2015-01-14 09:41:00

International Clergy Conference participants commit themselves to Pope Francis' call to evangelisation


(Vatican Radio) The second international conference of the Confraternities of Catholic Clergy brought together in Rome bishops, priests, deacons and seminarians from the English-speaking world. The conference theme, Quo Vadis Domine?, invited participants to review the mission of the Church, and the mission of the priest, 50 years after Vatican II and in light of Pope Francis’ exhortations to evangelisation. 

Speakers included Cardinal George Pell who heads the Secretariat for the Economy, Cardinal Angelo Amato who heads the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, and Archbishop Joseph Di Noia, who is Assistant Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Cardinal Pell addressed the mission of the Church, relating the need for clear and unambiguous witness to Christ. The Confraternities of Catholic Clergy, in their service to the Church and the world, reiterated their commitment to a prophetic witness which challenges contemporary culture, and shares the Holy Father’s care and concern for the family. They dedicated themselves to pray that the upcoming Synod will enable the Church to more effectively proclaim Christ’s vision of marriage and family, presenting anew the Good News about marriage and family life in all its fullness and helping, with the Lord’s compassion, those who struggle to follow the Gospel in a secular society.

Cardinal Amato addressed the mystery of the Church, and exhorted priests sentire cum ecclesia: to think with the mind of the Church, to love the Church, and to identify as sons of the Church. In response to this call, the Confraternities of Catholic Clergy renewed their allegiance to the Holy See, especially in matters of faith and morals, recognising obedience to the authority of the Church as obedience to Christ.

Archbishop Di Noia addressed the nature and mission of priesthood, emphasising the sublime call of sacramental ministry. The challenge for priests is to be interiorly conformed to Christ – to become for their people what sacramental orders bestow. The participants committed themselves to assisting their members to grow in zeal, learning and holiness. They endorsed celibacy for the kingdom as the norm for priests in the Latin Rite, and recognised celibacy not only as a discipline, but also as a rich and fruitful means to conformity to Christ.

A highlight of the conference was the opportunity to celebrate the sacred liturgy in some of Rome’s most beautiful and historical basilicas. On the Feast of the Epiphany participants were able to concelebrate Mass with Pope Francis at St Peter’s Basilica. The  liturgical celebrations were assisted and enhanced by Dublin’s Lassus Scholars, who excel at choral masterpieces sung in their authentic liturgical setting.

An important fruit of this year’s conference was a resolve among the Confraternities to consolidate their fellowship and shared mission. An international Secretariat is to be established to further co-operation between the Confraternities in Australia, Ireland, the UK and the US. A further hope is that, in time, perhaps similar Confraternities might be founded in other English-speaking countries, providing fraternal support and ongoing formation to clergy in those places. News on that development will be posted on the Confraternity websites.

Australia: www.clergy.asn.au

Ireland: www.confraternity.ie

UK: www.confraternityccb.org.uk

US: www.catholicclergy.net

 

 

 








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