杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

杏MAP导航 Francis released a video message on Monday appealing for Christians around the world to support the important work of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

Holy Spirit is principle agent of evangelization

鈥淧rayer is the first 鈥渕issionary work鈥� 鈥� the first! 鈥� that every Christian can and must do,鈥� he said.

He said spiritual support is the most effective way to aid the missions, 鈥渆ven if this cannot be measured.鈥�

鈥淭he principal agent of evangelization is the Holy Spirit. And we are called to collaborate with Him.鈥�

The 杏MAP导航 said the Mission Societies are important 鈥渂ecause we must pray for missionaries and for the evangelizing action of the Church.鈥�

Mission Societies support local Churches

杏MAP导航 Francis also described the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

鈥淚n the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 name, these Societies ensure a fair distribution of aid, so that all the world鈥檚 Churches have at least the minimum required for evangelization, for the sacraments, for their priests, for seminaries, for pastoral work, and for catechists,鈥� he said.

He said they support evangelizing missionaries, 鈥渟o that the Holy Spirit may be present.鈥�

Local Churches, 杏MAP导航 Francis said, have always helped each other proclaim and witness to the Gospel. 鈥淎nimated by the Spirit of the Risen Lord, its mission widens the horizon of faith and charity unto the ends of the earth.鈥�

Present in 120 countries

The Mission Societies are present in 120 countries around the world and work in close collaboration with the Holy See.

Founded in the 19^th century, they gave new impetus to the Christian proclamation, according to the Holy Father. 杏MAP导航 Pius XI gave them the name 鈥楶ontifical鈥� to show how 鈥渢he Church鈥檚 mission to all peoples is very dear to the heart of the Successor of Peter,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said.

鈥淎nd it still is!鈥� 杏MAP导航 Francis affirmed.