Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Valadares (Fides Service) - The Boa Nova Mission Society (SMBN) is celebrating its 75th anniversary 3 October 2004 - 3 October 2005 with the slogan “75 of Mission with Him”. A major anniversary initiative the Society will be a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Fatima led by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples with which the society has always had a close bond. Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe will preside the opening celebration on 18 and the solemn concelebrated Mass on Sunday 19.
Superior General Fr. Antonio Couto said the Society prepared for its 75th anniversary with two years of reflection on: the Gospel makes a difference and Woe to me if I do not evangelise!. “We want to live the slogan ‘75 years of mission with Him’ in our lives. It is a statement, a reality and also a programme and a challenge for all of us. Since our anniversary year coincided perfectly with the Year of the Eucharist given us by Pope John Paul II we are also working hard to strengthen our Eucharistic”. Fr Couto told Fides
Other anniversary activities included: 3 October 2004, 1st Fraternity Meeting of family and members of the Society; 12 February 2005 pilgrimage to Samiro (Braga - Portugal); 14- 18 May pilgrimage to Rome and Mass at the Chapel of Propaganda Fide (see Fides 16-17 March 2005); 7 May opening of Missionary Exhibition Cucujaes Seminary; 8 -11 September Mission Congress; 8 -23 September 1st meeting for young SMBN priests.
The Society was born of the missionary spirit of the Portuguese diocesan Church with the characteristic of mission ad gentes while remaining a diocesan institute which makes it different from missionary institutes. It recognised as a Clerical Institute of Pontifical right by Pope Pius XI on 24 October 1932. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 18/6/2005, righe 28, parole 387)
