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 pontiļ¬cate 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.
