Saint John Paul II gave to all us an outline of the New Evangelization in his address to the bishops of Latin America in 1983. He exhorts us to a mission which is new in its “ardor, methods and expression”.

We need to speak not only to those who have not heard of Jesus (ad gentes), but to his disciples, "Jesus is alive."

The Evangelization which always encompasses the same content is to be presented in a new expression to avoid the defense, “I've already heard that.” It must also be presented with new methods, because those who need evangelization are not showing up for the old methods of a culture which has changed. It must be presented with new ardor because the authentic messenger must be one, or be a group of disciples, who know and love Jesus. Announcing and giving a living testimony to the Good News in a compelling way through words and a culture of life and love is needed to reach a media saturated person, couple or family.



Today this means speaking of Jesus' love and Lordship to his disciples and not merely to people who are unchurched. We ourselves need to grow in faith and confidence that we can articulate a living faith to one another and to people whose faith has grown cold or who have never heard of Jesus whom the Father has made both Lord and Christ.


A mission which is new in its “ardor, methods and expression”.

Pope Paul VI had reawakened in 1976 the our permanent mandate in Evangelii Nuntiandi, by reminding us that the Church “exists in order to evangelize, that is to say in order to preach and teach, to be the channel of the gift of grace, to reconcile sinners with God, and to perpetuate Christ’s sacrifice in the Mass, which is the memorial of his death and glorious Resurrection.”(EN no. 14). The Good News presents Jesus, in his sincere gift of himself-- that is, in his death, resurrection, ascension and  outpouring of the Holy Spirit-- Jesus who is the same yesterday and today and forever".



The Angels' directive to the women in Matthew's Gospel (28:7) is quite relevant for us today.