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The Committee of the Isles Cork Meeting, February 22nd - 24th Representatives of the National Service Committees for Catholic Charismatic Renewal in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, held the latest in a series of regular meetings at The Haven, Cork, an inspiring new ecumenical centre with a café, bookshop, meeting room, and rooms for prayer and counselling. We meet to pray, to listen to the Lord together, to share what we are doing in our respective countries, to reflect on what we see the Holy Spirit doing, and to consider ways we might support each other and work together. The meetings are characterised by their friendliness and good humour, and by the close relationships which have developed over the years. This time we felt that the talk given by Fr. Peter Hocken to leaders in the English CCR last October and later reprinted in GOODNEWS, provided a remarkable presentation of some key questions we need to be addressing, and which become important as a result of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. - The Word of God: it is vital that we encourage a greater thirst for the Scriptures, whilst identifying and building up good teachers of the Word, and seeking out appropriate courses and learning programmes. - Intercession: this is an under-valued ministry, which must be encouraged, appreciated, and taken up by more of us. - Unity: there are still too many divisions within the CCR and these need to be healed, but equally importantly Renewal IS ecumenical and we need to be much more serious in our commitment to good ecumenical relations. - Commitment: we need to be active, keeping the fire of the Holy Spirit burning, persevering in prayer, encouraging an expectant faith, and envisioning people. If these things are to happen we will need a humble, repentant leadership, but one that is encouraging, visionary, committed, and challenging. More effort needs to go into training younger, courageous leaders - the Joshua generation - if we are to see the CCR moving powerfully forward in the Church. These key points will be reported back to each NSC for discussion and action, and we are hoping to arrange a joint meeting for the members of all four NSCs in 2009. Our thanks to Marie Beirne and Sr. Bridget Dunne for hosting us so generously, and please pray for the work of the NSCs of the Isles. Charles Whitehead Chairman, Committee of the Isles		Vatican holds meeting on Church in China The Commission established by Pope Benedict XVI to study the life of the Church in China met in the Vatican from 10 to 12 March.The meeting had as its theme the Letter which the Holy Father sent to Chinese Catholics on 27 May 2007. Participants first examined the reaction to the pontifical document both inside and outside China. They reflected on the theological principles that inspired the Letter in order to comprehend the future prospects they bring for the Catholic community in China. In concrete terms, in the light of the papal text consideration was given to certain important aspects regarding the Church’s mission as ‘instrument of salvation’ for the Chinese people: evangelisation in a world experiencing globalisation; the application, in China’s current situation, of the Vatican Council II doctrine on the nature and structure of the Church; forgiveness and reconciliation within the Catholic community; the requirements of truth and charity; the government of dioceses, which has great relevance for pastoral activity and for the formation of priests, seminarians, religious and lay faithful. In line with the indications expressed by the Pope in His Letter, the will for a respectful and constructive dialogue with the authorities was reiterated. Finally, and still in the light of the pontifical document, the participants exchanged information and experiences concerning the life and activity of the Church in China. The meeting concluded with a meeting with the Holy Father. He listened to a brief report of the work accomplished over the three days and encouraged the participants to continue their commitment in favour of the Catholic community in China. He also mentioned the forthcoming event of 24 May, the Universal Day of Prayer for the Church in China. Visit www.zenith.org for more info

Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, dies aged 88 Pope Benedict XVI expressed his condolences at the death of the founder of the Focolare Movement, Chiara Lubich, who died on 14th March, aged 88. He sent a telegram to Father Oreste Basso, co-president of the Movement saying that it was “with deep emotion” that he learned of the news of the “pious death” of Lubich, “which came at the end of a long and fruitful life marked by her tireless love for the abandoned Jesus.” He added that he remained “spiritually close to her relatives …… and to those who appreciated her constant commitment for communion in the Church, for ecumenical dialogue and for fraternity among all peoples.” Goodnews will feature an obituary in the next issue. News taken from www.Zenit.org

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