A Simple Way for Me to Preach the Gospel and Seek the Conversion of Sinners
For me, a Popular Mission is a simple yet powerful way to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people. Together with a group of fellow religious and priests, I dedicate one or two weeks to working in a parish community. During that time, I visit families and the sick, and I help organize various activities such as recreational programs for children and youth, moments of prayer, neighborhood processions, talks and preaching, Confessions, and the administration of the Sacraments. Through these efforts, I strive to live out Christ’s command: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mk 16:15–16).
The main purpose of the Popular Mission, as I understand it, is the conversion of sinners — the conversion of the heart — a return to truth and to friendship with God for those who have lost faith and grace through sin. It calls those who have become routine Christians to a more perfect life, rekindles religious fervor in souls, inspires them to live the Beatitudes, and even awakens priestly and religious vocations.
I am deeply convinced that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). For this reason, I commit myself wholeheartedly to working for the salvation of souls through Christ, echoing the powerful words of St. Louis Orione: “Place me, Lord, on the mouth of hell, so that I, by your mercy, may close it.”