The Catholic Academic World Close to Ecclesial Movements and New Communities

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The Catholic academic world is showing growing interest in ecclesial movements and new communities. The study of these ecclesial realities – from a canonical, ecclesiological and pastoral point of view – is now offered at the Universidad Católica San Dámaso in Madrid through the course “Movimientos eclesiales, nuevas comunidades y hermandades” (Ecclesial movements, new communities and confraternities).

A programme designed to accompany the faithful who live associational life as a path of evangelization

The opening session of the course took place on 7 October in the presence of the University’s academic authorities, particularly from the Faculty of Canon Law. The Undersecretary of the Dicastery, Linda Ghisoni, was invited to deliver the opening lecture on “The Holy See’s contribution to the associational phenomenon”.

Ghisoni presented the legislation and practice of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life in accompanying associations that are formally recognized or established by it at the international level, while also referring to its indirect competence regarding associations of the faithful of diocesan and national right. Her contribution offered participants – members of associations of the faithful as well as pastoral and canonical workers – reflections and guidelines that will be further explored during the course. These insights are intended to better accompany the faithful who live associational life as a path of evangelization.

Ghisoni: learning to face crises and foster relationships with other ecclesial realities

The hope expressed by the Undersecretary and by the Dicastery itself is that the course will help form members of associations of the faithful who are more aware of their mission, and prepare pastoral and canonical workers who are capable of addressing the needs of the faithful who seek recognition of their right to associate.

In concluding her address, the Undersecretary said that the course will be very useful also “in appropriately addressing the crises and difficulties that inevitably arise within associations”. Lastly, she stated, it will “enable people to accompany, at every stage, confraternities and other associational realities that must remain faithful to their purpose and charism, while at the same time learning to foster mutual relationships with bishops, parish priests, and other ecclesial entities”.