Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brasilia (Fides Service) - In 2003, the year of 160th anniversary of the foundation of the Pontifical Society for Holy Childhood, the Holy Father John Paul II did not fail to send a special Message to Holy Childhood for the occasion. After tracing briefly the history and purpose of the society and its presence in most countries in the world, the Pope outlined the Society’s purpose: “to offer children in all the dioceses of the world a programme that consists of prayer, sacrifice and concrete acts of solidarity: in this way they can become evangelisers of their peers.”. He praised children’s “acts of concrete solidarity” encouraging them: “Dear young missionaries, I know with what great care and generosity you live this apostolic activity. In so many ways you try to share the lot of the children who are forced to work as children and you help relieve the distress of the children who are in need. You show solidarity for the troubles and tragedies of children involved in the wars of adults and who are often victims of the violence of adults. Pray every day that the gift of faith which you have received may be granted to the millions of your small friends who do not yet know Jesus”.
Speaking before the Angelus prayer on 6 January 2005, the Pope recalled children victims of the seaquake in Asia, children suffering from hunger, disease, war and terrorism, children kidnapped, disappeared, exploited for ignoble trafficking and he thanked those who work to protect children, especially the Pontifical Society for Holy Childhood.
His special mention of Holy Childhood remains as a precious gift. “Holy Childhood in Brazil feels strengthened by his words which it strives every day to put into practice giving attention to formation of animators, production of handbooks, organisation of meetings for formation at various levels”, said Fr. Daniele Lagni, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Brazil and Fr Savio Corinaldesi, national secretary of Holy Childhood, in a note sent to Fides. “Holy Childhood in Brazil is profoundly grateful to God for having placed this man on our path”. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 12/4/2005; righe 26, parole 364)
