CBCP to launch 'Year of Mission' Jan. 14

Published January 13, 2012 10:00am

Catholic bishops will gather in Metro Manila on Saturday for the official launching of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' "Year of Mission."

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop and CBCP vice president Socrates Villegas will be the main presider over the Mass at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Pasay City. The CBCP had declared 2012 as the “Year of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS)” to mark the PMS’ 80th anniversary.

A CBCP news release said the PMS are the “Pope’s Mission Societies,” with the “leading role” in mission promotion of the Catholic Church.

“The PMS were given the status of ‘pontifical’ meaning they are under the direction of the Holy Father. Their common goal is the fostering of a universal missionary spirit among all Catholics,” said Palma.

“It is to be a grace-filled year, marked by renewed enthusiasm for dedicated service as Christ’s evangelizing disciples,” CBCP president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said in a pastoral exhortation.

Meanwhile, PMS National Director Fr. Socrates Mesiona urged Catholics to participate in the yearlong mission activities in parishes, Catholic schools, and Church organizations.

He said he hopes the PMS activities will “renew the Filipinos’ missionary commitment and lead everyone to be effective witnesses of God’s love through service and discipleship.”

The highlight of the celebration will be the Grand Mission Festival, a national event to be held in Marikina City from April 18 to 20. - VVP, GMA News

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