AMERICA/VENEZUELA - Formation, idea sharing and mission activity planning: objectives of 32nd assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies Venezuela

Thursday, 1 December 2005

Caracas (Fides Service) - From 21 - 23 November PMS diocesan mission delegates and animators gathered at the offices of the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference in Caracasfor the 32nd assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies Venezuela. According to national secretary of the Pontifical Missionary Union Sr María de las Nieves Soto Aponte sdj., the meeting was presided by PMS national director Fr José Rafael Linares Romero. The objectives of the assembly included formation, idea sharing and mission activity planning, on the basis of diocesan annual activity reports presented by the delegates.
Reflection focused on the following topics: The Plenary Council of Venezuela and preparations for the 5th General Conference of the Council of Bishops Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Bishop Ovidio Pérez Morales illustrated the theme of the Plenary highlighting its importance for missionary work and encouraged those present to read and implement the council documents particularly those concerning mission in Venezuela. Bishop Pérez dwelt on three important aspects: “mission to non believers”; “ongoing formation”; “celebrating the Risen Christ”.
Bishop José Luis Azuaje, Venezuelan member of the organising commission of the 5th CELAM Conference, outlined preparations for this major American Church event and the main objectives: discern God’s will for the continent, exercise communion among bishops, reflect on the situation on the continent. Another theme was planning mission animation in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia Ecuador, in view of shared missionary activity and mission experience. Particularly touching during the PMS meeting was testimony on the part of Fr. Balmiro Rangel a missionary in Africa. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 1/12/2005, righe 27, parole 337)


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