On June 13, 2024, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life will hold its annual meeting with the Moderators of associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements and new communities in the New Hall of the Synod in the Vatican. The World Apostolate of Fatima, an international association of the faithful, will also be present with two delegates.
The theme of the Meeting will be ‘The Challenge of Synodality for Mission’. The Church, through the Synod on Synodality, is experiencing a prolonged time of consultation, reflection and dialogue to fully implement the synodal dimension, which is part of its nature as a mystery of communion, in the image of Trinitarian communion.
This year's Meeting with the Moderators of international associations aims to highlight some examples of synodal structures and practices already implemented in associations and movements that can be an example and stimulus for the whole Church, such as sharing experiences of faith within small groups or small communities, community discernment, co-responsibility of lay and ordained ministers in assuming roles of governance, involvement of married couples and young people in evangelisation, charitable and social action, etc.
Participants in the Annual Meeting with Moderators will also be invited to reflect on synodal dimensions that pose new challenges to the growth of associations and movements.
The day will open with the celebration of Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica presided over by His Eminence Card. Kevin Farrell – Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Participants will then attend an Audience with the Holy Father Pope Francis.
After a welcoming address by Card. Kevin Farrell, the programme will include two main presentations. Prof. Rafael Luciani, Lecturer at Andrés Bello Catholic University (Venezuela) will introduce the theme ‘Mission as the Goal of Synodality’, and Dr Elisa Lisiero – a Dicastery official – will invite participants to reflect on synodality and the experience of the movements.
As always, ample time for sharing and free question/answer session will characterize the Meeting.
The Dicastery’s website (www.laityfamilylife.va) has an updated Directory with the list and contacts of associations, ecclesial movements, and new communities.
