Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Castel Gandolfo (Agenzia Fides) - “I view important encounter with the firm hope that it may foster progress in the ecumenical path towards full and visible unity of all Christians. This in fact is one of the pastoral priorities I have wished to underline since the beginning of my Pontificate. Efforts to strive for visible unity among all Christians is essential for the light of Christ to shine on all men and women.” This statement is part of a message sent by Pope Benedict XVI to the delegates and participants at the Third European Ecumenical Assembly taking place in Sibiu (Romania) on the theme: "The light of Christ shines on all peoples. Hope for renewal and unity in Europe " (see Fides 4/9/2007). The Messsage, dated 20 August, made public today, was addressed to Cardinal Péter Erdò, President of the Council of Catholic Bishops' Conferences of Europe and Pastor Jean-Arnold de Clermont, President of the Conference of the Churches of Europe.
The Holy Father recalls that since Vatican II " the Catholic Church has committed herself irrevocably to following the path of the ecumenical venture, thus heeding the Spirit of the Lord, who teaches people to interpret carefully the "signs of the times" " (Ut unum sint, 3), this path is “certainly difficult but rich in joy”, as seen from the numerous ecumenical initiatives in recent years and the work of theological dialogue. In particular Benedict XVI highlights two elements which should orient ecumenical activity: “the dialogue of the truth and encounter in the sign of brotherhood. Both need to be founded on spiritual ecumenism … prayer for unity represents the regal path to ecumenism. It enables Christians of Europe to look with new eyes at Christ and the unity of his Church. Moreover it enables us to face with courage the painful memories not lacking in the history of Europe and social problems in the era of relativism today widely predominant”.
The Pope then encouraged Christians to be aware of the tasks entrusted to them: “to carry to Europe and to the world the voice of the One who said: ‘I am the light of the world; whosoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life (Jn 8,12). It is our duty to make the light of Christ shine before the men and women of today: not our own light, but that of Christ”. Invoking from God unity and peace for the peoples of Europe, the message concludes with the wish that the Third European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu, “will create spaces of encounter for unity in legitimate diversity ”. “In an atmosphere of reciprocal trust and in the awareness that our common roots lie so much deeper than our divisions- writes Benedict XVI -, a mistaken sense of self-sufficiency will be removed, unfamiliarity overcome and the common foundation of our faith spiritually experienced. Europe needs places of encounter and experience of unity in the faith guided by the Spirit... May the light of Christ illuminate the path of the European continent!”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 5/9/2007; righe 34, parole 497)
