AMERICA/GUATEMALA - Meeting of Central America missionary forces after CAM 2: what pastoral strategies to implement a Missionary plan ad gentes in Central America?

Monday, 19 April 2004

Guatemala City (Fides Service) - To follow up the Mission ad gentes plan presented to the Second American Mission Congress (CAM 2) last November, the Church in Central America in front line for mission is meeting 19 to 21 April 2004, at Betania House in a Guatemala City, “to identify in the light of Redemptoris Missio, Cooperatio Missionalis and CAM 2 conclusions, the most suitable and effective pastoral strategies for a rapid implementation of the Missionary Plan Ad Gentes, and to allow central American bodies and offices to be the power engine of mission through the Central American Missionary Plan”. Father Antonio Bernasconi, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Guatemala informs Fides.
The meeting organisers recall that one of the fruits which have matured thanks to CAM 2 is the fact that numerous pastoral workers have shouldered their responsibility for mission ad gentes. “This reality is a richness which we must put at the service of mission . Hence the need, in this post-Cam 2 period to integrate all the Church forces in the region to execute the Missionary Plan Ad Gentes, so that pastoral activity for missionary work may continue in the Central American region with the same enthusiasm and creativity experienced during CAM 2”. In view of this the meeting will be attended by Bishop Presidents of Mission Commissions of the Central American Bishops’ Conferences, Pontifical Mission Societies National Directors and Delegates of Pastoral Vicars and some special envoys .
Discussion will pivot around three important nucleii: first nucleus “History and present situation of the Central American Mission Plan ad gentes (PMGC)” -stages of elaboration of the PMGC, presentation of the PMGC and time for comments, expectations and opinions with regard to the plan. The second nucleus will be doctrinal illumination: re-reading and reflection on teaching-guidelines emerging from the Encyclical “Redemptoris Missio”, the Instruction “Cooperatio Missionalis” and the Conclusions of CAM 2. The third nucleus will consist of outlining and establishing pastoral strategies, and instituting bodies and commissions to put PMGC into practice.
Time dedicated to reflection and study will be flanked by prayer animated each day by delegates from the different participating countries as well as moments of cultural entertainment. The meeting will be opened by Bishop Julio Cabrera Ovalle, Bishop of Jalapa and President of the Missions Commission of the Guatemalan Bishops’ Conference. The same Prelate will close the meeting with a solemn Celebration of the Eucharist at the tomb of Saint Pedro of San José de Betancurt . (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 19/4/2004; Righe 34; Parole 437)


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