Vatican City (Fides Service) - “Rediscovering the authentic image of the parish" is the theme of the 21st plenary assembly Pontifical Council for the Laity which opens today in the Vatican. The theme takes its inspiration from Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation Christifideles in which the Pope says that the “mystery” of the Church is present and active in the parish. The plenary is attended by the committee of presidency, members and consultors appointed by the Pope coming from all over the world and representing different cultural and social situations in which the People of God live.
A Pontifical Council statement says the meeting will have three sessions based on listening, studying and reflection with intervals for shared prayer and liturgical celebrations. Archbishop Stanislaw Ryłko , President of the Council for the Laity will open and close the assembly. On day one Prof. Guzmám Carriquiry Council under-secretary will give the introduction on the theme "The situation of the laity today: crucial questions". The work will continue with three conferences: "The parish in a changing world: major social-cultural and religious challenges" Mons. Sergio Lanza; "The mystery of the Church present and active in the parish" Rev. Prof. Denis Biju-Duval; "the parish institution: historical-juridical-pastoral approach" by Rev. Prof. Antonio S. Sánchez-Gil. Each conference will be followed by debate and sharing of experience.
On Day Two the theme will be examined in the light of two conferences: "Building the parish community together: councils, ministries, offices, services and other forms of lay collaboration and co-responsibility” Rev. Prof. Libero Gerosa su " and "The parish as a community” by Rev. Prof. Arturo Cattaneo. Debate at the end of the conferences and group study will be privileged moments for discussion and confrontation among the participants.
On Day Three Bishop Josef Clemens, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity will give a "Presentation of the Council’s Programmes" and in the afternoon "Contributions for the 11th General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: ‘Eucharist, source and summit of the life and mission of the Church" will be presented. The culminating event of the plenary will be an audience with Pope John Paul II, scheduled for tomorrow Thursday 25 November. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 24/11/2004 - Righe 29; Parole 394)