Caritas Internationalis secretatry general, Michel Roy, has spoken on behalf of the Caritas confederation at the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican. Acting as an “auditor” at the three-week meeting, Mr Roy gave a speech on the relationship between charity and evangelisation.
Tag Archives: Synod
Caritas links charity with evangelisation at synod
Filed under Français
Letter from Rome October 2010
Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Lesley-Anne Knight with Caritas Chile Director Lorenzo Figueroa on a visit to Talca to meet people affected by an earthquake earlier in the year. Credit: Caritas.
By Lesley Anne Knight, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis
Change has been in the air in Rome in October, with autumnal weather and new appointments. Caritas Internationalis warmly congratulated His Eminence Cardinal-elect Robert Sarah on his appointment to the College of Cardinals and as President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum. We look forward to renewed and fruitful collaboration with Cor Unum under his leadership.
Rome hosted the Middle East Synod of Bishops this month, where Church leaders discussed the unique difficulties facing this fragile region. Delegates included representatives of Caritas Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and the Caritas Middle East and North Africa (MONA) President, Joseph Farah. The propositions adopted by the Synod Fathers show real hope in unity that there is a way out of the conflict which overshadows so much of daily life there. “Peace is possible”, as the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI said in his closing address. Continue reading
Filed under Caritas news, Español, Français, Secretary General Letter from Rome
Reflections on Middle East Synod
By Joseph Donnelly, Caritas Internationalis
Icons are an extraordinary gift. These sacred paintings are reflections of scripture, inspired through the centuries. Icons invite us to look carefully beyond what is most obvious – and to hear God’s Word. An ecclesiastical synod is a truly iconic moment. A chance to enter into communities on their respective pilgrimages.
One year ago, it was announced that a special assembly would come together as a Synod on the Middle East. On October 10, the first-ever Synod on the Middle East opened in Rome. Yesterday, this historic assembly closed in St. Peter’s Basilica with a solemn liturgy for the region.
The theme of the meeting was ‘The Catholic Church in the Middle East: Communion and Witness.’ To speak of the Middle East is to consider countless images. To speak of the Catholic Church and the Christians in the Middle East is to consider rich traditions as well as great suffering.
From the birthplace of Christianity where today hope and hardship dwell side by side, 185 Synod fathers had come. The Synod also included 70 experts from organisations that could advise the Synod. They included representatives of Caritas Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon, as well as the Caritas Mona Regional President Joseph Farah. Continue reading
