CONGRESS OF CATHOLIC LAITY BEGINS NEXT SATURDAY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 20, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office there was the presentation of the Congress of Catholic Laity, which will be held in Rome's Domus Pacis from November 25 to 30. The congress is promoted by the Pontifical Council for the Laity and will have as its theme: "Witnesses of Christ in the New Millennium."

Cardinal James Francis Stafford, president of the pontifical council, affirmed that the congress represents "a very special occasion for the laity to explain the faith that must be witnessed and communicated in all environments, geographical areas and life situations of the modern world."

Bishop Stanislaw Rylko, secretary of the council, indicated that the Jubilee of the Apostolate of the Laity "intends to remind all lay faithful of the roots of their vocation and mission as baptized Christians." Thanks to Vatican Council II, "the sense of shared responsibility in the Church has been invigorated. Many lay men and women are working in the front line of the new evangelization." Nonetheless, he added, "challenges are not lacking." For example: "How can we announce and bear witness to Christ in today's secularized society? ... How can we assist the laity to live their faith and their personal relationship with God in ordinary conditions of family life, professional life and social commitment?"

"In addition to delegates from episcopal conferences, representatives of lay groups and ecclesial movements will also be present at the congress. And, for the first time," highlighted Bishop Rylko, "numerous representatives of the laity from former communist countries (Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Ukraine and Georgia) will be participating. These are lay people who have precious experiences of faith to share, experiences lived under conditions of long and hard persecution from atheist State systems." This congress, he added, "will therefore be a place for dialogue, exchange, witness and common prayer, but also for comparing and evaluating different ecclesial experiences."

Guzman Carriquiry, under-secretary of the pontifical council, outlined the program for the congress. It will begin on Saturday, November 25, with a message from the Holy Father and the presentation of three reports. At 9:30 that evening, by way of spiritual preparation, a "jubilee vigil" will be held in the Domus Pacis, presided by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Central Committee of the Jubilee. The culminating moment will come on Sunday, November 26, solemnity of Christ the King. At 10 a.m., the Pope will celebrate Mass in the Vatican Basilica for the Jubilee of the Apostolate of the Laity and, at 4:30 p.m., in the church of the catacombs of St. Domitilla, there will be a jubilee celebration "in memory of the martyrs."

During November 27, 28 and 29, reflections will continue on the vocation, mission and formation of the laity. Furthermore, round table discussions will take place in which founders of ecclesial movements, leaders of international associations of faithful and university professors will participate.

The congress will end on November 30 with closing remarks from Cardinal Stafford and the presentation of the report: "Which lay faithful for the third millennium?" prepared by Cardinal Bernard F. Law, archbishop of Boston, U.S.A., and Guzman Carriquiry.

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