From 2003 to 2007, four European dioceses - Brussels, Lisbon, Paris and
Vienna - joined by the diocese of Budapest, organized the International Congress
for the New Evangelisation. It is the same Congress, celebrated in successive
missions, following a program adapted to the reality of each city. The Emmanuel
Community, at the bishops' request, is in charge of the international
coordination.
The first Congress and mission took place in Vienna, from the 23rd of
May to the 1st of June 2003.
http://stephanscom.at/stadtmission/
Questions on the Congress
The rapid evolution of our society requires new pastoral methods. To map
these out, the Cardinals invited us to the International Congress for the
New Evangelisation. The Congress takes place in major cities.
We see a growing thirst for spirituality and religion in the major
European cities, and yet at the same time, the traditional Christian churches'
influence on the culture of the Old Continent is waning. Today, the challenge
of the Church is as follows: to
transmit the message of Jesus Christ in a way that is suited to our times.
Young people like the poor and excluded from our society, deserve a particular
attention. Four major missions in the cityFor ten days, those coming from throughout the world to take part in the
Congress meet at the heart of the host city for conferences, discussions and
times of reflection. However, the Congress is more than a simple theoretical
exchange: it is the opportunity for a concrete missionary movement. Indeed,
during the whole time of the congress, an urban mission takes place throughout
the host city, inviting all the parishes, the religious orders, the new
communities, the movements…. and all men of good will to take part.
In order to help Christians meet their fellow citizens and share their
hope with them. The project includes: Times of prayer and sharing in the
city's churches.
Each day cultural events and public
debates are organized, as are spiritual events, carried out by the parishes,
the movements, the communities, etc.
This project offers to Christians from the city and from further a field
the opportunity to meet and share their experiences about the fundamentals and
the challenges of the New Evangelisation, by taking part in the Conferences and
workshops of the Congress, and in the urban mission itself. |
