The New Evangelization

Christ and evangelization are spoken of. The place of encounter with Christ for all those who THE NEW EVANGELIZATION situation of the Church in Europe was de- in poverty of spirit and humility of heart are scribed in terms that are widely used in Euro- sincerely searching for God. (EA 16) pean sociology of religion, namely, loss of Evangelization was, nonetheless, also pro- A Look at the Growing Range of Reference memory: posed as the fundamental framework for un- I would like to mention in a particular way the derstanding the role of the Church in America. RICHARD M RYMARZ loss of Europe’s Christian memory and herit- John Paul II reiterated the task of the new evan- age, accompanied by a kind of practical agnos- gelization, to transform not just individuals but ticism and religious indifference whereby many whole cultures: ‘[new evangelization involves LEITMOTIF in the pontificate of The New Evangelization and Synodal Europeans give the impression of living with- a] clearly conceived, serious and well-organ- Pope John Paul II was the concept of Conferences out spiritual roots and somewhat like heirs who ized effort to evangelize the culture’, (EA 70). the new evangelization. How this idea have squandered a patrimony entrusted to them This evangelization of culture, however, has A While the phrase ‘the new evangelization’ can by history. (EE 7) is appropriated in the wider Church will have at its root a transformative encounter with a decisive influence on the shape of pastoral be described with specific reference to John This is the context into which the new evan- Christ, which then leads to an ‘impulse’ to practice in many Western countries. Prelimi- Paul II’s major writings and addresses, this gelization must enter. communicate this to others: nary to any discussion of its impact and value paper will concentrate on its growing range of The consequences of this loss of memory An encounter with the Lord brings about a pro- is some discussion of the contours of the new reference in wider contemporary Catholic dis- are manifold. Some of these are described as: found transformation in all who do not close evangelization. For Pope John Paul II, the new course. fear of the future, existential fragmentation, a themselves off from him. The first impulse com- current phase of evangelization was not new In Tertio Millennio Adveniente, (TMA) feeling of loneliness, increased weakening of ing from this transformation is to communicate in the sense of being an innovation that moved John Paul proposed a special assembly of the interpersonal solidarity, and perhaps most sig- to others the richness discovered in the experi- beyond the Church’s traditional mission of pro- synod of bishops for each of the five conti- nificantly, an attempt to promote a vision of ence of the encounter. (EA 68) claiming the Gospel to all nations. Rather, a nents to prepare for the new millennium. At man apart from God and apart from Christ. Ecclesia in Oceania (EO) was a signifi- new sense of evangelization emerged from the these synods, ‘the theme underlying them all The answer to these problems is a return to cant document, an Apostolic Exhortation, teachings of the Second Vatican Council, and is evangelization or rather the new evangeli- Christ, ‘our hope.’ This should be expressed which specifically addressed the Church in in the social reality of many countries such as zation.’ (TMA 21). These synods were con- in a variety of ways, notably through his pres- Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, and sur- Australia. Pope John Paul II in Redemptoris voked in Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and ence in strong Christian communities and rounding regions. The concept of new evan- Missio (RM) identified three elements in the Oceania. A brief comment on three of these through the witness of holy men and women. gelization was prominent in the document, and Church’s commitment to evangelization. The documents will give a sense of the centrality The document also identified the intimate was first raised in the following terms: first was the essential missionary focus of the of the new evangelization as an analytical tool connection between Christ and the Church. When Christians live the life of Christ with Church on proclaiming the Gospel of Christ in a number of cultural contexts. Jesus Christ was described as being alive in deeper faith, their hope grows stronger and their to those who have not heard it. This remains In many ways, the preeminent audience for his Church. This point was made strongly to charity more radiant. That was the goal of the the proper, or classical, sense of the term. The the new evangelization is Europe, especially counteract the view that the Church is an un- Synod, and it is the goal of the new evangeliza- second element focused on those with strong Western Europe. Dziwisz, John Paul’s secre- necessary mediator between God and man. Al- tion to which the Spirit is summoning the whole Christian affiliation who were ‘fervent in their tary for over forty years, on page 159 of his though this point was made, in different forms, Church. (EO 8) faith and Christian living.’ (RM 33.2). How- account of working with the pontiff, A Life with at the Reformation, in the modern European The goals of the Synod and those of the ever, there was a third, intermediary element, Karol: My Forty-Year Friendship with the context the view that the Church is an unnec- new evangelization are seen as identical. The and it is from here that the new evangelization Man Who Became Pope, remarked on the ori- essary mediator between God and man is seen imperatives of the new evangelization have in- takes its meaning. gins of the new evangelization in John Paul’s as arising out of a heightened personalism that creasingly moved to the centre of Catholic dis- thought: ‘The idea came to him when he no- feeds off the fragmentation of culture in many course. For instance, Ecclesia in Oceania Particularly in countries with ancient Christian ticed—especially during trips—that there was European countries. clearly acknowledged that the missionary ef- roots, and occasionally in the younger Churches an urgent need to reinvigorate Churches in old In Ecclesia in America, (EA), John Paul II as well, where entire groups of the baptized have forts of the Church in the past were largely the lost a sense of the faith, or even no longer con- Christian countries. He thought this was par- recognizes the religious ambience of the domain of missionary priests and religious. sider themselves members of the Church, and ticularly true of Europe.’ In Ecclesia in Americas, which can be contrasted with the While these efforts are appreciated, what is live a life far removed from Christ and his Europa, (EE), written after the European Bish- old world of Europe: needed now is a new kind of evangelization: Gospel…in this case what is needed is a ‘new ops’ Synod in 1999, John Paul II identified A distinctive feature of America is an intense ‘The call to mission is addressed to every evangelization’ or a ‘re-evangelization. that ‘Jesus Christ is our hope’, (EE, 6). This popular piety, deeply rooted in the various na- member of the Church. The whole Church is (Redemptoris Missio, 33.3) again underlined the indivisibility with which tions. It is found at all levels and in all sectors missionary, for her missionary activity ... is an of society, and it has special importance as a essential part of her vocation’ , (EO 13). There

