Interreligious Dialogue | Diocese of Acireale

Today, spazio + spadoni publishes the press release of the UCS of the diocese of Acireale, to promote the theme of interreligious dialogue

Dioceses such as that of Acireale are increasingly serving as an example and a driving force, to stimulate confrontation between different religious denominations, promote their knowledge, and enhance their presence

The month of January for the Church is marked by Ecumenism, a period dedicated to interreligious dialogue and the promotion of unity among different Christian denominations.

Msgr. Cesare Di Pietro, auxiliary bishop of Messina and CESi delegate for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, highlights how Sicilian culture has been shaped by multiple religious influences, promoting a dialogue that not only welcomes but also values the positive experiences of other Christian denominations.

He invites people to rediscover the enthusiasm of faith by observing the fervor of other Christian brothers and sisters. Ahead of the XXXVI Day for Dialogue between Catholics and Jews, he stresses the importance of fruitful dialogue to rediscover Christian roots in Judaism and counter anti-Semitism. “We must grasp the value of Jewish culture to combat a growing anti-Semitism,” the bishop said.

The Church of Acireale, according to CESi’s indications, has organized some significant events coordinated by Fr. Andrea Grasso, director of the Office for the Pastoral Care of Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue of the Diocese of Acireale, who declares, “Respect for God and religions is fundamental to promote peaceful coexistence. This respect values the richness of cultural and faith diversity. The goal of these meetings is not only to focus on tolerance, but on appreciation of the other, recognizing that unity can emerge from the beauty of differences. Only in this way can we build a world where diversity becomes a source of mutual enrichment rather than division.”

APPOINTMENTS

Day of Dialogue between Catholics and Jews (Jan. 17, 2025)

The first event, Friday, January 17, 2025, was the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Day, with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” inspired by the Jubilee.
At 7 p.m., in the “Evening of Miracles” Hall of the Archangel Raphael Church in Acireale, a meeting entitled “Experiences in Dialogue” was held, organized in collaboration with the MEIC (Ecclesial Movement of Cultural Commitment) and the IRC (Teaching of the Catholic Religion).

The event was moderated by Fr. Carmelo Raspa, professor of biblical exegesis, and was attended by:

• Moshe Ben Simon, delegate Catania section of the Jewish community of Naples
• Caterina Vecchio, teacher at the L. Vigo Fuccio – M. La Spina institute of Acireale
• Marinella V. Sciuto, Meic contact person at Unedi (National Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue)

The evening was enriched by musical interludes by Mauro Coco, flutist.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan. 18-25, 2025)

Another event was the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which ran from January 18-25 and coincided with the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.

The theme for 2025 was inspired by the Gospel passage from John, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). This year marked the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. This commemoration offered a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the common faith of Christians as expressed in the Creed formulated at that Council.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is, in fact, an invitation to draw on that common heritage and deepen the faith that unites all Christians.

Ecumenical Celebration of the Word of God

On Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m., the Ecumenical Celebration of the Word of God was held in the parish church of St. Paul the Apostle in Acireale, attended by representatives of different Christian churches: the Protestants, Orthodox, Waldensians and Anglicans.

Source and Images

• Arturo Grasso, UCS director Diocese of Acireale and Sicilian Episcopal Conference