The Holy Father, Pope Francis has sent a message to the Monastery of Bose where the XXV International Ecumenical Congress on Orthodox Spirituality, organized by the Monastic Community of Bose in collaboration with the Orthodox Church is taking place from September 6-9, 2017).
On the occasion of the opening of the XXV International Ecumenical Congress on Orthodox Spirituality, I wish to extend to all of you - organizers and participants - my cordial greetings. In particular, I wish to send a warm embrace of peace to His Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch, my beloved Brother Bartholomew, and to His Beatitude, Theodoros, Patriarch of Alexandria: your important presence honours the 25 years of the Congress which the Monastery of Bose has organized in collaboration with the Orthodox Church as an important part of the contribution to the journey toward full unity.
This year's theme - The gift of hospitality - is suggestive and current. It is true that hospitality is a gift, a gift which we have first received: we are guests in a world which has been created for us and for which we must care, but we are also passing through, strangers on the earth, but invited guests who are waiting for heaven where our true citizenship lies (cf Phil 3:20).
At the same time, as disciples on a journey, we are called to fix our gaze on that which is not sure, on charity which will never end (cf 1 Cor 13:8), and welcoming one another as gifts from the Lord, fostering care and mutual affection and having compassion, sharing the sufferings of those who suffer, considering as evil the sufferings of others (N. Cabasilas, Life in Christ, VI, 8). I hope that this call will be rekindled through humble and sincere listening and reflection during these coming days, so that fraternal sentiments may grow and an authentic heartfelt hospitality may mature, in order that, while we move toward the Kingdom, we may be inspired to take more courageous and concrete steps toward full communion.
With these sentiments, I invoke upon you and upon the work of your Congress the abundance of the Spirit's gifts, while I ask you to remember me in your prayers.
From the Vatican
18 August 2017
Francis
Message of the Holy Father
addressed to Brother Enzo Bianchi
Monastery of Bose
On the occasion of the opening of the XXV International Ecumenical Congress on Orthodox Spirituality, I wish to extend to all of you - organizers and participants - my cordial greetings. In particular, I wish to send a warm embrace of peace to His Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch, my beloved Brother Bartholomew, and to His Beatitude, Theodoros, Patriarch of Alexandria: your important presence honours the 25 years of the Congress which the Monastery of Bose has organized in collaboration with the Orthodox Church as an important part of the contribution to the journey toward full unity.
This year's theme - The gift of hospitality - is suggestive and current. It is true that hospitality is a gift, a gift which we have first received: we are guests in a world which has been created for us and for which we must care, but we are also passing through, strangers on the earth, but invited guests who are waiting for heaven where our true citizenship lies (cf Phil 3:20).
At the same time, as disciples on a journey, we are called to fix our gaze on that which is not sure, on charity which will never end (cf 1 Cor 13:8), and welcoming one another as gifts from the Lord, fostering care and mutual affection and having compassion, sharing the sufferings of those who suffer, considering as evil the sufferings of others (N. Cabasilas, Life in Christ, VI, 8). I hope that this call will be rekindled through humble and sincere listening and reflection during these coming days, so that fraternal sentiments may grow and an authentic heartfelt hospitality may mature, in order that, while we move toward the Kingdom, we may be inspired to take more courageous and concrete steps toward full communion.
With these sentiments, I invoke upon you and upon the work of your Congress the abundance of the Spirit's gifts, while I ask you to remember me in your prayers.
From the Vatican
18 August 2017
Francis
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