Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Valencia (Fides Service) - To make missionary animation an major element of ordinary pastoral work in the local Churches and ensure that the year of the International Eucharistic Congress and of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, provides individual Catholics, parishes, missionary institutes with an opportunity to strengthen their commitment for mission, in order to kindle in every community “hunger for the Eucharist”: this is the aim of the 6th inter-diocesan Day of missionary reflection which be held in Valencia, on the theme “Mission ad gentes, a priority in local Churches”.
The event, organised by the Diocesan Commission for Missions and the archdiocese of Valencia, will take place from 10 to 12 September at the ESIC and the St Francis Xavier University Residence in Valencia. The meeting is open to everyone, mission delegates, groups, associations, priests and religious anyone who wishes to deepen their missionary awareness of the faith.
Bishop Esteban Escudero Torres, Auxiliary of Valencia, will open the event on the 10 September. On Saturday 11 there will be two conferences: “Challenges in our local Churches” and “The Acts of the Apostle: the first Christian communities”. The conferences will be followed by reflection in work groups and a meeting with the Relator for questions and more study. On Sunday 12 September Bishop Francisco Pérez Gonzàlez, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Spain will give a paper on the theme (Domund is Mission Sunday in Spanish) “Domund 2004: the time has come for you to be a missionary”. The event will close with a solemn Mass presided by Bishop Perez and the presentation of the conclusions and resolution and the sending of missionaries. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 2/9/2004; Righe 21, Parole 262)
