Subject: 'austraLasia' # 336

PAPAL VISIT TO OCEANIA IN PIPELINE

Julian Fox

SUVA: 28th April -- Bishops from CEPAC and from the Australian and New Zealand Episcopal Conferences have indicated that the Holy Father is likely to visit Oceania, and specifically Noumea, after Easter next year to present his conclusions to the Oceania Synod held in Rome last year.

At the conclusion to the Synod, the Pope was presented with a list of proposals which he has the right to accept or reject. Bishops involved in the formulation of the post-synodal document presented just recently as a completed document to the Holy Father indicate that he is likely to accept most of not all the proposals presented. The synod's concerns with inculturation will be a highlight of the forthcoming papal document. A central synodal theme, which will also be represented in the document is the need for greater cooperation among local Churches in Oceania, not just in terms of financial resources, but also of personnel, schools, seminaries and other institutions.

At a recent meeting of several CEPAC Bishops in Suva, to discuss the progress of the Pacific Regional Seminary, note was made of the continuing abundance of vocations within the CEPAC region and the need, therefore, to recognise this as a graced moment. Other local Churches may be asked to assist in providing for the numbers, in addition to any restructuring and further provision that may occur at PRS itself.