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Welcome Bishop John Boissonneau

September 27, 2024 by Mission Societies in Home Page Slider

The Pontifical Mission Societies Canada welcome our new English-sector director, Bishop John Boissonneau. Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, the Vatican’s Pro-Prefect of the Section for the First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization, announced the appointment of Bishop Boissoneau on August 20, 2024.

Bishop Boissonneau was born in Toronto and was ordained to the priesthood in 1974. He served many years as a faculty member and, later, as rector at St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto. He was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto by Pope John Paul II in 2001.

As bishop, in addition to his various regional responsibilities, he has

served as the Vicar for Christian Education and the Archdiocesan Liaison with the Catholic Faculties of Theology.

Bishop John A. Boissonneau is currently responsible for the Northern Region that includes 52 parishes in the York Region and Simcoe County, a ministry he will maintain in addition to his new role as director.

The Pontifical Mission Societies Canada look forward to Bishop Boissonneau’s leadership as we continue our mission together, to live out Christ’s call in the Great Commission here in Canada and around the world.

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCISTO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

June 2, 2024 by Mission Societies in Church / Home Page Slider

Consistory Hall
Saturday, 25 May 2024

[Multimedia]

Your Eminence, Your Excellencies,
Dear National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
Dear co-workers of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Brothers and sisters, good morning!

I warmly welcome all of you who have travelled from more than one hundred and twenty countries across five Continents for the Annual General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS). I extend my greetings to Cardinal Tagle, to the Secretary, Archbishop Nwachukwu, and to Archbishop Nappa, Adjunct Secretary and President of the PMS, together with the four General Secretaries.

On the eve of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we are invited to contemplate the mystery of God: a mystery of love that offers itself, gives itself, and spends itself completely for the salvation of all. Reflecting upon this work of salvation, we discover three fundamental characteristics of the divine mission that have been present from the beginning: communion, creativity and tenacity. Let us consider these essential words, which are relevant for the Church in its permanent state of mission, and especially for our Missionary Societies called to renewal in order to be ever more effective in service.

First, communion. When we contemplate the Trinity, we see that God is a communion of persons, a mystery of love. The love with which God comes to seek and save us, rooted in his being One and Triune, is also the basis of the missionary nature of the pilgrim Church on earth (cf. Redemptoris Missio, 1; Ad Gentes, 2). In this perspective, we are called to live a spirituality of communion with God and with our brothers and sisters. Christian mission is not about transmitting some abstract truth or religious conviction, but, first and foremost, is for enabling those we meet to have a fundamental experience of God’s love. Indeed, if we are shining witnesses reflecting a ray of the Trinitarian mystery, they will be able to discover God’s love in our lives and in the life of the Church.

Therefore, I urge everyone to grow in this spirituality of missionary communion, which is the foundation of the Church’s current synodal journey. I emphasized this in the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium and I reiterate it now, especially as you work on renewing your Statutes. Since a journey of missionary conversion is necessary for everyone, it is essential that opportunities for personal and communal formation be provided in order to grow in the dimension of “communal” missionary spirituality. The purpose of the Church’s mission is “making everyone know and live the ‘new’ communion that the Son of God made man has introduced into the history of the world” ( Praedicate Evangelium, I, 4). [1] Let us not forget that the call to communion implies a synodal style: walking together, listening to each other, engaging in dialogue. This expands our hearts, and fosters that increasingly universal outlook which was emphasized at the founding of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith: “We must not think only of this or that mission in particular, but of all the missions and missionary initiatives throughout the world” (cf. MONS. CHRISTIANI AND J. SERVEL, Marie-Pauline Jaricot, 39).

The second word I would propose is creativity. Rooted in the communion of the Trinity, we are involved in the creative work of God, who makes all things new (cf. Rev 21:5). We also participate in that creativity. I would like to say two things about this. The first is that creativity is linked to God’s own freedom, which he gives to us in Christ and in the Spirit. Indeed, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor 3:17). We must not allow ourselves to stifle missionary creative freedom! Second, as Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe, the Franciscan missionary in Japan and martyr of charity, said: “only love creates”. Let us remember that evangelical creativity stems from divine love, and that all missionary activity is creative to the extent that Christ’s charity is its origin, form and end. Thus, with inexhaustible imagination, such charity inspires new ways of evangelizing and serving others, especially the poorest, and include the customary collections taken for the universal funds of solidarity with the missions. To this end, we must promote these collections and explore new ways of encouraging the participation of individuals, groups and institutions who wish to support the Church’s missionary endeavours as an expression of their gratitude for the graces received from the Lord.

