On January 17, 2020, a new “Consulta” [brainstorming group] of the Diocesan Pastoral Center for Missionary Cooperation between the Churches was established in the Vicariate of the Diocese of Rome.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO, the Director of the Franciscan Missionary Center, has been called to join the new body, along with other missionary center directors from various men’s and women’s Orders and religious congregations operating in the city of Rome.
A meeting was held to draw up the guidelines of the Consulta in accordance with the directives of the Italian Episcopal Conference for the various Dioceses. The Most Reverend Gianpiero PALMIERI, Bishop of the East Sector of the Diocese of Rome, led the meeting along with the Director of the Center for Missionary Cooperation, Father Michele CAIAFA.
The creation of the new Advisory Council is part of a seven-year journey of the Diocese of Rome towards its Jubilee in 2025. The theme of the Jubilee is “Live the Life of the City with Heart”. The Consulta provides opportunities for communion, study, consultation and working on missionary proposals. In particular, its task is to collaborate with other diocesan entities, each of which has its own experience and rich charism, and thus contribute to missionary development within the city of Rome. The city has 3.5 million inhabitants, 331 parishes, 35 neighborhoods and 130 ethnic groups, many of which are present in the parishes.
The new body is also called to inspire the many ecclesial realities that exist within the individual Roman parishes.
Annamaria IACOROSSI, Secretary of the Franciscan Missionary Center
