25 -29 March 2023 – Rome
The annual General Coordination Council meeting of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate was held from 25 – 29 March 2023, from the day of Solemnity of Annunciation, in the Generalate of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters in Rome. There were 14 members participating from Italy, Poland, Austria, Brazil, India, Australia, Ireland, USA, and Africa, along with the President of the GCC and three General Superiors of core communities which are integral part of the Union.
The five days of sharing, discussing, and deliberating on different realities of the Union was emphasized on the process of Synodality according to the thought of Pope Francis, which was led by Fr. Daniel Rocchetti, SAC. Through this process, the GCC members were able to formulate a statement on building together a horizon for the UAC to guide the life of the Union all over the world. During this time also the members had an opportunity to participate in a Polyphonic Choir Concert called as “Madonna della Libera” of Melizzano, BN.
Fr. Derry Murphy SAC and Maria Domke who were the members chosen for the General Secretariat of the Synod as contact persons on behalf of the Union, presented the responses on the Synodal process made at the level of the UAC. The topic of the General Congress which will be held in July 2024 gave a motivation to plan and consider different aspects of the union. The different General Commissions of the Union gave the reports on the plans and activities that are taken as an action point for further consideration. Finally, the GCC members were able to prepare a message which included every element of our reflection on the Charism, spirituality, cooperation, and solidarity of our Pallottine family in the Church and for the people.
The meeting concluded with a Holy Mass at the altar of St. Vincent Pallotti and thereafter an agape in the Pallottine Fathers Generalate. The hospitality of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters is well appreciated. May God be glorified for the gift of the Union which our founder left for us as our heritage to live vividly our Charism according to the signs of the time.
Photos: Sr. Josephina Dsouza and Mr. Marek Kalka