24 25

Compass_2010-2_text.indd 24 8/06/2010 1:32:11 PM COMPASS THE NEW EVANGELIZATION

24 25

Compass_2010-2_text.indd 25 8/06/2010 1:32:11 PM COMPASS THE NEW EVANGELIZATION

is no distinction made between who is to con- mation and catechesis, especially of the young cess but needs to be seen in a more Albano, Benedict recognized the three-fold duct this missionary work. Indeed, this work and of adults, is an evident priority. (GDC 26) eschatological sense. The course of the new distinction found in Redemptoris Missio, and is seen as the responsibility of all the faithful The General Directory recognized the univer- evangelization, according to Ratzinger, derives so spoke of new evangelization as aimed at in the light of the new situations affecting the sal call to evangelize, but it laid particular from the close connection of the evangelist to those with ‘reduced’ faith as opposed to the life of the Church. emphasis on the role of lay catechists. They the person of Christ, through frequent prayer continuous evangelization of those associated In countries such as Australia, the chal- do not replace priests or religious, but they do and a rich sacramental life. Only on this basis with parishes. lenges facing the Church are especially acute. have an indispensable role as agents of the new can the evangelist move to proclaim the Gos- These ‘are experienced by all the local evangelization. Given the complexity of mis- pel as a personal witness. Concluding Comments Churches in Oceania, but with particular force sionary activity, clear distinctions related to Bearing in mind that the pontificate of by those in societies most powerfully affected precise roles are not always possible. None- Benedict XVI is still, relatively speaking, in The new evangelization was a central theme by secularization, individualism and consum- theless, the General Directory restated the its early stages, the number of substantial docu- of the pontificate of Pope John Paul II. It seems erism’, (EO 18). In these environments, how- threefold distinction used in Redemptoris ments (such as Apostolic Exhortations or En- likely to remain a critical part of Catholic dis- ever, the Church needs to be mindful of its Missio to identify the targets of missionary cyclicals) that have been written has been com- course in the future. In John Paul II’s think- primary evangelical focus—to proclaim activity. The goal of new evangelization re- paratively small. Nevertheless, Benedict re- ing, the new evangelization is one of the clear Christ. mains, however, a profound experience of con- ferred to the ‘new evangelization’ in his ad- fruits of the Council, a path that can be traced version and not just exterior conformity. Thus, dress for World Youth Day 2008, where he from Ad Gentes to Evangelii Nuntiandi to his General Directory of Catechesis ‘primary proclamation and basic catechesis are reiterated the point made in Ecclesia in own writings. priorities’, (GDC 58). Oceania: The new evangelization recognizes that the Moving now to some other documents which Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the missionary outreach of the Church takes places address the new evangelization, The General The New Evangelization and Pope Church in Oceania is preparing for a new evan- in a variety of contexts. Some of the newest Directory for Catechesis (GDC) wasproduced Benedict XVI gelization of peoples who today are hungering and most challenging of these are cultures with by the Congregation for the Clergy in 1997 as for Christ.... A new evangelization is the first a Christian heritage in which many baptized a revision of the 1971 General Catechetical Pope Benedict XVI, both before and after his priority for the Church in Oceania.