The Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Puerto Rico (ECP) have confirmed their commitment to hold, together with the country’s Pontifical Missionary Works, the 6th American Missionary Congress (CAM6) for the year 2024, after its postponement a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a note dated June 2, 2021, the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) reported that the Puerto Rican Prelates affirmed that “preparations to welcome the delegations of the different countries of Latin America continue,” and that the event will take place in Ponce from November 17-23.
Memory of the Faith in America
Father Orlando Camacho, Director of the Pontifical Missionary Works (PMW) in Puerto Rico, stressed that there “are four lines of action in 2021, focused on reflecting on the mission, the memory of the faith in America, particularly with lay testimonies and the spirituality of the CAM6 sign.”
“It is a torch in reference to Christ’s light, which lights the countries of America. In this phase, the communication’s project includes the radio program “Heading to CAM6: Beyond the Borders,” added the priest.
Acquired Commitments
CELAM’s note explained that, as a prelude to CAM6, the First Continental Assembly will be held in 2022, which the Brazilian delegation will organize. In a national context, they have also organized the first National Missionary Symposium in the diocese of Arecibo, in 2022, and the second International Missionary Symposium, which “in turn will be the Pontifical Missionary Works’ Continental Assembly.” The second National Missionary Symposium will be held in the diocese of Caguas in 2023.
The announcement that Puerto Rico will host CAM6 was made on February 16, 2020, just before the lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The delays notwithstanding, the Church has guaranteed that the activities will take place at the established times.
CAM6
The American Missionary Congress’ Website explains that the ECP and national PMW “engaged in a path of prayer, reflection, and discernment that led to assuming the animation of the missionary spirituality of America’s Church.” Puerto Rico and the whole of the Caribbean will become the front door to return to the roots and recapitulate the faith of the Continent’s local Churches,” adds the site.
“All the People of God pilgrimaging and evangelizing in these Borincan [Puerto Rican] lands must pray incessantly for CAM6’s preparation and fruits, as well as be available to offer their gifts, talents, and charisms for the mission’s development,” it points out.
Translation by Virginia M. Forrester
