Serving, accompanying, guiding. Foundations and practices of governance in associations

The annual meeting of moderators of international associations of the faithful,

ecclesial movements and new communities will take place on 21 and 22 May at the Vatican.

Once again, this year the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life is organizing and hosting the annual meeting with the moderators of international associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements and new communities.

On the days 21 and 22 May, in the New Synod Hall in the Vatican, around 200 participants including moderators, or their delegates, and members of the central governing body of 104 of the 115 international associations of the faithful and bodies recognized or established by the Holy See—will meet to reflect on the theme “Serving, accompanying, guiding. Foundations and practices of governance in associations”.

Governance in associations is, therefore, the theme chosen for this meeting, a theme that will be explored over the course of the two days from a theological-pastoral and canonical perspective. The Dicastery aims to provide concrete assistance to associations and movements and, specifically, to those who hold positions of governance within them, so that this service may be lived out in accordance with the Gospel and serve the authentic good of the associations and their members.

Many aspects will be considered during the Meeting: the specific nature and aims of the governing authority of a moderator in associations of the faithful; the tools to be used for the collegial exercise of governance and the balance between co-responsibility and collegiality on the one hand, and the assumption of personal responsibility on the other; the relationships of communion between the governing body of the association and ecclesiastical authority; the role of governance in the faithful safeguarding of the charism and in the pursuit of specific apostolic aims; the importance, for those in governance, of the necessary moral authority and transparency; respect for and protection of the rights of the faithful by those in governance; the proper distinction between the sphere of governance and the sphere of conscience; care in the formation of members.

This year’s meeting will last two days to allow more time for dialogue and sharing. Indeed, the annual meetings with the moderators are increasingly taking on a formative character, as well as fostering mutual understanding and sharing between the Dicastery and the associations, and amongst the associations themselves.

The programme for the first day includes an opening address by the Prefect, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, and two keynote presentations focusing on “Theological Aspects of Governance” (Professor Gill Goulding) in the Church in general, and on “Principles of Governance in Associations of the Faithful” (the Reverend Professor Paolo Gherri), a topic addressed from a canonical perspective. This will be followed by a reading from the Holy Father Leo XIV, and in the afternoon a panel discussion organized by the Dicastery on some of the “challenges” posed by the responsibility of governance, with a view to raising awareness of these issues and providing appropriate tools to address them.

There will then be time for reflection in small groups on aspects of the governance of associations which, in the participants’ view, merit attention, whilst also suggesting possible avenues for improvement. The communal recitation of the Rosary in the Vatican Gardens will conclude the first day.

The second day will be more focused on group work and plenary discussion, following the synodal method of conversation in the Spirit: two testimonies on the “Relationship between Moderators and Bishops” (Archbishop José Ángel Saiz Meneses) and on “Conciliation as a style of governance” (Mr Giovanni Borgna) will offer insights for reflection, so as to gather, in the afternoon, the proposals that have emerged from the working groups. A period for open contributions and the conclusion entrusted to the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life are the events scheduled for this final afternoon of work.

The Directory of International Associations of the Faithful is available on the website www.laityfamilylife.va, containing the list and contact details of each association and other bodies with legal personality over which the Dicastery has direct competence and whose life and development it is called to accompany (cf. PE, no. 134).

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Accreditation and participation procedures

Journalists and media operators who wish to interview the available participants must apply via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at: https://press.vatican.va/accreditamenti

Accredited journalists and media operators may carry out interviews exclusively during the breaks in the work, scheduled to take place at: on 21 May, from 17.15 to 17.45; on 22 May, from 11.00 to 11.30 and from 16.45 to 17.15).

(Upon arrival in the New Synod Hall, ask at reception to be received by the staff of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life)

Further information:

Pamela Fabiano: Communication – Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life comunicazione@laityfamilylife.va +39. 339.4034163