Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brussels (Agenzia Fides) - From 28th October to 5 November Brussels will host a Congress on Evangelisation. The aim is “to render the Church visible and close to all” Cardinal Godfried Danneels Catholic Archbishop of Brussels explained in a letter of presentation. This is the 4th such Congress, previous gatherings were hosted Vienna (2003), Paris (2004), Lisbon (2005) (see Fides 15/11/2005).
The initiative given the title "Brussels, All Saints 2006" since its dates include November 1st All Saints Day, will reflect on the theme "faith and modern culture". Its aims will be to deepen Christian identity; build bonds of unity among movements, parishes and other church associations fostering moments of reflection and study; make the Catholic Church visible and show that it is close to all.
The Congress programme will include liturgical celebrations, conferences and cultural events. Workshops on Congress themes will be organised in three institutes close to the Basilica of Koekelberg. There will also be panel discussions with civil society representatives. Among the participants Prof. Andrea Riccardi, founder of the S. Egidio Community in Rome; Marguerite Barankitse from Burundi who saved the lives of many children during the genocide in 1994; Fr Nicolás Buttet, founder of the Eucharistein Community in Switzerland and the Philantropos Institute; Fr Enzo Bianchi, prior of the Community of Bose in Italy. Special events will be organised for your people including Eucharistic and Penitential liturgies Mass and concerts.... every church in Brussels will keep its doors open ever day of the Congress.
The organisers expect thousands of participants from Belgium, and many countries of Europe, including France, Portugal, Austria, Holland, Germany and Hungary, a good number of cardinals and bishops, representatives of 75 church movements, and 600 parish groups or movements from Brussels. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 27/10/2006; righe 24, parole 307)
