Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago de Compostela (Agenzia Fides) - Missionaries "are anonymous heroes, they are human beings chosen to withstand the difficulties. Brave and obedient children, endowed with patience and strength. Examples of moral resistance. Thanks to all the missionaries for having taught us, through their works, that an apparently insignificant act of love can embrace the wounded humanity": this is what yesterday, October 11, Spanish singer Luz Casal said in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on behalf of the entire Spanish Church, on reading, the announcement of "Domund" (World Missionary Day) and offering those present her testimony, in an event presided over by the Archbishop of the Diocese, Mgr. Julián Barrio.
As Fides learns, the singer dedicated much of her message to enhancing the work of missionaries: these "show that the gift of their life goes far beyond solidarity" she said, pointing out that Spain, with its 13,000 missionaries scattered throughout the world, is a nation "that has opened the door to evangelization". "In almost a hundred years of celebration of Domund, the work carried out by the missionaries often remains in silence, yet there is no lack of joy in their mission", added the artist.
Currently, 13,000 Spanish missionaries are present in 128 countries in the 5 continents: 70% in America, followed by 12% in Europe and another 12% in Africa. Asia accounts for 5.4% while Oceania with 0.4%. In addition, 54% of the total of these missionaries are women, while men account for 46%.
The announcement of "Domund" in Spain offers a series of cultural encounters, round tables and prayer moments organized by the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Spain, all in preparation for the World Mission Day on Sunday, October 22. (L.G.) (Agenzia Fides, 12/10/2017)
AMERICA/USA - Archbishop Nappa to the representatives of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA: May gratitude be the source of your contribution to the mission of the Universal Church
ASIA/CHINA - Italian President Mattarella pays homage to the missionaries buried near Lake Xizi together with Bishop Yang
AMERICA/PUERTO RICO - VI American Missionary Congress: more than 12,000 participants expected
AMERICA/ECUADOR - In January, the process for the canonization of Sister Clare Crockett will begin
EUROPE/ITALY - Cardinal Chow: 'Sinicization' is an open game that also concerns the Church
ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - A partnership between the Korean and French communities for the beatification of missionary Bishop Bruguière