Bucharest (Agenzia Fides) – Missionary children and adolescents celebrated their sixth anniversary in Romania and the Republic of Moldova during the National Day of Missionary Childhood.
The common thread of the initiatives organized for the occasion was the theme of the upcoming World Mission Sunday, "Missionaries of Hope among the Peoples."
"Through prayer, charity, and concrete witness, the little ones renewed their 'yes' to the Church's mission, thus becoming living signs of hope in their communities," Matilda Andrici, head of Missionary Childhood in Romania, told Fides. "With open hearts and joyful faith, the children of Missionary Childhood continue to walk as little apostles of the Gospel, bringing light and hope where it is most needed." On the occasion of this celebration, as a concrete sign of the progress made over these six years and as a "seed" for future generations, the book "History, Charism, and Spirituality of the Pontifical Society of Holy Childhood" was published in Romanian. It is a spiritual guide for proclaiming the Gospel to children and adolescents.
Last weekend, the initiatives took place in different ways and at different times throughout the country, including Eucharistic celebrations of thanksgiving, games, songs, and missionary activities for other children in need. In Bucharest, in particular, the missionary children gathered at the Roman Catholic Church of Cioplea for a day of celebration that began with catechesis by Father Eugen Blaj, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Romania, followed by Mass, various activities, and the prayer of the Rosary for peace. Among the highlights was the performance by the "Antoniano" group, coordinated by Roxana Samoilă, who conveyed joy and color through traditional Romanian dances and costumes. Upcoming events for missionary children and adolescents in Romania and the Republic of Moldova are the 4th edition of the Cetatea de Baltă Missionary Camp (June 23-26) and the National Camp for Pontifical Missionary Children in Odorheiu Secuiesc (August 18-23).
