A key meeting in Madrid
From May 12 to 14, Madrid hosted a significant event: the National Day of Diocesan Delegates of Missions and the National Assembly of the Pontifical Missional Works. This year, the discussion focused on a fundamental aspect: the missionary preparation of future priests.
The involvement of bishops
The meeting was attended by prominent bishops of the Episcopal Commission for Missions and Cooperation with Churches, including Joseba Segura, President of the Commission and Bishop of Bilbao, as well as Arturo García and Josep-Lluís Serrano. In addition, the meeting gathered seven delegates from Catalonia and more than forty participants from other Spanish dioceses.
Inspirational reflections
The inaugural conference, entitled ‘The missionaries, test of hope’, was presented by Juan Carlos Carvajal, a professor at the Sant Damas Ecclesiastical University. His speech was an invitation to reflect on the biblical foundation of missionary commitment, emphasizing that the mission must be born of the hope that emanates from the heart of the Trinidad.
A 150 -year testament
Fr Jesús Graciliano shared his testimony about the 150th anniversary of Salesian missions, emphasizing the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit in the announcement of Christ’s message, especially in those places where it is not yet known.
Comprehensive training for the mission
On Tuesday morning, José San José Prisco, a professor at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, addressed the question of integral training for priests and religious life in the context of the mission. It emphasized key aspects such as the capacity for dialogue, the option for the poor, and the social sensitivity, as well as the importance of discernment and resilience.
Round table on missionary training
The morning day concluded with a round table that brought together various experts and members of different realities linked to missionary training.
Reflection and prayer spaces
In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to reflect on the reality of missionary training in the diocesan seminars. The day ended with the nothing of the missionary rosary in front of the Blessed, a moment of deep spirituality and union.
Perspectives for the future
The last day, Wednesday 14, was dedicated to the presentation of Domund 2025 by Fr Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen. This event emphasized the message of Pope Francis for the world missionary day 2025, with the slogan ‘Missionaries of hope among the peoples’, which is considered his spiritual will, since it is the last missionary document issued by the pontiff.
Closing and final information
The day closed with several relevant information on the pontifical missionals, leaving a message of hope and commitment to the future of the mission.