BRAZIL: Participation and satisfaction for the 1st National Congress of Missionary Childhood and Adolescence in Aparecida (27-29 September 2024)

From 27 to 29 September Aparecida hosted the 1st National Congress of Missionary Childhood and Adolescence, which brought together around 800 children, adolescents and educators from different parts of Brazil. On Sunday 29 September the Eucharistic celebration took place in the Shrine of Aparecida, presided by Dom Maurício Jardim, bishop of Rondonópolis-Guiratinga and president of the Missionary Commission of the Brazilian Episcopal Conference. During the mass, Bishop Jardim stressed the importance of Missionary Childhood and Adolescence in the Church of Brazil. A joyful procession led by children and adolescents followed, which headed to the Events Center Pe Vitor Coelho, the place that welcomed the participants throughout the congress. The morning was also characterized by a thematic panel presented by Sister Regina da Costa Pedro, director of the Pontifical Missionary Societies of Brazil, who addressed the importance of the participation of young people in the mission of the Church, inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Support and gratitude for this initiative were also expressed by the Secretary General of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood, Sister Inês Paulo Albino, A.S.C., who addressed a video greetings to all participants. The event not only promoted the exchange of experiences and reflection on the role of the new generations in evangelization, but also concluded with a feeling of communion and shared participation and with the promise to move forward on the missionary journey, each in their own dioceses to which they belong.