EUROPE/UNITED KINGDOM - Pontifical Mission Societies in England and Wales re-focuses missionary work with launch of “Missio”

London (Agenzia Fides) - The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in England and Wales announced today, June 9, that they will relaunch the missionary society with the name of “Missio,” according to a statement sent to Agenzia Fides from.
The announcement took place following a Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Faustino Sainz Muñoz, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, and reception at the PMS London headquarters. The Apostolic Nuncio’s presence, the statement said, demonstrated the importance of mission to Pope Benedict XVI and the Church as a whole.
Monsignor John Dale, National Director of the PMS (now Missio), explained the thinking behind the re-launch.“As a symbol of unity in faith and mission, several of the European offices have chosen to share a single name, Missio, a word that is simple and easily recognizable in many languages,” he said. “'Missio,' from the Latin ‘sending out’, also expresses commitment to the God-given mission of the Church.”
“This change of name, which will be adopted in September, has been approved and welcomed by the Bishops of England and Wales and the National Council of PMS Diocesan Directors. Its logo shows the Cross at the center of its service to the Gospel. The new motto ‘Sharing faith, giving life’ expresses Missio’s vital commitment to serving the Church, especially where the Church is young or poor,” Msgr. Dale concluded. (RG/AR) (Agenzia Fides 9/6/2009)