AFRICA/IVORY COAST - The commitment of the PMS in the time of Covid-19: the means of social communication, a missionary resource

Monday, 18 May 2020 pontifical mission societies   coronavirus   local churches  

Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - "The period we are going through is a difficult period in all aspects of human life and the Church also pays the consequences; but the mission continues to be carried out", says Fr. Jean Noel Gossou, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of the Ivory Coast, in a conversation with Fides on the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on mission activities in the Country.
Fr. Gossou recalls that "the mission is the commandment of Christ, the will of Christ is that we go to all the nations and make disciples, it is going towards others, but today with this pandemic, this going becomes difficult and therefore other means to carry out the mission entrusted to the PMS have been found".
According to the National Director of the PMS, "the mission is carried out today thanks to the intelligence of men through the media: radio, TV, social networks or messages (the biblical verses are sent to Christians to encourage them, to keep the flame of missionary awakening lit)".
Fr. Gossou says that Covid-19 should not stop the mission: "even if limited in travel, we can continue the mission by bearing witness to the love of Christ wherever we are".
According to him, "when we witness, we are witnesses of love, solidarity, charity, in the living environment, and therefore it is the mission that continues", and this fact is a reality in this period of health crisis in which gestures of solidarity multiply from one area to another.
Fr. Jean Noel Gossou adds that "despite the Coronavirus pandemic, mission is also carried out with prayer, which is an essential part of the Pontifical Mission Societies and the Universal Church". (S.S.) (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 18/5/2020)


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