Pathways to the Divine...All in one day

It started out like any typical day of a summer program but, in the end, Tuesday July 4 might be recorded as one of the most memorable days of this course for me. It turned out to be a day in which I would have the opportunity to be immersed in an intentional way in the three transcendental pathways of encounter with God. The way of “Truth” was represented by our lectures at the Centro Pro Unione and the visits to the Pontifical Biblical Institute and Gregorian University. Next, the way of “Beauty” was revealed in the visits made to churches, and in particular the paintings by Caravaggio of the ‘Call of Matthew’ in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi, and ‘The Pilgrim Madonna’ in the church of Sant’Agostino. The final part of this day provided an experience of the path of ‘Goodness,’ exemplified by the work and worship of the Sant’Egidio community of Rome. Devoted to the care of the persons on the periphery of society, the work of this community encompasses the two feet of social justice – direct charity to the poor as well as advocacy on behalf of the poor. I was impressed by the scope of their work – peace negotiation, speaking as a voice for the voiceless, and providing a sense of dignity to those who are neglected and rejected by society. I admired their international outreach, in particular their work in difficult and dangerous parts of the world. Above all, their mission is sustained by a rich liturgical life, in particular a commitment to daily prayer in common, that is also admirable. This organization models what could be described as a “living ecumenism” and it is a sign of hope.

Therefore, although the day began very simply, it became in the end a remarkable day to reflect on the Living God as revealed in truth, beauty and goodness.

Carla Thomas

Comments

The Catacombs of Domitilla

The story of Christianity is awe-inspiring. This is true whether you are a believer or not. Within 50 years of the physical death of Christ, 12 believers had directly and indirectly converted thousands to the new faith. Within 300 years, they had converted an empire. This tour begins at the walls of Rome within sight of St. John Lateran where we get our ride to the countryside of Rome. Making our way outside the walls, the city changes to country quickly. The Roman countryside is quite beautiful. The hills begin to roll and the gated villas extend to farms of vegetables, rose hips, or barley. The air cleaner and the sound clearer. Flavia Domitilla was the granddaughter of the emperor Vespasian. As daughter of Domitilla "the Younger", Flavia was also the niece of the emperors Titus and Domitian. These catacombs were founded on her property in about the year 120 A.D. Flavia and her husband, Flavius Clemens, were likely ...

Where we'll be studying in Rome

Some of you have asked about where we're studying in Rome. We'll be at the Centro Pro Unione, a centre that goes back to at least 1948 and has as its mission the promotion of Christian unity. In 1962, the centre was moved to the Phamphilj Palace in one of Rome's most famous squares called Piazza Navona (see picture above - the Centro is in the building on the right). During the time of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) the centre hosted weekly gatherings of Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant theologians (known as "ecumenical observers") who met with Catholic theologians and Bishops to discuss the work of Council. It was not uncommon for a comment made by one of the observers to be picked up and to find its way into an intervention in the Council hall the next day. In 1968, the centre became officially named the Centro Pro Unione. Today, the Centro promotes Christian unity through its many activities, including the summer Rome Program that we're participating...

Church Bells in the Eternal City

It was Sunday July 2. I was at St. Peter’s square with the hundreds of pilgrims who had come to listen to Pope Francis’ Angelus preaching. It was a scene that I had viewed many times on television and in photographs. How blessed I felt to be a part of it all that day! The excitement of the crowd grew when the papal window was thrown open and the red banner was let down. It was soon followed by a loud roar of joy and applause when the Holy Father appeared. The mood was celebratory but prayerful as we listened to the Holy Father speak about the importance of being prophetic in our time. He said, “ A prophet is the one who, by virtue of Baptism, helps others read the present under the action of the Holy Spirit. This is very important: to read the present not like news but under the action of the Holy Spirit, who helps to understand God’s plans and conform to them.” According to Pope Francis, the role of the prophet is to “show Jesus to others.” The Holy Father urged us to pray for Uk...

Rome Ecumenism Course 2023

Search This Blog