AMERICA/MEXICO - April 19 is “Missionary Child Day 2009,” with the theme: “Asia, the mission begins with you,” awakening the missionary spirit in Mexico's children

Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – Akira, an 8-year-old imaginary Japanese child who lives near Aizu-Wakamatsu, a city in northern Japan with a great cultural wealth which will be shown in a theatrical performance, has been “invited” to visit Mexico City to show Mexican children some of his traditions and how the Catholic missionaries on the continent work.
The name of the little boy means “light” and he will be the main character in the upcoming “Missionary Child Day 2009” with the theme: “Asia, the mission begins with you,” in which the Missionaries of Guadalupe hope to awaken the missionary spirit of Mexico's children.
Fr. Ignacio Martinez, Director of the Development Department of the congregation, explained that the open invitation to all the city's children is to help them “learn some of the traditions and customs of children in Asia, enjoy a special day spent with their family, see the work of missionaries in Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong, and share in the experience of Jesus as Missionary.” During the feast, various activities are also being scheduled, such as interactive workshops, a visit to the seminary chapel and museum, games, selling religious items and other activities. The event will be held on April 19 at the Foreign Missions Seminary in Mexico City. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 6/4/2009)