Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Fides Service) - A “March for Mission” will take place on 16 October in Caracas organised by the diocese to recall the long distances travelled by missionaries who brought the Gospel to Venezuela. The march will start at Porta Caracas and reach Avila Hill. Everyone is invited, young people in particular. Last year the event attracted 400 participants, this year a larger number is expected. During the march there will be the Rosary prayer, hymns and testimonials by missionary priests, religious and lay people. Mission Marches always close with a celebration of the Eucharist.
The march is one of many initiatives organised by the national office of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Venezuela for the missionary month of October and World Mission Sunday on 23 October which coincides with the closing of the special Year of the Eucharist. “Our slogan ‘the Missionary, bread for the life of the world’ helps us understand the Eucharistic dimension of mission because the self-giving of missionaries reminds us of Christ’s gift of self to the world and encourages us to help announce him and to cooperate with missionary work” said national PMS director Rev. José Rafael Romero Linares
“Committed to Mission” is the title of this year’s PMS handbook of reflections for the month of October focussed on four weeks of prayer, sacrifice, missionary vocations, missionary cooperation. The first week is dedicated to intensifying missionary prayer with celebrations, hours of Adoration, rosary etc. The second week focuses on offering of sacrifices and suffering for the missions (silent propaganda, voluntary penance, visits to the sick to encourage them to offer their suffering for the missionary cause, etc.). The third week which ends with Mission Sunday will focus on concrete collection of funds with envelopes, money boxes etc. Week four will promote thanksgiving for the faith and a response of prayer and action to support new missionary vocations in the respective communities .
The “Missionary Calendar” aims to increase missionary awareness and encourage people to offer daily prayers and sacrifices to make Mission Sunday a spontaneous fruit of this spirit. In fact to be truly missionary a country, a diocese, a parish or local community must be missionary not only on Mission Sunday but all the year round: Mission Sunday must be part of the annual pastoral plan.
“With Mary called to Mission” is the theme of a Prayer Vigil on the Mysteries of the Light in preparation for Mission Sunday aimed to help Catholics reflect on the mysteries of Light and feel active part in missionary work and grow in missionary spirit. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 12/10/2005, righe 35, parole 465)
