When the Australian bishops head to Rome later this week, the Plenary Council will be a significant focus for prayer, for meetings with Pope Francis and officials from the Holy See, as well as a retreat.

Last year, the bishops agreed that a retreat to help them focus on the PlenaryCouncil, including their role in the Council and the importance of discernment, would be a good idea. When the five-yearly Ad Limina Apostolorum visit was confirmed for June 2019, it was decided the retreat could be held just before that week-long pilgrimage to the tombs of the apostles, Peter and Paul.

Plenary Council president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said the bishops at the retreat “will take the opportunity to reflect carefully on the National Themes for Discernment and share our reflections and conclusions with the Plenary Council’s Facilitation Team and the Executive Committee, based on our own prayerful discernment and pastoral experience”.

While in Rome, a delegation of bishops will also meet with officials from the Congregation for Bishops, whose responsibilities include plenary councils.

Need to know more? See our Plenary Council Page.

Below also, is a message from Rev Fr David Ranson, our Diocesan Administrator, on his trip to Rome.