Category Archives: evangelization

I thought we would take the Conclusion of Redemptoris Missio in one swallow. Let’s start with a note of optimism and opportunity: Today, as never before, the Church has the opportunity of bringing the Gospel, by witness and word, to … Continue reading →

The missionary is a person of the Beatitudes. Before sending out the Twelve to evangelize, Jesus, in his “missionary discourse” (cf. Mt 10), teaches them the paths of mission: poverty, meekness, acceptance of suffering and persecution, the desire for justice … Continue reading →

For their part, missionaries should reflect on the duty of holiness required of them by the gift of their vocation, renew themselves in spirit day by day, and strive to update their doctrinal and pastoral formation. The missionary must be … Continue reading →

I think these last paragraphs are important and deserve some focused attention. If you’ve been with us or know the document, you know we’ll finish up in just a few days. Pope John Paul II finishes this document with some … Continue reading →

Pope John Paul II affirms the baptismal call to holiness. People make the error that ordination or religious vows defines holiness. They do not. That baptized persons do not readily shoulder the mantle of holiness is an impoverishment in the … Continue reading →

When Pope John Paul II describes “Loving the Church and Humanity As Jesus Did,” we’re continuing along that path of imitation. The first notion to be explored is “apostolic charity.” We’re not talking about charity as much as caritas. This isn’t … Continue reading →

Living the Mystery of Christ, “the One who was sent” An essential characteristic of missionary spirituality is intimate communion with Christ. We cannot understand or carry out the mission unless we refer it to Christ as the one who was … Continue reading →

Are we ready to explore a final chapter? Pope John Paul II, by titling this “Missionary Spirituality” implies there is a place for the mystic in the mission. That notion is intriguing, as it suggests an orientation outside of human … Continue reading →

Optimism underscores Pope John Paul II’s vision for the future. How else could he write that “God Is Preparing a New Springtime for the Gospel”? If we look at today’s world, we are struck by many negative factors that can … Continue reading →

Finishing up section 85 discussing giving and receiving. Pope John Paul II is worried about older churches focusing on the so-called new evangelization. We should be more concerned about churches that have lost any missionary emphasis and become institutions focused … Continue reading →

Not Only Giving to the Missions But Receiving From Them As Well Cooperating in missionary activity means not just giving but also receiving. All the particular churches, both young and old, are called to give and to receive in the … Continue reading →

When Pope John Paul II discusses “The Primary Responsibility of the Pontifical Mission Societies,” what does he mean? What are these bodies? Basically, the groups that oversee the pope’s initiatives in mission areas. There are four main ones. The leading … Continue reading →

More on the section that addresses “Missionary Promotion and Formation Among the People of God.” What do we mean by formation for mission? Such formation is entrusted to priests and their associates, to educators and teachers, and to theologians, particularly … Continue reading →

This section addresses “Missionary Promotion and Formation Among the People of God.” Missionary formation is the task of the local Church, assisted by missionaries and their institutes, and by personnel from the young churches. This work must be seen not … Continue reading →

Regarding the following in apostolic footsteps: Reasons of work nowadays bring many Christians from young communities to areas where Christianity is unknown and at times prohibited or persecuted. The same is true of members of the faithful from traditionally Christian … Continue reading →