Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Naga City (Agenzia Fides) - In the formation of seminarians and clergy orientation to mission is most important. This emerged during the 1st National Conference of St Peter Apostle Society held in Naga City in the diocese of Caceres, 17-22 January, organised by the national office of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Philippines and attended by 230 diocesan delegates. The Conference was part of celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the opening of the National Pontifical Mission Societies office in the Philippines.
In his intervention Bishop Jose Rojas, Auxiliary of Caceres, said mission is a “special charisma” but is often wrongly understood as only collections for Mission Sunday. Missionary activity concerns every Christian, the Bishop said, stressing the need to include themes of mission in the formation of priests in seminaries.
Mgr Jean Dumond secretary general of St Peter Apostle said in his intervention “mission is essential it is an integral part of Christian life”. “Mission is not doing something, it is receiving and giving to others what we have received”, he noted. The Secretary underlined the value of a community in mission: “Missionary activity is not an individual performance”, he said giving the example of the disciples of Jesus.
Another speaker at the Conference was Fr James Kroger, who teaches theology at the Jesuit School of Theology near Manila, and is president of the Philippines Association of Catholic Missiologists. Fr. Kroger should be directly involved in missionary activities from the first years of formation.
Mgr Mylo Hubert Vergara, president of the Bishops Commission for Seminaries confirmed the intention to include the subject “mission” in the formation of seminarians. He said that additions to the programme had already been approved by the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education.
The Conference also reflected on the term “mission”. “When we say mission we think of proclamation of the Gospel in distant land” said Fr Emerson de los Reyes, who teaches Church History in Tagum Seminary. “Or we think it is a task only for a few”, said Maryknoll missionary Fr. William LaRousse. The truth is that “the Church is a fruit of mission. Mission precedes the Church”, said Fr LaRousse recalling Vatican II’s Ad Gentes decree. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/1/2007 righe 29 parole 290)
