Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bombay (Agenzia Fides) – It is an historical event for the Catholic community in India that will be presented tomorrow, October 8, by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay: the Indian Missionary Congress, which will be held October 14-18 in Bombay, ending with the climactic celebration of World Mission Sunday.
In a statement sent to Agenzia Fides, Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, delegate for relations with the press, anticipates the main contents of the Congress.
First of all, it should be recalled that it was Pope John Paul II who expressed the desire for Missionary Congresses on a continental and national level, especially in the mission countries, as an opportunity to renew “the commitment of the Catholic community towards humanity on all levels, to deepen the faith of each person, to realize their own duty in the mission and to create awareness among all the faithful on the need to bear witness to the Christian faith.”
The Congress, says Fr. Fernandes, is an important moment for coming together and for unity for the Church in India, as it will unite representatives from the three main rites present in India: the Latin, the Syro-Malabar, and the Syro-Malankara. The three groups have already been working together with great harmony in the organization.
The objective is to “stimulate a missionary impetus in India,” with a renewed effort, opening new paths, in order to protect and value the cultural patrimony of the Church in India.
The theme chosen “Let your light shine: Become the Message and the Messenger,” focusing on one's missionary duties, which are not only for Bishops and priests, but also correspond to all the lay faithful.
Over 1,500 delegates will form the grand assembly of the Indian Missionary Congress: Bishops, priests, theologians, religious, seminarians, laity, women, youth from all parts of India will come and have the chance to express their ideas. One of the goals, in fact, is that of uniting all the Catholic institutions, parishes, associations, and families of the nation through their reflections and the guidelines that will emerge from the Congress, to renew the missionary effort of the Church in India. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/10/2009)
