Theresa Kung
This was my third ecumenical trip and someone asked how was it different from the previous ones. Well, the itinerary was almost the same covering some of the places significant to Catholics and Protestants: Wittenberg, Augsburg, Ottmaring, Zurich, Geneva, Trent, Rome and the Vatican.
The first trip was in 2017, in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. We agreed, with representatives of various Churches and denominations, to visit these places with the attitude of letting go of historical burdens while at the same time building a new relationship among ourselves.
It was a breakthrough and a milestone for Christians to come together and discover what actually happened in the past from different perspectives. We needed to understand the misunderstandings we went through and the lessons we could learn from history. After that, there was good communication and collaboration among the Church leaders and representatives.
The past and present honorary acting secretaries-general of the Hong Kong Christian Council participated in the first trip, wouldn’t they be inspired by the Holy Spirit after experiencing Christian Unity as expressed in the prayer of Jesus: “May they all be one” [John 17:21]?
It was a breakthrough and a milestone for Christians to come together and discover what actually happened in the past from different perspectives
The second trip was with students from different theological institutes, as this passion for Christian Unity should be passed on to the next generation! We had the same spirit and attitude to build up new relationships based on the last commandment of Jesus and all participants were convinced that Christian Unity is something to be achieved and worked for.
Some of them are actively involved in various activities of Christian Unity; the Ecumenical Art Exhibition held last year with 34 artists from different denominations and Churches was an initiative born after the second trip!
This year the participants of the third ecumenical trip were clergy and faithful involved or interested in Christian Unity. We desired to build unity right from the start; there was already an atmosphere of fraternity, openness and trust.
Apart from learning the different liturgies, structures and systems of various Churches or denominations, all were willing to share the various hymns, which are characteristic of their own Church. Moreover, most openly shared their life testimony, very impressive and touching.
Unity is, firstly, built on mutual love. This was remarkable among the participants—everyone was helpful, punctual, and available. There were no complaints even when our coach was caught in a narrow street in Rome during the rain
The call to follow Jesus was strong and the sharing reinforced everyone’s faith and desire to continue to serve our Lord, to be his instrument of unity.
Unity is, firstly, built on mutual love. This was remarkable among the participants—everyone was helpful, punctual, and available. There were no complaints even when our coach was caught in a narrow street in Rome during the rain.
One person called the police, another suggested reversing, someone else suggested moving forward, and one asked the car in front to move away. Finally, we got through with a cheer for our brilliant driver, who was touched by our testimony all the way to Rome!
In one of his messages, he wrote: “I didn’t know you have the audience with the pope, you all deserve it. You are all so lovely and kind people.” Isn’t this a testimony of what Jesus said: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” [John 13:35].
Then the tourist guide in Trent, who didn’t know us at all, wrote a message saying: “A special and joyful group and I was delighted to know you, people from so far but their hearts are so close to each other.”
Who knows how the Holy Spirit will guide us in the future? What steps should we take on the ecumenical path?
Another characteristic of this group was their pastoral care for the faithful. Since we experienced such good unity, the pain of not being able to receive Holy Communion was more evident than with the participants of the last two trips.
This was the question put forth to Reverend Martin Browne when he received us at the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity. He expressed his deep sadness and pain at not being able to share Holy Communion, as there is still no full Communion with the other Churches. We all embraced this suffering and prayed that in the near future, there would be the celebration of One Host and One Chalice.
Definitely, the most unforgettable moment was the private audience with Pope Francis. This opportunity was arranged through a request from Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., and with the support of a cover letter from Kurt Cardinal Koch. Unfortunately, Cardinal Koch was not available to receive us due to a prior commitment in Austria.
I believe that we were granted this private audience because of our previous two ecumenical trips, during which we had the honour of greeting and taking photos with the Holy Father during the general audience. It’s possible that these two visits were archived by the Papal Household!
Pope Francis was happy about our visit, seeing us united in the love of Christ was a big consolation for him. He told us that we have many enemies outside. Instead, we have to be friends, be united, pray together and work together.
When I greeted him personally, bringing the greetings of the focolarini [core members of the Focolare Movement] in Hong Kong, the Holy Father assuring me that I am a focolarini. He joked, “Then the fire (of the Focolare) would go everywhere!” It was a big encouragement for all Focolare members and friends!
Who knows how the Holy Spirit will guide us in the future? What steps should we take on the ecumenical path? One thing is for sure: those who are passionate about Christian Unity will spread the fire of love wherever they go and work to bring unity among all Christians.
