Divided or united to proclaim Jesus Christ to all peoples?

Abstract

In 1993, the International Secretariat of Pontifical Missionary Union published a document in English entitled United to Proclaim Christ to All peoples. Vademecum of Pontifical Missionary Union. Two years later in 1995, the abovementioned document was translated into Polish. Despite the fact that is has been 25 years since its publication in Polish, it is worth referring to this reading in order to get a closer look at the history, purpose and aims of the Papal Missionary Union. It is one out of four Papal Missionary Works. The presented considerations are to focus on four basic parts of this document: 1) Present Day Missions; 2) Missions as Essence of Priestly and Consecrated Life, 3) History of Pontifical Missionary Union; 4) Organisation and Activity of Pontifical Missionary Union. It is our wish to derive from the speeches and care of Pope Francis for the contemporary work of evangelization, which is supposed to be undertaken be the entire community of the Catholic Church – the clergy and laypeople. For Pope Francis being a Christian means being a missionary – the apostle. It is not enough to acquaint with Jesus Christ. One has to spread His Word to others, give the testimony of God’s love for each human being. The present day world, including countries with a rich Christian tradition, constitutes a vast missionary ground.