In Portugal, at the community of the Canossian Sisters in Lisbon, during the month of October, children aged 2 to 5 embarked on a wonderful missionary adventure entitled “Awakening Faith”, inspired by the Mission of the Five Continents.
It was a journey lived with enthusiasm, joy, and a spirit of sharing, helping the little ones discover that faith is a light that spreads throughout the world.
The journey began in Africa, a continent full of colour, music, and joy.
The children learned about its traditions, sang songs, and prayed for African children, remembering that we are all brothers and sisters, regardless of the colour of our skin or the country where we live.
They then continued on to Asia, discovering the beauty of the diversity of peoples and religions. The children were invited to value respect and peace, learning that God is present in every corner of the world and in every heart that loves.
In America, the children learned about the missionaries who brought the Gospel to indigenous peoples and distant communities. Through stories and drawings, they understood that being a missionary means bringing the love of Jesus to everyone through simple gestures of kindness.
The journey then reached Oceania, where the waves and sea creatures inspired curiosity and wonder in the children, inviting them to reflect on the importance of caring for creation — the great gift that God has entrusted to humankind.
Finally, the journey concluded in Europe, the continent from which it had begun, where the children discovered that even in their everyday lives they are called to live the mission each day — at home, at school, and in their parish — through gestures of friendship, sharing, and faith.
Throughout this missionary journey, the children experienced moments of prayer, music, artistic expression, and fraternity.
Each continent was a new discovery and an invitation to open their hearts to God and to others.
At the end of the journey, each child embraced the message that the mission begins within us — when we allow faith to grow and become a light for the world.
