Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - “The Church in Brazil is very active in the missionary field. We have sent 1,860 missionaries out to the entire world and we are now working very intensely in the area of childhood and youth missionary activity,” said Fr. Daniel Lagni, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Brazil, in addressing the main characteristics of the Church's missionary dimension in the country, in an interview he granted Agenzia Fides.
Is the Church in Brazil fairly active in missionary activity?
I can definitely say yes, that she is very active in the missionary field. This year, 2008, has been a very intense one in terms of missionary activity, especially in the area of formation programs. We are concentrating our efforts mainly on childhood and youth missionary activity. In Brazil, there are at least 30,000 groups of childhood and adolescence missionary activity, with over 400,000 participating and trying to live this missionary spirit beginning at a young age, with all the methodology that we know and apply. Three years ago, we also began youth missionary activities with the same charism and methodology as the children's, however with themes more geared towards the youth who wish to live the missionary spirit and work in their communities with this missionary dimension of the faith and the Church.
This past October, the month especially dedicated to the missions, we have received continual requests for talks on missionary spirit, from the dioceses, parishes, and movements. We have even been contacted by several seminaries to go and speak to the seminarians on the mission, missionary formation, and the missionary activity of the Church and the PMS.
It seems to me that the missionary spirit in our Church in Brazil is constantly increasing, along with missionary awareness and missionary life. A proof of this is that, in spite of the poverty of our Church, we have already sent 1,860 missionaries all over the world, mainly to Africa and other Latin American countries. However, we also have missionaries in Asia. For example, in Timor, we have a group of Sisters. Of the 1,860, 81% are Sisters. Thus, we are trying to share the little we have to offer. This is how I see the mission; giving from one's poverty. Even though we have many needs, we can always share what we have.
How is the Continental Mission proceeding in Brazil?
In Brazil, we have already begun working on the Continental Mission. We began during the most recent Bishops' Meeting about a month ago, in which 40 Bishops from Brazil approved the plan for Brazil. We have several very clear guidelines for the mission in Brazil. We understand that the Continental Mission begins in this continent, but then is launched out towards the entire world. It is a mission on the part of the continent for the entire world. Another very important aspect that has been focused on, is that of its being a permanent mission. We have to look at it as something that is lifelong. The mission demands that we always be prepared to preach the Risen Christ.
The official launching of the mission will take place this coming April, during the Bishops' Assembly. After Easter, their will be an official proclamation of the mission. The parishes are already making preparations; they have received the document and are studying it. It is a very simple and yet very practical document, with very clear suggestions, rooted in the CELAM document issued to all America.
What are the upcoming activities of the PMS?
During 2008, we have held a Missionary Congress that was a beautiful moment for the country, a very intense moment for missionary spirituality, in preparation for CAM 3. For the upcoming year, we have an entire plan which is mainly focused on missionary formation of our groups and communities, for children, youth, families, as well as for seminarians and clergy. For me, this is of great importance. In addition, there are always the ordinary work of the national headquarters. The most important point we are focusing on is missionary formation and activity, so as to continue on with missionary cooperation.
What are the many challenges for the Church in Brazil?
The first main challenge comes as a consequence of the country's geography, as it is a fairly large country with 185 million people, 270 dioceses, 300 Bishops, with a great diversity from one part to the next, which often makes working difficult. However, there is something really positive: the people have faith and are very willing to participate in activities, receive formation, which leads us to have to find a response to these demands.
Another challenge which is ever-present, is that of the sects. Perhaps right now it is not as intense as it was before, because it seems to me that the people have begun to realize the reality behind what these groups try to offer. They themselves are making an effort to deepen in their faith. We always maintain respect and dialogue, but at the same time, we try to maintain the Catholic faith that we have received in Baptism.
Another great challenge is the evangelization effort in the Amazon, which is 70% of Brazil's national territory. It is very extensive and very difficult to access. Thus, the Bishops have a special program for the evangelization of the Amazon, which we are trying to carry out, in collaboration with other entities. Thus, all possible measures are being taken in order to offer not only economic support, but also a team of persons who can go and work directly on site in the area, e.g. religious, priests, and lay catechists. This project is one that is being carried out by the entire Church. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 18/11/2008)
