Francis and Bartholomew in the Holy Land - An Ecumenical Embrace

The leaders of the Catholic communities in Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Cyprus have chosen the logo and the motto for Pope Francis’ pilgrimage, slated for

May 24-26 this year. The theme ‘So that they may be one’ was picked at the meeting of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land (AOCTS), held March 11-12 in city of Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.

The Pontiff’s upcoming meeting with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and the heads of the Churches in Jerusalem is at the very core of his trip to the Holy Land. Much of the pope’s visit is focused on commemorating and renewing the commitment to unity expressed by Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople 50 years ago in Jerusalem.

 

The logo depicts the embrace of Saint Peter and Saint Andrew, the first two disciples called to Galilee by Jesus, and respectively the patrons of the Churches of Rome and Constantinople. The two apostles are hugging in a boat that represents the Church. The small vessel’s mast is the cross of the Lord and its sails are at full mast as the Holy Spirit directs the boat gliding across the waters of this world.

An official website featuring the logo and motto, along with other information, has been created ad hoc by the Media Commission, appointed by the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, to prepare for the pilgrimage of Pope Francis to the Holy Land.

Source: theholylandreview.net (Mar. 14, 2014)