By Victoria Cardiel
Vatican City, Apr 16, 2025 / 15:27 pm
Father Frans Bouwen, a missionary with the African Missionary Society — better known as the White Fathers for the color of their habit — and one of the most renowned Catholic voices in ecumenical dialogue, emphasizes that there are no real theological reasons to justify Christians celebrating Easter on different dates.
Catholics and Protestants follow the Gregorian calendar for Easter, while the Orthodox adhere to the Julian calendar. However, this year will be special as both calendars align, allowing all Christians to celebrate Easter together on Sunday, April 20.
“There are no real theological reasons for celebrating Easter on different dates, but sometimes the calendar seems to have become sacred,” the priest shared, highlighting the desire for unity felt in regions where Catholic and Orthodox communities coexist.
In Jerusalem, a city holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, the small Christian community of various churches longs to celebrate together amidst being a minority among believers of other religions.
Frans Bouwen, a consultant to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, explained that nowhere else in the world do Eastern and Western Christian traditions coexist as closely as in Jerusalem, where Christ died.
The Beauty of Ecumenism: A Reflection from Jerusalem
Credit: Marinella Bandini
Imagine a place where the diversity of liturgical traditions is not seen as a barrier, but as a testament to the universal reach of the Gospel. This is the reality in Jerusalem, where the Belgian priest, who has called this city home since 1969, emphasizes the existing ecumenism as a local reality. He speaks of the “sensus fidei,” the instinctive drive of the faithful to seek unity without the need for theological debates.
This ecumenical spirit has led to a beautiful tapestry of different languages and cultures coming together to celebrate the Christian faith. These communities gather around Calvary and the tomb of Christ, showcasing their common roots and shared belonging. It is a sight to behold, especially for those who have had the privilege of serving on international commissions for theological dialogue with Orthodox churches.
One fascinating aspect of this unity is the synchronization of the Gregorian and Julian calendars. This harmony not only guides the shared holy sites but also determines the scheduling of Easter celebrations at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher. The Status Quo, an unwritten law, ensures that each church’s liturgical rights are respected during these sacred times.
In Jerusalem, ecumenism is not just a dream but a lived reality. It is a testament to the power of faith to transcend boundaries and bring people together in a spirit of unity and love.