The third and final word is tenacity, that is, steadfastness and perseverance in purpose and action. Let us also contemplate this characteristic of the love of the Triune God who, in order to fulfil his plan of salvation, with constant faithfulness has sent his servants throughout history and, in the fullness of time, gave himself in Christ Jesus. The divine mission “is a tireless going out to all men and women, in order to invite them to encounter God and enter into communion with him. Tireless! The Church, for her part, in fidelity to the mission she has received from the Lord, will continue to go to the ends of the earth, to set out over and over again, without ever growing weary or losing heart in the face of difficulties and obstacles” (Message for World Mission Day 2024).

We are called, then, to persevere and be tenacious in purpose and action. Those of you in the Pontifical Mission Societies encounter a great variety of situations and events that are part of the great ebb and flow of the Church’s life across the globe. Thus, although you may come across many challenges, complex situations, burdens and weariness that accompany ecclesial life, do not be discouraged! Have the eyes, hearts and, allow me to say, the “flair”, in order that, even amid numerous difficulties, you may recognize God’s work, the gifts of consolation and healing he bestows, and the sometimes invisible yet fruitful sowing of hidden holiness. By focusing on the positive aspects and the joy that comes from contemplating God’s work, we will know how to face even problematic situations with patience, avoiding inactivity and the spirit of defeatism. With tenacity and perseverance, go forth in the Lord!

Dear brothers and sisters, I thank you once again, together with your co-workers, for your generosity and dedication in promoting the missionary responsibility of the faithful, especially in caring for the children of the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood. May Our Lady intercede for you. I impart to you my heartfelt blessing. Please do not forget to pray for me. Thank you.

[1] SAINT JOHN PAUL II, Christifideles Laici (30 December 1988), 32.

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The Pope’s catechesis on the passion for evangelization

May 27, 2024 by Mission Societies in Home Page Slider

Throughout 2023, Pope Francis focused his catechesis on the passion for evangelization. Over the course of thirty talks, he explored the nature of apostolic zeal, the holy men and women who bore witness to that zeal in their own lives, and what true proclamation of the Gospel looks like today.

“Without apostolic zeal, faith withers. Mission, on the other hand, is the oxygen of Christian life: it invigorates and purifies it.” – January 11, 2023

The Church grows through attraction and witness

“The proclamation is born from the encounter with the Lord; every Christian activity, especially the mission, begins from there.” – February 15, 2023

The Holy Father asked us to rediscover the evangelizing passion by starting with the Scriptures. He recalled Matthew 9:9 as a model of evangelization.

“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, ‘Follow me’. And he got up and followed him.”

There are several steps to the call of Matthew. Jesus “saw” Matthew. He invited Matthew. Matthew rose, and then followed. The gaze of Jesus, the way he “saw” Matthew, inspired an attraction. So when Jesus gave Matthew the invitation, Matthew was spurred to movement. The Holy Father explained that this story demonstrates how evangelization begins — when we see our fellow man with the eyes of Christ, we bear witness to God’s love.

The Holy Spirit allows us to carry out the apostolic mission of the Church

“So, what does it mean to be apostles? It means being sent for a mission.” – March 15, 2023

Pope Francis reminded us that an apostle is one who is sent. And while ordained priests have particular charisms in the Body of Christ, each of us shares in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king. We must be open to the Holy Spirit — pray to the Holy Spirit — so that our hearts will be moved and we may receive the desire to evangelize.

Look to the saints for exemplary witnesses to true passion for the Gospel

For example, on Venerable Matteo Ricci: “He is great, yes, because he is a great scientist, he is great because he is courageous, he is great because he wrote many books — but above all, he is great because he was consistent in his vocation, consistent in his desire to follow Jesus Christ.” – May 31, 2023

Through the example of St. Kateri Tekakwitha: “Kateri’s life is further proof that apostolic zeal implies both union with Jesus, nourished by prayer and the sacraments, and the desire to spread the beauty of the Christian message through fidelity to one’s particular vocation.” – August 30, 2023

On St. Charles de Foucauld: “Brother Charles thus reminds us that the first step in evangelizing is to have Jesus inside one’s heart; it is to ‘fall head over heels’ for him.” – October 18, 2023

Proclamation is joyful, it is for everyone, it is for today, and it is of the Holy Spirit

“The Spirit is the protagonist; he always precedes the missionaries and makes the fruit grow.” – December 6, 2023

In his words on proclaiming the Gospel in our world, the Holy Father reminded us of the characteristics of true evangelization. Making note of the 10th anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, the Holy Father said we all must bring the joy of the Gospel to the streets. True proclamation requires us to leave behind our selfishness, overcome boundaries, and go out to encounter others in the “crossroads where human beings share what has meaning in their lives.”

Pope Francis described the Holy Spirit is the “engine of evangelization,” removing the fear that trapped the Apostles in the Upper Room and moving them to go out to change the world. He challenged us to pray to the Father, the Son, AND the Holy Spirit, asking, “Don’t you pray to the Holy Spirit, who is the one who moves your heart, who carries you forth, who brings you consolation, who brings you the desire to evangelize, undertake mission?”

