Bishops hold convention at Castelgandolfo

(February 08, 2011) “Rediscover the plan of God in today’s world” is the theme of the 35^th convention of bishops to be held from 8-11 February at Castelgandolfo, some 30 kms south of Rome. The meeting is being organised by the Focolare Movement. Some 75 bishops and cardinals from 40 nations will be taking part in the meeting, the aim of which is to search for new models to give witness to the faith. In this time of social change and crises, many prelates felt the need to exchange views and experiences to rediscover the mystical and spiritual side of the church that offers hope and new approaches. “We need a constructive reading of the signs of the times” Cardinal Miroslav Vlk, the moderator of the conference said on Tuesday, the opening day of the conference. “The world today is full of stimulating challenges that require new insights and may open new perspectives”, he added. The meeting will also be addressed by Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Prefect of the Congregation for bishops, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, Prefect of Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Culture, and Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
The President of the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce will also address the meeting. Her talk will focus on “the will of God in Christian life”. The four–day meeting will also have moments of theological and philosophical reflection, meditation and prayers in common. The whole group will meet Pope Benedict XVI at Wednesday’s general audience in Rome.