The world’s largest missionary society is to re-launch in September as Missio in England & Wales. The Pontifical Mission Societies in England & Wales announced the change following a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Faustino Sainz Muñoz, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, at their London headquarters on Tuesday 9 June. The Apostolic Nuncio’s presence demonstrated the importance of mission to Pope Benedict XVI and the Church as a whole.
The new name ‘Missio’ symbolises unity in faith and mission, overseeing the support given to every one of the 1,069 mission dioceses in the world through an effective collection of funds and support according to their specific needs. These include supporting 194,855 schools, 5,246 hospitals, 17,530 dispensaries, 577 leprosy centres and 80,560 social and pastoral projects worldwide. Funds collected in each diocese of England & Wales are sent directly to local bishops in the mission territories.
Mgr John Dale, National Director, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Muñoz, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, Fr Tony Chantry Mill Hill General Superior and Mgr Vincent Brady, secretary to the Nuncio at the London offices.
Despite the name change, its life-giving mission remains unchanged. For over 70 years ‘To be a Christian is to be a missionary’ has been a familiar theme to people in England & Wales as they supported and prayed for the missions through the Red Boxes today present in over 200,000 homes.
Pope Benedict XVI drew attention to the importance of mission and the work of Missio in his message for World Mission Sunday last year. He expressed his appreciation of the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies (Missio from September onwards).
“By looking at St Paul's experience, we understand that missionary activity is a response to the love with which God loves us. His love redeems us and urges us to missio ad gentes (Mission to all peoples). It is the spiritual energy that can make harmony, justice and communion grow among persons, races and peoples to which everyone aspires.
“I deeply appreciate the contribution of the Pontifical Mission Societies to the Church's evangelizing work. I am grateful for the support they offer to all the communities, especially the young ones. PMS play a key role in nurturing a real spirit of communion, of people and financial help, between the different parts of the Mystical Body of Christ.”
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In England and Wales, the Pontifical Mission Societies are best known through the activities of the Association for the Propagation of the Faith (APF), the Society of St Peter the Apostle (SPA) and Mission Together (Holy Childhood).
Mgr John Dale, National Director of Missio in England & Wales, explained the thinking behind the re-launch.
“As a symbol of unity in faith and mission, several of the European offices have chosen to share a single name – Missio - a word that is simple and easily recognisable in many languages,” he said. “Missio, from the Latin ‘sending out’, also expresses commitment to the God-given mission of the Church.
“This change of name, which will be adopted in September, has been approved and welcomed by the Bishops of England and Wales and the National Council of PMS Diocesan Directors. Its logo shows the Cross at the centre of its service to the Gospel. The new motto ‘Sharing faith, giving life’ expresses Missio’s vital commitment to serving the Church, especially where the Church is
Source: Missio
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