Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Burgos (Agenzia Fides) - "Africa, a challenge for the world and for the Church” is the theme of theme of 60th Missiology Week, 50 years since the Encyclical Fidei Donum, which will take place in Burgos 9 to 13 July. The Week will take a look an overall view of the situation of the Church's missionary work in Africa since the organisers say that the universal Church, especially the Church in Spain, must continue to support the work to evangelise Africa as well as promote human, moral, social and cultural development... This is why they decided to devote this 60th Week to 'updating' the contents of the Encyclical in the present day context.
Study sessions will begin on Monday 9 July with a welcoming address by Archbishop Francisco Gil Hellín of Burgos and the first conference by Archbishop Robert Sarah, secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. Tuesday 10 July conferences will focus on the theme "Africa in the dynamism of mission": "Fidei Donum: socio-political and ecclesial context" (Eloy Bueno de la Fuente, of the Burgos faculty of theology), and “The geopolitical situation of Africa today ” (Juan Enrique Guerra Álvarez, IEME, Spanish Institute for Foreign Missions). In the afternoon there will be panel discussion on various themes: "Ocasha 50 years since its foundation; Africans in Spain and Fidei Donum priests".
"Africa and commitment for mission" will be the theme for Wednesday 11 July. Roberto Calvo Pérez, Burgos Faculty will give a paper "Africa between two Synods: open to mission", and Comboni missionary Antonio del Pozzo, on "A new Africa is possible: what Africa brings to the world and the Church".
Thursday 12 July the central theme will be “Agents of mission in Africa” with the participation of Francisco Bautista of the Society for African Missions who will speak on the subject "The local Churches and Basic Ecclesial Communities "; Lino Hierro Pietro a Mariannhill Missionary will reflect on "Consecrated life in Africa."
The theme Friday 13 will be "Africa with new paradigms of mission". Gerardo González Calvo, chief writer at Mundo Negro magazine will speak about "A mission of conflicts: reconciliation and justice ", "Encounter with religions; Islam" will be illustrated by Missionary of Africa Fr Agustín Arteche, lastly Anastasio Gil García, vice director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Spain will reflect on "the Church in Spain and mission co-operation in Africa". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 4/7/2007 - righe 30, parole 391)
