Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lusaka (Agenzia Fides) - “The book was written, thinking of the animators and their valuable service to children. The general objective is to help the animators to assimilate the main principles and take on the right spirit in carrying out their labor, in organization and cooperation in the Holy Childhood Association,” Fr. Bernard Maladani Zulu, Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Zambia, told Agenzia Fides in presenting the new book for children recently published by the PMS Office in Zambia.
“What inspires us to take on the task of missionary animators is the call of Jesus, not only to be His disciples, but also to 'be disciples for Him.' We understand, therefore, that we have a special role in the mission and in universal evangelization, which involves teaching others how to be disciples and accompanying them. This is the pastoral mission that this publication responds to. The National Office is happy to be able to present this publication to our missionaries. This book is the fruit of profound reflection and offers the public experiences from places all over the world, where there is a great missionary work being carried out.
The book offers fundamental elements of missionary theology, spirituality, and catechesis for those who work with children and adolescents. The book offers a panorama of activities and the results of this formation process. It is divided into three parts, depending on the age groups – from children up to adolescents of 14 years. The National Director thanks “all those who made this publication possible: Secretary General of the Holy Childhood Association, Fr. Patrick Byrne, and his collaborators, the Bishops of Zambia, the Combonian Missionaries, the PMS of Uganda, and all the priests, religious, and laity who supported this project. Their assistance allowed us to help the People of God to grow in their missionary spirit, see the Church's needs, and promote solidarity. I also wish to especially thank those who work as animators, for their missionary lives, and for placing children at the center of their missionary heart. We are one family walking along the same path, alongside our brothers and sisters on the missions. This encourages us to share these reflections with others and organize and guide our missionary animation.”
“We pray that this manual can help children to take up their missionary responsibility and understand that they are called to be missionaries among their companions,” Fr. Bernard concluded. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 23/3/2009)
