THE RECEPTION OF FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO IN THE LOCAL CHURCH IN AFRICA, WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE FAMILY AS A SUBJECT OF EVANGELIZATION.
|
|
- Joanna Martin
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 THE RECEPTION OF FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO IN THE LOCAL CHURCH IN AFRICA, WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE FAMILY AS A SUBJECT OF EVANGELIZATION. Note: Below is the Abridged Version of Our Reflections on the Above Topic. One can say with great joy, and without any fear of contradiction that family life in many Christian, and even, in some non Christian parts of Africa has been given the needed spiritual boost since the reception of Familiaris Consortio in their various areas. Indications from parts of Nigeria, where this writer comes from, the Cameroon, Ghana, Cote de Voire, Guinea Bisau, Liberia, Mali, Kenya, Chad Republic, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, etc. show clearly that there has been a tremendous spiritual improvement in family life since Familiaris Consortio was received in 1981 by many dioceses. As we celebrate the 30 th Anniversary of the formal presentation of Familiaris Consortio to the Christian and non Christian communities in the world, one can joyfully say that Africa has been blessed in so many ways, deriving part of its spiritual profit from its wise decision to embrace Familiaris Consortio. There is undoubtedly quite a lot of wisdom in what Blessed Pope John Paul II enunciated in Familiaris Consortio. The Scripture says: Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding for her profit is greater than profit in silver and better than gold in her revenue (Proverb 3:13 14). This is the type of profit the African Church achieved by receiving, embracing and applying the principles contained in Familiaris Consortio. In Africa, family members are seemingly united through the practice of the extended family system handed down to them by their fore fathers as an inviolable, indestructible system. The focus has been for members to deepen their individual faith in order to evangelize family members and inspire them with a great desire to evangelize others. This became another great challenge to Christian families when Blessed Pope John Paul II, the author of Familiaris Consortio, urged the evangelized Christian families during the Fourth World Meeting of Families in Manila, Philippines, in 2003, to be the Good News in the Third Millennium. Faced with this challenge, what came into clear focus for the Christian families has been the need to, first and foremost, develop themselves spiritually, and then go into the world to evangelize others. Everyone involved in evangelization has, however, been guided by the fact that Familiaris Consorio, referring to the 6 th Synod of the Bishops held in September, 1980, has set out very clear objectives, and emphasized further four great tasks for the family (FC. 17) which are: i. Forming a community of persons ii. Serving life iii. Participating in the development of society and iv. Sharing in the life and mission of the Church Page 1 of 5
2 The Episcopal Conferences in Africa preparing for the first Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, devoted enough time, energy and resources to get themselves together, some through their representatives, to exchange ideas, at various venues, on meeting the challenges confronting the African family in the area of practical family evangelization within the continent. In their interactions, many other challenges were also identified, including poverty, diseases and illiteracy as some of the militating factors. The bottom line was: With what resources will the Church in Africa succeed in meeting the challenges just mentioned? (Ecclesia in Africa; 53). In response to this, Blessed Pope John Paul II in his Synodal Apostolic Exhortation pointed out very clearly that the most important [resources], after the grace of Christ, is the people. The whole people of God in theological understanding of Lumen Genitium this people which comprises of the members of the body of Christ in its entirety has received the mandate which is both an honour and a duty to proclaim the Gospel. (Ecclesia in Africa; 53). Having been so encouraged, the Church in Africa through its many created organs, such as Family Commission, Family and Human Life Committee and/or through pious societies, such as the Holy Family Society which are recommended by the Catholic Bishops Conferences in different countries have been in the field to play their roles in evangelizing families. The synod, you may want to know, was intended to be an occasion of hope and resurrection, at the very moment when human events seem to be tempting Africa to discouragement and despair ( Ecclesia in Africa ; 1). The word of Blessed Pope John Paul II at the synod emboldened the Episcopal Conferences in Africa to give moral, spiritual, and in some cases, financial support to virtually all the evangelizing agents in their jurisdiction. The fruits of their efforts since Familaris Consortio came into the scene 30 years ago and after the first African Synod can be said to be quite monumental and highly encouraging when one takes a look at the development of family spirituality, especially within the extended family system in Africa. One other important issue the document draws attention to is the urgent need to recover an awareness of the primacy of moral values, which are the values of the human person as such. The great task that has to be faced today for the renewal of the society is that of recapturing the ultimate meaning of life and its fundamental values (FC. 8). In the last thirty years of the existence of this Papal document, it can be seen that the application of the teachings of the document has helped tremendously in evangelizing members of the family, especially in Africa, in the following ways: 1. The Family as a Domestic Church: Familiaris Consortio number 49 reiterates the teaching of the second Vatican council in her dogmatic constitution on the Church, Lumen Genitium; number 11, where the family is referred to as the church in Page 2 of 5