(6) Catholics have either a loose connection with election as the successor of John Paul II, has Directory. The 1997 General Directory sought In an address to the Diocese of Rome, the faith community or have moved away com- referred to the new evangelization in a man- to balance the contextualization of catechesis Benedict expressed his conviction in the fol- pletely. In addressing the practical challenges in evangelization as envisaged by Evangelii ner which indicates his familiarity with and lowing words: ‘If faith is truly the joy of hav- of the new evangelization there must be open- Nuntiandi and the appropriation of the con- support of his predecessor’s teaching on this ing discovered truth and love, we inevitably ness to new methods and processes to engage tent of the faith as presented in the Catechism point. The most substantial treatment of new feel the desire to transmit it, to communicate the changed societal circumstances in many of the Catholic Church. It appealed to writ- evangelization in the writings of Cardinal it to others. The new evangelization to which countries. ings of Pope John Paul II in its content. As a Ratzinger was in an address given in 2000 on our beloved Pope John Paul II called us passes The new evangelization as envisaged by ‘general’ directory, it contained within its the occasion of the Jubilee of Catechists. He mainly through this process.’ John Paul II is a demanding task. It sets as its scope not only the formation of new genera- began by stressing the difficulties inherent in Benedict likewise endorsed other dimen- goal much more than a passive and loose iden- tions of Christians, but also the activity of the the new evangelization aimed as it is at highly sions of the new evangelization as enunciated tification with Christ or with the Church. One Church in every region in which it had an in- secular cultures that have, in many instances, by John Paul II. In answer to a question about way of refining these points is to conceive of stitutional presence. In this regard, it recog- lost all reference to the divine and transcend- how to bring about the new evangelization, the new evangelization as revolving around nized that the Church’s mission needed to ent in life. Such an acknowledgment makes Benedict’s response was twofold: first, by pro- two fundamental points. The first is an em- adapt to different cultural settings if it is to be the proclamation of the Gospel a struggle, claiming Christ clearly and unambiguously, phasis on an ever deepening, personal rela- effective. The new evangelization is integral given the indifference and ignorance of many and second, by living in an evangelical fash- tionship with Christ; the second is a desire to to the process of catechesis, as John Paul II in regard to the Christian message. Agents of ion. In a 2006 address to diocesan clergy of bring others into communion with Christ. had repeatedly emphasized. The new evange- the new evangelization cannot expect that their lization takes on a special urgency especially labors will yield a substantial harvest at the FURTHER READING in countries under a strong secular influence: beginning. Ratzinger quoted an old proverb, Pope John Paul II, ‘Encyclical Letter, Redemptoris Missio’, cations, 2001). These concrete situations of the Christian faith ‘Success is not one of the names of God.’ This in J. Michael Miller, (Ed), The Encyclicals of John Paul Congregation for the Clergy, General Directory for call urgently on the sower to develop a new idea is repeated in Spe Salvi where Benedict, II. (Huntington, Indiana: Our Sunday Visitor Inc, 1996). Catechesis. (Homebush, NSW: St. Paul Publications, Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia in America. (Washington 1997). evangelization especially in those Churches of in his second Encyclical, proposed that the Christian virtue of hope does not equate to DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Joseph Ratzinger, ‘Address to Catechists and Religion long-standing Christian tradition where secu- 1999), 16. Teachers’, 12 December 2000. Obtained on 12/10/2007 larism has made greater inroads. In this new human progress or an unfounded optimism. Pope John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, from Zenit News Service at www.zenit.org/article- context of evangelization, missionary procla- Hope is not to be measured by worldly suc- Ecclesia in Oceania. (Homebush, NSW: St Paul Publi- 17125?I=english

