May 17, 2012. (Romereports.com) The Vatican has approved the statutes of the Shalom Community, just 30 years after it was created. In gratitude, 1,500 members of the Catholic movement traveled to Rome to thank Pope.
Benedicto XVI
“Dear friends, you are celebrating the 30th anniversary of your foundation. Thank you for your presence. May this recognition and approval of your statutes encourage you to continue your witness to the Gospel. I can see your enthusiasm here.”
The Shalom Community was created in Brazil in 1982, by college students who wanted to talk about God among friends but saw that it was difficult to bring them to church. They then decided to open a cafe where people could gather and exchange ideas.
Thirty years later, they fill the churches, with a presence in culture, media, and working in creating homes for orphans and troubled teens. The Church is now recognizing their work with the final approval of its statutes.
Maria Emmir Oquendo Nogueira
Co-founder of the Shalom Catholic Community
“It's a sign that the Church approves and recognizes Shalom as God's work. It is an inspiration from God and is also a path to holiness. So, in other words, the Church tells us: you can go to any country, the Church sends you, your lifestyle is a way of holiness.”
The Shalom Catholic Community has over 5,000 members and more than 30,000 participate in its activities. They also have missionaries who leave their towns to help the Church in other countries. They now have a presence in 17 countries.
OFL/AE
- CTV / FF
- VM
- BN
