60th anniversary of “Centro UNO” of Focolare Movement
Marking the 60th anniversary of Centro UNO, the International Secretariat for Christian Unity of the Focolare Movement held a conference in direct streaming entitled “Love one another as I have loved you” (cf. Jn 15:12). Broadcast online worldwide, and translated into 18 languages, the event was followed by thousands of Christians of different traditions from all continents.
The two days, which were enriched by many witnesses of Christian life among the different confessions belonging to the Focolare Movement, were dedicated to dialogue as the source of life and the exchange of gifts as expression of the spirituality of unity. After the presentation of Margaret Karram, President of the Movement, Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the PCPCU, read the greetings [IT] of the Holy Father for the occasion, and then delivered a presentation [IT] on the contribution of the ecumenical spirituality of Chiara Lubich in deepening unity among Christ’s disciples in this time of pandemic. The second day included reflections on the spirituality of unity and a range of testimonies on ongoing relations between the Focolare Movement and Pentecostals. In this regard, Monsignor Juan Usma Gómez of the PCPCU made a presentation entitled “The Spirit recognizes the Spirit”, which was followed by addresses by Pastor Giovanni Traettino (Italy) and Pastor Joe Tosini (United States). Concluding reflections were offered by Jesús Morán, Co–President of the Focolare Movement.
Cardinal Koch personally thanked Diego Goller and Maria Winken on the conclusion of their terms of office, and was introduced to Enno Dijkema and Sandra Ferreira Ribeiro, the new co–directors of Centro UNO.