Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Arecibo (Agenzia Fides) – Father Luigi Prandin and Maria Luigia Corona, founders of the Missionary Community of Villaregia (MCV), were the main testimonies in the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Missionary Community that were held in Arecibo (Puerto Rico), in the Missionary Centre under construction, on 16 January. According to information sent to Fides, the eucharistic celebration was attended by about 500 people, among which parishioners, members of misisonary groups and friends of the Community. Everyone expressed their joy at the founders' words and to be able to give thanks to God for their contribution to the Community.
The founders gave thanks for the heartfelt gestures that the missionaries receive every day from the members of the parish. They recalled the initial welcome, now 13 years ago, and the experience of Hurricane George just a year after the Community arrived: “This experience revealed the faith, strength and solidarity that is in this village, an experience that made us become more Puerto Ricans.”
Calling for an ever greater willingness among the missionaries and the parish, the founders stressed that the Missionary Centre is of the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima: “This house is yours, for others. Because many people need God! The congregation is open to welcome to all who need His love.”
The Missionary Community of Villaregia was created in 1981, in the Diocese of Chioggia (Italia), and was recognised by the Pontifical Council for the Laity as an International Public Association of the Faithful in May 2002. They are part of this male and female Association of people who have consecrated their lives to God and to mission “Ad gentes”. Activities mainly revolve around evangelisation and human development for the poorest of humanity and around missionary animation. (see Fides 24/4/2006). (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 25/01/2011)
