One of Latin America’s most influential lay leaders, Mauricio López Oropeza, will visit Parramatta’s St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall on 23 July for a public talk offering powerful insights on synodality, justice, and the Church’s mission in a changing world.
As a participant in the Synod on Synodality and a leader from the Amazon Synod, Mauricio will be the special guest for the latest instalment of the Bishop Vincent Presents series, a series of public talks hosted by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and the Diocese of Parramatta that spotlights voices helping to shape the future of the Church.
The 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality. Image: supplied.
Who is Mauricio?
Mauricio López Oropeza. Mexican by birth, Ecuadorian by adoption, and Amazonian by choice, was the former Director of the Center for Pastoral Action of CELAM and responsible for the methodology and listening process of the First Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean.
He was the first Executive Secretary and co-founder of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM), as well as co-founder and current lay Vice President of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA).
The CEAMA was responsible for implementing the outcomes of the 2019 Amazon Synod.
The Amazon Synod effectively called for bold new paths for evangelisation and the care of creation. This is because the Amazon is a region of the earth deeply affected by environmental degradation, economic injustice and marginalisation of its Indigenous peoples.
He is the founding Director of the Amazon University Program (PUAM).
In addition, Mauricio was a former member of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. An Ignatian layperson and member of the Christian Life Community (CLC), Mauricio served as World President from 2013 to 2018.
He was a member of the methodological and facilitation team for the Synod on Synodality, bringing insights from Latin America to the global conversation.
He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education with a concentration in Catholic University Leadership at Boston College.
Throughout his career, Mauricio has been a passionate advocate for justice, ecological conversion, and a Church that listens and walks with the people – especially those on the peripheries. He is married to Analú.
Mauricio Lopez. Image: supplied.
How is the future of the Amazon, a future for all?
Catholicism in Latin America has its unique set of challenges, yet many opportunities for renewal. Mauricio will speak on ecology, Indigenous rights, migration and living out the vision of synodality today with our new Pope Leo XIV.
Registration is essential. Please visit: parracatholic.org/lopez for more information and to register.
