Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Târgu Jiu (Fides Service) - From 30 April to 7 May the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate OMI took part in a poplar mission in Târgu Jiu, at the request of parish priest Fr Petru Husariu of St John of Capestrano parish (see Fides 27/4/2006). Fr Elio Filardo OMI, sent some testimony of the experience.
Silvia: “I am not sure if I am the right person to be wearing this cross, if my family was the most suited to hosting a Listening Centre, it is possible that others could do it better. One good result of the mission was reciprocal knowledge among parish members, of their difficulties and deepest concerns. I met old people, children, whole families. Sometimes on leaving a house I was completely disorientated but I prayed to God for the strength to overcome this and asked him to help me open another door with confidence. […] I promised myself that I will wear this cross always, not only because it is blessed but because it is a constant reminder of that period of mission. I think God gave it to me so that I will always at every time and in every place tell people in my words and deeds that we are all loved by Jesus”.
Sr. Ana of the Maestre Pie Venerini: “one extraordinary aspect was the Listening Centre which I found most enriching sharing not only personal problems but also when I saw that material poverty does not prevent people from living in God”.
Gabi: “I, my husband and my son prepared enthusiastically to visit families. Making these visits we met people who were truly happy and who know how to live the faith offering and receiving love from one to another, united in prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments. We also met hasty people who have everything they want materially and for this they thank God, but only for this. He remains in their hearts, hidden somewhere, but they have no time to meet Jesus present in the Eucharist”.
Iulian: “I offered to be a missionary and I was wondering what the mission would be like. The emotion started on Sunday the first day of the mission when I went into church. My entrance was not the usual one, I was among the servers and priests. The most moving moment was when I was in front of the altar to receive the missionary cross. In the homes I visited I felt God’s love through people’s words, welcoming and joy”.
Camelia: “At the Listening Centre I lived a totally new experience and with a heart full of joy I saw that despite everything faith in God is not dead, it lives on”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 9/5/2006; righe 35; parole 502)
