Walking together on the Emmaus Way – Easter Monday
Dear friends,
As we approach the end of 2025, our hearts are filled with gratitude for how far we have come. I am delighted that in so many places there is growing hope for a common witness to celebrate the 2000th anniversary of Christ’s resurrection in 2033.
A brief meditation and prayer
Christmas is a call to trust: « Rejoice! The Lord is with you, » the angel said to Mary.
« Do not be afraid, » he said to the shepherds. A call to trust addressed today to everyone. But especially to those who are going through a dark valley: bereavement, war, disaster, illness, injustice, exclusion. And so many shocking, often incomprehensible forms of distress.
This Christmas, I ask two things of you, Lord: Awaken in me the confidence that these words are also addressed to me: « Rejoice, the Lord is with you. » Give me the courage to share them with everyone:
« Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy for all: Today, in the city of David, a saviour has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord »! (Luke 2)
Here are some important moments from this year that I would like to share with you:
Unity Evening – Geneva
On 27 February, during the JC2033 World Meeting, we welcomed Rev. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World council of Churches. He strongly emphasised how essential unity is for a credible witness to the living Christ. His support for the vision of JC2033 – celebrating in unity the resurrection of Christ at Easter 2033 – gave us new impetus.
Round table on Christian unity
Some members of « Easter Together 2025 » with J. Pillay
During this gathering, a round table brought together representatives from the Catholic, Evangelical, Coptic Orthodox and Reformedchurches. In a few words, each expressed the beauty of unity: « God’s crazy project », « walking together », « a grace », « a gift received around Christ ». On the same day, I took part in a delegation from Easter Together 2025, which was received by the World Council of Churches. This initiative calls for the unification of the date of Easter on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
Ecumenical Congress, Rome
Ecumenical Worship in the Basilica of S. Paul
In March, I took part in the Focolare Movement’s ecumenical congress near Rome. I presented the stages of the JC2033 journey as a unique opportunity to walk together towards the Jubilee of the Resurrection. The warm welcome from this movement committed to unity confirmed how much 2033 can become an authentic kairos – a favourable moment – for the Church.
Friendship visits on the road to Emmaus and in Jerusalem
Like last year, we were unable to organise the walk on the road to Emmaus, but I wanted to keep in touch with the communities along the way. So, in April and October, I visited both Jewish and Palestinian friends. Since 2019, a friendship has developed. We have discerned how to prepare for our visit in 2026. Our website provides all the information you need for this new pilgrimage. I also entrust it to your intercession.
Walking to Emmaus
On Easter Monday, I walked the road to Emmaus, from Jerusalem to Nicopolis. At the Saxum Centre, the news of Pope Francis’ death led us to pray the Our Father in several languages. On the last climb, exhausted, I was helped by two travelling companions: I understood that the true pilgrim walks at the pace of the slowest. It was also a joy to be reunited with my friends Nabil, Amer, Samia and Nesreen from the New Life community in Nazareth!
Meetings in Bethlehem
At the Wi’am Centre with his director Zoughbi Zoughbi
In April, in Bethlehem, I met an Armenian priest, a Greek Orthodox priest and a Muslim sheikh alongside Zoughbi Zoughbi, director of the Wi’am Centre. The latter, enthusiastic about JC2033, asked to be an ambassador. The next day, he invited me to share the vision with forty women.
In October, accompanied by Catherine Wuthrich, a Swiss JC2033 ambassador, I met with a dozen youth group leaders at his centre. Many young people are considering leaving their country because they see no future there. Together with his son Rafiq, Zoughbi reaffirmed that 2033 must become a sign of hope for Bethlehem.
Conferences in Burgundy
Working in the Vineyards of Burgundy with pastors and deacons of Geneva
In May, I led a retreat in Mazille (near Taizé) for the Geneva protestant Pastors and Deacons Association on the theme of the Nicene Creed today. Thanks to my friends Jean-Denis and Sandra Roquet, I had many meetings in Burgundy in May and July. Three conferences and a sermon during a service (La Clayette, Paray-le-Monial, Mâcon, Roanne) provided an opportunity to present the path from 2025 to 2033. In July, during a meeting of the « Fraternité Pentecôte » (Pentecost Fraternity), I discovered fervent Catholics who were open to unity.
In the Basilica of Paray-Le-Monial
London – a shared momentum
With Callan Slipper and Mark Royal, Chair and Secretary General of Churches Together
In July, several meetings in London – Churches Together, the Salvation Army, Anglican and Methodist churches, ambassadors and movements – revealed a strong desire to unite prayer, service and witness in order to publicly celebrate the Resurrection. 2033 is seen there as a prophetic opportunity to say together: « Christ is risen! ».
Stockholm – one hundred years after 1925
Ecumenical Celebration in the Philadelphia Pentecostal Church, Stockholm
In August, I gave a lecture during the « Ecumenical Week » marking the 100th anniversary of the Stockholm Conference. I reminded the audience that 2033 will be the « Jubilee of Jubilees ». To prepare for it, we must walk, pray and work to respond to Christ’s call.
Three days of grace in Jerusalem
Time of prayer in Christ Church, Jerusalem
From 21 to 23 October, I took part in the international meeting Towards a Second Council of Jerusalem. Jews who recognise Jesus as the Messiah and Christians from many traditions prayed together in a spirit of humility and reconciliation. I gave a lecture showing how the Council of Nicaea turned its back on Judaism, and that the path to 2033 must also be a path of repentance. The gestures of forgiveness between Jews and Palestinians were deeply moving.
Crete – « theological ecology »
Augustinos and Stella Bairactaris and their children
In Heraklion, invited by Professor Augustinos Bairactaris, I gave a lecture during an international conference on “eco-theology”: “ Ecology needs a mystique. The Understanding of nature in the spirituality of unity”. I showed how a gaze filled with the love of the Father can renew our ecological responsibility.
Beautiful friendships with Orthodox Christians were born. And I was able to present the vision of JC2033 to the students of the Orthodox Academy, as well as to some professors.
Pakistan
From 18 to 25 November 2025, a journey took me and Olivier Fleury through Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Taxila, opening a window onto the Church in Pakistan. Ten stages revealed a contrasting picture: social fragility and persecution on the one hand, creativity, courage and hope on the other.
Around Christmas
During Advent, we remember that the heart of our faith is the mystery of the Incarnation: God became man to save humanity through his death and resurrection.
It is this light that guides us towards 2033, and we want to share it.
Thank you, dear friends, for your prayers and support for this wonderful project. I wish you a Christmas season filled with blessings.
With all my friendship
Martin
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Thank you very much for your support!
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