3 miniature. This teaching finds good ground in Africa where from the traditional religious worldview; the family is taken as a little church with the father of the family as the chief priest. The papal teaching agrees with the long standing cultural practice of Africans. This indeed has strengthened the role of the family as a tool for evangelization. In the Scriptures, a young man asked Jesus: Master, what shall I do to receive eternal life? (Mark 10:17). He replied: What is written in the Scripture. It is written: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength.. (Mark 12:30). Agape love must be known and practised in the family first, with a continuous burning desire to extend this to everyone with whom one is brought in contact. The issue is this, if we cannot love our family members whom we see (I John 4:20) possibly every day, how can we truly and genuinely love God who we cannot see? Familiaris Consortio invites us to, first and foremost, put this into practice with our family members at home. 2. The Plight of Women in Africa: We also see the document effective in promoting the dignity of womanhood in Africa. It should be mentioned here that for many centuries, African women were basically seen by their spouses as hewers of wood and drawers of water. But things began to change as more and more women were educated in the continent. Women then formed a formidable force to change this wrong perception. The Church gave its solid support to the women. Familiaris Consortio can therefore be seen as a re awakening of the perennial efforts to promote the dignity of womanhood in Africa. 3. Growth in Vocation: The growth which the Church in Africa is witnessing, in terms of vocation to the priestly and religious life, is partly due to Familiaris Consortio. Parents have been awakened to their role of discerning and directing the vocation of their children. They are gradually getting away from their old role of preventing their children from answering such call. In fact, they are now in the forefront, urging their children to answer the call to the priesthood and/or religious life. This explains why the Church is flourishing in Africa today, ready to send missionaries to other parts of the world. Nigeria, in spite of its many negative draw backs, takes the lead in this direction, thanks to the new family evangelization efforts, which took its bearing mainly from Familiaris Consortio. It is a thing of great joy to find that Nigeria which used to be a home base for many foreign missionaries is now in a position to export its own well groomed missionaries to different parts of the world to re evangelize those countries that are turning away from God. Quite recently, the Holy See addressed a specific call to the Church in Nigeria to embark more vigorously on mission than it has done until now. In a letter dated 22 nd April 2010 and directed to the President of the CBCN, the Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria made a special appeal to the Church in Nigeria: Page 3 of 5
4 With regard to the staffing of new mission territories (Missiones Sui iuris and Apostolic Prefectures and Vicariates) the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples wishes to ascertain whether suitable personnel are available. It has therefore asked the Apostolic Nunciature to find out if there are Religious Institutes, Societies of Apostolic Life, or even dioceses which are in a position to help out in this field, or even accept a lus Commissionis and so be responsible for staffing and evangelization of such a territory. I will be grateful if you let me know whether there are any dioceses in Nigeria which in the spirit of Fidei Donum, could undertake such an assignment. 4. Strengthening The Marriage Institution: As earlier indicated, the emergence of Familiaris Consortio has also greatly strengthened the Institution of Marriage in Africa. In paragraph six of the document, the Pope lamented that there is a mistaken theoretical and practical concept of the independence of the spouses in relation to each other. Thirty years following the promulgation of this document, the above fear has even gone overboard in several parts of the world such that we even hear of same sex marriage; the practice of homosexuality; and lesbianism as the order of the day, and other ways of thwarting the natural institution of marriage. In spite of the practice of polygamy in certain homes in Africa, there is no gain saying the fact that Christian marriage and its added values to the society have spiritually and morally helped the continent to grow in the right direction. As a result, Christian marriage is growing by leaps and bounds because of the acceptance of God s plan for the institution; that a man must leave his mother and father to be joined to his wife for the two of them to become one (Genesis 2:24). The growing acceptance of this Gospel message is making many to abandon the practice of polygamy as well as condemn same sex marriage, and other evil practices in the name of living partnership. In many countries in Africa, the issue of homosexuality is hardly of any concern. Many see it as a waste of energy to dwell on it because it is virtually regarded as a taboo as anyone found practicing it would be ostracized from the community. The National House of Assembly in Nigeria, for instance, has advanced its plans to enact an edict before the end of the year to ban single sex marriage in Nigeria. 5. The Role of Pious Societies and Lay Apostolate Groups in Promoting Life, Marriage and Family Spirituality: Our reflection on the reception of Familiaris Consortio as it relates to the evangelization of the peoples of Africa cannot be complete without highlighting the positive roles many pious associations and lay apostolate groups have been playing in the last thirty years. To the glory of God, there have been many seasoned, dynamic groups since the emergence of Familiaris Consortio which have been on the forefront, promoting marriage and family institutions, while there are others which have devoted their time, energy and financial resources to wage war against prostitution, HIV/Aids, abortion, assassination, murder, modern forms of Page 4 of 5
5 slavery, etc. These efforts are all directed towards having loveable, peaceful and progressive families. There are still others which are completely focused on deepening the faith of individual members of the family, with a view to helping the families to reconstitute their households into domestic churches. Many of such pious societies sprang up even years after the emergence of Familiaris Consortio. An example of such is the Holy Family Society which this writer founded in Nigeria following the inspiration he received from Blessed Pope John Paul II. All the spiritual programmes of the Holy Family Society for family evangelization centre on God. They seek to create a very strong desire to get family members to put them into practice, following the examples of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Holy Family of Nazareth. This is the type of perspective that has caught up with many agents of evangelization in Africa. This, in a nutshell, is our humble submission. SIR DAVID E. DAME MARY JOAN OSUNDE Members of the Pontifical Council for the Family Representing the African Continent. Page 5 of 5
Mother of God Community Sunday Night Prayer Meeting August 2, 2015 The Synod on the Family and the World Meeting of Families Dr.
