 | 2004 Serra International Convention + June 24 - 27Convention Theme |
Confluence of Cultures & Serra's Mission
The Church has been sent to all ages and nations and, therefore, is not
tied exclusively and indissolubly to any race or nation, to any one
particular way of life, or to any customary practice, ancient or modern.
The Church is faithful to its traditions and is at the same time
conscious of its universal mission; it can, then, enter into communion with
different forms of culture, thereby enriching both itself and the
cultures themselves (Church in the Modern World, Article 58.)
More than ever before, the Catholic Church experiences the diversity of the world's
many cultures. As stated in the Vatican II document quoted above, Catholicism
contributes to these cultures and is enriched by them. One need only think of the
complex and difficult issues the Pope encounters in his travels to realize that
multiculturalism presents innumerable challenges as well.
Serra, which now is in 36 countries, enjoys the benefit of cultural diversity, and faces the task of adapting its mission so that is can address the needs of each culture where it exists. At the 2004 Serra International Convention, we will explore issues related to the multicultural realities of the Church and of Serra, where people of various backgrounds, customs and languages join together in faith.
The geography and demographics of this year's Convention site suggest the theme of confluence. Pittsburgh is located at the confluence of two rivers that form the great Ohio River. The two rivers, bearing the Indian names Monongahela and the Allegheny represent the coming together of diverse cultures into a unified Church. Our Convention will be held a few yards from the confluence of the rivers, in an area called "The Point". The waters of these rivers remind us of God's life-giving love and goodness.
Just as a Serra convention draws together members from many nations, Pittsburgh
is a city of ethnic diversity, having welcomed numerous immigrants from around
the world throughout its history. The coming together of people of such varied
heritages reinforces the theme of a confluence of cultures. It seems an appropriate
setting to reflect upon and celebrate the cultural diversity of the Catholic Church
and of Serra.