Καναδάς – Ρωμαιοκαθολικοί και Αγγλικανοί γιόρτασαν μαζί την εορτή της Πεντηκοστής

-REGINA 12/06/2011 –Καναδάς - Μαζί γιόρτασαν την εορτή της Πεντηκοστής η Αγγλικανική και η Ρωμαιοκαθολική κοινότητα στον καθεδρικό ναό του Άγίου Ροδαρίου.

Ο Ρωμαιοκαθολικός «Αρχιεπίσκοπος» της Regina Daniel Bohan συμπροσευχήθηκε με τον Αγγλικανό «Επίσκοπο» του Qu'Appelle Gregory Kerr-Wilson, μαζί με πολλούς « ιερείς» και «διακόνους» από τις δύο κοινότητες.

ECUMENICAL SERVICE — Anglican Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson and Roman Catholic Archbishop Daniel Bohan presided at an ecumenical Pentecost service at Regina’s Holy Rosary Cathedral June 12. (Flegel photo)

Ecumenical service focuses on unity

By Frank Flegel

REGINA — The Anglican and Roman Catholic communities together celebrated Pentecost at Holy Rosary Cathedral June 12, a continuation of the promises made in the covenant signed Jan. 23 between the two faith communities.

Roman Catholic Archbishop of Regina Daniel Bohan and Anglican Bishop of Qu’Appelle Gregory Kerr-Wilson, assisted by priests and deacons from the two communities, led the service.

The service began with a renewal of the baptismal covenant, essentially the recitation of the Apostles’ Creed, followed by promises to continue Christ’s teaching, resisting evil, striving for justice and peace and respecting the dignity of all people. The two bishops then walked down the aisles, sprinkling the people with holy water.

Several readings by lay people from the two faith communities were followed by the reading of the Gospel according to John and both bishops delivered short homilies. Music was provided by the cathedral choir.

Both leaders talked about Pentecost as the birth of the church, the mission of the church to spread the word and Christ’s desire that “all may be one.” They also expressed great joy at being present for the celebration.

Bohan said the world does not know Jesus and suggested it’s perhaps because we failed to become one as Jesus wanted. “Do we not need then to make Jesus’ prayer our own if we are to accomplish what Jesus has sent us to do in the world? We are well aware of how difficult this unity that Jesus prayed for is to achieve.”

He said it is encouraging to know that efforts are being made by the two dioceses to recognize areas of unity and seek ways to deepen and celebrate it.

Kerr Wilson recalled a conversation he once had with someone who talked about so many Christian denominations. “This is not what God prayed for. He prayed that we may all be one.”

Separation was not God’s intention or desire. Kerr-Wilson said Christ’s breathing on the disciples created a new humanity that has a mission, “but that mission is hindered if we stand apart and are seen to be standing apart.”

Anglican Deacon Michael Jackson read a report of progress the two sides have made in implementing the covenant (see related story). “Our two dioceses have made a good start in implementing the covenant,” said Jackson, “but it is only a start.” There is much more to do.