Christian Love Goes Beyond Frontiers: Cardinal Tagle at MISAL 2024

Pilar, December 2, 2024: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, delivering the key note address at the biennial Meeting of the International Societies of Apostolic Life (MISAL) on December 2 in Pilar, Goa, stating, "Christian love goes beyond all frontiers to witness Jesus through our mission." The five-day global event, held from December 2 to 6 under the theme "Journeying Together: Encountering New Frontiers," gathered representatives from 29 Societies of Apostolic Life and other prominent religious leaders, along with clergy and lay Catholics,

In his address, Cardinal Tagle emphasized the importance of understanding "frontiers" in the context of walking together for evangelization. He offered a threefold explanation of the term. "A frontier is a border between two territories, encompassing civil, historical, cultural, and ethnic dimensions," he said. 

Cardinal Tagle noted that understanding these borders aids in describing local churches and facilitates inculturation. He pointed to Jesus' example of moving across territories to foster appreciation and to disentangle Christianity from being identified with one culture.

Highlighting the need for attentiveness to frontiers, he stressed the importance of redefining cultural elements for better understanding. “While respecting the first frontiers of borders, we fail to give testimony to the universal frontiers of Christian love,” he remarked.

Cardinal Tagle identified the second frontier as unexplored areas needing to be conquered and the third as the frontier of knowledge. “This refers to new fields requiring further investigation, such as digital technology and synodality in the Church,” he said.

Following Cardinal Tagle's keynote address, a question-and-answer session moderated by Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas, Bishop of Baroda, provided further insights.

Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, underscored the role of Societies of Apostolic Life in the frontline of evangelization. He urged them to inspire the Church to embrace synodal challenges, citing St. Francis Xavier and St. Joseph Vaz as exemplars of crossing frontiers to proclaim 

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, delivered an inspiring welcome address, describing these societies as “a light in the world, breaking new frontiers,” and highlighting their adaptability and apostolic zeal.

Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General of the Society of Pilar, extended a warm welcome to the Cardinals, Bishops and delegates. He emphasized the key aspects of MISAL 2024 and described Pilar as a fitting venue where numerous missionaries have drawn inspiration and strength for their work.

Fr. Norman Almeida Sfx concluded the inaugural/keynote address session by thanking Cardinal Tagle and Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas for their contributions. 

Fr. Stephen D'Souza, Vicar General of the Society of Pilar initiated the traditional lamp lighting ceremony, during which the lamp was lit by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Caridnal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli and Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman and Bishop Alex Dias , Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair . 

The evening saw a public reception honouring the dignitaries and delegates. The program featured a musical performance and a play celebrating the history and growth of the Society of Pilar, creating a memorable start to MISAL 2024.

MISAL 2024 is hosted by the Missionary Society of St. Francis Xavier, also known as the Society of Pilar. This indigenous missionary Society of Apostolic Life was founded on September 26, 1887, in Goa by Rev. Fr. Bento Martins.

By Br Malvino Alfonso OCD