Lima (Fides Service) – “The Church in Peru has lived the journey towards CAM 2 with enthusiasm and commitment anxious to open ever wider to the universal dimension of missionary activity”, the National Office of Pontifical Mission Societies in Peru informs Fides.
A major event during these months was the first National Mission Congress 6 to 10 August organised by the Bishops’ Commission for Mission with the PMS diocesan mission centre in Chiclayo diocese and the National Office of Pontifical Mission Societies in Peru. The Congress was attended by 3.500 delegates bishops, priests, religious men and women and active laity, from all over Peru.
Similar initiatives were organised at the diocesan level despite considerable difficulties. For example Abancay diocese in the Andes mountain region, overcame geographical distances and obstacles to hold a congress attended by 1.300 participants from all over the diocese. It was a great awakening of missionary spirit in the local Church. Bishop Isidro Sala Abancay and Sister Delia Tello, diocesan Directress of the PMS, were the enthusiastic promoters of this important event which turned missionary commitment into a common experience no longer isolated in the life of the diocese.
At the end of August post-Congress events were held in two of the four provinces comprising the diocese, each attended by about 800 participants. Several parishes caught the missionary fire and organised Days for Mission Animation.
"It was clearly the Holy Spirit who sparked the fire of missionary zeal among the people of Abancay. Our mission congress was a marvellous experience. We can say that the Church in this part of the Andes shows now more than ever her youthful face…this experience will be remembered by everyone as a special grace from God” said Father Santos Doroteo Borda, a priest in Abancay diocese.
Delegates who will represent the Church in Peru at CAM2 have two final preparatory meetings 8 and 15 November at the PMS national offices to reflect once again on the contents of the major missionary event and to receive final instructions. The themes of these two last meetings of formation and preparation are: "The Particular Church, responsible for universal mission (Fr. Mario Mazzoni G., MCCJ); "Mission, life of the parish community" (Fr. Giafranco Lacopi OFM. cap. PMS National Director in Peru); "Mission, announcing the Gospel of the fullness of life for everyone" (Mrs Adelaida Sueiro, who will speak at CAM2); "Mission and the challenges of globalisation " (Fr JVIanuel Pamìs).
The Peruvian delegation to CAM2 includes 82 people, 5 bishops, 23 priests, 15 religious and 30 lay Catholics. (RZ) (Fides Service 13/11/2003 -lines 37; words 510).

Link correlati
	See in Spanish information on Abancay Diocesan Mission Congress
	Photos on Abancay Diocesan Mission Congress