Reflection on the Church and Synagogue

                                                   

    My visit to the Jewish Synagogue of Rome was very enlightening and impactful. The Synagogue was a magnificent structure that left me in awe! Honestly, it resembled a Catholic basilica! The visit deepened my understanding of Jewish religious heritage and strengthened my appreciation for the Jewish faith. It was also here that I learned about the shared history and efforts towards interfaith dialogue between the Catholic and Jewish communities in Rome, such as the visit of Pope John Paul II many years ago! It was also interesting to hear how Rome has the oldest Jewish community in Europe, and Jews and Catholics lived in relative peace, side by side. Furthermore, I was told by Tenny, a classmate and seminarian, that even the Jewish liturgy and vestments resemble that of Roman Catholic practices. Truly, Judaism is our elder brother in the faith!

    The experience left a lasting impression on my spiritual journey. During our discussions in class, we reflected on the complex history, conflicts, and reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the Jewish community. Efforts have been made to promote understanding, respect, and cooperation between the two communities, and significant milestones such as the Second Vatican Council have contributed to improving Catholic-Jewish relations, especially in enhancing the Catholic attitude towards Judaism. Despite theological and historical differences, ongoing initiatives aim to foster dialogue and combat anti-Semitism and religious discrimination. While challenges remain, the visit reinforced the importance of mutual understanding and respect for "other" people's religious beliefs. Notably, we don't have to have the same religion to get along peacefully!

   Until next time!
God bless!