Business at hand

The bishops of England and Wales are not the only ones who are in the midst of important gatherings this week. In yesterday's edition of the daily communication bulletin, the Vatican Press Office announced that the executive from the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela were visiting with the Pope.

Every five years, bishops visit with the Holy Father for what is known as the visit ad limina apostolorum (the visit to the Tomb of the Apostles), but in addition, it's de rigeur that at least the members of the Executive from Episcopal Conferences throughout the world visit the various Vatican offices from time to time, and it's usually expected that they should pay a courtesy visit to the Holy Father while they're there.

This week, the bishops from the varous dioceses and eparchies in Ontario are also in plenary assembly. The OCCB meets twice a year in plenary to discuss and review the progress they are making in the various dossiers that are treated on an ongoing basis. Although each residential bishop is responsible for the pastoral care of his own diocese, there is wisdom to be gained from periodic gatherings with fellow shepherds.

Like meetings in the business world, these gatherings are necessary but can become rather tedious. All the more reason why those who are called to shepherd the Lord's flock need our prayers.

Speaking of prayers for and with the leadership of the Church, the Holy Father has issued a video address to the people of the United States of America. He will be arriving next week, and wanted to invite Catholics in our neighbouring country to be united in prayer.

By addressing this message to all people in the United States of America, Benedict XVI is attempting to reach out to the entire population of that country, even though he will only be physically capable of visiting two cities during his impending visit. The video message is a new step for the Vatican in the use of modern-day technology in order to reach out to as many people as possible.