Cardinal HE Donald Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington D.C. welcomes His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, speaking about the ecumenical spirit, holding hands, after giving the Cardinal a khata, Kalachakra for World Peace, Verizon Center, Washington D.C. USA. <a href="http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/711-his-holiness-begins-actual-kalachakra-empowerment" rel="nofollow">www.dalailama.com/news/post/711-his-holiness-begins-actua...</a>

"He formally welcomed His Holiness and all the guests to Washington, D.C. on behalf of the Archdiocese of Washington. The Cardinal recalled his first meeting of His Holiness in the 1970s and subsequently during the Assisi summit of religious leaders in 1986.

He expressed his admiration of His Holiness and said he prayed that the programs in Washington D.C. will proceed smoothly.In his remarks, His Holiness recalled the close relationship that he had with Pope John Paul II. He also said that the Assisi summit that the Cardinal had referred to was a unique experience.

He said that meeting sent a signal to millions of people that different religions and different people had the same potential to serve humanity. His Holiness said it was our common responsibility to make the 21st century a century of peace saying the 20th century witnessed a lot of bloodshed.

Referring to the Christian tradition of total submission to God and doing his will, His Holiness also praised “our Christian brothers and sisters” as they have made the greatest contribution to education. {there was very loud clapping at His Holiness' remark in approval and recognition. - wonderlane ]

His Holiness then mentioned that during the Kalachakra initiation that he bestowed in Switzerland in 1985, the Aga Khan had come. Later, during a Kalachakra in India, a Hindu master had come. He said today during the Kalachakra in Washington, D.C. we have the visit of a Christian leader."

"At the conclusion His Holiness announced that there would not be a webcast of the session tomorrow as it is the actual empowerment that involves tantric vows that need to be received in person from the master."