Ponce, Puerto Rico – More than 1,300 missionaries are expected to gather in Ponce, Puerto Rico, for the Sixth American Missionary Congress (CAM6), set to open on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium. This historic event marks the first time the Congress will be hosted in the Caribbean, with participants from across the Americas coming together to celebrate and advance the Church’s missionary spirit.
Tuesday’s opening Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo, Papal Legate to CAM6. It is set to start at 10:00 a.m. Some 12,000 people are expected to attend.
Archbishop Emilio Nappa, International President of The Pontifical Mission Societies, will be one of 50 bishops in attendance, including Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Bishop Emeritus of Brooklyn. Also in attendance will be 35 diocesan directors from The Pontifical Mission Societies USA, showcasing the country’s strong support for global missionary efforts.
According to Father José Orlando Camacho Torres, CSSp, General Coordinator of CAM6, the Congress has been years in the making, beginning with a missiological journey in 2018 aimed at reigniting missionary efforts across the continent and the world. He remarked, “This is a historic moment for Puerto Rico. For the first time, a Congress of this magnitude is being held in the Caribbean, bringing together representatives from every corner of the Americas. The Church in Puerto Rico is ready to welcome pilgrims for this week of mission and reflection.”
For those unable to attend in person, the opening event and key moments throughout the Congress will be broadcast live in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese via the official CAM6 social media channels on Facebook (@CAM6PuertoRico) and YouTube (@CAM6PuertoRico). Sign language interpreters will ensure accessibility for the deaf community.
The Congress runs from November 19 to 24, offering a week of prayer, reflection, and missionary activity. More than 1,300 international and local missionaries will participate in sessions and workshops to deepen their commitment to the Church’s missionary call.
As the theme proclaims, “America, with the Power of the Spirit, Witnesses to Christ,” CAM6 invites the faithful to renew their dedication to spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
About CAM6
The American Missionary Congress (CAM) is a significant ecclesial event aimed at invigorating the missionary spirit across the Americas. Since its inception in 1977 with the first National Missionary Congress in Mexico, CAM has evolved into a continental gathering that fosters dialogue, reflection, and action among bishops, clergy, religious, and laypeople dedicated to the Church’s evangelizing mission. These congresses provide a platform for sharing experiences, addressing challenges, and formulating strategies to advance the Gospel throughout the continent.
The Sixth American Missionary Congress (CAM6) is scheduled to take place in Ponce, Puerto Rico, from November 19 to 24, 2024. This marks the first time the event will be hosted in the Caribbean, underscoring Puerto Rico’s pivotal role in the Church’s missionary endeavors. Under the theme, “America, with the Power of the Spirit, Witnesses to Christ,” CAM6 aims to renew and strengthen the Church’s commitment to evangelization in contemporary contexts. The Congress will feature liturgical celebrations, theological reflections, workshops, and discussions focused on revitalizing missionary efforts and fostering solidarity among the faithful.
Historically, CAM has been hosted in various countries, each contributing uniquely to the missionary discourse. Following the inaugural congress in Mexico, subsequent gatherings have been held in nations such as Argentina, Guatemala, and Venezuela, each addressing the specific missionary challenges and opportunities within their regions. The most recent, CAM5, took place in Bolivia in 2018, bringing together thousands of participants to reflect on the Church’s missionary identity and to strategize on effective evangelization methods. These congresses have been instrumental in shaping the Church’s missionary trajectory, fostering a spirit of collaboration, and inspiring initiatives that resonate beyond the host countries.
