Dublin (Fides Service) - As part of the National Mission Council’s plan to restore October as Mission Month, a four day festival of mission was opened in Bishopstown, Cork City by Bishop John Buckley of the Diocese of Cork & Ross. Bishop John Magee, former private Secretary to Pope John Paul II, spoke of the great contribution of the missionary Pope in proclaiming the message of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. People visiting the interactive exhibition will hear about world religious and interfaith dialogue, welcoming the stranger, child soldiers, response to HIV / AIDS, women’s issues, human rights abuses, herbal medicine, world debt, etc. Schools have been invited to the festival to meet missionaries and members of the migrant community. They can experience foods, music, dance and artistry from other cultures, and learn the story of mission. The festival commenced with concelebrated Mass which was nationally televised. The principal celebrant was Archbishop Pius Ncube, Archbishop of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Children representing the Society of Missionary Children were invited for a special blessing at the conclusion. (P.S.) (Agenzia Fides 22/10/2004; righe 18, parole 240)