Regina`s Archbishop Donald Bolen was at Seton Hall University in New Jersey on March 16th as the book “Towards Unity: Ecumenical Dialogue 500 Years after the Reformation”  was officially launched. This Festschrift,  a celebratory publication of essays, honours the lifetime achievements of Monsignor John Radano who served as head of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity`s (PCPCU) Western Section for nearly 25 years, from 1984 to 2008. He was the immediate superious of Archbishop Don during his years of working at the PCPCU from 2001 to 2009. The 500th anniversary of the Reformation was chosen as a theme for the book. The anniversary is time to take stock, look at what we have accomplished, on the road we have travelled, and on what lies ahead. 

Cardinal Walter Kasper and Cardinal Edward Cassidy both contributed to the volume, testifying to Monsignor Radano’s commitment, competence, and wide knowledge of the dialogues in which he was involved over many years. 

As Cardinal Walter Kasper’s preface notes, Msgr. Radano has an encyclopedic knowledge of the ecumenical movement and texts, not the least because during his years at the PCPCU, he served as the editor of Information Service, the Pontifical Council’s journal documenting the Catholic Church’s involvement in the ecumenical movement on an international level.

Towards Unity is a collection of texts of reconciliation, written by 22 artisans of the fine and demanding art of ecumenical dialogue. Edited by: Archbishop of Regina, Don Bolen; Sr. Donna Geernaert SC, who served as director of Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations for 18 years; and Nicholas Jesson, former director of the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism.  The volume’s contributions examine the ecumenical dialogues of  the Western section of the PCPCU and reflect on what ecumenical changes have been achieved over the past 50 years. You will find reflections on ecumenical methods and ways in which Christian churches have learned from each other, how conflicts have been addressed and in many instances, divisions healed.  

“Towards Unity: Ecumenical Dialogue 500 Years after the Reformation” reminds us of the importance of ecumenical friendship in advancing the cause of Christian unity inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

There will also be a Canadian launch of the volume on April 7th at the offices of the Canadian Council of Churches in Toronto.