Pontifical Mission Societies – Philippines hold 57th General Assembly

By Rev. Santiago E. Panilagao

The Pontifical Mission Societies in the Philippines held its 57th General Assembly for Mission Directors last June 21-25 in Sto. Nino Spirituality Center in Consolacion, Cebu City with the theme, “A Dynamic Philippine Church-In-Mission.”

The objectives of the assembly is to have a common understanding of mission in our present times; to deepen our understanding of our role and work as diocesan Mission Directors in our local Churches and in promoting the Four Pontifical Societies and; to learn some skills in making localized modules on mission.

The 5-day gathering was focused on current trends of the mission particularly the Philippine setting. The missionary work of the church nowadays is very much affected by the advancement of science and technology, thus, widened the gap between the rich and the poor.

To challenge missionaries to effectively work in their Mission Directors themselves must have a heart for the mission.  He has to be appointed full time since he has to establish missionary work within the structure of the diocese. Through animation he makes mission as the heart of the diocese.
To conclude, some recommendations were made: 1. The Mission Director must be appointed from 4-5 year term for him to establish mission plan, programs and activities to the parish level and school base. 2. The four PMS association shall be given primary concern - the Propagation of the Faith, Holy Childhood, St. Peter the Apostle and Missionary Union.  3. The mission envelopes must be distributed on Mission Sundays.  These envelopes which are forms of mission awareness serve as the parishioners’ contribution to the mission.  4. To encourage the priests to center their homilies on the missionary work of the Church during the month of October.

For the past three years, the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro ranks the 5th among the highest remittance of contribution to PMS. The venue for the next general assembly is Davao City.