What is Missionary Childhood Day?
In a recent interview to Agenzia Fides – the Vatican news agency – Sister Roberta Tremarelli, Secretary General of the Pontifical Society of Holy Childhood (Mission Together), provided a helpful explanation of the meaning and genesis of Missionary Childhood Day. Below is an abridged transcript.
“When Missionary Childhood Day was established on 4 December 1950 by Pope Pius XII, all countries were asked to identify a date to be dedicated to Holy Childhood. Many celebrate it on 6th January precisely because it is the Epiphany, a day of feast for children. But in other countries it is celebrated in February or May or July or October.”
“To have a Day dedicated to Holy Childhood Society, even if the dates are different in the world, means that, on that occasion, all the children on the continent are put in relation, in communication with each other. Jesus is the centre and at the same time represents a bond for the children in the whole world”. Sister Roberta Tremarelli
“It is an occasion dedicated to all the children who, like adults, are missionaries, by virtue of Baptism. This also recalls the theme of this year’s Extraordinary Missionary Month: Baptized and sent.”
The Extraordinary Month of Mission referred to by Sr Tremarelli, takes place in October 2019. As we approach this special month, Mission Together will be producing even more resources to encourage pupils in England and Wales to be mini-missionaries – praying for and sharing with other children around the world in a unique exchange of faith and friendship. Follow us on Twitter or sign up for our e-newsletter to keep abreast of our new resources.
