EUROPE/ITALY - First issue of new quarterly publication “L’Animatore Missionario” focuses on Day for the Commemoration of Martyred Missionaries promoted by Youth Movement of the Italian Pontifical Mission Societies

Rome (Fides Service) - The Pontifical Mission Societies in Italy have published the first issue of a new quarterly publication the Missionary Animator “L’Animatore missionario” for people who produce at the local, pastoral level material for missionary animation and formation and who make universal mission the reference point in their service. The publication will replace various sorts of PMS mission animation material sent every year at different times to parishes and institutes. The first issue focuses on the March 24 annual Day for Martyred Missionaries and it will be sent to members of the Missionary Youth Movement, diocesan mission centres, parishes and religious institutes all over Italy. It has various sections and present material for missionary animation which can be requested at the respective diocesan mission centre using the forms enclosed with the magazine.
The second issue of “L’Animatore missionario” will focus on suggestions for Summer mission activities, the third will offer material to prepare for World Mission Sunday in October and the last annual quarterly will be dedicated to preparation and celebration of the annual Holy Childhood Day 6 January. Mgr Giuseppe Andreozzi - national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies Italy and head of the Italian Bishops’ office for Missionary Cooperation has this to say about the new initiative: “I am certain we will all appreciate this new service which - similar to a scribe who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom of God - will draw things ‘old and new’ from the treasure of missionary animation, formation and cooperation which the Pontifical Mission Societies have offered our communities for so many years and which the Foundation Missio today wishes to serve”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 23/2/2006, righe 20, parole 277)