Urban Evangelization

Saint Pope John Paul II said the following about the challenge of evangelization of urban culture during his 1999 ad limina Address to the Bishops of Ontario on their visit to Rome:

“For many people, especially the young, the city becomes an experience of rootlessness, anonymity and inequality, with the consequent loss of identity and sense of human dignity. The result is often the violence that now marks so many of the large cities, not least in your own country. At the core of this violence there is a protest bred of deep-seated disappointment: the city promises so much and delivers so little to so many. This sense of disappointment is also linked to a loss of confidence in institutions — political, legal and educational institutions, but also the Church and the family. In such a world, a world of great absences, the heavens seem closed (cf. Is 64:1) and God seems a long way away. It becomes a profoundly secular world, a one-dimensional world which to many people can appear like a prison. In this “city of man”, we are called to build “the city of God”; and before so daunting a duty we are tempted perhaps, like the prophet Jonah at Nineveh, to lose heart and flee from the task (cf. Jon 4:1-3; Octogesima adveniens, n. 12). But, as with Jonah, the Lord himself will lead us resolutely along the path which he has chosen for us.”

Urban Evangelization is about spreading the Gospel message; yet to do that, we must first enkindle a sense of hope and purpose to these urban communities.  As Saint Pope Paul II eluded to in his speech, urban environments are filled with crime, congestion, pollution, noise, and racial polarity.  There are a lack of jobs, diverse characteristics, lack of basic needs being met, and no easy solutions to be had.  The Body of Christ must be present in these urban environments.  We must proclaim the Gospel message in such a way that we offer hope, that we meet people where they are, and that lets them know that they are not alone in their struggles.

With humility and compassion, Urban Evangelization calls for us to understand that this is a spiritual battle and that God is in charge.  With the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we can take back our cities and boldly proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Click on one of the links to view our different Urban Evangelization Outreach initiatives.