“Together” - An ecumenical prayer vigil
26/10/2023
Young people from around the world gathered in Rome for a weekend of sharing and prayer that culminated in participation in the Ecumenical Vigil of Prayer - 30 September 2023.
An ecumenical prayer vigil on St Peter’s Square, in the presence of Pope Francis and representatives of different Churches, was held, in order to entrust to the Holy Spirit the work of the first session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
A sizable group of sisters from our Generalate in Rome had the joy of participating in this prayer at the Vatican. It was moving to be in such a diverse group and to pray together while listening to and singing Taizé Community hymns and remaining in silence.
Pope Francis said about the meeting: “Together. Like the early Christian community on the Day of Pentecost. Like one flock, loved and gathered by one Shepherd, Jesus. Like the great crowd in the Book of Revelation, we prayed in silence, listening to a ‘great silence’ ” (cf. Rev 8:1). He gave a reflection about the importance of silence in the life of the believer, in the life of the Church and in the journey towards Christian unity. He invited us to learn anew how to be silent so as “to listen to the voice of the Father, the call of Jesus and the groaning of the Spirit”.
Seven Ursulines, offered to help as volunteers at this event. They were asked to work in the Paul VI audience hall, to help the participants of the synod with their luggage and to find their place on the square. They had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Synod behind the scenes – as they said. They were sisters: Elisabeth Binet (France) and Mery Malisan (Indonesia) from the General Council Community, Susan Kienzler (USA) – Tertians Director and tertians: Kalyani Tete (India), Malgorzata Krzesinska (Poland), Christina Ayda (Indonesia) and Jana Rovtar (Slovenia).
