Initially introduced by Pope John Paul II during his
apostolic visit to Poland in 1979, without any specific emphasis or idea of its future
role. The
"new evangelization" was used again and given new life in the Holy
Father's Magisterium to the Churches in Latin America. Pope John Paul II used
the term to reawaken and elicit renewed efforts in a new missionary undertaking on the continent. The idea of a "new evangelization" was again taken up and proposed in
the continental synodal assemblies, celebrated in preparation for the Jubilee
of the Year 2000. At that time, it became an accepted expression in the
pastoral and ecclesial thought of the local Churches.
The new
evangelization is primarily a spiritual activity capable of recapturing in our
times the courage and forcefulness of the first Christians and the first
missionaries.
It requires constant evaluation of the life of the local Church, including the consideration of its accomplishments and difficulties. It means not "doing evangelization" in the same way if it is not working: different means, same passion as the early Church and all the saintly heroes that came after spreading the Word of God throughout Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. In short, it is a renewed
efforts to meet the challenges which today's society and cultures present. In facing these
challenges, the Church does not give up or retreat into herself; instead, she
undertakes a project to revitalize herself. She makes the Person of Jesus
Christ, and a personal encounter with him, central to her thinking.
Paraphrasing Pope Benedict: Evangelization is introducing the person of Christ to others within the context of their culture. It is going out to them with the Lord, and walking with them into the Church.
And how can you bring Christ wherever you go? Steep yourself in the sacramental life of the Church, living in a state of grace, praying for docility to his will, and remember that YOU ARE NEVER ALONE! But, you get to choose your companion.
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