FIREWORKS FROM THE ROMAN ROOFTOPS

Ideas and Ideologies Merge and Mix in the Sky

We gathered on our rooftop patio - overlooking great crowds lining all of the streets and alleys below us. We celebrated
the closing celebration of the Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul with friends that joined us from the class. It was wonderful that those from this course in Ecumenism - representing such diversity - could put time to come together for this spontaneous occasion.

Inspiration & Imagination

I thought about how our ideas of belief systems are much like these fireworks - they illuminate our mind and our world - and without them - there would only be darkness. The colours, hues, and sparkle give meaning and reflect our experiences. Like experiences - we appreciate the light - especially after darkness.

Ideas Shooting Upwards - Reaching for understanding, one-ness, unity... a sense of quest...

Blending, Shaping, Influencing others around them...each with their own path towards fulfillment... co-existing freely without a sense of conflict...

Night's End... in the Sky and from the Streets

As the fireworks came to their spectacular climax - and we were graced with continuous illuminations of colours - shapes - sounds and sparkles a sound emerged from below. The visual spectacle was followed by a thunderous roar from the streets and alleyways that were lined with people that had gathered on the Roman streets to gaze from any location. Somehow this cheer from below resonated deep within - and made me think about all the individuals - whose collective approval gave great hope to the possibility of unity. The visual and the auditory senses were delighted.

Comments

Parting ways

Our last dinner with the University of Toronto group was truly memorable. Overall, the Rome trip wa a great experience and I learned a lot about ecumenism, something I had no experience with before. The concept of ecumenism as a dialogue, where one can be "strong in their identity yet open to dialogue", really resonated with It's inspiring to see how such an approach can foster understanding and unity, even with our own "small group" from Toronto, there was so much diversity (again, it included an Anglican priest, a secular Jew, and 3 Catholics). Yet, despite our differences, there will always be a way to talk and talk to each other, if they share space with each other. I will truly miss this group , and the larger group at the Centro Pro Unione. I am looking forward to more enlightening conversations and shared ecumenical experiences in the future! Very grateful again to Dr. Attridge, Dr. Skira and the RSM management for this wonderful opportunity! Until next...

Walking on Holy Land

Basilica di Santa Clemente (Matteo Carboni) The other day I visited Basilica Di Santa Clemente al Laterano. Santa Clemente is an 11th century church built on top of a 4th century church named after St. Clement of Rome who was the Pope between 88 and 99 CE. It is likely that the site had been used as a house church since the 2nd century CE, then transformed into a large church complex in the 4th century. Beside the 4th century church there was a temple of Mithras that had been used since the 2nd century CE. Underneath the church and the temple, excavators found Roman households destroyed by the fire of Nero in 64 CE. I think Santa Clemente is one of the coolest sites I have visited in Rome. It has been a neighborhood church for nearly 2000 years and has only needed one upgrade! The physical relationship between the two churches has given me much to ponder. The foundations of the 4th century church was used as a blueprint for the 11th century church. One the one hand, this is ...

The Mosque in the city

The Grand Mosque of Rome stands as an awe-inspiring example of Islamic architecture and cultural richness. Its grandeur and magnificence left me in awe as I marveled at the intricate details of the tiles, and soaring pillars, as well as how the Mosque itself was designed to resemble a garden dotted with Palm tree. What truly took me by surprise, however, was the warm and welcoming nature of Imam, who was also our tour guide. I didn’t expect him to be to be warm and welcoming and I expected some level of reluctance because we were not Muslim. However, we were met with open arms and genuine hospitality; he was also very detailed when giving the tour. The imam engaged us in friendly discussions about the Islamic faith, culture, and the history of the mosque. This open-minded and accepting attitude was truly heart warming, and it reminding me of the power of mutual respect and understanding in bridging religious and cultural divides. Furthermore, the fact that the Mosque ...

Rome Ecumenism Course 2024

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