Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bombay (Agenzia Fides) – A great celebration of faith and a strong source of encouragement for the mission, which will continue on “without fear of the obstacles nor the persecutions”: this could be the definition of the Indian Missionary Congress that was held in Bombay and ended on October 18, World Mission Sunday. The event was attended by over 1,500 delegates from 160 dioceses of India, who came together to reflect on the meaning and form of evangelization in India.
The assembly drafted and distributed a document with 15 points at the end of the sessions, showing the meaning of the Congress and guidelines for the future. A copy of the document was also sent to Agenzia Fides.
“The Church, under the impulse of the Spirit, has been continuing the mission of Jesus,” says the final document, recalling that two apostles, Thomas and Bartholomew, brought the Good News to India.
Today, “every person has the right to hear the Good News of the God who reveals and gives himself in Christ,” the text says, affirming that evangelization is, therefore, a service towards all humanity.
The message highlights that evangelization today has taken on different forms and modalities. One is the work of help and compassion, that carried out on the luminous example of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, which is still seen today in the many charitable institutions run by the Church. Another form of evangelization comes in human development: “The Church cares for human beings right from the womb to the tomb as she stands for life and all that would promote life. Her work in the field of education is evidence of her interest in the all round human development.” Then there is also interreligious dialogue, through which the Church promotes peace and harmony in the country.
The message notes that “we became even more vividly aware of the need of ourselves being re-evangelized,” and that “Each of us is called to be both the messenger and the message.”
“We will proclaim the Good News by lives of humble service to all around us beginning with our homes and neighborhoods...No opposition, no fear of persecution will deter us,” the delegates of the Congress wrote, making reference to the campaign of attacks being suffered by Christian communities, which are carried out by fundamentalist groups.
“Surely, we will proclaim Jesus in a manner respectful of the beliefs and religious practices of others,” the Congress' statement says, mentioning the use of the mass media, which today is such a useful instrument in spreading the Gospel message. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/10/2009)
