Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The month of August for the Pontifical Mission Societies in Argentina is the “Month of missionary childhood and adolescence IAM”. Sunday 27 August was celebrated as IAM National Mission Day, Fides was informed by Sr Susana Aguilar, IAM national secretary. The theme of the month and day was “Disciples and friends of Jesus, making new friends for Him".
Various activities and events were organised for IAM children by the diocesan directors in dioceses all over the country. The children demonstrated their missionary spirit and their faith in Jesus Christ with processions, missionary rosary prayer in the city streets and squares, mission exhibitions, presentation of activities during the year, talks, reflections, prayers, games...in which the children expressed their joy at being missionaries. Some of the events were attended by members of IAM national office.
In the diocese of Moron, province of Buenos Aires, during a special Mass the Bishop encouraged IAM children to continue the mission Jesus entrusted to them to help other children and make little sacrifices for the benefit of the most unfortunate children of the world, those living in situations of war or extreme poverty. In the archdiocese of Resistencia about 500 children came from all over the territory even from very remote corners to take part in IAM Day on 27 August. Whereas in Pasadas diocese at least 1,500 children and adolescents gathered for the occasion. The day closed with the sending of the child missionaries to build peace, pray for peace and be missionary of peace. IAM celebrations on 27 August in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and the diocese of Gregorio de Laferrere were attended by IAM national office members Luis Pazos and Carmen Aguilar Garay.
"These diocesan events - Sr Susana told Fides - show that the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood and Adolescence is spreading and growing in our country with increasing participation of priests, religious and lay persons. This Society prepares a new generation of committed Christians and renders the missionary vocation visible. Our task is immense - she said - and the National IAM office, supported by national Pontifical Mission Societies director Fr, Jairo Calderón Benavidez, we continue to plan a missionary path to meet the needs of formation and animation presented by the animators and families of our children. Because as Pope John Paul II used to say, “children are the future and the present, they are our great little helpers".” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/9/2006; righe 34, parole 475)
