Mission

From 20 to 24 October, the 18th edition of the Mspc is taking place in Iligan City, under the theme ‘pilgrims of hope’. An opportunity for prayer and reflection on the challenges of a region with a large Muslim and tribal population. Among the unresolved problems are poverty, unemployment and terrorism.

At the celebration for the 375th anniversary of the foundation of the institute, which has been present in this Indian region for more than 150 years, six priests welcomed by children in their schools serving orphans and the poor paid tribute to the service of the religious sisters together with 20,000 other people. ‘A reflection of God's care among us’.

A PIME missionary in the Philippines since 1977, he received the Order of the Star of Italy, one of the highest honours of his country of origin, at the embassy in Manila. Founder of the Silsilah movement for dialogue between Christians and Muslims, he sees this recognition as ‘a challenge to do more to help bring out the good in every person’.

An online multimedia tool dedicated to Sister Tecla Merlo was released on the 110th anniversary of the birth of the religious congregation founded in the wake of the apostolate in communication promoted by Blessed James Alberione. Mother Superior Anna Caiazza: ‘A story for Asia, a continent where ecclesial life is in great ferment.’

Two Indonesian SCJ missionaries bear witness to their ministry among Catholic communities in the Diocese of Timika, hours by boat and foot from the parish headquarters. Celebrating the Eucharist of Palms Sunday amid extreme hunger, one asked: “If Jesus were the one coming here, what would He do?” The generosity of those who have nothing is a tangible sign of Christ's love.

Yesterday the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation addressed the conference in Milan that marked the 175th anniversary of PIME’s foundation. The door of a house, sitting together at the table, songs of lament and joy, cultural and human intelligence are the four faces of a Church walking on the “ground prepared by the Holy Spirit of the Risen Jesus.”

Born in German-speaking countries, today more than half of the missionaries belonging to the institute founded by Arnold Janssen are from Asia, and are also on the frontline in the existential peripheries of Europe today. Now the institute is being called to reflect on mission in today's world at an international conference In Rome from 27 to 29 March.

A Mass in Seoul Cathedral marked the anniversary of the foundation of the Society established by the Korean Catholic Church in 1975 for the missio ad gentes. Today it counts 87 missionaries in 9 different countries. Pope Francis' wish: “Your zeal in proclaiming the Gospel overcomes every barrier”.

The Vicariate of North Arabia promoted a two-day event on the subject, with the participation of Vatican and religious personalities from Asia. Sister Milagros Sandoval: a ‘stimulating’ experience full of ‘challenges’. Bishop Berardi: women ‘essential’ for the ‘prosperity of the mission’. In times ‘of darkness’ this encounter becomes ‘light of hope’.

The Society of Pilar is hosting the world meeting for the first time in the Indian city from 2 to 6 December, concurrently with the exhibition of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier. Card Ferrão hopes the societies can “inspire the Church” to embrace her “synodal journey". PIME superior general was also present.

The nun was awarded the 2024 edition of the Philippine prize that honours the memory of the foundress of the Missionaries of Charity. Awarded for her 30 years of work among the indigenous populations in the north of the archipelago in nature protection, health care and feeding programmes. For the nun, the ‘strength and resilience’ of the Agta are ‘a constant source of inspiration’.

The ordination of the young pastor of the large diocese in southern Thailand, the first priest from the Thai Missionary Institute to be called to lead a local Church. ‘Go and preach’ is the motto chosen in a context where Catholics make up less than 0.1% of the population. Fr Pelosin: ‘A moment of grace for our community. It will help everyone to grow in the missionary spirit’.