On the theme “The Wisdom of the Cross in a Plural World,” the event will take place on September 21-24 at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.
Newsroom (August 10, 2021 5:47 PM Gaudium Press) On the occasion of the third centenary of the foundation of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, founded in 1720 by St. Paul of the Cross, the Passionists are promoting an International Theological Congress.
The event, following the theme “The Wisdom of the Cross in a Plural World,” will take place September 21-24 at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. Around 80 scholars and experts are expected to participate. They will deepen their understanding of the meaning of the Passion and the death of Christ.
St. Paul the Apostle
The theme of the Congress aims at reflecting on topics such as : the problem of language and the challenge of cultures; the promotion of inter-religious dialogue and integral humanism; the new scenarios of evangelization; the charism of St. Paul of the Cross, founder of the Passionists, today and in the future.
The words of St. Paul the Apostle, forming a framework around the speeches and discussions, are taken from the Letter to the Corinthians: “But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor 1:23-24).
The Cross: always a current topic
The Congregation notes that “the Cross is always current theme. [It highlights] the interrogations of every human being regarding suffering and injustice in the world, evidenced now by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“God wanted to offer salvation to humanity, by sharing and solidarity with every person; in the apparent weakness and powerlessness of love, He transforms the Passion and Death of Jesus on the Cross into the apex of His wisdom and power, generating salvation, resurrection and new life,” they emphasize.
Exhibitions and Jubilee
Other initiatives are underway, marking the 300 years of Passionist activities. Among them, there are two exhibitions scheduled for September 4 in Rome: the first focused on the Passion of Jesus in contemporary sacred art, and the other, a photographic review dedicated to the work of Fr. Richard Freschette, a Passionist priest.
The Jubilee year began on November 22, 2020, as the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, present in 63 countries, marks 300 years of Missionary activities. It will conclude on January 1, 2022. (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
