MORE than 200 European delegates will attend the largest ever gathering of Catholic theologians in this country, starting on Thursday in Mary Immaculate College in Limerick.Organised by the International Congress of the European Society for Catholic Theology, this is the first time the conference has been held outside mainland Europe.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Professor Eamonn Conway said: "Understandably, we are concerned at this moment about the viability of our economy, but our environment, upon which the very essence of life depends, is just as much at risk.
"Christians have a special responsibility for the world in which they live and all our actions can have a profound effect on those whom we know are living in precarious environmental situations such as those affected by weather extremes like severe flooding or drought which often makes life a daily struggle for survival. We acknowledge the impact that this conference may have on the environment from the food we enjoy together and the water and energy we use, right down to the flights taken by our international speakers and delegates. We are seeking to lead by example as we quantify this impact and seek to offset it in the most sustainable manner possible. In doing this we look to the most vulnerable communities in our world and are pleased to be able to support the vital work being carried out by Trócaire in Mozambique."
Prof Conway, who is chair of the conference’s organising committee, also paid tribute to the Irish religious orders for their generous sponsorship, as well as the faculties and departments of theology in Ireland.
He said: "Their support means the participation of delegates, especially those from eastern Europe, can be subsidised. I’d like to thank the local dioceses and orders who have lent their support as well as Fáilte Ireland."
The conference, which runs from 20-23 August, will be officially opened by Bishop Donal Murray. Speakers have been drawn from a range of European countries and include Prof Seán Freyne of TCD; Dr Stella Morra from Rome; Prof Hans Dieter Mutschler from the Ignatius Institute, Krakow; and Bishop Dr Karl Golser, bishop of Bolzano-Bressanone, Italy.
Cardinal Seán Brady will celebrate the conference Eucharist in St John’s Cathedral, Limerick, on Saturday, August 22, where he will present four theological scholarships.
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