Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - The Pontifical Society St Peter Apostle which has the charisma to promote and support the formation of local clergy, during 2005 assigned subsidies for the upkeep of 81.200 seminarians studying at 930 seminaries in missionary territories and provided assistance for 3,603 male Religious novices and 6,431 female Religious novices, according to a report given to the Superior Council of the Pontifical Mission Societies gathered for its annual general assembly by the new general secretary of this Society Mgr Jan Dumon appointed last October who has several years of missionary experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Society’s Universal Solidarity Fund is the result of offerings from Catholics all over the world collected by National Pontifical Mission Societies offices to assist increasing vocations in the young Churches. Last’s years collection was slightly less than the previous year and so Mgr. Dumon called for more intense diffusion of this Society: “The Society is in the shadows in many countries. Nevertheless it is an excellent means of fostering among the People of God a deep sense of responsibility for its own (future) priests and for those of other local Churches. Aware that teaching and formation are always a priority commitment for a society, a community, and organisation, special attention must be given to produce a more abundant collection. In some countries there is need of an awareness campaign at all levels: among bishops, priests, religious, seminarians and their formators and in all the ecclesial communities”.
A large part of St Peter Apostle’s Universal Solidarity Fund was assigned for “extraordinary subsidies” to build new seminaries, for the upkeep, extension and modernisation of seminaries, (some were built more than 50 years ago 50), and the formation of formators. The Pontifical Society St Peter Apostle founded by Ms Jean Bigard, also supports 2 Colleges in Rome (San Pietro apostolo and San Paolo apostolo), with 336 resident student priests completing the studies in Rome and Foyer Paolo VI, with 76 resident student Sisters from mission countries studying in Rome at different colleges specialising in various fields. (G.R.) (Agenzia Fides 12/5/2006 - Righe 26; Parole 368)
