From Mexico City the story of a meeting between Christians of various Churches in which the local Focolare community also participated

“Silence is essential in the journey of Christian unity. Indeed, it is fundamental to prayer, from which ecumenism begins and without which it is sterile.”^[1] Pope Francis expressed himself in this way on September 30, 2023, in St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by Christian brothers and sisters of various denominations who had come for the ecumenical vigil that preceded the Synod. And this is the spirit that also animates the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18-25, 2024, celebrated around the world, invoking unity among all Churches and ecclesial communities.

But unity is not to be sought only this week; it is a commitment to be lived throughout the year.

This is well known by the friends of the Focolare Movement community in Mexico City who, a few months ago, organized a day of dialogue among Christians of various Churches linked to the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in collaboration with the Integral Ecology Commission of the Archdiocese of Mexico City.

After an initial time of prayer in the beautiful chapel of the Archdiocesan Minor Seminary, participants went on an ecological walk led by some women from different indigenous communities. Indeed, these communities have a deep relationship with Creation, which they manifest with symbols, songs and prayers in their languages.

Particularly, it became evident how water is an essential element for the life of all living beings without distinction. And the symbol of flowing water – an ecological, life-giving and synodal image – was echoed when, thirsty after the walk, the leaders of the Churches present – Anglican bishops of Mexico and priests of the Orthodox Church of America – took earthenware jugs to serve drinks to each of those present, also in small earthenware cups.

The concluding fraternal agape was a time of exchange and closeness, sharing of dreams and possible future plans. Among those present were the Anglican Primate of Mexico, the Catholic Bishop of Mexico City, an Anglican deaconess, some members of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, Catholic priests from the diocesan offices for Ecumenism, Youth Ministry and Care of Creation a group from the Community of Sant’Egidio, some members of the Commission for Integral Development of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Mexico, the Mexican Institute of Social Doctrine, and the Pastoral Care of Indigenous People.

It was a moment of great unity in which everyone could see that it is worthwhile to spare no effort to help generate a dialogue of life in Mexico and everywhere.

Lorenzo Russo

^[1] Pope Francis, Ecumenical Vigil for Peace, St. Peter’s Square, Sept. 30, 2023. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/it/homilies/2023/documents/20230930-vegliaecumenica.html