Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Philadelphia (Fides Service) - "Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Decree Ad Gentes, this ‘family on mission’ renews its commitment to carry the Good News of Jesus to all nations": this was the theme of the annual meeting of diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in the United States of America which brought 120 diocesan directors to Philadelphia for a three day meeting 5-7 April. The meeting was of special significance because of the death of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, Mgr. John E. Kozar, national PMS director in America told Fides, and so we renewed our commitment for mission ad gentes, “a mission which was a mark of his pontificate with his travels all over the world to carry the Good News of Jesus". Every day of the meeting Mass was offered for the repose of the soul of Pope John Paul II.
Speakers at the meeting included Cardinal Avery Dulles SJ, "Reflection on Ad Gentes"; Bishop Daniel F. Walsh of Santa Rosa (California) President of the US Bishops’ Commission for Mission "Living out Ad Gentes in a spirit of collaboration"; representatives of Catholic Relief Services(Caritas US), Catholic Near East Welfare Association and National Catholic Educational Association. Special participants included Rev. Patrick Byrne, SVD, from Rome. Secretary general of Holy Childhood mission society and Mgr. José A.Galvez, secretary general of St Peter Apostle mission society who both spoke on offerings to the missions. Bishop Walsh encouraged the directors to foster mission in every possible form working with all groups: "We must all work together to spread the Gospel for the salvation of the world". Mgr Kozar reported on his recent visit to tsunami affected areas of south east Asia (see Fides 15 April 2005) and how impressed he was with the sound faith and hope of those people. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/4/2005; righe 23, parole 323)
