After a two year hiatus because of Covid restrictions the National and Diocesan directors and their collaborators of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Anglophone Canada gathered for their annual reunion from the 7th to the 9th of September, 2021 held at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga. I was asked to animate the meetings with input on our Foundress, her charism and the current mission and activities of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
Although concerns related to the pandemic resulted in the participation of only about half of those who normally attended these reunions, the meeting was fruitful and the contents of the talks and discussions was sent to those who were not present.. .
The participants gathered on the evening of the 7th for the opening Mass, supper, registration and overview of the meeting. The next day I spoke about the charism of the Pontifical Mission Society of the Propagation of the Faith, and by extension, the charism that touches the other three Pontifical Societies. I reminded the participants that, together with all four Societies, we form a global network of prayer, formation and charity for the Holy Father in his solicitude for the proclamation of the Gospel in mission territories and support of the young Churches that are established as a result. Notwithstanding this, the participants were reminded that the PMS are part of the very fabric of every local Church, not an extraneous body representing the Holy See in the diocese.
I also spoke about the importance of prayer as the foundation of any and all effective missionary initiatives, including missionary animation in local churches. The participants were encouraged to promote authentic prayer in its many forms in the areas of their responsibilities, not only to prepare prayer animation for Mission Sunday, but to encourage prayer for the missions in local Christian communities throughout the year.
The participants were reminded that the PMS are not charitable institutions that provide funds to particular churches that are in economic difficulty, but rather a global network or family of mutual support through prayer, formation and the sharing of material goods. We are called to present and promote this reality of the PMS: that we are a global network and not another NGO. We are called to inspire and promote a renewed missionary spirit in the hearts of all the faithful and to provide the means for the Holy Father to effectively make possible his promotion of the missions and the support of young Churches. To this end, I noted that the PMS does not fund local churches but participates in projects initiated in local Churches. The local community is primarily responsible for their projects. In fact, even the smallest and most economically challenged community participates in projects through their prayers and offerings, especially on Mission Sunday.
The participants were introduced to our newly reformed website, were given a tour of its contents and to visit it often and make it known to others. They were also given a copy of the Holy Father’s Message to the PMS prepared for our General Assembly in 2020. They were encouraged to read and reflect on the contents and to share it with others.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto Most Rev. Vincent Nguyễn Mạnh Hiếu joined the meeting on Thursday morning, participated in the meeting and presided at the celebration of the Eucharist, sharing an inspiring homily.
The participants were renewed in their commitment to further the work of the PMS.
Father Tadeusz Jan Nowak, OMI – Secretary General POPF
