From 2003 to 2007, four European dioceses - Brussels, Lisbon, Paris and Vienna - joined by the diocese of Budapest, organize the International Congress for the New Evangelisation. It is the same Congress, celebrated in successive missions, following a program adapted to the reality of each city. The Emmanuel Community, at the bishops' request, is in charge of the international coordination.

The first Congress and mission took place in Vienna, from the 23rd of May to the 1st of June 2003.

Questions on the Congress

The rapid evolution of our society requires new pastoral methods. To map these out, the Cardinals have invited us to the International Congress for the New Evangelisation. The Congress will take place in major cities: see the list of locations below.

We see a growing thirst for spirituality and religion in the major European cities, and yet at the same time, the traditional Christian churches' influence on the culture of the Old Continent is waning. Today, the challenge of the Church is as follows:  to transmit the message of Jesus Christ in a way that is suited to our times. Young people like the poor and excluded from our society, deserve a particular attention.

Four major missions in the city

For ten days, those coming from throughout the world to take part in the Congress meet at the heart of the host city for conferences, discussions and times of reflection. However, the Congress is more than a simple theoretical exchange: it is the opportunity for a concrete missionary movement. Indeed, during the whole time of the congress, an urban mission takes place throughout the host city, inviting all the parishes, the religious orders, the new communities, the movements…. and all men of good will to take part.

In order to help Christians meet their fellow citizens and share their hope with them. The project includes:

·         Times of prayer and sharing in the city's churches.

·         Each day cultural events and public debates are organized, as are spiritual events, carried out by the parishes, the movements, the communities, etc.

This project offers to Christians from the city and from further a field the opportunity to meet and share their experiences about the fundamentals and the challenges of the New Evangelisation, by taking part in the Conferences and workshops of the Congress, and in the urban mission itself.