[Symposium 2016] «I came that they may have life». Life that sprouts from God in the course of history

«I came that they may have life». Life that sprouts from God in the course of history

Theological and Pastoral Symposium 

June 24 to 26, 2016 

Good Shepherd's Hall | Paul VI Pastoral Centre

Following the thematic itinerary that aims to prepare the celebration of the Centennial of the Apparitions of Fatima, the last Pastoral-Theological Symposium before this celebration, focuses, as usual, on the pastoral year taking place at the Shrine of Fatima, entitled: «I came that they may have life». Life that sprouts from God in the course of history. During two and a half days - from June 24 to 26 – one seeks to reflect on the fundamental dimensions of "life in its fullness" that is made possible through the Christian event as a gift and an experience, and simultaneously as a promise to fulfill and a hope to keep.

From three theme-oriented perspectives - "received", "celebrated" and "donated" life - the Symposium will reflect, first of all, on the gift of the new life that the Gospel of Jesus points out and offers, and the action of His Spirit (who is also the Spirit of the Father) updates, each time and place, emphasizing, at the same time, the task of human construction, which is engaged in receiving that gift. In this context, the care for life appears as an evangelical demand that requires the answer to human freedom.

In a second step, reflecting on the "celebrated" life compel us to analyze, on the one hand, the existential meaning, inherent to the Christian celebration, and, on the other hand, to learn about the elements - in Christian joy, celebration, and pilgrimage –  that bring up what is life in all its depth. A life which is rooted in the merciful love of God and, therefore, is translated into "giving" to others, in the merciful and compassionate act, in the free gift of forgiveness. So basic pillars are placed to deepen how the Church can and must be at the service of the fullness of life today.

The Symposium will open its proceedings with a look at the Message of Fatima, trying to highlight how the question about human living, its limitations and weaknesses, life's deepest sense, is present on it. A sense of life that Mary finds and praises in the merciful and saving power act of God: The Magnificat is also today a sign that lights up and encourages the paths of the Christian living.