Five Ways – Jul 25

July 22, 2025

Many thanks to those who commented on the June 30 Five Ways E-Letter. First, let us continue our joyful note with children’s views of our world. “What does the word ‘benign’ mean? Answer: ‘Benign’ is what comes after you be eight. What is the meaning of the term ‘Caesarean section’? Answer: The Caesarean section is a district in Rome. What does ‘varicose’ mean? Nearby.” (all taken from Fr. Gil Bouchard’s “Father Gloat Gleanings, Book Two, p. 74).

Secondly, the insistence of Pope Leo in his May 19 meeting with religious leaders who came to Rome for his inauguration, continues to be picked up and promoted by scholars and leaders. Catholic News Service, May 23 in the Boston Pilot, used the same quote which you received in the June E-Letter, about synodality and ecumenism. Pope Leo continued that statement: ‘”In a world wounded by violence and conflict each of the communities represented here brings its own contribution of wisdom, compassion and commitment to the good of humanity and the preservation of our common home.” He paid special attention to Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, and to Jewish and Muslim leaders.

He has constantly used the expression from St. Augustine “In Illo Uno Unum,” which many translate as “In the One Christ, we are One.” And in his first words, delivered from the balcony of St. Peter’s immediately after his election, he stated: “Together, we must look for ways to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and encourages dialogue, a Church ever open to welcoming.”

Pope Francis had planned to take part in the 1700 anniversary of the Ecumenical Council of Nicea and its Nicean Creed (325 AD) used by most Christian Churches every Sunday. Pope Leo is planning to travel to this event, which will probably be held in Turkey in November of this year.

Both the summer issue of Mission, magazine of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and the June issue of ONE, official publication of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, contain much about our new pope and his statements. ONE is also full of the tragic and deteriorating situation of Christians in Palestine.

Both magazines may be read on the internet. If your parish does not receive hard copies, it would be well for the parish to subscribe. The information in each issue is very, very relevant.

Let us pray more fervently for a just solution for Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the Middle East.

May summer time be an opportunity for us all to grow closer to Jesus as evangelizers.

Fr. Harry Winter, O.M.I.

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