The Church’s Missionary Transformation (Evangelii Gaudium Nos. 19-49) presented by Sr. Esther Adama, SNDdeN in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Participants at the seminar. Sister Esther Adama, SNDden with Bishop Paul Olowore of Ilorin diocese.
Excerpt from the presentation. You can download the whole file here: New evangelization talk 2
“Going out to others in order to reach the fringes of humanity does not mean rushing out aimlessly into the world. Often it is better simply to have a plan, common agenda, and slow down as we take one step at a time as we walk with God, to put aside our eagerness, prejudices and stereotypes in order to see and listen to others, to stop rushing from one thing to another without evaluation and to remain with someone who has faltered along the way without being judgmental. At times we have to be like the father of the prodigal son, who always keeps his door open so that when the son returns, he can readily pass through it.
The Church should be seen as the Father’s house with doors wide open to the materially and spiritually poor, the physically and psychologically traumatized in the society. The Church is called to have doors always wide open—all can be part of the community, and sacraments should not be closed for any reason—especially baptism. “The Eucharist, although it is the fullness of sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.” Issues that discourage parishioners during the burial of a member be checked as this occasion is meant for consoling bereaved members and not a moment for fund raising.”