Cardinal Cordes in Australia to promote service

(Nov.25,2009): Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, is in Australia this week to speak about the importance of the Church's works of charity. A communiqué of the council said that the Cardinal was invited by the bishops of Australia, to address the plenary assembly of the Episcopal conference, which is being held this week in Sydney.
The communiqué stated that Cardinal Cordes, who will be in Australia through Sunday, aims to reinforce the Catholic Church's witness in the realm of charity. The cardinal will reflect together with the pastors on the teachings of the encyclical 'Deus Caritas Est', in the light of the different experiences of the local churches, the note affirmed. It said Cardinal Cordes will also give a conference on this encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI at the Australian Catholic University. During his trip, Cardinal Cordes will also address the topic of the different dimensions of charity in his meetings with priests, seminarians, agents of charitable associations and some representatives of lay associations, the communiqué added.