. In November 2003, the Second American Missionary Congress was held in Guatemala City, an event that set off the missionary drive in that country, that made it possible for the diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies and the pastoral vicars to come together and reflect on some fundamental issues, such as “that the missionary dimension is not a parenthetical activity, but rather, it forms an integral part of the ordinary pastoral life of the Church and every parish.
The celebration, therefore, of this Congress is situated on the country’s missionary path and as a preparation for the Third American Missionary Congress (CAM 3), which will take place August 12-17 in Quito (Ecuador).
The goal of the missionary congress in El Salvador is “to awaken and promote missionary awareness and commitment in the Church in El Salvador, so that on a parochial and diocesan level, there may be a gradual unfolding of real and committed action in the mission ad gentes.”
An estimated 3,000 people are expected to attend, from the country’s eight diocese, along with Bishops, priests and religious. Lay faithful active in the missionary activity in their communities will also attend.
In preparation for the Congress, a pamphlet has been made and distributed on a national level. The goal of these themes was to make available a material that can serve as a support for priests and those responsible for missionary activities, in order to orient the reflection and awareness of the missionary commitment of those who will participate in the National Congress. The priests have been making intense preparations using the Document of Aparecida, in order to foster this missionary spirit and inspire the laity to a greater level of commitment in anticipation for this National Congress. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/5/2008 righe 29, parole 350)
