Bishop José Ornelas launches pastoral letter

Bishop José Ornelas of Leiria-Fátima has released a pastoral letter titled "Synodal, Ministerial and Missionary Church" to guide the diocese through 2030. The document, presented on October 4, establishes pastoral directions for the next four years.

The bishop noted that while the previous three-year project achieved some goals, further pastoral transformation is required. This new four-year plan extends beyond the traditional three-year diocesan cycle to allow for more intensive development and a celebratory conclusion in 2030.

The final year of the project will coincide with the 1600th anniversary of the death of Saint Augustine and the centenary of the canonical recognition of the Fátima apparitions as worthy of belief. The letter emphasizes the shared responsibility of all baptized members in building Christian communities and announcing the Gospel.