It s wonderful to be here, to be back here among so many old friends.. old there is a description of the relationship, not those in it, necessarily sorry about that! Last fall, during the two weeks of
More informationOur faith in Christ, who became poor, and was always close to the poor and the outcast, is the basis of our concern for the integral
Cordial greetings and good wishes to you from AMISALES, the Mission Development Office (MDO) of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales in Rome. This Mission Office came into existence
More informationCommentary on the General Directory for Catechesis Raymond L. Burke, D.D., J.C.D
Commentary on the General Directory for Catechesis Raymond L. Burke, D.D., J.C.D Saint Paul, the Apostle of the Nations, reminds us: Faith, then, comes through hearing, and what is heard is the word of
More informationTHE FAMILY AS THE DOMESTIC CHURCH
THE FAMILY AS THE DOMESTIC CHURCH PRESENTATION OVERVIEW The Challenge We Face (Impart Vision) Responding to the Challenge; Practical Suggestions for the Domestic Church (Practical) THE CHALLENGE WE FACE
More informationTHE COINDRE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Forming Mentors in the Educational Charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart
THE COINDRE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Forming Mentors in the Educational Charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Directed Reading # 18 Leadership in Transmission of Charism to Laity Introduction Until the
More informationWhy Vatican II Emphasized the Lay Apostolate
Why Vatican II Emphasized the Lay Apostolate Interview With Russell Shaw https://zenit.org/articles/why-vatican-ii-emphasized-the-lay-apostolate/ NOVEMBER 28, 2005_ZENIT STAFF WASHINGTON, D.C., NOV. 28,
More informationPope Francis: The death penalty is contrary to the Gospel Ameri...
FAITH VATICAN DISPATCH Pope Francis: The death penalty is contrary to the Gospel Gerard O'Connell October 11, 2017 Pope Francis declared today that the death penalty is contrary to the Gospel. He said
More informationTo whom shall we go... you have the message of eternal life. The Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelisation.
To whom shall we go... you have the message of eternal life The Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelisation. Galloway diocese contributed to Pope Francis worldwide consultation on
More informationGod's Family: Notes on Inculturation in Ecclesia in Africa by Stuart C. Bate, O.M.I.
God's Family: Notes on Inculturation in Ecclesia in Africa by Stuart C. Bate, O.M.I. (1996 "God's Family: Notes on Inculturation in Ecclesia in Africa". Grace and Truth 12,3:3-21) Introduction Popularly,
More informationSYNOD OF BISHOPS III EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASTORAL CHALLENGES TO THE FAMILY IN THE CONTEXT OF EVANGELIZATION. Preparatory Document
SYNOD OF BISHOPS III EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASTORAL CHALLENGES TO THE FAMILY IN THE CONTEXT OF EVANGELIZATION Preparatory Document Vatican City 2013 I. Synod: Family and Evangelization The mission
More informationCATHOLIC IDENTITY AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY , 7:00 PM
1 CATHOLIC IDENTITY AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY Catholic Cultural Diversity Network Convocation Thursday, 6 May 2010, 7:00 PM Notre Dame, IN Archbishop Pietro Sambi Apostolic Nuncio to the United States Thank
More informationThe Word of God and Social Action
The Word of God and Social Action Insights from Verbum Domini In our Church, the year 2012-13 marked two important events: the Synod on the New Evangelization, and the Year of Faith. Yet these two events
More informationChurch Documents in Support of Family Catechesis. Catechesi Tradendae (Catechesis in our Time)
Church Documents in Support of Family Catechesis Handout provided with the permission of: Family Formation c/o Church of Saint Paul 1740 Bunker Lake Blvd. NE Ham Lake, MN 55304 763-757-1148 https://www.familyformation.net/
More informationSFCA 2017 Africa Grants Report of Approved Solidarity for the Church in Africa Grants for 2017
Episcopal Conference of Angola of Leaders of the Pastoral for Migrants Justice and Peace $30,000 Episcopal Conference of Burkina-Niger Strengthening the Organizational Capacities of the Secretaries General
More informationWHAT THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL MEANT BY INDIVIDUAL LAY APOSTOLATES
WHAT THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL MEANT BY INDIVIDUAL LAY APOSTOLATES Presented by: Most Rev Martin Igwe UZOUKWU, Catholic Bishop of Minna, Nigeria during the celebration of the SPRINGFEST 2012 taking place
More informationThe Holy See ADDRESS OF POPE JOHN PAUL II TO BISHOPS OF TANZANIA ON THEIR "AD LIMINA APOSTOLORUM" VISIT. Tuesday, 20 February 1996
The Holy See ADDRESS OF POPE JOHN PAUL II TO BISHOPS OF TANZANIA ON THEIR "AD LIMINA APOSTOLORUM" VISIT Tuesday, 20 February 1996 Dear Brother Bishops, 1. It gives me great joy to welcome you, the Bishops
More informationALL CHRISTIANS HAVE MISSIONARY MANDATE Fr. Madu
ALL CHRISTIANS HAVE MISSIONARY MANDATE Fr. Madu Oct 05, 2011 ABUJA, NIGERIA - Preaching the Good News of Christ is not an exclusive vocation of the Priests and Religious but all Christians, especially
More informationThe Holy See ADDRESS OF THE HOLY FATHER POPE JOHN PAUL II TO THE BISHOPS OF ZAMBIA ON THEIR "AD LIMINA" VISIT. Thursday 5 May, 1988
The Holy See ADDRESS OF THE HOLY FATHER POPE JOHN PAUL II TO THE BISHOPS OF ZAMBIA ON THEIR "AD LIMINA" VISIT Thursday 5 May, 1988 Dear Brothers in our Lord Jesus Christ, 1. I have been pleased to meet
More informationRadical renewal or nothing new?
