The Special Council for Oceania of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops has issued a statement at the conclusion of its eighth meeting underscoring the important growth of vocations in the region.

The meeting took place last month in Suva on the Fiji Islands and was focused on the implementation of the post-synod Apostolic Exhortation, “Ecclesia in Oceania.”

During the meeting, the Secretary General of Synod of Bishops, Bishop Nikola Eterovic reiterated the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of Catholics in Oceania and he noted with joy the increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life in the region.  

The various members of the Special Council presented reports on the Church and society in each nation of Oceania.

Several reports pointed to challenges facing the Church, such as in Australia and New Zealand, where secularization is rampant and is characterized by ethical and moral relativism.

Among the social challenges discussed were poverty, corruption, unemployment, and the spread of diseases, such as AIDS.