by admin
Share
by admin
During their three-day meeting in Guam, the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences in Oceania focuses on modern slavery and migration, formation, pastoral care, globalization, and social injustices.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov, Vatican News
Catholic Bishops from across Oceania convened in Guam May 18–20 to address regional challenges, including modern slavery, migration, and the future of ministry in the Pacific.
The Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO) Executive Committee met to consider how the Church can support vulnerable migrant workers and foster dignified, respectful migration throughout the region, stated a press release from the Federation.
A key focus, it noted, was the Federation’s recent submission to the New South Wales inquiry into modern slavery risks facing temporary migrant workers in rural and regional areas.
In particular, the Bishops affirmed their ongoing commitment to the Migrants and Refugees Oceania Network, which advocates for the rights and well-being of displaced and migrant communities.
Broad discussions on concretely facing regional issues
Discussions also explored the broader impact of migration on sending and receiving countries, as well as strategies for strengthening pastoral care and formation for laity, priests, and Bishops.
Moreover, participants emphasized the use of digital communication tools to maintain connections across Oceania’s vast geography.
They also reflected on ways the Church can respond to globalization, ecological challenges, and social injustices.
The meeting, led by Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez of Guam, began Monday with a traditional welcome by the Indigenous CHamoru people of the Mariana Islands, with local children performing prayers and songs in the indigenous language.
The Bishops also visited the Shrine of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, the 17th-century Spanish Jesuit missionary martyred in Guam, and attended a reception showcasing CHamoru culture.
Looking to the future with faith
Moreover, the statemenet notes that Bishops initiated discussions on the 2028 Plenary Assembly of all Oceania Bishops, to be held in Sydney ahead of the Eucharistic Congress.
Initial suggestions for the assembly agenda include continued reflection on synodality, youth engagement, safeguarding, indigenous ministry, and environmental stewardship.
The meeting concluded with an islandwide Mass at Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, attended by more than 1,000 faithful.
During Archbishop Jimenez’s homily, he called on the Church in Oceania to “unity,” “courageous witness,” and “prophetic stewardship of creation in the face of injustice and ecological crisis.”
By Tony C. Diaz, Archdiocese of Agana Director of Communications, tony.diaz@archagana.org, (671) 562-0065 Nearly 1,000 people filled the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña as Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez and priests of the Archdiocese of Agaña celebrated Mass with six visiting bishops and two priests from Oceania Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The visiting
By Tony C. Diaz, Archdiocese of Agana Director of Communications, tony.diaz@archagana.org, (671) 562-0065 The Archdiocese of Agaña and the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific (CEPAC) received official notification today from Most Rev. Anthony Randazzo, DD JCL that he has relinquished his position as President of the Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO). Most Rev.
The Episcopal Conference of the Pacific (CEPAC) is filled with joy and immense pride to announce that our President, Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez, has been chosen by Pope Leo XIV to serve as a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication. The Holy See officially shared the news in its bulletin on April 9, 2026.
Archbishop Mosese Tui SDB, the Archbishop of Samoa-Apia and former parish priest in West Auckland, New Zealand, has accepted an invitation from the Samoan government to chair the selection panel for this year’s Independence honours. The upcoming 64th Independence celebrations in June will span three days, featuring traditional sports and cultural events. Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa
