Societies of Apostolic Life meet in Goa, ‘ a light in the world, breaking new frontiers’
The Society of Pilar is hosting the world meeting for the first time in the Indian city from 2 to 6 December, concurrently with the exhibition of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier. Card Ferrão hopes the societies can “inspire the Church” to embrace her “synodal journey". PIME superior general was also present.
Goa (AsiaNews) – The World Meeting of the International Societies of Apostolic Life (MISAL 2024) opened yesterday at Pilar, Goa until Friday.
In his opening speech, Card Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman (India), described the societies as “a light in the world, breaking new frontiers” thanks to their apostolic zeal and ability to adapt to the journey of the mission, playing an essential role in the life of the Church and her work of evangelisation.
The prelate stressed that such entities can “inspire the Church” by embracing her “synodal journey with greater inclusivity, creativity, and a renewed commitment to [the] mission”.
The 2024 edition of MISAL has further significance as it coincides with the exhibition of the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the missions whose feast day occurs today.
The event drew major figures from Asia and the universal Church, not only the archbishop of Goa and Daman, but also Card Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, and Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to India and Nepal.
The Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) is also present with its Superior General Fr Ferruccio Brambillasca and Fr Xavier Lourdh, a member of the institute’s General Council.
In his address to the representatives of the Societies of Apostolic Life, Card Ferrão, who chairs the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), Latin rite, praised their dedication and flexibility in meeting the needs of the modern world.
“Rooted in a shared charism, you engage in works such as evangelization, education, healthcare, and social justice, responding to the needs of the modern world with flexibility and dynamism,” explained the prelate, who is set to take over the leadership of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) in January.
The cardinal emphasised their mission-focused efforts, noting that they “often work in areas where the Church's presence is most needed.”
Card Ferrão also stressed the significance of the meeting, linking it to Goa’s rich missionary legacy, a city that emerged five centuries ago as “a pivotal centre for the evangelization of the East”.
He praised the Society of Pilar (the missionaries of Saint Francis Xavier) for keeping this legacy alive through their missionary work, which has had a great impact.
“Today, the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, known as the Pilar Fathers, carries forward this flame, engaging in relevant and fruitful missionary activity both in the East and the West,” he stated.
Hosted by the Pilar Society, the biennial Misal, which is centred this year on the theme of “Journeying together: Encountering new Frontiers,” brings together the leaders of at least 22 Societies of Apostolic Life (SAL) from all over the world.
The meeting is meant to boost unity, meet new challenges, promote cooperation, and explore new ways to reach out to all the peoples of the world with the message and mission of Jesus.
Today the delegates took part in the Mass at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, led by Card Tagle followed by a visit to the cathedral to venerate the relics of Saint Francis Xavier.
From tomorrow until Friday, they will focus on strategic discussions and planning, led by theologian Felix Wilfred.
The sessions are structured to address three objectives: identifying the new frontiers of the mission, proposing mission processes, and organisational support to the mission.
At the end, delegates will adopt a vision and mission statement inspired by the theme.
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09/04/2016 17:54
