Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santa Cruz (Agenzia Fides) - “We cannot speak of missionary formation if there is no opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ.” This was the conclusion from the encounter of members of the Missionary Animators School (ESAM – I), which was held September 10-13 in the Apostolic Vicariate of Camiri (Bolivia). According to Sr. Cilenia Rojas, Coordinator of the Pontifical Mission Societies, nearly 80 participants reflected on the state of the missions on a worldwide level, on the situations of animators and what steps to take. The initiative was organized by Monsignor Leonardo Bernacchi and Sr. Angelina Valdez and aimed at “a reflection on the Trinitarian basis of the mission, through an exposition of ecclesiological foundations: the reason for the mission and where it begins.” Another theme was that of the Pontifical Mission Societies, especially the Holy Childhood Association. In light of this last point, the workshops were mainly concentrated on the methodology “especially designed to reach out to people in an integral manner.” Lastly, the participants affronted the aspects of spirituality, considered as “a key theme” for their formation.
In the meantime, since yesterday (September 24) and until September 27, at the Nazareth Retreat House in Santa Cruz (Archdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra), there has been a III Encounter of the Secretaries of the Holy Childhood Association on the theme “Let the children come to me.” Inaugurating the event was Cardinal Julio Terrazas, Archbishop of Santa Cruz and President of the Bolivian Bishops' Conference, who during his homily invited the children and young people to have a real encounter with Christ, so as to recognize Him in their lives. He also reminded them that “the real disciple is not the one who memorizes lessons, but who encounters Christ in his life.” Addressing the Secretaries, the Cardinal invited them not to let themselves be guided by concepts but “to live the encounter as an experience that unites our Church in preaching the Lord.” He then encouraged those present to “look beyond what they have learned and prepared, to live this moment to its fullest.”
According to Sr. Cilenia, the event is aimed at creating community and reflecting on the activities of the Holy Childhood Association, especially in terms of the “great concern” they have for it. The first day of the workshops saw the presentation of the Holy Childhood Association in Bolivia by PMS National Director, Fr. Eugenio Scarpellini. There were also testimonies given by animators and missionary youth members themselves. In her note sent to Fides, Sr. Cilenia Rojas said the encounter “shows the sense of communion and co-responsibility present in the Region.” In fact, “the local Churches who are located in this Region (“Cono Sur”) have often expressed their joy at the missionary work taking place in Bolivia.” (GT) (Agenzia Fides 25/9/2009)
