Convivence of Bishops in New York, 4-1-1997

S. John Paul II

New York, April 1-5, 1997

“New Evangelization and the ThirdMillennium. Only a new aesthetic will save the Church ”: this has been thetopic. The convivence has been an opportunity offered to the bishops so that they could know what the Neocatechumenal Way is, receiving information directly from its source. Reflection on the need for a new aesthetic to evangelize the New Millennium could not find a more adequate scenario than that of the “Big Apple”, the cultural capital of the contemporary world. The “New Aesthetics” introduced by the Neocatechumenal Way through his biblical and liturgical initiation is demonstrating, in real life, that it is capable of coping with the cultural impact of the megalopolis that threatens the life of the Church.

The telegram of the Holy Father

«The Holy Father has been informed of the meeting organized by the Neocatechumenal Way in New York from April 1 to 5. Send the most cordial greetings to all those who participate in it, in particular to his brother bishops who have supported this initiative, offering a reflection, together with prayer, which will contribute to the next special assembly of the Synod of Bishops of the Americas. The Synod has as its theme: “The encounter with the living Jesus Christ, a way for conversion, communion and solidarity in America”.

This Synod wants to encourage to give anew impulse of evangelization in the Churches of America, while they are preparing for the great Jubilee of the year 2000. This calls for a renewed momentum, not only from pastors, but also from the laity, of associations and ecclesial movements.

In these days, you will try to individualize the challenges that the Church of America faces in her commitment to carry out this important mission and to find adequate solutions in the light of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Father will remember in his prayers all those who take part in the meeting. Invoking abundant divine blessings on your decisions, he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing. “

Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State