Bishop Stephanos Attends the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) Plenary Assembly meeting

  • Posted on: 27 September 2024

The Eparchial Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos, attended the Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) held from September 23rd to 27th, 2024, in Beaupré, Quebec. It brought together 79 bishops to deliberate, discern, and discuss the life of the Church in Canada. The topics covered during the week included:

1. Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace on migrants and refugees - The bishops discussed the challenges facing refugees and migrants globally and in Canada alongside Fr. Fabio Baggio, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and Ms. Alessandra Santopadre of the Archdiocese of Montreal.

2. Development and Peace—Caritas Canada (DPCC)—The episcopal members serving on DPCC’s National Council provided an update on the organization’s activities, with the President, Mrs. Brenda Arakaza, and Executive Director, Mr. Carl Hétu, joining them.

3. Standing Committee for Responsible Ministry and the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons - The Standing Committee invited the Bishops to discuss the need to review and improve diocesan and parish safeguarding initiatives.

4. XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops - The Bishops engaged in small group discussions to delve deeper into the Canadian experience within the broader context of the Synod’s themes, aiming to provide insightful feedback and recommendations in preparation for the upcoming Synod session.

Additionally, the Bishops received reports on the activities and projects of various CCCB bodies. His Eminence Mario Cardinal Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops General Secretariat, gave the virtual keynote address, speaking about the second session of the Synod on ‘Synodality.’

As customary, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, addressed the Bishops as the Pope’s representative in Canada.

2024 CCCB Plenary Assembly: September 25th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm4Yt-bESQc

2024 CCCB Plenary Assembly: September 26th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cCNelfoV4c

2024 CCCB Plenary Assembly: September 27th
https://youtu.be/jzo0b4pikdc