Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
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Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) – Archbishop Jesús Pérez, Archbishop of Sucre, commenting Bolivia's First Mission Congress for Seminarians (see Fides 19/06/2010), shared with Fides his joy and enthusiasm for the presence at the Congress of seminarians from all over the country gathered in Cochabamba from 21 - 24 June, to give the Word of God the importance it deserves in the evangelising mission of the Church.
“ Bolivia's First Mission Congress for Seminarians, which brought together more than 300 seminarians - Fides learned from Archbishop Pérez - reveals the vitality of our Church and has been an opportunity to strengthen their vocation. We expect something great in the formation of our seminarians”.
“The missionary spirit marks the identity of all Christians but this is especially true for seminarians and priests. There can be no missionary priests without missionary seminarians. It is not a matter of learning lessons or being informed about important new issues what is necessary today is to be witnesses and this is true also for bishops, for formator priests in seminaries, as well as seminarians. Only in this way can we serve the Kingdom, with the Word of God and with our example”.
“The great task of the Church is evangelisation, the Church was instituted to carry the Gospel to all peoples and bishops and priests must be ‘professionals’ of the Word of God. First comes the Word and then the Sacrament. The importance of the Word is extraordinarily great. The Church has the task to announce the Gospel, Kerygma as we say” Archbishop Jesús Pérez explained.
The Congress opened with a Mass presided by Cardinal Julio Terrazas, Archbishop of Santa Cruz, who recalled the words of the Holy Father on the faith and commitment of future priests. Among the bishops taking part was Bishop. Jesús Juárez, of the diocese of El Alto, who said: “the Congress is none other than the fruit of increased missionary awareness in our Church" and he added: “The Church in Bolivia has placed her trust in these hundreds of seminarians as privileged receivers and agents of Ongoing Mission.” (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 24/06/2010)
