VATICAN CITY, JUNE 26, 2001 (Zenit.org).- More than 1,300 Catholic priests, deacons and seminarians, as well as ministers of other Christian churches, are expected to attend a meeting in Castel Gandolfo to focus on the topic «Ecclesial Movements for a New Evangelization.»
The 10th International Theological and Pastoral Congress, promoted by the Focolare Movements of Priests, will give evidence of the «new evangelization» brought about by ecclesial movements.
The founders and leaders of some of the principal charismatic expressions will be on hand at the three-day conference, which begins today.
Speakers include Father Michael Marmann, the Work of Schönstatt; Stefano Gennarini, Neocatechumenal Way; Salvatore Martinez, Renewal in the Spirit; Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, Sant´Egidio Community; Jesús Carrascosa and Father Gerolamo Castiglioni, Communion and Liberation; Chiara Lubich, Focolare Movement.
The congress is one of the results of common witness proposed by John Paul II to the new movements and communities at Pentecost 1998, which he himself described as «a new spring of the Church.»
Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Sant´Egidio Community, will address the topic «Development of Communion Among the Ecclesial Movements and with the Pastors of the Church from ´98 to Today.»
Spiritual and theological talks will be given by Natalia Dallapiccola on «The God of Today: Jesus Crucified and Forsaken, Key to Ecclesial Communion,» and by professor Piero Coda, who will speak on «Hierarchical and Charismatic Gifts in Communion for the Edification and Mission of the Church.»
John Paul II will be sending a message to the participants. For more information, see http://www.focolare.org.
