Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – More than 30 priests, nuns, and lay people from Europe, Africa, and North America are participating. Among them are diocesan directors and staff members from the national directions of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS). Starting Monday, December 1, they will take part in a missionary training course organized by the Pontifical Mission Union (PMU), which operates within the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches). The course, coordinated by Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen OFMConv, Secretary General of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), and Father Anthony Chantry, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of England and Wales and European Continental Coordinator, will take place at CIAM (International Center for Missionary Animation), directed by Father Alessandro Brandi. The central theme of these days will be the Jubilee of Hope and renewed commitment to the Church's evangelizing mission. The objective is to delve deeper into the content, gain a better understanding of the work taking place within the Dicastery for Evangelization, and share ideas and suggestions useful for missionary animation and cooperation at the local level. Prayer, formation, and working groups will structure these days, which will also include visits to key locations for the life and activities of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches).
On Monday, December 1, the course will begin in the afternoon with an introductory lecture by Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen on evangelizing mission in the Jubilee context, in light of Pope Francis' message for World Mission Day 2025 and Pope Leo XIV's message to the Pontifical Mission Societies (see Fides, 22/5/2025). Tuesday's program will focus on deepening participants' understanding of the history and mission of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), with two presentations in the morning at CIAM and an afternoon visit to the International Secretariats of the Pontifical Mission Societies and the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches). On Wednesday, participants will explore the future and urgent needs of the Missio ad gentes in light of the papal teachings of recent Popes. This will be followed by a presentation, question-and-answer session on the mission of the Pontifical Mission Societies in various countries. On Thursday, Archbishop Samuele Sangalli, Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), will speak on "The Evangelizing Mission of the Church and the Service of the Dicastery for Evangelization." The morning will continue with a presentation on the future of the Missio ad gentes in light of the teachings of the Popes, from Paul VI to Leo XIV. During the day, a visit to the historical archives of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples is planned, as well as visits to the Pontifical Urban College, the Pontifical Urbaniana University, and St. Peter's College. On Friday, December 5, the course includes a session dedicated to communication and fundraising, with a particular focus on the contribution of the International Commission of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) to communication, denominational fundraising, and digital transformation. There will also be a session combining discussion and group work to develop concrete proposals for a "new missionary movement" desired by Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV. At the end of the morning, certificates of participation will be distributed. The course will officially conclude with Mass on Saturday morning, December 6. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 29/11/2025)
