Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Fides Service) - Progress made by diocesan and national offices of the 4 Pontifical Mission Societies and offices for Youth Mission and mission animation plans in 2005 was the theme for discussion at the 30th annual assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Venezuela and the Department for Missions and Indigenous Peoples of the Bishops’ Conference. The Assembly, held 24-26 November at the Salesian Novitiate in Los Teques diocese, presided by National Director Rev. José R. Romero Linares was attended by 13 priests, 6 Sisters and lay persons, delegates of mission and representatives of the different church districts of Venezuela.
In a report sent to the Fides the National Director said “participants discussed the situation of mission in Venezuela, questioning themselves on where mission in the country is directed”. After serene and careful examination taking into account the difficult situation in the country, the participants firmly agreed that “mission is universal, therefore diocesan pastoral must tend to be missionary, that is mission must be the cross bar of diocesan pastoral”. The delegates voiced concern that the word “mission” is being politicised and is therefore losing in power. All agreed that care must be taken to see how mission is considered in the country and what direction is given to missionary animation.
“We must go out to evangelise, reach out to our brother in need who has no hope and is only a spectator as his life, his being and his spirit are destroyed. This is why it is necessary to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ”, Father José explained. To help the participants to reflect, Father. Josiak Kokal IMC, spoke on the “Missionary Dimension of the Eucharist”, echoing the words of the Holy Father who says “to evangelise the world we need evangelisers experts in the Eucharist”. In the same viewpoint, the participants agreed that missionary activities in 2005 would be based on the theme “Eucharist and Mission”. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 13/12/2004, righe 27, parole 379)
