ASIA/INDONESIA - Testimony of the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies on the need to "give impetus and vitality to the mission, in particular through the action of the laity"

Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) - "It is necessary to build a larger and stronger network between the faithful and lay missionary communities in order to promote the mission of the Church, thanks also to mutual personal involvement". This is what Father Markus Nur Widipranoto, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Indonesia, said in an interview with Agenzia Fides, speaking of the role and mission of lay Catholics in the country.
"As a Church - explains Father Markus - we must identify any opening that allows us to realize our faith, promoting peace, social justice and supporting our national values". To celebrate this Missionary October Month, the Church in Indonesia has organized meetings, conferences and spiritual retreats in which hundreds of faithful took part. "It is very beautiful to see such intense and heartfelt participation. This is certainly a way to build solid foundations to spread the Gospel and the Catholic faith". Among the various initiatives organized by the local Catholic community, the National Director speaks of the realization of a missionary magazine, "based on the Abu Dhabi document on fraternity in accordance with the central theme of this year's Missionary Month, written by priests, religious and educators. In schools - continues the priest - the diocesan directors of the PMS are carrying out a program which explains the mission to adolescents and children. In the dioceses we also have a course in missiology prepared by lay missionary groups, in addition to charitable activities such as free medical care and donations of food and clothing".
Speaking of the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Indonesia, Father Markus underlines the fact that "in recent years we have been urging the Catholics laity to give impetus to the mission so that they carry out their commitment through their professional activity and in the place where they operate. It is important - he concludes - to continue to provide assistance to the weakest people, to children, to the poor and to help spread a positive message of hope for the younger generations". (ES) (Agenzia Fides, 24/10/2020)

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