All Roads Led to Rome This Summer
From June 24 to July 12, 2024, the Centro Pro Unione — a ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement — held the annual Summer Course in Rome on unity between members of different faith traditions.
Attendees came from various nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United States. The course continued Centro Pro Unione’s 30-year mission of education that has included students from more than forty-three nations and five continents so far.
Together with the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute — also run by the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement — the Centro Pro Unione brought on board scholars, faith leaders, and staff to run the course. The main topics were “The Church Facing Divisions,” “The Church Embracing Unity,” and “Christian & World Faith Traditions.”
The course also offered an extensive afternoon program called “Ecumenical Gatherings.” This included visits to historical Christian sites, such as the Vatican, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
The afternoon program also included in-depth insight into the great monotheistic traditions. A guided tour of the “Roman Ghetto,” a Synagogue, and the Museo Ebraico di Roma helped students better understand the experiences of Jews in Rome. The group explored important Roman sites for Muslims, including a guided tour of the Mosque of Rome and its Centro Islamico Culturale d’Italia.
Students enjoyed a stay in a residence that boasted a rooftop patio with a wonderful view of St. Peter’s Basilica. Members of the group visited the Vatican to join Pope Francis in special celebrations for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, which took place in the presence of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The Centro Pro Unione continues its founding commitment to research, action, and formation and pursues its mission of promoting study, dialogue, and unity among all Christians in the footsteps and charism of the co-founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Servant of God Fr. Paul Wattson, as well as Mother Lurana White.
