Together with representatives of the different Christian Churches, we gathered in a moment of intense spirituality to invoke peace, light and courage. A shared wish: that all men and women of goodwill may become true builders of bridges between peoples.

It was a simple but deeply meaningful meeting. In an atmosphere of fraternity and recollection, the Churches, Movements and Communities present raised their common prayer for Europe and for peace in the world.

During the service, a symbolic disc was hung for each country named in the prayer: a concrete gesture to represent the spiritual commitment to that nation. A small ritual, full of hope and solidarity, which took shape as the list of countries unfolded.

The evening began with a song from the Russian Orthodox Church and ended with a children’s choir from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

A moment that left its mark in the hearts of all participants: it reminded us that shared prayer can become the first step towards a more just and peaceful world.

Lurdes Teixeira