Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
“Living together with our diversities: which image of God and of man is behind?” was the topic of the annual Scalabrini-Fest of Spring, which took place from the 30th of April to the 2nd of May at the International Formation Centre “Giovanni Battista Scalabrini” of the Scalabrinian Secular Missionary Women. Over the last years, the Missionaries have been promoting an itinerary of formation for young people and adults in favour of the acceptance of diversities, in particular of foreign people, towards a world of peace.
During the forum, Prof. Jörg Splett – a German philosopher of religions and anthropologist – presented the theme and answered the questions that some young people of different nationalities put to him also in the name of all participants (more than 350 people of 31 countries). The majority of them were Catholics, but there were also believers of other religions or people without religious affiliation.
Difficulties in the encounter between diversities cannot be overcome by levelling the differences, but by being “together” in God, who is communion between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This profound view of God enlightens our conception of the human being, so that new relationships of faith and life may become possible by opening themselves to the gift of the Holy Spirit, communion among diversities. This reality, which has its origin in the Trinitarian God, can be experienced in the Pentecost, as unity of love which goes beyond the encounter between the one and the two. This communion in God, while fulfilling the deepest desire of every human being, carries out God’s universal plan of love among the peoples.
Beyond the forum, attended also by the Auxiliary Bishop of Basel, Martin Gächter, the meeting included different moments: sharing groups, prayer, special programs for the younger people, and entertainment. The highlight was achieved in the Holy Mass concelebrated by the Scalabrinian Missionaries Fr. Bortolamai and Fr. Cervini, by the parish priest of the Cathedral of Solothurn, Fr. Paul Rutz and by Fr. Emeka Okite, Nigerian biblist. (LD/SL) (Agenzia Fides 4/5/2010)