26 27

Compass_2010-2_text.indd 26 8/06/2010 1:32:11 PM COMPASS THE NEW EVANGELIZATION is no distinction made between who is to con- mation and catechesis, especially of the young cess but needs to be seen in a more Albano, Benedict recognized the three-fold duct this missionary work. Indeed, this work and of adults, is an evident priority. (GDC 26) eschatological sense. The course of the new distinction found in Redemptoris Missio, and is seen as the responsibility of all the faithful The General Directory recognized the univer- evangelization, according to Ratzinger, derives so spoke of new evangelization as aimed at in the light of the new situations affecting the sal call to evangelize, but it laid particular from the close connection of the evangelist to those with ‘reduced’ faith as opposed to the life of the Church. emphasis on the role of lay catechists. They the person of Christ, through frequent prayer continuous evangelization of those associated In countries such as Australia, the chal- do not replace priests or religious, but they do and a rich sacramental life. Only on this basis with parishes. lenges facing the Church are especially acute. have an indispensable role as agents of the new can the evangelist move to proclaim the Gos- These ‘are experienced by all the local evangelization. Given the complexity of mis- pel as a personal witness. Concluding Comments Churches in Oceania, but with particular force sionary activity, clear distinctions related to Bearing in mind that the pontificate of by those in societies most powerfully affected precise roles are not always possible. None- Benedict XVI is still, relatively speaking, in The new evangelization was a central theme by secularization, individualism and consum- theless, the General Directory restated the its early stages, the number of substantial docu- of the pontificate of Pope John Paul II. It seems erism’, (EO 18). In these environments, how- threefold distinction used in Redemptoris ments (such as Apostolic Exhortations or En- likely to remain a critical part of Catholic dis- ever, the Church needs to be mindful of its Missio to identify the targets of missionary cyclicals) that have been written has been com- course in the future. In John Paul II’s think- primary evangelical focus—to proclaim activity. The goal of new evangelization re- paratively small. Nevertheless, Benedict re- ing, the new evangelization is one of the clear Christ. mains, however, a profound experience of con- ferred to the ‘new evangelization’ in his ad- fruits of the Council, a path that can be traced version and not just exterior conformity. Thus, dress for World Youth Day 2008, where he from Ad Gentes to Evangelii Nuntiandi to his General Directory of Catechesis ‘primary proclamation and basic catechesis are reiterated the point made in Ecclesia in own writings. priorities’, (GDC 58). Oceania: The new evangelization recognizes that the Moving now to some other documents which Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the missionary outreach of the Church takes places address the new evangelization, The General The New Evangelization and Pope Church in Oceania is preparing for a new evan- in a variety of contexts. Some of the newest Directory for Catechesis (GDC) wasproduced Benedict XVI gelization of peoples who today are hungering and most challenging of these are cultures with by the Congregation for the Clergy in 1997 as for Christ.... A new evangelization is the first a Christian heritage in which many baptized a revision of the 1971 General Catechetical Pope Benedict XVI, both before and after his priority for the Church in Oceania.