Young dioceses’ witness can invigorate older dioceses, Pope tells missionaries

June 06, 2016

A century after the foundation of the Pontifical Missionary Works by Blessed Paolo Manna, Pope Francis challenged the organization to contribute to the missionary formation of the entire Church.

“While it is important to be concerned with the collection and distribution of economic assistance that you diligently administer in favor of many churches and Christians in need – and for this I thank you – I exhort you not to limit yourselves to this aspect,” the Pope said on June 4 in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace.

“Generous work of continuing formation in the mission, addressed to all, lay faithful, pastors, churches young and old, represents the heart of your commitment, carried out with the intention of serving and nurturing the missionary identity of the entire Church,” the Pope continued.

Pope Francis added:

Recently founded churches, assisted by your for their continuing missionary formation, can transmit to the more ancient churches, at times weary and burdened by their history, the zeal of young faith and the witness of Christian hope, sustained by the admirable courage of martyrdom. I encourage you to serve with great love the churches that, thanks to the martyrs, bear witness of how the Gospel renders us participants in the life of God, and does so by attraction and not by proselytism.

 

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Further information:

• Udienza ai partecipanti all’Assemblea delle Pontificie Opere Missionarie (Holy See Press Office)
• To the Pontifical Missionary Works: continuing formation in the mission of all Churches (Holy See Press Office)