Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tepic (Agenzia Fides) – On July 26, a Closing Mass was held for the 10th National Youth Congress (CONAJUM). The Mass was presided by Bishop Ricardo Watty Urquidi of Tepic, and concelebrated by Bishop Alfonso Robles Cota, Emeritus of Tepic; Bishop Francisco Moreno Barrón of Tlaxcala; Bishop Oscar Roberto Domínguez of Tlapa; Bishop Gilberto Valbuena Sánchez, Emeritus of Colima, and Bishop Fabio Martinez of Castillo de Lázaro Cárdenas.
This Mass marked the opening of the Continental Mission in the Diocese of Tepic and there was a “sending” of all the youth participants, to live the power of the Holy Spirit on the mission, to announce Christ, and to be witnesses of His presence in every moment and place. Bishop Ricardo Watty read the prayer with which the Diocese of Tepic opened its Continental Mission, so that all the priests, religious, and laity may place themselves in a permanent state of mission at the service of the parishes and communities of the Diocese of Tepic. Lastly, the Bishops read the prayer to bless the priests and laity who would be sent to the mission ad gentes. The missionaries were from the communities of Missionaries of Guadalupe, Claretian Sisters, Daughters of the Good Shepherd, Javerian Missionaries, and the Diocese of San Juan de los Lagos. The destinations of the missionaries are Japan, Cuba, Korea, Kenya, Peru, Guatemala, Mozambique, India, Sierra Leone, Spain, Chad, and Colombia. Each of those sent was presented with a Missionary Cross, by the Bishop, so that in carrying it with them they may make the effort to transform themselves into Christ.
In his homily, Bishop Ricardo Watty Urquidi affirmed that “from Mexico, we also need to preach, no longer be merely baptized people.” They also mentioned that “in Aparecida, the Bishops reiterated their commitment to the youth,” but they also make an appeal to all the youth, asking that they help their Pastors “to make their commitment to the youth...so they can help you become Jesus' disciples, so you listen to Him and fall in love [with Him].”
They later call for a new Pentecost, “that the Holy Spirit transform our heart and mind, to reach out to the people, families, and communities, to communicate with them and share the gift of the encounter with Jesus Christ with them.”
During the Congress, on Saturday, there was a “Missionary March” which was attended by over 10,000 youth to show their joy at having found Christ and for the experience of discipleship and mission that has been promoted during the Congress.
The next important missionary events in Mexico will be: September, Congress for the Sick; October, CONIAM – with an expected attendance of 10-12,000 children in Chihuahua; October 2010, the National Missionary Congress in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 27/7/2009)
