杏MAP导航

By Lisa Zengarini

Addressing participants in the Annual General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), on Saturday, 杏MAP导航 Francis focused his reflection on three fundamental characteristics which, he said, are particularly relevant for their service to the Church鈥檚 mission: communion, creativity and tenacity.

Missionary communion and proselytism

The 杏MAP导航 first of all emphasized the communion dimension of this mission.

Given that the love with which God comes to seek and save us is also the basis of the missionary nature of the pilgrim Church on earth, he said, 鈥渨e are called to live a spirituality of communion with God and with our brothers and sisters.鈥� 

In this regard, the 杏MAP导航 warned against proselytism: the Christian mission, he explained, 鈥渋s not about transmitting some abstract truth or religious conviction 鈥� we need less proselytizing - but, first and foremost, is for enabling those we meet to have a fundamental experience of God鈥檚 love.鈥�

A synodal style

As the Missionary Societies renew their Statutes pursuant of his Apostolic Constitution 鈥楶raedicate Evangelium鈥�, 杏MAP导航 Francis, therefore, urged them  to grow in this 鈥渟pirituality of missionary communion鈥�, which, he remarked, 鈥渋s the foundation of the Church鈥檚 current synodal journey. 鈥�

The 杏MAP导航 insisted on this synodal dimension: 鈥淟et us not forget,鈥� he said, 鈥渢hat the call to communion implies a synodal style:  walking together, listening to each other, engaging in dialogue.鈥�

Be creative in your mission

杏MAP导航 Francis went on speak about creativity, reminding the PMS 鈥渢hat evangelical creativity stems from divine love, and that all missionary activity is creative to the extent that Christ鈥檚 charity is its origin, form and end.鈥�  鈥淭hus," he said 鈥渟uch charity inspires new ways of evangelizing and serving others, especially the poorest.鈥�

Creativity, the 杏MAP导航 continued, is also important to encourage the generosity of individuals, groups and institutions who wish to support the Church鈥檚 missionary endeavours.

Persevere and follow the example of martyrs

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis evoked tenacity, that is,鈥� steadfastness and perseverance in purpose and action.鈥�

He reminded them that the divine mission 鈥渋s a tireless going out to all men and women,鈥�  and therefore  urged the PMS to persevere in their work despite difficulties and hardships, and not to give in to defeatism, recalling that some Christians go even as far as martyrdom to witness their faith in Christ.

Speaking of-the-cuff, he cited the testimony of the Catholics recently killed  in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), because of their faith,  and the Coptic Martirs killed by the so-called  Islamic State n Libya in 2015.

 鈥淎lthough you may come across many challenges, complex situations, burdens and weariness that accompany ecclesial life, do not be discouraged!鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 exhorted.  鈥淏y focusing on the positive aspects and the joy that comes from contemplating God鈥檚 work, we will know how to face even problematic situations with patience, avoiding inactivity and the spirit of defeatism.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis also insisted on the importance of patience with the weaknesses of those who have fallen by the wayside: 鈥淒on't be shocked, be compassionate and wait,鈥� he said .

Concluding 杏MAP导航 Francis thanked the PMS  for their  generosity and dedication in promoting the missionary responsibility of the faithful, 鈥渆specially in caring for the children of the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood.鈥