Radical renewal or nothing new? Pope Francis s post-synod teaching on marriage and family (Amoris Laetitia) By Clare Watkins Has the Church s teaching changed with Amoris Laetitia? No. This was the clear
More informationDisciples: Established, Anointed, and Sent in Christ
Disciples: Established, Anointed, and Sent in Christ A Synod of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg 2016 2018 Most Reverend Richard Gagnon Archbishop of Winnipeg Introduction The Archdiocese of Winnipeg has now
More informationThe Holy See ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II TO THE BISHOPS OF VIETNAM ON THEIR "AD LIMINA" VISIT. Tuesday, 22 January 2002
The Holy See ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II TO THE BISHOPS OF VIETNAM ON THEIR "AD LIMINA" VISIT Tuesday, 22 January 2002 Your Eminence, Dear Brothers in the Episcopate and in the Priesthood, 1. I welcome you
More informationAmoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love)
Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) Pope Francis Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation April 2016 Archdiocese of Los Angeles Reflection/Study Guide Questions Amoris Laetitia (AL), The Joy of Love, the post-synodal
More informationTCHAD MISSION AFRAM ZONE AFRAM ZONE. Official Languages. Vision Statement. Mission Statement. 1. Societal Setting
TCHAD MISSION Official Languages Vision Statement Mission Statement 1. Societal Setting Chad is a land-locked country in central Africa, of 1,284,000 square km and sharing borders with Niger, Libya, the
More informationTHE OBJECTIVE SUPERIORITY OF THE CONSECRATED LIFE IN THE CHURCH S MAGISTERIUM
THE OBJECTIVE SUPERIORITY OF THE CONSECRATED LIFE IN THE CHURCH S MAGISTERIUM FAMILARIS CONSORTIO, 16, Apostolic exhortation of Pope John Paul II Virginity or celibacy, by liberating the human heart in
More informationChapter 5: Religion and Society
Chapter 5: Religion and Society Across the sub-saharan region, large numbers of Christians and Muslims alike express strong support for democracy as well as for religious freedom. At the same time, there
More information2015 Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The vocation and the mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world
2015 Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops The vocation and the mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world QUESTIONS ON THE LINEAMENTA re-arranged for consultations by
More informationExcerpts from Familiaris Consortio, by Pope John Paul II, 1981
Excerpts from Familiaris Consortio, by Pope John Paul II, 1981 Highlighting not original to the Document. The Right and Duty of Parents Regarding Education 36. The task of giving education is rooted in
More informationThe Holy See APOSTOLIC PILGRIMAGE TO NIGERIA, BENIN GABON AND EQUATORIAL GUINEA MASS FOR THE FAMILIES HOMILY OF JOHN PAUL II
The Holy See APOSTOLIC PILGRIMAGE TO NIGERIA, BENIN GABON AND EQUATORIAL GUINEA MASS FOR THE FAMILIES HOMILY OF JOHN PAUL II Onitsha (Nigeria) Saturday, 13 February 1982 With the Apostle Paul I say to
More informationThe Holy See POPE FRANCIS STATUTES OF THE NEW DICASTERY FOR THE LAITY, FAMILY AND LIFE
The Holy See POPE FRANCIS STATUTES OF THE NEW DICASTERY FOR THE LAITY, FAMILY AND LIFE Art. 1 The Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life is competent in matters that pertain to the Apostolic See regarding
More informationVocation. ~ The Year We Begin 21 st Century Vocations Promotion in Kyoto Diocese ~ Bishop s New Year Pastoral Letter, 2009
Bishop s New Year Pastoral Letter, 2009 Vocation ~ The Year We Begin 21 st Century Vocations Promotion in Kyoto Diocese ~ Paul Otsuka Yoshinau, Bishop of Kyoto 1. Looking towards the Fifty Two Blessed
More informationCATHOLIC CHURCH STATISTICS
Agenzia FIDES 22 October 207 Special Feature for Mission Sunday - 22 October 207 CATHOLIC CHURCH STATISTICS WORLD POPULATION CATHOLICS PERSONS/CATHOLICS PER PRIEST ECCLESIASTICAL CIRCUMSCRIPTION MISSION
More informationear Fathers: Provincial, Regional and Mission Superiors,
SVD ly, walk alone If you want to walk far, walk to December, 2015 Joseph Kallanchira, SVD AFRAM ZONAL COORDINATOR afram@svdcuria.org AFRAM MATTERS 5 D ear Fathers: Provincial, Regional and Mission Superiors,
More informationThe Essential Elements of the Spirituality of the Order Malta
The Essential Elements of the Spirituality of the Order Malta This essay was presented as a talk at the American Association s Chaplain s Convocation in April 2016 by the Prelate of the Order, His Excellency,
More informationTABLE 1: DIMENSIONS OF CLC VOCATION
TABLE 1: DIMENSIONS OF CLC VOCATION Dimension Area/Aspect Aims Constantly journeying to Being with Jesus Be open to transcendence Make sense of faith and hope Participate in the sacraments SPIRITUAL We
More informationOpening Statement. The Sacraments of the Church
Opening Statement The celebration of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is considered the normative experience of initiation into the faith community of the Church. 1 The norm, as stated in the
