Team Herald
PILAR: “Christian love goes beyond all frontiers to witness Jesus through our mission,” said Cardinal Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, as he delivered the keynote address at the inauguration of the biennial meeting of the International Societies of Apostolic Life (MISAL). The event, hosted by the Missionary Society of St Francis Xavier (Society of Pilar) from December 2 to 6, 2024, centres around the theme, ‘Journeying Together: Encountering New Frontiers’.
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In his keynote, Cardinal Tagle offered a profound exploration of the concept of ‘frontiers,’ presenting a threefold interpretation. He described frontiers as borders—civil, historical, cultural, and ethnic—emphasising their significance in the context of evangelisation. “Understanding these borders helps us describe local churches and enables inculturation,” he explained, urging the Church to disentangle Christianity from any single cultural identity and to emulate Jesus’ example of transcending territorial divisions.
The second frontier, he noted, represents unexplored areas yet to be addressed, while the third involves expanding knowledge in fields like digital technology and synodality. “By redefining cultural elements and advancing understanding, we can better navigate these frontiers and give testimony to the universal frontiers of Christian love,” he said.
MISAL 2024, attended by representatives of 29 Societies of Apostolic Life, opened with a ceremony led by Fr Stephen D’Souza, vicar general of the Society of Pilar. The traditional lamp lighting was performed by Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli (Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal), and other dignitaries.
In his welcome address, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, described the participating societies as “a light in the world, breaking new frontiers.” He commended their adaptability and apostolic zeal. Archbishop Girelli underscored the vital role these societies play in evangelisation, urging them to embrace synodal challenges and follow the examples of St Francis Xavier and St Joseph Vaz.
Fr Nazareth Fernandes, superior general of the Society of Pilar, welcomed delegates, highlighting the historical significance of Pilar as a venue that has inspired generations of missionaries.
The keynote address session concluded with a question-and-answer discussion moderated by Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas of Baroda. Fr Norman Almeida Sfx expressed gratitude to Cardinal Tagle and Bishop Mascarenhas for their insights.
Anchored by Fr Randal Dsouza SFX and Sr Nina Lopes MSP, the ceremony set a reflective and forward-looking tone for the five-day gathering, as participants engage in exploring new avenues for their mission of evangelization.
