Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Toluca (Agenzia Fides) – From March 4 – 7, the Diocese of Toluca (Mexico) celebrated its first Diocesan Missionary Congress, during which the community had the opportunity to reflect on what constitutes the mission of the Church. In the chronicle from Congress, also sent to Fides, explained that the initiative was promoted by Father Daniel Millan, in coordination with the Pastoral Ministry Office and with the support of priests and faithful of the community, in order to motivate and encourage missionary work among the laity.
Each contribution was important to illuminate the diocesan work, providing in some cases statistics that have drawn attention to the realities of Catholicism in the nation and worldwide. Special attention was given to the testimonies of people who have lived in the missions. All this filled the hearts of the participants with courage and personal interest, to direct their efforts towards the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus.
With the support of the PMS (Pontifical Mission Societies), the entire Congress was also attended by people from across the Mexican Republic as well as from other nations of the world, such as Argentina, Colombia, Peru, El Salvador, Spain, and the United States.
There were moments of prayer and spiritual and all participated with great fervor in the celebration of the Eucharist as a sign of unity in the missionary effort. The Congress ended with a Mass and a large missionary celebration in Martyrs' Square, which brought together about 2,500 participants from the Congress, joined by many others. It is estimated that there were about 3,100 people present, enjoying the dances, music, and theater productions prepared to honor the Lord and encourage missionary work.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio in Mexico, who in his homily stressed the importance of the Missionary Congress, remembering the Second Vatican Council Decree "Ad Gentes," which clearly states that "the entire Church is missionary by nature."
The Bishop of Toluca, Bishop Francisco Javier Chavolla Ramos, asked the faithful not to leave this work unfinished, considering this as a boost in energy and maintaining their relationship with Jesus, with His Spirit and under the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of Evangelization. He also expressed the desire to begin the Permanent Mission in their communities. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 13/03/2010)