More informationFAMILY CATECHESIS AN IMPERATIVE FOR THE NEW EVANGELISATION
FAMILY CATECHESIS AN IMPERATIVE FOR THE NEW EVANGELISATION By Prof. Michael Ogunu (Paper Presented at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Directors of Religious Educations in Nigeria Held
More informationThe greatest is Love
Pastoral Letter To the Parish Communities of the Diocese of Rottenburg Stuttgart In the Lenten Period 2017 1 st Sunday of Lent: 5 th March 2017 Bishop Dr. Gebhard Fürst The greatest is Love Marriage and
More informationCatholic Diocese of Geita. Tanzania
Catholic Diocese of Geita Tanzania Workshop s Theme: Pastoral Responses to Financial Management Topic: Unfolding Integral Evangelization For the Church in Geita, Tanzania Presented by Fr. Mathew Bulala,
More informationResolution 3: Exchange of Information between Commissions
Anglican Consultative Council - ACC 2 Resolution 1: Unification of Ministries The Council notes that the Acts of Unification of the Ministries in the Churches of North India and Pakistan have made it possible
More informationThe Conference of Aparecida: Assessment and Perspectives
Asian Christian Review vol.1 no.2 (Summer 2007) 8 The Conference of Aparecida: Assessment and Perspectives Camilo Maccise, OCD 1 The Fifth General Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Bishops, which
More informationCanadian Conference of Catholic Bishops - Address of His Excellency Most Reverend Luigi Ventura, Apostolic Nuncio, to the CCCB Plenary Assembly
First of all, I wish to express my joy to meet with you, brothers Bishops of Canada, gathered for your annual Plenary Assembly. I desire also to express my gratitude for the welcome you gave me at the
More informationCommentary on the General Directory for Catechesis by Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, D.D., J.C.D.
Commentary on the General Directory for Catechesis by Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, D.D., J.C.D. Foreword Catechesis lies at the foundation of the life of the Church. Saint Paul, the Apostle of the Nations,
More informationThe Reception of Familiaris Consorto in the Local Churches in Middle East, with Special Attention to the Family as Subject of Evangelization
The Reception of Familiaris Consorto in the Local Churches in Middle East, with Special Attention to the Family as Subject of Evangelization Background: Historical road and characteristics of the family
More informationUSCCB Subcommittee on the Church in Africa
Episcopal Conference of Benin Support for 2011 papal trip to Benin Operations Episcopal Conference of Burkina-Niger Reinforcement of the operational capacities of Radio Unitas to support the Execution
More informationClaiming the Past with Gratitude; Living the Present with Enthusiasm; Looking to the Future with Hope. diocesan Pastoral Plan
Claiming the Past with Gratitude; Living the Present with Enthusiasm; Looking to the Future with Hope. diocesan Pastoral Plan 2010 2015 Diocesan Pastoral Plan Diocese of Victoria Were not our hearts burning
More informationCatechesis, an essential moment in the process of evangelisation. Maryvale as a place of formation for catechists and education in faith.
1 Catechesis, an essential moment in the process of evangelisation A talk to the gathering of diocesan catechists, Maryvale Institute, 17th April 2016 Welcome and thanks to all for attending. Maryvale
More informationAre Interchurch Families Domestic Churches? by Thomes Knieps Port-le-Roi, University of Louvain
Are Interchurch Families Domestic Churches? by Thomes Knieps Port-le-Roi, University of Louvain 1. Preliminary remarks Let me first say something very briefly about the Interchurch Families International
More informationThe Catholic Explosion
ZE11111102-2011-11-11 Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-33813?l=english The Catholic Explosion Missionary of Africa Priest Speaks of Challenges and Promise in 7,000% Growth ROME, NOV. 11, (Zenit.org).-
More informationCONSECRATED PERSONS AS AGENTS OF PASTORAL CARE OF THE FAMILY
CONSECRATED PERSONS AS AGENTS OF PASTORAL CARE OF THE FAMILY Abstract Kanu, Ikechukwu Anthony, O.S.A., Ph.D Augustinian Institute, Makurdi Benue State ikee_mario@yahoo.com; +2348036345466 The teachings
More informationIMPERIAL BOTANICAL BEACH HOTEL, ENTEBBE, UGANDA NOVEMBER 7-9, 2017
A THREE-DAY INSTITUTE ON PEACE AND JUSTICE STUDIES PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE CATHOLIC SOCIAL TRADITION 1. Salutations to: IMPERIAL BOTANICAL BEACH HOTEL, ENTEBBE, UGANDA The organizers Funders NOVEMBER
More informationCATHOLIC CHURCH STATISTICS
Agenzia FIDES 22 October 207 Special Feature for Mission Sunday - 22 October 207 CATHOLIC CHURCH STATISTICS WORLD POPULATION CATHOLICS PERSONS/CATHOLICS PER PRIEST ECCLESIASTICAL CIRCUMSCRIPTION MISSION
More informationResolutions of ACC-4. Resolution 1: Anglican-Reformed Relations.
