On the Roman trails with the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin
Jewish religion, tradition and culture, Catholic-Jewish relations, the history of the Jewish presence in Rome, the Jewish Holocaust in the 20th century and contemporary challenges in interreligious dialogue were the topics addressed by Fr. Dr. Piotr Kot, a specialist at the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin, during a retreat for married couples in Rome. Participants shared testimonies and insights from their experience.
The projections dealt with the declaration “Nostra aetate” and the Second Vatican Council
Fr. Dr. Kot also introduced participants to the aims of the Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the Catholic University of Lublin. In addition to the workshop and lecture part of the retreat, the agenda item included a daily visit to places related to the life of the Jewish community in Rome past and present (including the Great Synagogue, the Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere, etc.), the history and culture of Judaism (the Jewish Quarter, the Triumphal Arch of Titus, etc.), as well as learning about the facts and history of Jews who chose to profess the Christian faith (Israel Zolli, Alphonse Ratisbonne).
Participants of the retreat shared their insights
Monika Dutczak pointed to the role of the declaration “Nostra aetate”: “During the past retreat, Fr. Piotr Kot drew our attention to the upcoming anniversary of the publication of the document of the Second Vatican Council: the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions ”Nostra aetate". In the lecture addressed to us, he explained that in this document the Church once again reminds us to consciously build relations of peace and respect by Christians towards followers of other religions without exception, because the following of Jesus by Catholics is expressed in love for their neighbor - including those who profess another religion.Without the work of people for dialogue with followers of other religions, especially with the Jewish people, it is impossible for Christians to overcome hostility and prejudice and live in the love of God."
Łukasz Hawryluk noted the role of dialogue, which is being sought after by the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin: "In reflecting on contemporary Christian-Jewish dialogue, Fr. Kot also mentioned Rabbi and theologian Abraham Heschel, a friend of Paul VI, who actively participated in interreligious dialogue and emphasized the role of common prayer, remembrance and ethical commitment. This name, is an important reference point in understanding what this dialogue looks like today - especially from the perspective of Polish-Jewish relations. On this occasion, the priest told us about the activities of the Heschel Center operating at the Catholic University of Lublin."
Malgorzata Jedynak wrote: "The time spent in Rome and the testimony and teaching of Fr. Dr. Piotr Kot allowed me to look at the followers of Judaism in a different way. Thanks to the knowledge imparted to me, I see the real need for Catholic-Jewish dialogue and finding understanding not only on the religious level."
And then there's an excerpt from a report from Michael Przeniczny: "The Catholic Church and the Vatican played a key role in saving thousands of Jews during this time. Pope Pius XII remained officially silent so as not to provoke greater repression and undermine the rescue effort.
In Rome, this tragedy is commemorated, among other places, in the former ghetto, which has preserved its urban layout. This place is a reminder not only of the Holocaust, but of the centuries-long history of Jews in the Eternal City, their prolonged suffering and struggle for survival."