31st National Council of Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Held in Maroua-Mokolo

The event was coordinated under the supervision of Bishop Jean Bosco Ntep of Edea Diocese and Bishop Emmanuel Dassi of Bafia Diocese.

Key Objectives and Activities:

1. Reflection on Evangelization: The council provided a platform for participants to reflect on the work of evangelization carried out by the Church in Cameroon.

2. Reports and Evaluation: Diocesan Directors presented reports from their respective dioceses, allowing for an evaluation of ongoing projects and challenges faced in the field.

3. Project Assessment: The council assessed projects sponsored by the Pontifical Missionary Societies in Rome, exploring ways to enhance their impact.

4. Methods to Foster Evangelization: Discussions centered on proposing effective methods to foster the work of evangelization, addressing the unique challenges faced by the Church in Cameroon.

5. Financial Contributions: Participants deliberated on ways to improve contributions made by the faithful for the different Pontifical Societies, recognizing the financial aspect as crucial for sustaining missionary activities.{loadmoduleid 377}

6. Prayers and Reflections: The council included moments of prayer for the Church in Cameroon and the overall work of evangelization. Participants also reflected on the life and mission of Venerable Simon Mpeke, a missionary priest known as Baba Simon.

Pontifical Missionary Societies:

The Pontifical Missionary Societies consist of four distinct entities:

• Pontifical Missionary Societies for the Propagation of the Faith (PMPF)
• Pontifical Society of Saint Peter the Apostle (POSPA)
• Pontifical Society of Holy Childhood (POSI)
• Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU)

These societies, founded at different times by different individuals, now form a unique institution under the Congregation responsible for the Evangelization of the Peoples.

Mission and Contributions:

The primary goal of PMS is to promote the universal missionary spirit among God's people and facilitate spiritual and material cooperation in evangelization efforts. Contributions from Christian communities worldwide are collected and sent to Rome, where they are redistributed to support evangelization, particularly in mission territories.

The Pontifical Missionary Societies have played a significant role in supporting various initiatives in dioceses, including the construction of churches, schools, presbyteries, and religious houses.

The 31st National Council of PMS coincided with the 47th Annual Seminar of the Bishops of Cameroon, held in the Diocese of Maroua-Mokolo under the theme: "A Synodal Church on Mission." This convergence of events underscores the collective efforts and commitment of the Church in Cameroon towards its mission and evangelization.{loadmoduleid 378}