UGANDA: Nuncio To Uganda Commends PMS for Fostering Missionary Spirit Among the People of God
Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda His Excellence Archbishop Luigi Bianco
Masereka Peter
The Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda His Excellence Archbishop Luigi Bianco, has commended the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Uganda as he highlighted the importance of the Church’s mission as envisioned in Pope Francis’ letter Evangelii Gaudium, the Joy of the Gospel, publicized at the beginning of his Pontificate 10 years ago.
He made this commendation on November 29, 2023, during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the National Council of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Uganda, which took place from November 28 to December 1, 2023 and comprised of all the Diocesan Directors of PMS from the 19 Catholic dioceses in Uganda.
They convened at St. Augustine Institute (SAI) in Nsambya in the presence of Rt. Rev. Damiano Giulio Guzzetti, Bishop of Moroto diocese and President of the Episcopal Commission for Mission.
On the occasion, the Nuncio congratulated Rt. Rev. Damiano Giulio Guzzetti MCCI the Ordinary of Moroto Diocese in Gulu Ecclesiastic province upon his appointment which was confirmed at the end of last year as the president Episcopal commission for Mission
He said the purpose of the meeting is to share reports and experiences of the PMS activities in their different dioceses as well as charting ways of continuing to animate the faithful with the missionary spirit and charism of the PMS Founders and confraternity existing throughout the Catholic Church all over the world.
Meanwhile, the National Director for PMS Fr. Ponsiano Kaweesa said the meetings run annually at the beginning of December and ends on the feast day of St. Francis Xavier the patron saint of the Mission.
Fr Kaweesa has called on diocesan directors to strengthen pastoral among children who are the future of the church teaching them the norms, value and doctrine of the church.
He also reminded the Diocesan Directors on the theme Pope chose for the 2023 celebration for the World Mission Sunday which was “hearts on fire, feet on the move” which he said was inspired by the story of Jesus and the disciples on the road to Emmaus after the resurrection, calling for a need to reach every Christians despite of the status.
The National Director said Pontifical Mission Societies “are not a mere agency for the distribution of funds for those in need of help, but a reality called to support the mission of evangelization in the Church both universal and local, and to fostering the missionary spirit among the People of God”.
Pope Francis urges the PMS directors to “intensify even more, with the boldness and creativity of the Holy Spirit, the various activities directed to guiding, educating and forming the missionary spirit.
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