A theme that challenges us as people and as a Catholic Action to live this ecumenical virtue in the daily life of our reality.

“Dear Brothers and Sisters: Today’s catechesis occurs in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, whose theme this year – on hospitality – was prepared by the Christian communities of Malta and Gozo. The theme is based on Saint Paul’s dramatic experience of being shipwrecked at Malta, and the welcome he and his companions received there. Indeed, in contrast to the sea’s violence, the survivors received “unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2), reflecting God’s love for them.

This hospitality was then repaid when Paul healed many sick people, thus revealing God’s merciful love. Hospitality is an important ecumenical virtue, which is open to listening to the experience that other Christians have of God.

When we welcome Christians of a different tradition we reveal God’s love to them and receive the gifts that the Holy Spirit has sown in them. In this way, we Christians are challenged to overcome our divisions and to show Christ’s love more effectively to others, especially the many migrants who, like Paul, face danger at sea, as they flee from peril. Working together like this will make us both better disciples of the Lord and more united as the People of God.”

Pope Francis
General Audience of 22 January 2020 

 

@Image: Piazza San Pietro  “Angels Unwares”, Angeli Inconsapevoli, realizzata dall’artista canadese Timothy Schmalz Tale scultura, in bronzo e argilla, raffigura un gruppo di migranti di varie culture e diversi periodi storici. Ho voluto questa opera artistica qui in Piazza San Pietro, affinché ricordi a tutti la sfida evangelica dell’accoglienza.(29.9.2019)