WUCWO participated on June 22nd 2023 in the regular annual meeting with moderators of associations of the faithful hosted by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life in Rome.

On the 25th anniversary of the first World Congress of Ecclesial Movements and New Communities, organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, which concluded with a solemn Pentecost Vigil in St. Peter's Square with Pope John Paul II on May 30, 1998, we gathered to reflect upon this year's theme: On Mission with Peter. Apostolicity at the Heart of the Movements' Identity.

The aim was to reflect upon the "theological collocation" of movements, a theme that the then Card. Joseph Ratzinger illustrated in his lecture at the Congress: a contribution of great ecclesial relevance that has preserved all its relevance and that today can brighten the path and challenges that associations and movements find themselves living. If apostolicity, understood as the missionary and universal openness of the Church, is the theological "place" of movements stirred by the Holy Spirit, then it is important that this dimension never be lost if these realities intend to be faithful to their identity.

The day's event was divided into two moments for listening: in the morning, after an introduction by Card. Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery, Fr. Paolo Prosperi, ot the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, retraced the journey made by the movements over the twenty-five years since that conference, taking into account the magisterium and today's challenges. In the afternoon, the sessions were devoted to the testimonies of the participants, invited to speak about how in these years they have welcomed and lived the challenge of apostolic life, as explained by Card. Ratzinger in his lecture: an evangelical, missionary life, which is implemented in charity and service.

Here is the reflection put together by WUCWO's Secretary General on the ecclesial reality of our organisation in the face of the challenge of apostolic life:

Reflection and discussion intended to face the challenges of this time of epochal changes with boldness and creativity, in order to rethink structures, style and methods of evangelisation of aggregative realities, without lacking generosity and courage.

One hundred and fifty participants from five continents attended the day of reflection and sharing : moderators and other members of the central governing bodies of the associations recognised by the Dicastery.

HERE you can find the introductory remarks of Card. Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life and the keynote speech of Rev. Fr. Paolo Prosperi.