"Communion, creativity, and tenacity. Let us consider these essential words, which are relevant for the Church in its permanent state of mission, and especially for our Missionary Societies called to renewal in order to be ever more effective in service," said Pope Francis while addressing the National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies gathered in Rome for the Annual General Assembly last week.

The Holy Father was addressing 120 National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies on Saturday, May 25, during the traditional audience for the Annual General Assembly. Many National Directors made the special trip to Rome to attend the Assembly at the "Fraterna Domus" spirituality center in Sacrofano.

Missio Malta's National Director Rev. Victor Agius, who attended the Assembly, note how the annual meeting served to inspire and bolster the work of the international network of missionaries around the world. "The Annual General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies serves as a moment for Directors to touch base and receive the needed spiritual guidance from the Holy Father, that is necessary to inspire the upcoming months of work. It is an opportunity for reflection and fellowship, in sharing the experiences and aspirations with fellow missionaries from around the globe. The experience is a unique occasion, of hope, towards a coordinated and well-organised missionary function that makes the difference in the lives of millions, on the ground," Rev. Victor Agius said.

Pope Francis discussed the Holy Trinity's celebration from the previous day. He interpreted three key words in a missionary context, beginning with "communion": "When we contemplate the Trinity, we see that God is a communion of persons, a mystery of love. The love with which God comes to seek and save us, rooted in his being One and Triune, is also the basis of the missionary nature of the pilgrim Church on earth."

The "creativity" - the second word "delivered" by Pope Francis to the National Directors of the PMS - arises from being "rooted in God's creative work, which makes all things new." The Pope emphasized: "missionary activity is creative to the extent that Christ's charity is its origin, form, and end. Thus, with inexhaustible imagination, such charity inspires new ways of evangelizing and serving others, especially the poorest."

"Tenacity", the third word entrusted by Pope Francis to the reflection of the Assembly: "Let us also contemplate this characteristic of the love of the Triune God who, in order to fulfil his plan of salvation, with constant faithfulness has sent his servants throughout history and, in the fullness of time, gave himself in Christ Jesus. The divine mission 'is a tireless going out to all men and women, in order to invite them to encounter God and enter into communion with him."

The full address by His Holiness, Pope Francis is available on: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/may/documents/20240525-pom.html

The Annual General Assembly is a central event during the year, and this edition will focus on the renewal of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The Assembly's work is set to continue until May 31.