The Families in Mission are families coming from the Neocatechumenal Way that offer themselves voluntarily and freely, leaving their homes, work and friends to go in mission in the World according to the needs of the Neocatechumenal Way, wherever they are requested by the bishops of the Catholic Church, where evangelization, implantation of the church (implantatio ecclesiae) and/or the foundation of the Neocatechumenal Way is necessary.
The families give their readiness to go to any part of the world, freely, confiding in Divine Providence, and receiving their destination in purpose-held meetings, called (convivences of the families), by the Responsible Team of the Neocatechumenal Way (currently made up of Kiko Arguello, Carmen Hernandez and Father Mario Pezzi, a priest). Their sending usually takes place in the presence of the local Bishop in an official ceremony.
The families in Mission remain united with the original parish and Neocatechumenal Community, towards which they periodically return. Moreover, they are free to interrupt or terminate their missionary experienceat any moment.
The latest sending of two hundred families in mission happened on the 12th of January 2006, after an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.
There are currently around 500 families in mission around the world, in all six continents.
Famous quotes containing the words families and/or mission:
“Accidents will occur in the best regulated families; and in families not regulated by that pervading influence which sanctifies while it enhances the—a—I would say, in short, by the influence of Woman, in the lofty character of Wife, they may be expected with confidence, and must be borne with philosophy.”
—Charles Dickens (1812–1870)
“Not in vain is Ireland pouring itself all over the earth. Divine Providence has a mission for her children to fulfill; though a mission unrecognized by political economists. There is ever a moral balance preserved in the universe, like the vibrations of the pendulum. The Irish, with their glowing hearts and reverent credulity, are needed in this cold age of intellect and skepticism.”
—Lydia M. Child (1802–1880)