CHAPTER 4: MONASTIC VOCATION WITH ECUMENICAL IMPLICATIONS 127 The double principle of being rooted in the wider monastic tradition while at the same time reforming it from within is also characteristic for Enzo Bianchi’s intentions. He wished to implement the reforms indicated by Vatican II in order to reinterpret monasticism in our time. He also desired to promote Christian unity. Both elements were already reflected in the ecumenical student community in Turin, and continued to inspire Bianchi’s plans for a monastic community in Bose. The ecumenical nature of both communities can be seen as a result of the longing for communal life and collaboration in social action. Ecumenical mission Nevertheless, the primary motivation formed by the desire to engage in communal life does have its ecumenical significance, since it is lived out ecumenically. The very act of sharing all of life with Christians from other confessions is the most prominent ecumenical mission of the communities. Sister BG analyses this very concisely, summarizing what others say as well: So, there are people [with us in Bose, which are very important] in churches, in the ecumenical dialogue, we organize congresses, okay, but uh, I think, if all of that stops, we are the same, okay? Because the true sign is to, to be um… a place open of the people. That’s the sign. And we can do anything or nothing. If we have the possibility, it’s a good thing. Of course, and we do it with pleasure and with passion, but it’s not the [-] for our life.302 She thus indicates that the more explicit ecumenical efforts made by members of the community inside and outside its confines are not the core of the mission of Bose as she understands it. She stresses the importance of being able to host people from different churches in order to pray together: “and not only to pray, but can stay in the same place, and can feel that we believe the same God.”303 She feels that the main mission of Bose is simply to live together, to pray together, and to accommodate the wish of others to do the same. BF agrees, saying: “we are going on testifying some things. So, in some aspects uh… our voice had a… find an audience, uh, in other things, no, no matter, we are not here to find an audience, but to live here what we think is authentic and asked to us.”304 The things they now speak out on are cultural and social questions 302 BG-1,54. 303 BG-1,58. 304 BF-1,16a.
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