Study visit to Rome – a meeting of cultures, religions, and history
A unique study visit to the Eternal City, attended by representatives of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin and the winner of the “Lubelszczyzna – dialogue of cultures, religions, and hearts” competition, became a space for reflection, dialogue, and discovery of traces of history of religious encounters. The trip was attended by members of the Heschel Center team at the Catholic University of Lublin and Ms. Edyta, who was honored in a competition organized by the Center. It was she who, sharing her memories, emphasized how extraordinary it was to visit places where traditions, cultures, and the fates of people of different faiths have intertwined over the years.
"During the trip, I had the opportunity to participate in the conference ‘60 Years after Nostra Aetate’ at the University of the Holy Cross, as well as visit unique historical sites, including the Roman Synagogue and the Green Mosque. Rome is a place full of wonderful monuments and history, and I was particularly impressed by my visit to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Gardens. I also saw the hospital where Jews were hidden and rescued during World War II, as well as the Jewish quarter. I am very happy that I was able to come here, gain new experiences, and learn about stories that were previously unknown to me," she said in an interview with Heschel Center News.
A space for dialogue
The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome (Santa Croce) became a meeting place for representatives of various religious traditions during the jubilee symposium “60 Years After Nostra Aetate.” The event brought together participants from around the world: descendants of the authors of the declaration, representatives of the clergy, scholars, and people involved in interfaith dialogue. During the conference, the timelessness of the message of Nostra Aetate and its role in building relations between followers of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and other religions were repeatedly emphasized.
The value of the meeting
The study visit allowed participants from KUL and the Heschel Center not only to listen to the voices of experts, but also to see how the ideas of religious dialogue translate into specific places and stories. The Jewish quarter of Rome, the local synagogue, and the hospital that saved Jews during the war are witnesses to a difficult past that today inspires the building of understanding and respect. The Heschel Center at KUL, whose activities are supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, has been pursuing its mission of education and dialogue for years, with a particular focus on Catholic-Jewish relations and youth education. The trip to Rome was the next stage of this work – an encounter with living history and its contemporary significance.
Towards the future of dialogue
The reflections of the participants and the topics discussed during the symposium show that the significance of Nostra Aetate remains relevant despite the passage of six decades. The document continues to inspire new generations to openness, understanding, and encounter. The study visit to Rome was therefore not only a journey to a city with a unique history, but also a valuable experience that confirms the important role played by dialogue between religions and cultures.
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Heschel Center News