Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Palermo (Fides) - “The meeting was one of varied content and intense activity but I am confident that we all return home enriched by what was heard and lived in the Church in Sicily and its missionary commitment” said Mgr Giuseppe Andreozzi, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies Italy and mission pastoral which brought 21 European national directors together in Baida Palermo and ended 14 March.
In the final statement Mgr Andreozzi says: “The meeting differed from previous ones for outstanding pastoral richness and interesting requests made by many national directors: for mission animation to be given more space in future meetings to promote better sharing of content and operative lines”. He continued: “Sicily proved an excellent host. Besides efforts of missionary cooperation, its situation with regard to welcoming immigrants of other religious beliefs and efforts in education to uproot the influence of the Mafia proved useful elements to inform other national directors about the work in the Italian Church at the local level and also in view of tackling similar situations elsewhere in Europe”.
Present for the last part of the meeting Fr Jan Dumon, Secretary General of the Pontifical Society St Peter Apostle and Fr Patrick Byrne, Secretary General of the Pontifical Society Holy Childhood. The next year’s meeting 15 to 20 March 2007 will be hosted by England. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 15/3/2006 - Righe 20; Parole 259)
