[singlepic id=78 w=320 h=240 float=right]I am attending this convention, first and foremost, to reiterate our gratitude for and as a sign of our recognition of the Knights of Columbus of Canada, of their Supreme Council and especially of the Supreme Knight, Mr. Carl Anderson, for their constant and generous support of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

We are especially grateful for their encouragement of our work in the areas of life and family, in the pastoral support of our First Nations as well as in the general operations of the Canadian Conference. It is also my wish, through my presence amongst you today, to underscore the importance which the Canadian Bishops give to the theme of this year’s Convention: The New Evangelization. Thank you also for your continued support of the media ministry of Salt and Light Television Network in Canada, an instrument of the New Evangelization that was born out of World Youth Day Toronto which you so generously supported.

We live in a world which, at this time, is undergoing a profound transformation. The manner in which we have carried out our mission of bringing the Good News of the Kingdom until now, cries out for renewal, and in some instances, fundamental change. It is my belief that our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, responded to this very need by choosing it as the theme of the next Synod of Bishops and by establishing a new Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization. For several years now, the Canadian Bishops have been reflecting on this theme at their Plenary Assemblies. We look forward to the upcoming Synod, knowing that it will provide us with many new avenues and strategies to strengthen our efforts in the First Evangelization and the New Evangelization in our country.

I am delighted to see that the Knights have chosen to reflect on this theme as well. In this way, you remind us that, more than our specific duties as Bishops, Priests, Religious and Lay Persons, the proclamation of the Good News has been entrusted to all the baptized.

May the Good Lord bless each of you in your important work!