At the conclusion of his catechesis, the Holy Father asked us to consider the following:

“Brothers, sisters, let us all feel called, as baptized people, to witness and proclaim Jesus. And let us ask for the grace, as Church, to bring about a pastoral and missionary conversion. On the banks of the Sea of Galilee, the Lord asked Peter if he loved him and then asked him to tend his sheep (cf. vv. 15-17). Let us too ask ourselves. Let each one of us ask ourselves this question, let us ask ourselves: Do I truly love the Lord to the point of wanting to proclaim him? Do I want to become his witness or am I content to be his disciple? Do I take to heart the people I meet, bringing them to Jesus in prayer? Do I want to do something so that the joy of the Gospel, which has transformed my life, may make their lives more beautiful? Let us think about this, let us think about these questions and go forward with our witness.”
Pope Francis, December 13, 2023

Through the missionary movement that you support with your prayers and financial contributions, thousands of missionaries are working across the globe, responding to Christ’s call to proclaim the Gospel. This work is only possible because of the many more missionaries at home, praying and supporting them. Thank you for being such an important part of our mission family.

In this spirit of mission, we invite you to support our work.

Pray – Donate – Share

Message from the Pope for World Mission Day 2024

February 16, 2024 by Mission Societies in Home Page Slider

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In his message for World Mission Sunday 2024, which will take place October 20, Pope Francis draws inspiration from the Gospel parable of the wedding banquet (Matthew 22:1-14). His message emphasizes three key points:

1- “Go and invite”
The mission involves tirelessly reaching out to all, inviting them to encounter God: “Tireless! God, great in love and rich in mercy, constantly sets out to encounter all men and women, and to call them to the happiness of his kingdom, even in the face of their indifference or refusal.”

2- “To the marriage feast”
Like the king who asks the servants to bring the invitation to his son’s wedding banquet to all, we are called to continue Christ’s mission, preaching the Gospel and inviting all to the Eucharistic table, where the Lord feeds us with his word and with his Body and Blood. “While the world sets before us the various “banquets” of consumerism, selfish comfort, the accumulation of wealth and individualism, the Gospel calls everyone to the divine banquet, marked by joy, sharing, justice and fraternity in communion with God and with others.”

3- “Everyone”
God desires everyone, without exception, to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
“Let us never forget, then, that in our missionary activities, we are asked to preach the Gospel to all. […] Christ’s missionary disciples have always had a heartfelt concern for all persons, whatever their social or even moral status. “

Read the full article on:

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/missions/documents/20240125-giornata-missionaria.html

In this spirit of mission, we invite you to support our work.

Pray – Donate – Share

New Year’s Message from the National Director

January 25, 2024 by Mission Societies in Home Page Slider

The dawning of a new year, as with any new beginning, is a perfect time to recall the mission to which each one of us is called. The words of Saint Pope John Paul II offer us insight: “Our own time, with humanity on the move and in continual search, demands a resurgence of the Church’s missionary activity. The horizons and possibilities for mission are growing even wider, and we Christians are called to an apostolic courage based upon trust in the Spirit.” (Redemptoris Missio, 30).

It is this conviction that has spurred the Pontifical Mission Societies onward – from the foundation of our first society by Blessed Pauline Jaricot in 1822 to the work we are called to do today. The mission of Christ the Redeemer, entrusted to the Church, is still far from completion. It must be renewed in our hearts daily.

Charles de Foucauld, founder of the Little Brothers of Jesus, wrote: “All our life, however silent it is… must be a witness of the Good News through example; our whole existence, whatever we are, must shout the Good News from the rooftops!” What Good News? That Jesus has come as one of us, has died, has risen and invites us — each and all of us — to the fullness of life now and forever. The past has been redeemed! We can stop being afraid. God is here.

In the dark days of winter, fear, distress or illness, our own lives can sometimes seem “silent” as Saint Charles de Foucauld describes. But we are still called upon to shout the Good News in whatever way we can.

How do we shout the Good News? We can join in solidarity with missionaries far from home and with the people they serve. Let us support them with our prayers and offerings and sufferings carried in our steadfast and hope-filled faith. In the years that I have spent working with the societies, I have been more convinced of the outstanding contribution they have made to the proclamation of the Gospel and to the nurturing of faith in every corner of our world.

We have perhaps no better example of prayer for the missions than in St. Therese of the Child Jesus. To her we ask:

Dear Little Flower of Lisieux, how wonderful was the short life you led. Though cloistered, you went far and wide through fervent prayers and great sufferings. You obtained from God untold help and graces for his evangelists.

Help all missionaries and teach all of us to spread Christianity in our own neighborhoods and family circles. Amen.

Thank you for your support for the missions. We pray we can continue to rely on each other in 2024 as we spread Christ’s love and act as witnesses to all.

Fr. Alex Osei, C.S.Sp.

National Director

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