AMERICA/ARGENTINA - National Assembly of Diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies: “the joy of being disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ is antidote verses a world that is afraid of the future and overwhelmed by violence and hate”

Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) – The National Assembly of Diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies began yesterday, March 10, being attended by over 50 diocesan directors and missionary representatives from the Pontifical Mission Societies throughout the country. This is what Agenzia Fides learned from Sister Mariel Robledo, National Secretary for the Propagation of the Faith in Argentina.
Fr. Osvaldo Leone, National Director of the PMS, gave the welcoming address to the delegates, encouraging them to take advantage of this important time together. Fr. Osvaldo explained that the purpose of the Assembly is to “come together to discern and plan what paths to follow in accompanying, supporting, and encouraging the mission that is taking place in various communities.” In this context, he asked all friends of the PMS, who are accompanying them in their prayer, “that they may be docile to what the Teacher wants to tell us and point out to us in improving our service to the People of God; because the joy of being disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ, as our Bishops remind us...is the antidote verses a world that is afraid of the future and overwhelmed by violence and hate...and the power of this message of life will bear fruit if we carry it out in the correct manner, with the sentiments of the Teacher.”
The first day of the Assembly concluded with a Mass presided by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Adriano Bernardini and concelebrated by the other priests present. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/3/2009)