The following lines are excerpts from Peter Hocken’s book: ‘The Strategy of the Spirit?’, where he reflects on the meaning of the worldwide renewal and revival being brought about by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit both in the historic churches and in modern movements. I quote from a chapter titled, ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus’.
Without humiliating anyone, without becoming a symbol of denial for anyone, Brother Roger believed that it is possible to embrace within oneself the attention to the word of God so profoundly lived in the Reform tradition, the treasures of the spirituality of the Orthodox tradition, and all the charisms of communion of the Catholic Church, all the while, daily putting one’s trust in the mystery of faith.
The new pope is…like the son of Jacob who, meeting with his brothers, showed them the tenderness of his heart and, bursting into tears, said, “I am Joseph, your brother.” Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, seventy-seven years old and newly installed as Pope John XXIII, surprised the crowds gathered for his coronation Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica when he spoke these words directly to them. Rarely had a pope used such personal language before.
As we prepare to observe the ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’ in the Northern Hemisphere from Jan.18th-25th, it’s a good time to remember the legacy of a Catholic pioneer, who worked for unity in the ‘Body of Christ’ – Fr. Paul Courtier.
Over the last couple of years, we’ve taken the opportunity to pray together in different churches across the city of Whitehorse (Melbourne) in the week leading up to Pentecost, as part of observing the ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’. This year the dates are from May 22nd -26th. Each prayer service commences at 7.30pm
As we begin this New Year, what are some keys we find in the New Testament, to foster the unity of the Spirit in our contexts? Listen to the founder of Kerygma share his insights.
This year the churches of Whitehorse Council are joining together again to pray for our city of Melbourne, as we walk our streets. Please join in this week of prayer walking (Oct. 4th-11th), starting with a commissioning event at St. Ben’s next Tuesday, Oct.4th @ 7.30 pm.
We’ve just celebrated Pentecost Sunday and I am reminded of the kind of unity that the Holy Spirit brings in our relationships, as we open ourselves to His work in our hearts. The distinctive mark of the Holy Spirit is NOT oppressive unity, NOR conflictual diversity, but Unity in Diversity.
This year, ‘The ‘World Meeting of Families’ (WMOF) will take place from June 22nd-26th and will be a multicentre event, simultaneously taking place in Rome and in multiple locations all around the world. The theme of this gathering is: “Family Love: Vocation and Path to Holiness.” Find out more about how you can participate here in Australia.
Many churches in the Southern Hemisphere celebrate the ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’ between the feasts of Ascension & Pentecost. If your church meets in the Whitehorse Council Area, please join us for prayer across 4 evenings, at 4 different church locations, starting at 7.30 pm each evening, from May 30th – Jun.2nd.
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