Since Wednesday, June 4, Rome has been hosting the annual meeting of lay associations, movements, and new communities, promoted by the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life.
With the theme “Hope Lived and Proclaimed: The Gift of the Jubilee for Ecclesial Groupings,” the event gathered over 110 charismatic expressions. Representing the Shalom Community were Moysés Azevedo (Founder and General ), Angélica Cunha (General formator), and Fr. Silvio Scopel (International assistant).
Speaking to comshalom, Moysés highlighted two main topics: the challenges facing movements and new communities today, and the formation of as witnesses of hope for the modern world.
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On the first day, reflections were led by Prof. Andrea Riccardi (founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio) and Prof. Luigino Bruni (economist and vice-president of the Economy of sco), who explored both external challenges (cultural, anthropological, communicational) and internal ones, like remaining faithful to a charism after the founder’s time.
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Thursday’s Mass was presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican. Concelebrating were Cardinal Kevin Farrell and Bishop Dario Gervasi from the Dicastery. In his homily, Parolin emphasized love and unity in Christian communities as “revealing and missionary signs” — a gift to be “preserved and nourished.”
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Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle opened the preaching sessions, calling participants to sow hope in today’s world. He movingly shared a story about a poor cookie vendor who offered him a gift — a gesture of generosity that brought him to tears.
English speaker Donna Orsuto later delivered a talk that Fr. Silvio called “a kiss to the soul,” reminding listeners that true witnesses of hope must have a concrete experience of Jesus’ resurrection — a core of the Shalom charism.
In group discussions, participants reflected on how to sow hope in a suffering world and how to consecrated individuals in this mission.
During the plenary, Moysés urged everyone to bring hope especially to young people, calling them the present and future of the Church.
The day closed with Cardinal Farrell’s encouraging message, declaring that lay associations are the Holy Spirit’s response to today’s evangelization. Referring to the time between Ascension and Pentecost, he encouraged participants to “not stand still” but become “authentic sowers of hope.”
Photo: Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
