The Comunita` Papa Giovanni XXIII which has its head office in Rimini Italy, originally came to Australia in 2003, under the direct invitation of the previous Eparch of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand - the Most Reverend Issam John Darwish in co-operation with the Comunita`s founder Father Oreste Benzi.

The Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII has been recognised by the Pontifical Council for the Laity as an international private association of the faithful of pontifical right, according to the canons of the Code of the Roman Catholic Church Canon Law.  It was canonically erected as a Private Association of Christ’s Faithful of Pontifical Right in 2004, and has held Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) since 2006.

The Comunita` Papa Giovanni XXIII shares its life with those who are less fortunate: those in our society who live in poverty, hardship and abandonment.  The Comunita` has been active since 2004 with a family home and works closely with the Melkite Catholic Welfare Association.

The current Eparch of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand, the Most Reverend Robert Rabbat continues to support and promote the efforts of the Comunita` Papa Giovanni XXIII.

For further information, please contact Danila Testolin on 0423 375 039.