Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochin (Fides Service) - From 12 to 22 January, 61 representatives of the Order of Friars Minor from various parts of the world are gathered in Kerala for an International Mission Congress. Among those present Minister General Friar Joachim Giermek and delegates of provincial conferences, formators and experts.
The Congress will include a series of conferences on various topics which will then form the basis for reflection, followed by debates, testimonials and experience sharing. The topics chosen are the following: Mission and religious pluralism in a globalised world; Spirituality of mission; Mission and emerging cultures including secular cultures. Participants will also reflect on specific aspects of mission in the Franciscan charisma in view of a Franciscan Missiology in view of fruitful relationship between the local Church and the Franciscan mission.
The Order will also discuss a Community Mission Programme for apostolate in Europe, North America and the south of the world, Asia, Africa, South America, Australia.
Reflection will also focus on commitment for “mission formation” and relations with local situations: the participants will ask themselves if there exist different ways of being Franciscan, Zambian, Brazilian, North American. They will also listen to testimonials from Franciscans in Cuba, Turkey, India and former Soviet Union countries.
The Congress will issue a final Message and conclusions and participants include representatives of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins who are also in Kerala. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/1/2006 righe 26 parole 268)
