Ecclesia in America celebrating 15 years
(Vatican Radio) A press conference was held at the Vatican on Tuesday to present the
International Congress “Ecclesia in America”. The name is taken from the Post Synodal
Exhortation for America which is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The
event is being organised by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and the Knights
of Columbus in collaboration with the Institute for Guadalupan Studies.One of the aims of the conference is to focus on themes of the New Evangelization for the American continent.
Addressing journalists was Cardinal Marc Ouellet, President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, Professor Guzman Carriquiry, Secretary of the Commission and Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Carl Anderson.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet noted that "The valuable heritage of Christian faith, which is at the origin of the American 'New World' and inspires the life of its people, is now subject to erosion caused by waves of secularisation and the impact of a global culture…”
He also spoke of the challenges the Churches of North, Central and South America have faced over the past 15 years which have included defending religious liberty, situations of poverty, and marginalized youths. The Cardinal also looked at the themes of immigration, drug abuse, and narcotrafficking.
The Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Carl Anderson will also be participating at the Congress. Speaking to Lydia O’Kane about his hopes, he says, " I think we need to keep the message of “Ecclesia in America” alive and every new generation to explore its meaning and its challenges to us.”
He adds, “this congress I hope will bring people from around the world especially people from the Western hemisphere to begin to consider the challenges that we face, the mission of the Church, how we can co-operate together and build new bridges of unity…”
The Congress opens in the Vatican on December 9th and runs until the 12th. Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s interview with Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson
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