Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Melbourne (Fides Service) - Lay movements, assocations and communities born since the Second Vatican Council are a new resource for the Church which give new vitality and strength. They are a bit like a blood transfusion for the Church in the third millennium Bishop Christopher Prowse, auxiliary of Melbourne, in a recent meeting for representatives of lay movements from all over Australia held in Melbourne. The meeting was attended by 500 delegates of 34 different movements and associations who compared carisma and experience, difficulties and joys in the journey of faith.
Bishop Prowse spoke of the principal elements of Church movements and encouarged young Catholics to become members to be sustained in their journey of faith. He said movements must keep in mind the following points: the call to holiness; love for Jesus Christ and the Church; constant rference to Papal teaching; daily reading of the Word of God and striving for full sacramental life; special attention for evangelisation, assume social responsibilities; love for the Blessed Virgin Mary; promote ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.
The Bishop said the two main challenges facing movements are: to be accepted and have an impact on Australian culture; bring the faithful to take an ever more active part in pastoral life in parishes, and new communities to work at evangelisation among young people. The meeting of delegates, many of them young people, closed recalling the massive participation of young Australians who intend to be at World Youth Day in Germany in August and the hope that one day Australia may host a WYD .
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/7/2005 righe 24 parole 245)
