On the morning of October 30, 2025, the Sacred Convent had the pleasure of welcoming a group of some eighty Buddhist monks, most of them members of Taiwan’s six major Buddhist schools. The delegates came to visit the complex of the Sacred Convent and the Basilica of St. Francis at the official invitation of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate [a Second Vatican Council document promoting interreligious dialogue]
Motivated by their deep veneration for St. Francis, the monks wanted to learn more about him, his life, and his spirit. They were welcomed and received by the Custos of the Sacred Convent, Friar Marco MORONI; together with the General Delegate for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, Friar Sławomir KLEIN; and Friar Giovanni WANG.
In his opening remarks, Friar Marco MORONI addressed the monks with the traditional greeting of St. Francis: “May the Lord give you peace!”
He mentioned that peace is not only the absence of conflict, but the presence of love, understanding, and compassion, the source of spiritual and material well-being, happiness, and serenity. He expressed his hope that this meeting would become an opportunity for mutual enrichment and spiritual growth.
Mentioning the World Day of Prayer for Peace promoted by St. John Paul II in Assisi in 1986, Friar Marco explained that since that time, this place has continued to be a symbol of dialogue and brotherhood among believers of different religious traditions.
He then pointed out some similarities between Franciscan and Buddhist spirituality: both invite us to live in harmony with nature, to recognize the sacredness of every creature, and to cultivate compassion for all living beings.
Friar Marco also spoke about the long-standing friendship that binds the Sacred Convent to the Buddhist communities of Taiwan. This friendship began with the visit of Master Xing Yun of the Fo Guang Shan community in 1995. Friar Marco expressed his wish that this relationship might continue to grow in the spirit of fraternity and mutual understanding.
He concluded by citing the simple prayer—”O Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…”—as an invitation to continue together on the path of spiritual collaboration for a brighter and more peaceful future.
Editorial Staff
