Prayer rooms were set up: in one were icons and candles, another had a Tabernacle with pews and kneelers. The sun room (with full 180 degree solar exposure) had an open bible on a table surrounded with chairs, each of which having a Bible too. The most popular chapel had the Blessed Sacrament exposed. Some people kneeled or prostrated themselves while others sat on pillows.
The reconciliation service had something for everyone. Folks were encouraged to ask forgiveness of each other; The passion of Christ was enacted; individual Confession was also available.
Liturgy was a bit messy. The original plan was for noon services alternating Catholic one day and Protestant the next. But the Catholics wanted daily Mass, so on Protestant days Mass was offered in the mornings. Also, a variety of Protestant services had to be added in order to address high church and low church preferences. Some folks asked about intercommunion. Vanier said that yes we have a desire to be one in Christ, but that obedience and humility indicated that we embrace the suffering of a broken communion (I speak from memory here, so forgive/ correct any imprecision).
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Christmas eve this year, my family sat behind another family. The grandparents of the family in front stood and sat but didn't kneel. I couldn't help noticing that they sang songs and prayed the Our Father. I was touched to see this couple participating in the Mass as much as possible. After Mass, I wished them Merry Christmas and thanked them for praying with us.
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The root of ecumenism is the desire for the truth made flesh, Jesus Christ. Only his gaze can resolve the contradictions and sins that divide us, not only between Catholics and Protestants, but even between Catholics, even within families.
Any experiences with ecumenism you would like to share?
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