Abstract
Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis’s first major document, was written in the same year he was elected Pope (2013). It sets forth his vision for a renewed Church which is “permanently in a state of mission” (25) and seeks to “put all things in a missionary key” (34). This article of modest length seeks to digest the rich content of this lengthy apostolic exhortation (51,000 words) by identifying ten major themes that emerge from a reflective reading of Francis’s work. Undoubtedly, one of Francis’s key emphases throughout this inspiring document is to renew the “fire for missionary evangelization” throughout the entire Church. He repeatedly summons all of us to become “missionary disciples” (120) and be an evangelizing community where “missionary disciples accompany missionary disciples” (173). Each of the ten themes in this presentation contributes to a comprehensive appreciation of Francis’s profound and inspiring agenda for the Church which is truly alive in mission.
Recommended Citation
Kroeger, James H.
(2023)
"Rekindling the Church’s Missionary Fire: Pivotal Insights from Francis’s Evangelii Gaudium,"
Landas: Vol. 35:
No.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://archium.ateneo.edu/landas/vol35/iss1/5