(6) Catholics have either a loose connection with election as the successor of John Paul II, has Directory. The 1997 General Directory sought In an address to the Diocese of Rome, the faith community or have moved away com- referred to the new evangelization in a man- to balance the contextualization of catechesis Benedict expressed his conviction in the fol- pletely. In addressing the practical challenges in evangelization as envisaged by Evangelii ner which indicates his familiarity with and lowing words: ‘If faith is truly the joy of hav- of the new evangelization there must be open- Nuntiandi and the appropriation of the con- support of his predecessor’s teaching on this ing discovered truth and love, we inevitably ness to new methods and processes to engage tent of the faith as presented in the Catechism point. The most substantial treatment of new feel the desire to transmit it, to communicate the changed societal circumstances in many of the Catholic Church. It appealed to writ- evangelization in the writings of Cardinal it to others. The new evangelization to which countries. ings of Pope John Paul II in its content. As a Ratzinger was in an address given in 2000 on our beloved Pope John Paul II called us passes The new evangelization as envisaged by ‘general’ directory, it contained within its the occasion of the Jubilee of Catechists. He mainly through this process.’ John Paul II is a demanding task. It sets as its scope not only the formation of new genera- began by stressing the difficulties inherent in Benedict likewise endorsed other dimen- goal much more than a passive and loose iden- tions of Christians, but also the activity of the the new evangelization aimed as it is at highly sions of the new evangelization as enunciated tification with Christ or with the Church. One Church in every region in which it had an in- secular cultures that have, in many instances, by John Paul II. In answer to a question about way of refining these points is to conceive of stitutional presence. In this regard, it recog- lost all reference to the divine and transcend- how to bring about the new evangelization, the new evangelization as revolving around nized that the Church’s mission needed to ent in life. Such an acknowledgment makes Benedict’s response was twofold: first, by pro- two fundamental points. The first is an em- adapt to different cultural settings if it is to be the proclamation of the Gospel a struggle, claiming Christ clearly and unambiguously, phasis on an ever deepening, personal rela- effective. The new evangelization is integral given the indifference and ignorance of many and second, by living in an evangelical fash- tionship with Christ; the second is a desire to to the process of catechesis, as John Paul II in regard to the Christian message. Agents of ion. In a 2006 address to diocesan clergy of bring others into communion with Christ. had repeatedly emphasized. The new evange- the new evangelization cannot expect that their lization takes on a special urgency especially labors will yield a substantial harvest at the FURTHER READING in countries under a strong secular influence: beginning. Ratzinger quoted an old proverb, Pope John Paul II, ‘Encyclical Letter, Redemptoris Missio’, cations, 2001). These concrete situations of the Christian faith ‘Success is not one of the names of God.’ This in J. Michael Miller, (Ed), The Encyclicals of John Paul Congregation for the Clergy, General Directory for call urgently on the sower to develop a new idea is repeated in Spe Salvi where Benedict, II. (Huntington, Indiana: Our Sunday Visitor Inc, 1996). Catechesis. (Homebush, NSW: St. Paul Publications, Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia in America. (Washington 1997). evangelization especially in those Churches of in his second Encyclical, proposed that the Christian virtue of hope does not equate to DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Joseph Ratzinger, ‘Address to Catechists and Religion long-standing Christian tradition where secu- 1999), 16. Teachers’, 12 December 2000. Obtained on 12/10/2007 larism has made greater inroads. In this new human progress or an unfounded optimism. Pope John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, from Zenit News Service at www.zenit.org/article- context of evangelization, missionary procla- Hope is not to be measured by worldly suc- Ecclesia in Oceania. (Homebush, NSW: St Paul Publi- 17125?I=english

26 27

Compass_2010-2_text.indd 27 8/06/2010 1:32:11 PM