Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – From 7 June to 4 July the town of Lariano (Rome) will host the 110th General Chapter of the Clerics Regular of the Mother of God (OMD), founded in 1574 by Saint Giovanni Leonardi, who was also co-founder of Propaganda Fide College for the formation of local clergy in mission lands. Fr. Davide Carbonaro, secretary of the OMD general Curia, said the Chapter theme is: "Christ our physician and our medicine for life. 'I came that they might have life and life to the full' (Jn 10,10)". Although the numbers are small, Clerics Regular of the Mother of God are present not only in Italy, but also in Chile, Nigeria and India. From India a group of OMD missionaries reached Africa and started a Nigerian community, which next August 8, will rejoice for the ordination of the Order's first Nigerian priest.
Fr Francesco Petrillo, OMD rector general, told SIR agency, "in Chile we have been present since 1980. Our confreres operate mainly in the field of social assistance and healthcare. Of particular importance the work of Fr. Baldo Santi, who succeeded in launching discussion on the issue of AIDS, its prevention and treatment, a subject considered taboo at the time. Today the Catholic Church in Chile plays a leading role in this field. There is a clinic which offers treatment free of charge to persons terminally ill with AIDS. In India the Order runs medical centres and schools, in Nigeria it focuses on education and formation, whereas in Italy we are present mainly in parish pastoral care ". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 14/06/2010)
