By Sean Ryan - 12 October, 2015
As the preparations continue for Limerick’s diocesan synod in 2016, the Bishop of Limerick has announced his intention to gather men and women who are interested in shaping Limerick’s identity into the future for a major think-in which will be held tomorrow (Tuesday).
People from the world of business, the arts, sport, politics, the heads of third level colleges and city councillors will gather at the Thomond Park Conference Centre to present their views.
Announcing the gathering, Bishop Brendan Leahy said, “The diocesan synod is occurring in a context of new energy and focus in Limerick regarding the city and county’s future.”
“The Church, as Pope Francis reminds us regularly, exists to promote ‘a culture of encounter’ at the service of society as a whole. It is in this spirit and at this stage of our preparations for the Synod, that I am hosting this event entitled ‘Limerick: What is our Mission?’”
Bishop Leahy explained that the purpose of the gathering is “to offer this moment of dialogue so that the Church can make informed decisions as it moves forward in its mission at the service of the city”.
Dr Lorna Gold will lead and facilitate the discussion. Formerly of the Department of Politics at the University of York, Dr Gold is Head of Policy and Advocacy with Trócaire.
She writes widely on a broad range of development issues, including the Milliennium Development Goals and the relationship between Catholic Social Teaching and ethical business models.
Recently, she acted as moderator at a high-level two-day conference on climate justice in the Vatican.
The Limerick Synod 2016 takes place from 8-10 April 2016 and will see the Diocese of Limerick setting out on a journey together to discern matters of relevance to life in the diocese. It will be attended by over 400 delegates representing the people of the diocese.
