Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Castel Gandolfo (Fides Service) - About one thousand priests, deacons and seminarians, mainly Catholics but also of other Christian denominations have come to Italy from 50 countries including India, Thailand, South Africa, Canada and Lebanon to take part in a meeting at Castel Gandolfo on “The Church today. Spirituality of Communion and Dialogue”, which will end 21 April. The purpose of the meeting is to read the signs of the times and discuss challenges encountered by priests today (crisis in credibility and impact, social and cultural fragmentation, individualism and overworking), and also to identify new opportunities offered by the dimension of communion.
The Meeting was opened by Rev Silvano Cola, head of the Focolari Priest’s Movement which is organising the event. Testimonials revealed a variety of profiles of the life of priests and deacons in the world today. Experts on different geographical areas spoke of a thirst for God which needs to be filled. The main remedy to restore the “image” of the priest in public opinion - they said - is a radical return to the Gospel. Among the challenges, the faces of injustice and poverty in many parts of the world. Among the signs of hope, the appearance of new charisma and Basic Church Communities.
Chiara Lubich foundress of the Focolari in her message highlighted the key-idea of the meeting: “The crucified and abandoned Christ is the One who opens the path to universal brotherhood”. It was when he was abandoned that he re-established relations between mankind and God and also “the bond of unity among all men and women. This is why we reflect on Him: he is the true Priest!”. Hence a precise wish: “may every priest take the crucified and abandoned Christ as his model so the Church today may find herself rich in Christ-priests ready to give their lives for others”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/4/2006, righe 23, parole 337)