Resolutions of ACC-4 Resolution 1: Anglican-Reformed Relations. The Council accepts the recommendations of the Anglican-Reformed Consultation of 1978 and therefore resolves to enter into dialogue with
More informationA DIOCESAN POLICY FOR BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION
Forming young people for life-long discipleship in the Diocese of Salford A DIOCESAN POLICY FOR BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION 1. The Joy of Love experienced by families is also the joy of the Church 1. With
More informationAsIPA 4 th General Assembly Maria Rani Centre,Trivandrum, India 8-15 th November, 2006
AsIPA 4 th General Assembly Maria Rani Centre,Trivandrum, India 8-15 th November, 2006 SCCs/BECs Towards a Church of Communion Final Statement 1. Introduction AsIPA (Asian Integral Pastoral Approach),
More informationaacc The African Christian Pulse September - October, 2010 AACC Youth for Peace during the General Committee meeting. African Christian Pulse
aacc The African Christian Pulse A Bulletin of the All Africa Conference of Churches September - October, 2010 AACC Youth for Peace during the General Committee meeting. African Christian Pulse Contents:
More informationParish Kit. the 2015 challenge.
Parish Kit International Women s Day 2010 Sunday 7 March International Women s Day has been observed since 1911 as the day connecting all women around the world. The theme this year is Empowering women
More informationWorld Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life Sunday 3 rd May 2009
World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life Sunday 3 rd May 2009 Themes and Background Dear Friends and Colleagues, This year the Holy Father s letter for the World Day of
More informationGOD AND HUMAN DIGNITY THE PERSONALISM THEOLOGY AND ETHICS OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR
GOD AND HUMAN DIGNITY THE PERSONALISM THEOLOGY AND ETHICS OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR page 1 / 5 page 2 / 5 god and human dignity pdf Dignity is the right of a person to be valued and respected for their
More informationKanu, Ikechukwu Anthony Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Tansian University, Umunya Anambra State
Abstract AFRICAE MUNUS AND CONSECRATED PERSONS Kanu, Ikechukwu Anthony Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Tansian University, Umunya Anambra State Ikee_mario@yahoo.com; +2348036345466 Sixteen
More informationSmall Christian Communities (SCCs) as New Way of Being Church in Africa
1 Small Christian Communities (SCCs) as New Way of Being Church in Africa Table of Contents By John Baptist Katembo 1. Introduction... 1 2. The Small Christian Communities (SCCs) as New Way of Being Church
More informationConsecrated Life: Contemplation and New Evangelization
Consecrated Life: Contemplation and New Evangelization Belleville, Ill., September 26, 2014 It is important after fifty years to rediscover the programmatic value of Chapter Five of the dogmatic Constitution
More informationORIENTATION TO A REFLECTION ON THE LINEAMENTA FOR THE SYNOD ON THE FAMILY OCTOBER, Father Louis J. Cameli December, 2014
ORIENTATION TO A REFLECTION ON THE LINEAMENTA FOR THE SYNOD ON THE FAMILY OCTOBER, 2015 Father Louis J. Cameli December, 2014 When consultative bodies in the Archdiocese of Chicago (APC and PC) come together
More informationELEMENTS FOR A REFLECTION ABOUT OUR VINCENTIAN MINISTRY IN PARISHES (Contributions to the Practical Guide for Parishes)
ELEMENTS FOR A REFLECTION ABOUT OUR VINCENTIAN MINISTRY IN PARISHES (Contributions to the Practical Guide for Parishes) Facilitated by Stanislav Zontak, C.M. and Eli Cgaves, C.M. The 2010 General Assembly
More informationMISSIONAL LIFESTYLE ACTS 29 COMPETENCIES. Tim Chester - 1 -
MISSIONAL LIFESTYLE Tim Chester ACTS 29 COMPETENCIES - 1 - Biblical Foundations In 1 Peter 2:9 Peter says: you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that
More informationParticipating in the Church s Evangelizing Mission
Participating in the Church s Evangelizing Mission Baptism unites us with Christ, making us part of his body, the Church. Through Baptism, every Christian shares in the Church s mission to evangelize,
More informationFORUM ON RELIGION AND ECOLOGY AT YALE
FORUM ON RELIGION AND ECOLOGY AT YALE http://fore.research.yale.edu/ Frequently Asked Questions on the Papal Encyclical 1. What is an encyclical? The word encyclical originally meant a circular letter.
