From December 2 to 6, the world meeting of Societies of Apostolic Life takes place for the first time in the city of India, coinciding with the exhibition of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier. Card Ferrão: missionary realities must be able to “inspire the Church” to embrace “its synodal path.” The superior general of the PIME was also present.
Goa () – “A light in the world that opens new frontiers” thanks to apostolic zeal and the ability to adapt on the path of mission, within which they play an “essential role” for the life of the Church and its work of evangelization, said Card. Filipe Neri Ferrão, archbishop of Goa and Daman (India), in the speech he gave yesterday at the opening of the World Meeting of Societies of Apostolic Life (MISAL 2024), which will continue until December 6. The cardinal affirmed that these missionary realities are capable of “inspiring the Church” to embrace “its synodal path with greater inclusivity, creativity and a renewed commitment to mission.”
The 2024 edition of MISAL has a special meaning because it coincides with the exhibition of the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier, patron of the missions, whose feast day is celebrated today, and has the participation of prominent representatives of the Asian continent and the universal Church , among them Card. Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Card. Filipe Neri Ferrão, archbishop of Goa and Daman, and Bishop Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to India and Nepal. The Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) is also present at the meeting by the superior general, Fr. Ferruccio Brambillasca, and Fr. Xavier Lourdh, from the general direction.
The Card. Ferrão – who is also president of the Conference of Indian Latin Rite Churches (CCBI) and from January will assume the leadership of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) – addressing the representatives of the Societies of Apostolic Life, praised their dedication and flexibility to respond to the needs of the modern world. “Rooted in a shared charisma, you are committed – he explained – in works such as evangelization, education, health and social justice, responding to the needs of the modern world with flexibility and dynamism.” The cardinal then underlined the missionary commitment, adding that “you often work in places where the presence of the Church is most necessary.”
In his inaugural speech, Card. Ferrão then related the meaning of the meeting to the rich missionary heritage of Goa, a city that five centuries ago became the “crucial center for the evangelization of the East.” The cardinal also praised the Society of the Pillar (the missionaries of St. Francis Xavier) for continuing this legacy through their missionary activities, which have had a great impact. “Today the Society of Missionaries of Saint Francis Xavier, known as Padres del Pilar, carries this flame, committing itself – he concluded – to relevant and fruitful missionary activities in both the East and the West.”
Precisely the Pilar Society is the headquarters of the 2024 edition of MISAL, a biennial meeting whose theme this year is: “Walking together: meeting new frontiers” and brings together the leaders of at least 22 Societies of Apostolic Life (SAL) from around the world. The global summit aims to strengthen unity, face new challenges, promote collaboration and explore new ways to reach all the people of the world with the message and mission of Jesus.
Today the delegates participated in the mass in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, presided over by Card. Tagle and visited the cathedral to venerate the relics of Saint Francis Xavier. From December 4 to 6, they will focus on discussions and strategic planning, guided by theologian Félix Wilfred. The sessions are structured to achieve three objectives: identify new mission frontiers, propose mission processes, and organizational support for the mission. Upon completion, delegates will adopt a vision and mission statement inspired by the theme.
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