AMERICA/PUERTO RICO – CAM6, Pope Francis to American missionaries: The source of the mission is the joy of the disciples after the encounter with the risen Christ
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Ponce (Agenzia Fides) – “We cannot give what we do not have, we cannot express what we have not experienced, what our eyes have not seen and our hands have not touch “. This is why “the foundation of the mission is the experience of God, the loving encounter with Jesus”. It is He who “reveals the Good News to us, shows us the Father”.
The day after the publication of the letter addressed to Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo, Archbishop Emeritus of Caracas, as special envoy for the celebration of the Sixth American Missionary Congress (CAM6), which is being held in the town of Ponce, Porto Rico, until Sunday, November 24, Pope Francis spoke directly to the American missionaries gathered on the island for the congress.
In this letter, dated November 9 but only made public today, the Sovereign Pontiff recalls that this event takes place within the framework of the Year of Prayer, which he convened in preparation for the Jubilee of 2025. He then refers to a prayer he wrote and addressed to the Trinity, precisely for this conference. This prayer recognizes the Father as “the merciful God who, in his Son Jesus Christ, has revealed to us the “Good News”” and implores him to “spread his love through the Holy Spirit and to renew the face of the earth” .
An example of this wonder are – continues the prayer cited by the Pope – the numerous missionaries who, in words and deeds, have announced it. Jesus, continues the Bishop of Rome, was first a missionary, “a prophet powerful in deeds and words before God and all the people” (Lk 24:19). Words spoken before God, his Father, in the intimate prayer which preceded all his actions. Acts accomplished before his Father in a life totally surrendered to his will, to testify to the greatest love before his people. It is this message that missionaries have continued to translate in all times, in all places and in all languages.”
And this, underlines Pope Francis, “is also the vocation of the baptized to whom the prayer refers: to see God, to see him in the world, in his brother, to have “Christified” eyes and, with them, a compassionate, welcoming look. , merciful.”
The Bishop of Rome, in his message to the CAM6, then cites what he calls “a beautiful canticle” from the Liturgy of the Hours: “I saw you, yes, when I was a child and, in the water, I was baptized, and that, cleansed from the old guilt, without a veil, I could see you. From such an experience can be born the “joy that overflows from our hearts”. The joy of the disciples after their encounter with the Risen One, which cannot be contained, pushes them to leave.”
And it is the Holy Spirit who “works this miracle in us and puts on our lips the words to say to God (Rm 8:14) and to men (Mt 10:19). This is why, from the beginning of the Church, with Mary, the disciples in the Upper Room, in assembly, begin by invoking the Spirit. Thanks to its life-giving power, we can transmit the message in all languages, yes, because the Church speaks them all, but above all because she always speaks with a single language”, that “of love, understandable by all men, since it is part of their very essence, that of being the image of God”. (FB) (Agenzia Fides 11/21/2024)
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**How does Dr. Sanchez suggest missionaries can translate their personal encounter with Christ into authentic and meaningful engagement within the communities they serve, particularly when faced with cultural differences?**
## Interview: The Joy of Mission
**Welcome to World Today News! Today we delve into the timely message from Pope Francis to American missionaries gathered at the Sixth American Missionary Congress (CAM6) in Puerto Rico. Joining us are Dr. Maria Sanchez, a renowned theologian specializing in missionary work, and Father Michael O’Brien, a seasoned missionary priest with extensive experience in Latin America.**
**Section 1: The Source of Mission**
**Host:** Pope Francis emphasizes that the foundation of mission stems from a personal encounter with the risen Christ. Dr. Sanchez, could you elaborate on the significance of this ”experiential” aspect of missionary work and how it shapes the message missionaries carry?
**Dr. Sanchez:**
**( Response from Dr. Sanchez highlighting the importance of personal experience in fueling genuine missionary zeal. Discuss the role of faith, transformative experiences, and how these translate into authentic engagement with communities. )**
**Host:** Father O’Brien, your work has taken you to diverse communities. Can you share a personal anecdote that illustrates how your own encounter with Christ has influenced your missionary journey?
**Father O’Brien:**
**(Response from Father O’Brien, sharing a compelling personal story that connects his faith experience with his missionary work, highlighting the impact on his understanding and approach to mission.)**
**Section 2: The Role of Joy in Mission**
**Host:** The Pope mentions the “joy that overflows from our hearts” after encountering the risen Christ. How does this joy manifest itself in the work of missionaries, and how crucial is it for effectively sharing the Good News?
**Father O’Brien:**
**(Response from Father O’Brien, emphasizing the contagious nature of joy in mission, its power to connect with people, and its ability to transcend cultural barriers. Discuss how joy can be a source of resilience and strength in challenging situations.)**
**Host:** Dr. Sanchez, beyond personal joy, how can missionaries foster a sense of communal joy within the communities they serve?
**Dr. Sanchez:**
**(Response from Dr. Sanchez, expanding on the concept of shared joy. Discuss the importance of mutual respect, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative efforts in building relationships and fostering a spirit of joy within communities.)**
**Section 3: Mission in a Secular World**
**Host:** The article mentions the Year of Prayer leading to the 2025 Jubilee. In a world increasingly secularized, how can missionaries effectively communicate the Good News while respecting diverse beliefs and values?
**Dr. Sanchez:**
**(Response from Dr. Sanchez, addressing the challenges of missionary work in a secular context. Discuss the importance of dialog, interfaith understanding, and finding common ground while remaining true to Christian values.)
**Host:** How can missionaries leverage the message of love and compassion, as highlighted by the Pope, to build bridges and foster meaningful connections in a diverse world?
**Father O’Brien:**
**(Response from Father O’Brien, emphasizing the universal nature of love and compassion as a starting point for dialog and understanding, even across religious and cultural divides. Discuss the potential of community service and practical acts of charity as expressions of love.)**
**Conclusion**
**Host:** Thank you both for sharing your insights and experiences. As we reflect on Pope Francis’ message, it is clear that mission stems from a deep personal connection with Christ, fueled by joy, and carried out with love and respect for all.
**(Concluding remarks, summarizing the key takeaways from the discussion and emphasizing the continued relevance of missionary work in the modern world. )**
