Summer Course in Rome: “Ecumenical & Interreligious Movements from a Catholic Perspective”

GARRISON, N.Y. - March 7, 2014 - PRLog -- Centro Pro Unione, an ecumenical and interreligious research and action center based in Rome, Italy, which is a ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, announces that its annual summer course will take place from June 23-July 11, 2014.  The course, “Ecumenical and Interreligious Movements from a Catholic Perspective,” will offer a historical and theological overview of the issues that divide Christians as well as the bonds that unite them.  The program also will explore relations with other religious traditions.

Very Rev. James Puglisi, SA, Director of Centro Pro Unione, and Minister General of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement based at Graymoor in New York, says, “Men and women in preparation for religious life, those in the mission field, ecumenical officers or anyone looking for a sabbatical experience can come to learn about the Biblical foundations of the divisions in the Church and to understand the modern ecumenical movement.” The course is taught by highly qualified faculty from Centro Pro Unione and Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute in New York, also part of the ecumenical ministry of the Friars.

Topics covered in each of the weeks include “Reformation--Both Protestant & Catholic, “From Division to Dialogue” and “Christians and World Faith Traditions.” The course includes lectures on ecumenical and interreligious relations, prayer, local excursions in Rome and participation in the Papal Mass of the Pallium on the Feast of St. Peter and Paul, June 29.  The course is recognized and endorsed by the Graduate Theological Foundation (USA), which can grant up to six graduate credits for qualified students.

The cost for the course is $300 (non-refundable) made payable at the time of application.  Deadline for applications is March 31, 2014.

After applications are accepted registrants will receive a list of possible lodgings.  Transportation costs, lodging and meals, are not included, and are anticipated to cost approximately $3500 (USD) for North Americans. Registrants are required to arrange for their own accommodations.  For more information or to complete and on line application, visit http://www.prounione.urbe.it/new/eng/summercourse.html or call (39-06) 687.9552 or fax (36-06) 6813.3668.

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Through their mission and ministries, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement serve people of every race, religion, and walk of life. Their social ministries help the poor, the needy, and the homeless; people living with HIV; frail and elderly in hospitals and hospices; those in prison; and people seeking recovery from alcoholism and chemical addictions. They are active within the international movement to heal divisions within Christianity and create unity among people of all faiths with the ministries of the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute in New York and Centro Pro Unione, an ecumenical research and action center in Rome, Italy.