52 PART ONE: INTRODUCTION and Matthias Wirz, too, acknowledged monasticism’s contribution to spiritual ecumenism: The ecumenical movement was not born in the monastic setting. Yet, the appeal to evangelical radicalism, the tendency towards interior unification, the search for the essential through the spiritual life, constitute a strong impulse for Christian unity and the reconciliation of the Churches.132 The most recent PCPCU document regarding this issue agrees and specifically mentions the contribution of new monastic communities like Bose: Consecrated life, which is rooted in the common tradition of the undivided Church, undoubtedly has a particular vocation in promoting unity. Established monastic and religious communities as well as new communities and ecclesial movements can be privileged places of ecumenical hospitality, of prayer for unity and for the ‘exchange of gifts’ among Christians. Some recently founded communities have the promotion of Christian unity as their particular charism, and some of these include members from different Christian traditions.133 The examples of Brother Roger, Brother Enzo, and their communities spark the question of whether Roman Catholic leaders can acknowledge the paths of others, too, whose lives reflect a spiritual integrity, ecumenical commitment, prudence, and faithfulness (both towards their church of origin and the Roman Catholic Church) similar to Brother Roger’s – including the Eucharistic implications. These questions become all the more pressing given that both communities are so renowned – both on grassroots and official levels – for their significance for the ecumenical process. 1.5 COMPLEMENTING A CHARGED DEBATE The previous sections have offered a case study of a recent episode in the debate about Eucharistic hospitality culminating in a plea for further research on the Ferracci and John XXIII Foundation for Religious Studies in Bologna (Zürich: Lit Verlag GMBH, 2015), 81. 132 Mainardi and Wirz, 97. Original French: “Le mouvement œcuménique ne naît pas dans le milieu monastique. Mais l’appel au radicalisme évangélique, la tension vers l’unification intérieure, la recherché de l’essentiel dans la vie spirituelle, constituent une impulsion forte vers l’unité des chrétiens et la réconciliation entre les Églises” (translation: FW). 133 Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, The Bishop and Christian Unity, sec. 23.
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