Parish Churches, Patrimony of the Community or of the Diocese?

Abstract

My intervention was born as a reflection on the Census of churches of Turin diocese, organized by the CEI (Italian Episcopal Conference). Through my studies, I’ve observed the case of Turin ecclesiastical heritage built in the second half of the 20th century. A great number of places of worship have changed their historical validity due to arbitrariness of choices and interventions.I’ve always supported the thesis that this religious buildings are an important patrimony for the urban history and expression of the pastoral liturgy of the diocese in Italy and that the community is fundamental to the birth and the management of a parish centre. Now I think that it is necessary to consolidate project strategies and fix best-practices to preserve the ecclesiastic heritage from everyone’s action.Generally speaking, what contemporary buildings can be part of the Church heritage? How far can priests and communities decide, independently, to intervene?

Liturgical transformation of Diocesan Church in Palangkaraya, Indonesia

“…Additionally, the strong Catholic hierarchical culture influence contributes to the challenges and obstacles for the transformation, congregational creativity and pastoral service. This reality reflects the importance of the parish priest and the believer's community in church life (Zito 2020). At the same time, the parish leadership models should be modernised to change the pastoral ministry styles, establishing a congregational life transformation.…”