2025 A call to hope
In 2025, in a happy coincidence between the liturgical calendars of eastern and western churches, we will all be celebrating Easter on the same date: 20th April.
2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which took place in the year 325. This was the Council that gave us the Nicene Creed which is still recognised today by most churches as a legitimate statement of our Christian faith.
In 2025 we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the abolition of the mutual excommunications that had previously existed between the Church of Rome and the Church of Constantinople.
In celebration of these signs of hope, the Focolare Movement is organising an Ecumenical Congress in March 2025:
Called to Hope
Focolare Centre for Unity, 69 Parkway
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL8 6JG
Friday 28th March – Sunday 30th March 2025
(arrival Thursday evening, departure Sunday after lunch)
During the meeting we hope to link up with the Focolare International Ecumenical Congress, which is taking place near to Rome, Italy, at the same time.
Further details are available from calledtohope@focolare.org.uk |
It is hoped that the programme will include a pilgrimage to St Albans Abbey and the shrine of St Alban, the first martyr in England, as well as visits to some of the church communities of Welwyn Garden City. We hope to also have space and time for talking and getting to know one another and sharing our thoughts, our ideas, our hopes and our experiences. We will consider the following topics in depth: What gives us the hope that unity can be achieved? How can we experience a dialogue of life? Why is Christian unity important? We will hear news and life-stories from Christians in different parts of the world and pray together for unity and peace throughout the earth.
The Congress is open to Christians of all churches, all friends of the Focolare Movement, our acquaintances and all those who may be interested.
Booking forms and prices will be available soon.