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Pictures always tell a story, they're also worth a thousand words. OK, how much money would you give to preserve an archive of photography devoted to the Second Vatican Council? What is preserving photographic memories to such a legendary event like Vatican II worth to you? I hope much.

In 2009, Sister Leideke Galema, who managed Foyer Unitas for many years, gave Centro Pro Unione library a gift of 740 photographs taken at Vatican II. This precious collection not only records of the sessions of the Council, but also include important ecumenical moments from the pontificate of the Servant of God Pope Paul VI, including the historic meeting when he gave his own episcopal ring to the archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Ramsey.

Rome's Centro Pro Unione is a long time work of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement dedicated to ecumenical action, research, and formation at the Piazza Navona. The Centro's mission is known through intensive programs, conferences, courses, and dialogues that attract theologians and academics from around the world. It's staff works closely with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and with various ecumenical leaders as well as teaching in the various theological faculties in Rome.

Foyer Unitas, a ministry of hospitality operated by the Ladies of Bethany, had since 1950 collaborated with the Centro in welcoming non-Catholic pilgrims arriving in Rome. During Vatican II, Pope Paul VI asked Foyer Unitas to provide lodging for the ecumenical observers. The Centro Pro Unione is working to make this collection available to the public during the 50 th anniversary of Vatican II's opening council in Rome later this year.  To support the project and for more information visit the Friars' website.

The Order of Capuchin Friars Minor opened a center for spirituality and formation for religious and laypeople who want to attend courses and retreats in that region. The center, which is inspired by the motto, "I am the light of the world," was inaugurated 28 September 2010.

At the inauguration ceremony, Archbishop Fouad Twal, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, noted that this light is the witness that believers make to those around them. He added that this idea "is a topic of our next synod," which will take place in Rome, beginning Sunday, and will focus on the Middle East.

"In Jerusalem, we can count on hundreds of religious congregations, 14 of which are contemplative communities," the prelate said. "They are the strength and richness of the Latin Catholic Church." He continued: "Today we inaugurate a new center for spirituality and welcome, thanks to the goodwill of our beloved Capuchins, a center called to be light." "True Christians influence the world around them and reflect the light of the Lord," the archbishop affirmed.

The property where the center is located belonged to the Capuchin order since the 1930's, when Archbishop Luigi Barlassina invited the religious to build a convent in the Jewish area of Jerusalem.

However, the friars had to leave Jerusalem during World War II, putting the project on hold. The property was taken over by the state for a psychiatric hospital. The Capuchin center project was later revived in the 1990's.

Present at the inauguration ceremony were: Fr. Mauro Jöhri, Capuchin General Minister and the entire Definitory; His Beatitude, Archbishop. Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem; Archbishop Antonio Franco, Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Apostolic Nuncio in Israel; Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land; Bishop Francesco Beschi, Bishop of Bergamo; the Capuchin Order's Legal Representative, the General Bursar, the Capuchin Provincial Minister of Venice, other Franciscan Provincials.

The renovation was made possible by a number of benefactors, with a considerable contribution from the Cariplo Foundation.

A photo journal of the center's dedication is here.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem posted a story on the center.

Zenit carried a story on this center.

(this story is reposted and edited from Capuchin Newsnotes, 13 October 2010)