More informationThe Way Forward: We Create the Path by Walking
1 The Way Forward: We Create the Path by Walking By Joseph G. Healey As we put to action the results of our 2017 symposium, and as we prepare for the Fifteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of
More informationL Osservatore Romano, 19 January, (Porta fidei) (Lumen gentium) cf.
L Osservatore Romano, 19 January, 2012 (Porta fidei) 1 2 (Lumen gentium) 3 1 4 [Dei Verbum] [Lumen gentium] [Gaudium et spes] [Sacrosanctum Concilium] 5 6 7 8 2 9 (symphony) 10 11 12 13 14 3 15 17 18 I.
More informationQUITTE TON PAYS: CONSECRATED PERSONS AND THE CHALLENGES OF FAMILY OBLIGATIONS IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA
QUITTE TON PAYS: CONSECRATED PERSONS AND THE CHALLENGES OF FAMILY OBLIGATIONS IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA Abstract Kanu, Ikechukwu Anthony Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Tansian University,
More informationWOMEN. Women and men are created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26). Christ s call for discipleship was inclusive of both men and women.
WOMEN SCRIPTURE Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord s feet and listened to
More informationSHEPHERDING FAMILIES IN ASIA:
SHEPHERDING FAMILIES IN ASIA: Contemporary challenges and responses for Bishops, Priests and Lay Leaders From 16th 20th May 2016 at Salesian Retreat House in Hua Hin Thailand SUMMARY REPORT of the FABC
More informationA PASTORAL LETTER TO THE DIOCESE OF ST. AUGUSTINE
Come, in the Live Light! A PASTORAL LETTER TO THE DIOCESE OF ST. AUGUSTINE the Most Rev. Felipe J. estévez, Bishop of st. Augustine MARch 2013 You have been enlightened by Christ. Walk always as children
More informationDiocese of San Diego GUIDELINES FOR THE WEDDING LITURGY
MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE-3 10/13/2010 Diocese of San Diego GUIDELINES FOR THE WEDDING LITURGY Pope John Paul II stresses that the nuptial liturgy be valid, fruitful, simple and dignified. He says: Inasmuch
More informationAUTHORIZATION FOR LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTERS A CANONICAL REFLECTION. By Paul L. Golden, C.M., J.C.D.
AUTHORIZATION FOR LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTERS A CANONICAL REFLECTION By Paul L. Golden, C.M., J.C.D. Introduction The role of the laity in the ministry of the Church has become more clear and more needed since
More informationTHE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH M I I L. Sponsored by The Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity and Families of Faith
THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH M CHAP I R G L E I L P Sponsored by The Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity and Families of Faith TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents... page 2 Pilgrim Chapel Interior...
More informationThe Holy See HOMILY OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II. Tor Vergata, Sunday 20 August 2000 CLOSING OF WORLD YOUTH DAY
The Holy See CLOSING OF WORLD YOUTH DAY HOMILY OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II Tor Vergata, Sunday 20 August 2000 1. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (Jn 6:68). Dear young
More informationPHILOSOPHY AND RATIONALE
PHILOSOPHY AND RATIONALE 1. The Mission of the Catholic School Today. In the Declaration on Christian Education, the fathers of the Second Vatican Council stress that the special function of the Catholic
More informationOh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.
Theme: Preparation for Marian Consecration Opening Prayer: TO JESUS WITH MARY Lord Jesus, following the example of Mary, I want to DISCOVER you! With her, Mother of the Church, and in the heart of a serving
More informationTHEOLOGICAL TRENDS. Canon Law and Ecclesiology II The Ecclesiological Implications of the 1983 Code of Canon Law
302 Introduction I THEOLOGICAL TRENDS Canon Law and Ecclesiology II The Ecclesiological Implications of the 1983 Code of Canon Law N A PREVIOUS article, published in The Way, January 1982, I gave an outline
More informationToday s Business S U N. Issue 2 Part 1. Table of Contents. Letters of Greeting 7/10. Sunday, July 10
Today s Business Issue 2 Part 1 S U N 7/10 Sunday, July 10 Table of Contents Letters of Greeting Mayoral Welcome... 204 Presidents Emeriti... 205 Entities... 207 Church Bodies... 216 Morning Session 8:00
More informationCONSULTATION ON EVANGELIZATION AND INCULTURATION
CONSULTATION ON EVANGELIZATION AND INCULTURATION The FABC Office of Evangelization organized a Consultation on Evangelization and Inculturation in collaboration with the National Biblical Catechetical
More information12 TH GRADE FIRST SEMESTER THE CHURCH
12 TH GRADE FIRST SEMESTER THE CHURCH Christ is the light of humanity; and it is, accordingly, the heart-felt desire of this sacred Council, being gathered together in the Holy Spirit, that, by proclaiming
More informationTHE JOY OF THE GOSPEL CHAPTER 3: THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL CHAPTER 3: THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL FR. RAYMOND LAFONTAINE EPISCOPAL VICAR OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING FAITHFUL DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF ENGLISH PASTORAL SERVICES, ARCHDIOCESE OF MONTREAL
More informationDomestic abuse and violence in Amoris Laetitia & implications for addressing DV in sacrament prep and. catechesis
Domestic abuse and violence in Amoris Laetitia & implications for addressing DV in sacrament prep and 1 catechesis By Lauri Przybysz, D.Min. and Bethany Meola, MTS 2 Introductions Lauri Education Director,
More informationenews NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DEACONS Fr Frank Brennan will be keynote speaker at the National Association of Deacons conference in Melbourne.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DEACONS SEPTEMBER 2015 Fr Frank Brennan will be keynote speaker at the National Association of Deacons conference in Melbourne. Service and pastoral solicitude REV Prof Frank Brennan
More informationAPOSTOLIC LETTER "MOTU PROPRIO" STELLA MARIS ON THE MARITIME APOSTOLATE
APOSTOLIC LETTER "MOTU PROPRIO" STELLA MARIS ON THE MARITIME APOSTOLATE Stella Maris ( Star of the Sea ) has long been the favourite title by which people of the sea have called on her in whose protection
More informationFamily SCRIPTURE. Also Cfr.: Gen.1:26-29; 2:18-24; Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16; Col.3:18-21; 1 Pet.3:1-9; Mt.19:3-6; Mk.10:6-9; Jn.2:1-11.
