Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Orlando (Agenzia Fides) – More than 20 nations in North America and South America were represented during the weeklong meeting of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Orlando, Florida (USA), March 15 to 21. Discussed were plans for CAM 4 (Fourth American Missionary Congress), as well as other matters related to mission animation and cooperation. Monica Yehle, Director of Development & Programs at the National Office of the PMS in the USA, wrote a note informing Fides of the event and its conclusions.
“We also offered solidarity to the people of Haiti and personally demonstrated our support to Father Clarck who was with us,” observed Monsignor John E. Kozar, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, host for the gathering.
Father Clarck de la Cruz, National Director in Haiti, provided attendees with a brief statistical report on post-earthquake Haiti, as well as a narrative of his own experiences. Father de la Cruz was living at the seminary at the time of the quake; that seminary was destroyed and many thought at first that he too had been killed. Father de la Cruz expressed his personal thanks for the prayers and support to his homeland, and for the long-term assistance, after careful study, from the Pontifical Mission Societies.
A significant piece of the discussions of the National Directors present centered on CAM 4/COMLA 9, set for Venezuela in 2012. An update was offered by the National Director in Venezuela, Father Andrea Bignotti, who is also national executive director of the executive commission for that congress, and by Auxiliary Bishop Cástor Oswaldo Azuaje Pérez, O.C.D. of Maracaibo, president of the executive committee for CAM 4. This included reports on specific dates, logistics, venues and other areas. Possible themes presented by the Bishops Conference of Venezuela for review by the National Directors included: “the evangelizing mission in a multicultural world”; “missionary disciples for / in Christ Jesus, giving life to our peoples”; “secularization.” National Directors discussed these themes, and made suggestions to take back to the planning committee in Venezuela.
A report on the ongoing challenge of the continental mission, as articulated in Aparecida, also took place. There were also reports on activities being planned and on regional meetings that have been held in various countries.
Father Timothy Lehane, SVD, international Secretary General of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, participated in the continental meeting. He also initiated a discussion on dedicating a year to a review of the life and example of that Society’s foundress, Pauline Jaricot. National Directors gave strong affirmation to this. Well-received, as well, was Father Lehane’s presentation on the work and on the spirituality of Pauline Jaricot, which will be translated into various languages and presented at the May assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Rome. (AR) (Agenzia Fides 30/03/2010)
