Over 2000 children from all the dioceses of the Czech Republic congregated for the 3rd national congress of missionary childhood in Brno on 6 October, in a cathedral totally refurbished after its period of neglect during the Communist regime. As reported by the Fides international press agency, the congress was opened by the Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Diego Causero. The various groups of children were scattered through the city where missionary “stations” had been set up. The parishes had prepared to receive them by each seeking inspiration from a different continent: Asia, Africa, America, Europe and Oceania. Songs, illustrations, dramatic performances and games formed the backdrop to the meeting which had its culminating moment in the cathedral. Apart from the Nuncio, the Bishop of Litomerice, Pavel Posád, and Archbishop emeritus of Hradec Kralove, Karel Otèenáek, were present at the service. The 87-year-old archbishop told the children of his life, much of it lived under the Communist regime: “for those who lived under the Communist regime – he said – it seems a dream to see this cathedral full of children who are gathered round the Lord and who pray for the whole world”. A message sent by the general secretary of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood in the Czech Republic was also read out: “The Pope thanks you, the whole Church is grateful to you for what you are and what you are doing: little children – but big evangelisers! In your celebration you give to the whole Nation a wonderful testimony of evangelical joy and commitment. I know your great dedication to the poor children in the world. You know very well the situation of so many children in Asia, in Africa, in Latin America… millions of children have never heard the name of Jesus, they don’t know how to call God with the name of Father because no one has spread the Gospel in their land. For these children you pray every day and make small sacrifices. The Church wishes to thank you”.
