New programme focused on mission and formation

A BRAND new programme dedicated to Blessed Pauline Jaricot was unveiled recently at the Catholic University of Lyon (UCLY) by Fr Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU).

The programme, which is a joint academic and pastoral initiative between the university Pontifical Mission Societies, focuses on pastoral theology to train and support international Fidei Donum missionaries and pastoral workers serving in France.

The creation of this programme stems primarily from the observation that the face of the local Church is also characterised by an increasingly significant presence of religious men and women, as well as lay people of foreign origin.

In turn, this speaks of a need to clarify the forms of intercultural and inter-pastoral dialogue in order to intervene in an increasingly de-Christianised European context, drawing on the contributions and experiences developed in the ecclesial contexts of sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

Providing the necessary means and skills to intervene in the current French cultural and pastoral situation is the objective of this programme dedicated to Blessed Pauline, as well as providing training in the cultural and pastoral context, which it is hoped will prove useful for establishing a fruitful dialogue with sister churches in the Global South.

The programme lasts one to three years, depending on the participants' availability, and is structured around three main areas. Firstly, there are courses, including a course in pastoral theology, a course chosen by the student, and a specialisation course offered by the programme, which this year focuses on the sociology of Christianity. Secondly, study days are also offered, addressing themes such as migration, popular religiosity, ministry, and community. Lastly, workshops are incorporated, with the aim of providing targeted training in light of a reflection on practical work in the missionary field.

After celebrating a Mass at the university’s St Irenaeus Chapel, Fr Nguyen led the inauguration of the programme at the Aristotle Amphitheatre at UCLY, during which he not only praised the great faith witness of Blessed Pauline—foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the Living Rosary—but also emphasised the importance of formation in supporting missionary work.

"Pauline was a young laywoman from Lyon who discovered that Christ can transform an entire life when one opens one's heart to Him,” he said. “Her genius lay in understanding that mission belongs to all of God's people. One does not become a missionary through one's own resources, knowledge, or power. One becomes a missionary when one encounters the love of Christ and that love overflows to others. The entire Christian life begins there. Before being an activity, mission is an encounter. Before being a commitment, it is communion. Before being a responsibility, it is a gift.

“And formation is neither a technique nor a strategy. It is not primarily a skill either. Initial missionary formation consists of remaining close to Christ.”

Fr Nguyen added: “Today, the PMU is called not only to continue its work of evangelisation and missionary formation for priests and consecrated persons, but also to accompany a Church where missionary responsibility is more broadly shared and where the lay faithful occupy an essential place.

“It is precisely from this perspective that university missiology is entrusted with a particular responsibility today: not only to study mission, but also to contribute to the formation of those who will carry it out tomorrow. This is why the intuition of Blessed Paolo Manna—considered to be the founder of the PMU—remains extraordinarily relevant: to unite those engaged in mission, by forming them together, so that the whole Church can continue to proclaim the Gospel to the entire world.”

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