Posted on 1 September 2016
By Adrian Middeldorp*
The Bishop of Broken Bay, Most Rev Peter A Comensoli, at the opening of PROCLAIM 2016. Photo: Adrian Middeldorp.
Pope Francis has challenged young people to become “missionary disciples, radiating in their homes, parishes and communities”. The challenge came as part of the Pope’s opening message sent to participants of the PROCLAIM 2016 Conference on the New Evangelisation, being held in Chatswood, Sydney.
In his message sent to the host of the conference, the Bishop of Broken Bay, Most Rev Peter A. Comensoli, the Holy Father said he hoped the conference would, “contribute to a more effective proclamation of the Gospel message of forgiveness, redemption and interior renewal”.
In a world increasingly wounded by alienation, fragmentation and forgetfulness of God he urges Christian families and young people in particular to the joy of the Gospel and the hope it offers for the building of a society of true solidarity and freedom”
In crossing the Holy Door in the Jubilee Year of Mercy, he hoped Australian people will “experience a renewed encounter with Jesus, the door leading to life and salvation and thus be confirmed in the prophetic mission received in baptism”.
To read the Pope’s message, click here.
Conference keynote addresses can be viewed online at www.xt3.com/proclaim2016
PROCLAIM 2016 is being organised and hosted on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference by the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay. PROCLAIM 2016 runs from 1-3 September. For more information about the program and speakers, click here
*Adrian Middeldorp is Engagement Manager for the Diocese of Parramatta.
