"Ecumenical Vigil at the Basilica of Saint Nicholas: “One Heart, Many Voices” Marks a Powerful Call to Christian Unity" by Carlo Coppola
The second ecumenical vigil held on February 12 at the Basilica of Saint Nicholas emerged as a moment of profound ecclesial and theological significance. Led by His Excellency Most Reverend Mons. Donato Oliverio, Bishop of the Eparchy of Lungro of the Italo-Albanians, the celebration centered on the theme “One Heart, Many Voices”, offering a compelling reflection on Christian communion as the welcoming of diversity in fidelity to the one Gospel.
In a historical and ecclesial context marked by identity tensions and the enduring fragmentation of Christianity, the vigil reaffirmed a fundamental theological truth: the unity of the Church is not the result of artificial compromise, but a gift of the Holy Spirit manifested in the plurality of ecclesial forms. The reflection drew inspiration from the apostolic Church described in the Acts of the Apostles as being “of one heart and one soul” (Acts 4:32). This unity did not arise from uniformity, but from communion in faith, prayer, and charity. It was — and remains — a dynamic unity that does not erase differences but orders them toward a higher principle. Even more radical is the vision found in the Gospel according to Gospel of John: “That they may all be one… as you, Father, are in me and I in you” (John 17:21). Here, Christian unity is rooted in the mystery of the Trinity itself — not merely human agreement, but participation in the very communion of God. In this light, ecumenism appears not as an optional initiative, but as intrinsic to Christian faith.
The theme “One Heart, Many Voices” invites recognition of difference as a theological locus rather than a problem to be solved. Patristic tradition consistently upheld this vision. Basil the Great compared the Church to a harmonious body in which “the variety of gifts does not destroy unity, but manifests it.” The Pauline image of the Body of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 12) remains decisive: unity lives through the plurality of its members.
Drawing upon the wisdom of the Eastern Churches and his own episcopal experience, Monsignor Oliverio highlighted the ecclesial value of ritual, linguistic, and spiritual diversity as authentic expressions of the Church’s catholicity. Not a uniform catholicity, but a koinonía capable of embracing and safeguarding distinct histories, memories, and traditions. His authoritative yet paternal words offered clear guidance to the gathered community on the path toward unity.
The vigil underscored that ecumenism cannot be reduced to doctrinal debate or diplomatic dialogue between ecclesiastical institutions. It is first and foremost a path of personal and communal conversion. As Augustine of Hippo affirmed, “charity is the form of all virtues” (forma virtutum): without charity, even truth risks becoming a cause of division. Praying together, listening together to the Word of God, and dwelling in shared silence are gestures that express a lived ecclesiology before it is formally defined. In this sense, the ecumenical vigil becomes a place where the Church experiences herself as a mystery of communion, anticipating — imperfectly yet truly — the full unity still to be achieved. The Basilica of Saint Nicholas, a historic spiritual crossroads between East and West, once again proved to be a highly symbolic venue for this journey. The shared veneration of Saint Nicholas stands as a sign of communion deeper than historical divisions. As John Chrysostom observed, “nothing makes the Church so credible as unity lived in charity.” Within this space rich in history and meaning, the many voices present did not create dissonance but a sober harmony — a sign that unity is not imposed silence, but the consonance of differences.
“One Heart, Many Voices” is not merely a theme, but a theological perspective that challenges the Church in her being and mission, presenting communion as both evangelical path and historical responsibility.
The February 12 vigil stands as a significant ecclesial sign: communion is not a possession already secured, but a way of life to be embraced. In a world marked by identity conflicts, the Church is called to witness that unity is born not from fear of difference, but from trust in the Spirit who “makes all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
The evening was also a moment of profound ecclesial joy for the Byzantine Catholic community of the Parish of Saint John Chrysostom in Bari Vecchia. Gathering around their Bishop and Pastor — Monsignor Donato Oliverio, a spiritual and theological leader of distinguished stature — was a moment of particular grace for the faithful. Despite the geographical distance between Bari and Lungro, the filial bond with their Shepherd remains unbroken.
The heartfelt tribute offered by the parish community expressed sincere veneration, gratitude, and affection: the homage of a people who recognize in their Pastor not only the authority of his ministry, but the living witness of an incarnate and generous faith.
Carlo Coppola
