BISHOPS, FRIENDS OF FOCOLARE MOVEMENT RECEIVED BY POPE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 13, 2003 (VIS) - Bishops, Friends of the Focolare Movement, were received by John Paul II this morning as they meet in Rome on the theme "The Spirituality of Communion: Ecclesial Unity and Universal Brotherhood." The Pope had special greetings for Cardinal Miloslav Vlk, archbishop of Prague who spoke on behalf of the bishops, and for Chiara Lubich, foundress of the Focolare Movement.

The Pope noted that their days of reflection were guided by "the invitation found in the Apostolic Letter 'Novo millennio ineunte' to promote a spirituality of communion" and "to make the Church the home and the school of communion."

"The spirituality of communion," he continued, "is expressed in diverse elements which have their very roots in the Gospel, and which are enriched by the contribution that the entire Christian community is offered by the Focolare Movement, committed to witnessing to 'the spirituality of unity'. Among other things, I am pleased to recall unity as the 'testament' left by Jesus to His disciples, the mystery of Christ crucified and abandoned as a way to reach it, the celebration of the Eucharist as a bond of communion, the action of the Holy Spirit that animates the life of the Mystical Body of Christ and unites its members."

He highlighted the communion that "comes from the bond that exists between the love of God and love for one's neighbor." He said "it is indispensable ... to learn the art of 'becoming holy together', on both a personal and communitarian path." There must also be, he added, "an ever more organic communion 'between the institutional dimension and the charismatic dimension of the Church."

The Holy Father, in closing, underscored that "the commitment for the 'spirituality of communion' imprints ecumenism with a renewed thrust" and it "offers as well great possibilities for interreligious dialogue."

He urged his guests to build this spirituality by "overcoming every eventual difficulty, misunderstanding and even lack of success. Proceed ceaselessly on the path already undertaken."

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