Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) - "First of all, I would like to thank the Holy Father for his message, for sharing his thoughts and showing a special interest in the Pontifical Mission Societies. The proposals formulated by the Pope are marked by an authentic missionary renewal and indicate a simpler and more practicable way for the path of the Church in the world. I find this aspect very useful for the reality of Sri Lanka and not only, as it underlines the fact that the PMS must be primarily a service tool for people". This is what Father Basil Fernando, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Sri Lanka told Agenzia Fides, commenting on the Message that Pope Francis sent to the PMS last May 21.
"The need to evangelically requalify the mission of the Church - notes Fr. Basil - must be a common goal and must help the Pontifical Mission Societies live a communion of spirit and mutual support, according to the needs of the Gospel. Most of the points listed by the Pope - continues the Director - are centered on the context of Sri Lanka: I think of the priorities of dioceses, parishes and people in general. Another fundamental point highlighted by Pope Bergoglio is that regarding his belief that the Pontifical Mission Societies must not behave like a non-governmental organization (NGO): for the renewal of the Church, the PMS must be a service tool, simple and practicable, to the Universal Church".
Looking to the future of the mission in Sri Lanka, Father Basil then underlines the important role played by the Missionary Childhood Society in the country: "it is a significant reality, valued and appreciated by the entire local Church, which educates children to be witnesses of the Gospel in society". In this sense, it is therefore necessary to pay the utmost attention because "precisely children - he concludes - are a sign of hope, and represent an important proposal from a spiritual point of view". (ES) (Agenzia Fides, 11/7/2020)
VATICAN - The Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization to the diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies: “'The mission is mine, not yours,' said the Lord to Saint Francis”
ASIA/JAPAN - Bishop Berndt: "We learn peace and non-violence from the people in Okinawa"
VATICAN - A new training course for the diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Rome
ASIA/HOLY LAND - Father Ibrahim Faltas: War also darkens the future of Christians in the Land of Jesus
VATICAN - Pope Francis to Catholics in the Holy Land: in these bleak times, participate in the Passion of Christ and bear witness that "the crucified Lord rose from the dead"