Rural Catholic Action holds National Council in Sobrado

Representatives from several Portuguese dioceses, including Aveiro, Braga, Coimbra, Funchal, Guarda, Lamego, Porto, Santarém, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, and Viseu, gathered for the National Council of the Rural Catholic Action (ACR) in Sobrado, Valongo.

The meeting focused on evaluating current work lines under the theme “Walking together in hope for a just and fraternal world.” Participants reviewed diocesan projects and presented the 2026 work plan, titled “Getting our hands dirty in the construction site of our time,” which is adapted from the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.

A key topic of discussion was the human person in the era of artificial intelligence, as explored through the lens of the aforementioned encyclical. The council concluded with an Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Manuel Linda of the Diocese of Porto, who encouraged the ACR to maintain a mature role as active laypeople working to transform the world.