On the threshold of the modern era, the discovery of new lands and of peoples who had not been touched by the Gospel raises afresh the question of evangelisation. The creation of the Roman Congregation De Propaganda fide (1622) would distinguish this task from the colonisation then taking shape, although the two were frequently associated. And for a long time, Rome would not have a free hand to impose its view of an endeavour having the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ as its sole compass. From a rereading of this history emerges this constant conviction, present from the earliest days of the Congregation, which would adapt to the diversity of contexts so that the present face of the Mission could take shape, with dimensions covering the whole world and borne by all Christians.
About the speaker:
By Father Daniel Moulinet: emeritus professor at the Faculty of Theology of the Catholic University of Lyon