October Missionary 2021: Africa

In Uganda, in view of World Mission Day on  October 24, 2021, in addition to sending the Pope's Message and the theme of World Mission Day, a Zoom Meeting was organized with the PMS Diocesan Directors of the 19 Dioceses of Uganda during which time was dedicated to reflect on the theme of Missionary Day and on the new digital ways of animation and fundraising. Father Pontian Kaweesa, National Director of the PMS in Uganda, explains that prayer, evangelization and missionary charity are really necessary for the mission of the Church, which is the mission of all the baptized to be carried out. The Church has to offer the world the gift of faith, the gift of salvation and the love of Christ to be communicated. Among the initiatives adopted: the continuous use of digital means of communication such as the messages of the word of God through WhatsApp and SMS, digital posters, prayers for the Novena for families and all parish groups and, where possible, the use of local radio and TV. In view of World Mission Day, in the hope that there will be no new lockdowns, a digital poster of the National Office will be sent to diocesan directors and animators, and the missionary rosary will be recited in each family/group/congregation. A recording of that rosary can be made by those with smartphones/cameras and sent to be seen on the Uganda Catholic Television (UCTV) or even local TV and radio stations. A moment of reflection was held on the new and digital means of fundraising. During the month of October, information and animation programs will be broadcast on Radio Maria, Uganda, Radio Sapientia and on Catholic Television of Uganda (UCTV) by the National Office of the PMS.

In Tanzania, three dioceses, as the focus where a special campaign will be conducted, have been identified in view of World Mission Day: the archdiocese of Mbeya, the diocese of Njombe and the archdiocese of Arusha. Some influential people and lay leaders have been chosen to broadcast the message on Radio and TV, in order to invite people to contribute for World Mission Day. The message of the President of the Bishops' Conference of Tanzania is being prepared to invite people to contribute for World Mission Day. The Holy Father's message has been translated into Swahili and will be distributed to all dioceses

In Guinea Bissau, the missionary animation program covers the entire month of October in the two dioceses of the country, Bissau and Bafatà. A missionary aid was prepared in the local language, Kriol, with the introduction of Father Lucio Brentegani, with the message of Pope Francis for World Mission Day, missionary meditations for each day, the schemes of Sunday celebrations, the missionary rosary, the missionary vigil, the history and the project of the PMS.