VATICAN CITY, SEP 5, 2005 (VIS) - The ninth Inter-Christian Symposium, promoted by the Franciscan Institute of Spirituality at the Antonianum Pontifical Athenaeum in Rome, and by the faculty of theology at the Aristotle University of Thessalonica, Greece, is taking place in the Italian town of Assisi from September 4 to 7.
The inter-Christian symposia began in 1992 and are celebrated on alternate years in Greece and in Italy. The theme of this year's meeting - "The Eucharist in the eastern and western traditions, with particular reference to ecumenical dialogue" - will be introduced by Archbishop Yannis Spiteris O.F.M. Cap. of Corfu, Greece, and expounded by twelve scholars, six Orthodox and six Catholic. The symposium will also be attended by Msgr. Eleuterio F. Fortino, under-secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
At the opening session of the symposium, Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the same pontifical council, read out a message from Benedict XVI.
"The symposium," writes the Pope in his message, "represents a joyful opportunity for fraternal exchange, in which important themes from the heritage of shared faith may be reflected upon and given profound consideration. ... The search for full and visible unity among all Christ's disciples is felt as a particularly urgent need of our times."
Benedict XVI goes on to point out that this year's theme "is highly significant for the life of Christians and for the recomposition of full communion among all the disciples of Christ. ... Dialogue and discussion in truth and in charity ... will surely bring out our shared faith as well as those theological and liturgical aspects particular to the East and to the West, complementary aspects that have a dynamic effect in forming the People of God, and that represent a treasure for the Church."
"Achieving the full communion of Christians must be the objective of all those who profess faith in the Church. ... This concern extends to everyone, according to their talents, whether they be exercised in daily Christian life or in theological and historical research."
Although the absence of communion means that concelebration is not possible, Benedict XVI observes that this "will in any case be an appeal to intensify prayer, study and dialogue with the aim of resolving the differences that still remain."
MESS/INTER-CHRISTIAN SYMPOSIUM/ASSISI:KASPER VIS 20050905 (390)
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