Grand Continental Mission Launched in Latin America

(17 Aug 08 - RV) One year after it was first announced by Pope Benedict XVI in Aparecida Brazil, Latin America’s “Grand continental mission” has begun.

Thousands of delegates from 24 national churches took part in mass this afternoon in Quito Ecuador, officially launching the mission that aims to deepen and strengthen people’s understanding of the Catholic Faith.

John Newton is spokesman for the UK branch of Aid to the Church in Need which is one of the main sponsors of the initiative.

He says it is hoped that the mission will draw people back to the Church, which has lost members because of the missionary zeal of sects and increasing materialism.