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Student Fidele Sindayihebura, specializing in Unity, Peace, and Human Fraternity at Institute Mystici Corporis of the Focolare International Movement, said that visiting the WCC was a valued time of sharing. “Being part of the Focolare Movement aiming for unity and human fraternity lines up with ecumenical dialogue,” said Sindayihebura. “Seeing the global challenges and changes, I had a moment to address my questions after the presentation: "How does WCC collaborate with other religions and governments advocating for unity—and how to we evaluate the impact?”
Sindayihebura was impressed with the way the WCC partners not only with Focolare but also with other organizations such United Nations, other religions, national governments, and local communities. He is involved with many projects in Africa, including #ZeroHungerGeneration.
Kacper Pietraszewski, from the Focolare Movement in Poland, was hoping to see the WCC Chapel but this was not possible due to its renovation. “At first I felt sad, but then, this fact made me reflect that it could be actually a good image of Christianity,” said Kacper. “I asked myself: what would be the meaning of this building if there was no love among those people working here, who are committed to walk towards justice, peace, and unity?”
As Kacper heard an evening liturgy, there came a personal answer and an invitation to renew love for the church and for the community. “Even when sometimes it gives me the impression of being inaccessible and under constant reconstruction, I can still find there some living stones,” said Kacper. “These are the people who are trying their best to love one another and encourage the others to do so.”
Kacper also said that the visit reinforced that the basis for ecumenism is the common faith in Jesus as the true God.
“The statements being published by WCC are not dogmas, but guidances which can be applied by the churches and local communities,” Kacper said.
Luca De Meo, who led the student group for the Focolare Movement, said he was grateful for the students’ shining experience. “Besides the visit to the WCC, important moments of our ecumenical pilgrimage in the footsteps of our foundress Chiara Lubich were the visit of the Orthodox Centre in Chambesy, and the discovery of the roots of the Reformation in Zurich,” he said. “To see that even after the closure of our centre in Montet, our members in formation are being offered these opportunities, has greatly encouraged me!”
Prof. Dr Vasile-Octavian Mihoc, WCC programme executive for Ecumenical Relations and Faith and Order, said he was pleased to welcome the Focolare students.
“With the recent closure of the Focolare Centre in Montet, Switzerland, whose students used to visit the WCC yearly, their visit serves even more as an important expression of the strong ties between Focolare and the ecumenical movement,” he said. “It is encouraging to see such profound interest from the students in the work and mission of the WCC. Their thoughtful questions and engagement reflect a shared commitment to fostering unity, dialogue, and collaboration in the pursuit of a more just and peaceful world."
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18th of september Thirteen Focolare students visited the World Council of Churches
Gloria Charles/WCC