SCRIPTURE Family Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of
More informationCC113: THE APOSTOLATE OF THE LAITY [DAY 1]
CC113: THE APOSTOLATE OF THE LAITY [DAY 1] T. Mar, Kino Institute, 2015 The Next 5 Weeks When we meet: Mar 18 Mar 25 ( no class on Apr 1) Apr 8 Apr 15 Apr 22 The overall plan is to cover The Decree on
More informationRassemblement International International Gathering Encuentro Internacional - Encontro Internacional Raduno Internazionale Fátima Juillet J
The joy of reunion I warmly greet all participants in this International Gathering of the Teams of Our Lady and especially those who have worked so hard to achieve it. Thank you for everything you have
More informationChapter 2: Commitment to Christianity and Islam
Chapter 2: Commitment to Christianity and Islam Large majorities in every country surveyed express belief in the core tenets of Christianity or Islam. For example, roughly three-in-four or more people
More informationThe Universal Prayer The Baptism of the Lord Sunday 11th January 2015
The Baptism of the Lord Sunday 11th January 2015 My sisters and brothers, as we leave behind today our joyful Christmas Time and enter into Ordinary Time, which is nonetheless filled with God s extraordinary
More informationIt is said that God writes straight with crooked lines. He certainly did with me! Nonetheless, He was preparing me all along. An Interesting Dream
It is said that God writes straight with crooked lines. He certainly did with me! Nonetheless, He was preparing me all along. An Interesting Dream The Family as Ecclesia Domestica The Christian family
More informationTheology and Ethics: Reflections on the Revisions to Part Six of the ERDs
Theology and Ethics: Reflections on the Revisions to Part Six of the ERDs John A. Gallagher, Ph.D. Ongoing episcopal guidance for a ministry of the church is essential. The church s social ministries serve
More informationMay - June Vol. 28 No. 3
We all are the Priestly People of God. Together, we are leaders in responding to the emotional and spiritual needs of Priests and Brothers. May - June 2012 - Vol. 28 No. 3 Thank you for your support. As
More informationMOTU PROPRIO: FIDES PER DOCTRINAM
MOTU PROPRIO: FIDES PER DOCTRINAM BENEDICTUS PP. XVI APOSTOLIC LETTER ISSUED MOTU PROPRIO FIDES PER DOCTRINAM WHEREBY THE APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION PASTOR BONUS IS MODIFIED AND COMPETENCE FOR CATECHESIS IS
More informationC a t h o l i c D i o c e s e o f Y o u n g s t o w n
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown A Guide for Parish Pastoral Councils A People of Mission and Vision 2000 The Diocesan Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines are the result of an eighteen-month process of study,
More informationTHE PASTORAL CHALLENGES OF THE FAMILY IN THE CONTEXT OF EVANGELIZATION
SYNOD OF BISHOPS III EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY THE PASTORAL CHALLENGES OF THE FAMILY IN THE CONTEXT OF EVANGELIZATION INSTRUMENTUM LABORIS VATICAN CITY 2014 Table of Contents Abbreviations Introduction
More informationAnglican Church of Kenya Provincial Synod Archbishop s Charge
Anglican Church of Kenya Provincial Synod 2014 Archbishop s Charge Together for Christ: You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim
More informationB\9. SCCs AND ASSOCIATIONS
AsIPA B: Small Christian Communities Formation for the Christian Community B\9 SCCs AND ASSOCIATIONS (Duration of the session about two hours or more) 1) AIM To help the participants see the benefit of
More informationUnited States Conference of Catholic Bishops QUESTIONS ABOUT
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 10 Frequently Asked QUESTIONS ABOUT the Reservation of PRIESTLY ORDINATION to Men A PASTORAL RESPONSE BY THE COMMITTEE ON DOCTRINE OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE
More information