Meeting for Peace in Assisi


Today marks the 25th anniversary of the 'Spirit of Assisi' gathering for prayer and dialogue to bring about peace and justice in the world.  In addition to representatives of the religions of the  world, nonbelievers also were invited. The day of Assisi took the form of a symbolic "courtyard of the Gentiles".

To avoid the criticism of reletavism or syncretism no common prayer was said.   Instead, the participants each took to a private room for some 90 minutes of meditation and reflection according to their respective traditions. In a ZENIT interview an editor from the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore, explained, "interpretations of syncretism in '86 missed the pope's point".

The title of today's gathering was  "Pilgims of Truth, Pilgrims of Peace".  Here's a link to today's address given by Pope Benedict XVI.  The event was recorded and is available for viewing.

Coverage and Commentary:
L'Osservatore Romano:  God in History
CNS: Pope prays Assisi pilgimage will foster dialogue, peace
CNS: Among Assisi participants, a sense of deeper crisis in modern society
Whispers in the Loggia: At Assisi, the peace train rides again

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