In the Protomoteca Hall: Memory – Today – Prophecy
A Europe that remembers, that questions, that looks to the future and that prays: this is the vision that emerged at the event ‘Europe between memory and prophecy – 75 years after the Schuman Declaration’ promoted by Together for Europe that took place in the solemn setting of the Protomoteca Hall in the Capitol. The initiative, supported by the European Commission Representation in Italy and the Municipality of Rome, brought together scholars, young people, institutional representatives, representatives of the Orthodox, Anglican, Methodist, Waldensian and Catholic Church for an in-depth dialogue on the present and future of the continent.
The conference was opened by researcher Federico Castiglioni, who moderated the intense programme. After the Hymn of Europe, journalist Carla Cotignoli introduced the path of Together for Europe, born from the desire to combine European identity with shared spiritual values.
The programme was then divided into three moments: Memory, Today, Prophecy. During the first part, dedicated to Memory, young Carmine Maraio and historian Maria Pia Di Nonno offered a lucid look at the construction of a European identity. Particularly touching was the video remembrance dedicated to David Maria Sassoli, an emblematic figure of an open and solidarity-oriented Europe.
In the Today segment, Vaticanist Riccardo Cristiano and Megalizzi Foundation ambassador Giulia Covalea presented new European initiatives with a focus on youth participation and intergenerational communication.
A musical interlude provided by flutist Giulia Valenti gave the participants a moment of artistic reflection.
The third and final moment, Prophecy, aimed to cast our gaze into the future. The speeches by Angèle Mulibinge Kaj and Prof. Alberto Lo Presti evoked the need to rediscover Europe as a space of spirituality, welcome and responsibility.
Prayer time in the Basilica Santa Maria in Aracoeli
The atmosphere became more intimate and profound with the ecumenical prayer in the nearby Basilica Santa Maria in Aracoeli, led by representatives and ministers of different Christian denominations.
From the biblical texts read by Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic voices, to the interdenominational prayers, from the songs of the ecumenical choir composed for the occasion to the evocative ‘Sign of Light’ brought by the young people, this moment bore witness to a possible spiritual unity that transcends borders and differences. At a time marked by fractures, wars and uncertainties, the message launched by the event is clear: building a Europe of peace, solidarity and justice is not only necessary, but also urgent.
The event culminated with an interfaith blessing and a choral song: a symbol of communion between peoples, languages and faiths, in the knowledge that Europe can only find itself ‘together’.
Thomas Roemer, a Lutheran pastor from Munich, suggests that every day we consider a word from the Gospel in which Jesus reassures us: ‘I am…’. And every day we entrust a group of European nations in particular.
As in previous years, we do this prayer according to an ancient tradition of Christianity. It is a novena, that is, a nine-day journey, from 30 April to 8 May.
Let us make this journey as a group, community, or even individually, but still united and trusting in the words of Jesus: ‘…if two of you come together on earth to ask anything, it will be granted to them by my Father in heaven. For wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’. (Mt 18:19-20)
At the big Together for Europe meeting in Stuttgart in 2007 I realised for the first time that there are convinced and committed Christians in other Churches with whom I immediately connected. Moreover, I experienced a rich and varied life, full of joy. I would like to promote this life also in my environment.
How are you preparing for the next meeting and what is your personal experience?
We continually entrust our requests to God in a prayer we have formulated together. We booked lodgings and the conference centre and also found a company to provide translation equipment. A band is being formed for the musical programme. Some of us participate in the international online meetings of the teams dedicated to the programme and organisation, which each time give us inspiration. To keep costs down, we are looking for sponsors; some we have already found.
We are very happy that, in addition to the supporters of Together for Europe, our friends who care about the unity of the different Christian communities and unity in Europe can also attend the meeting. Those who wish to get to know our network are also invited; we are surprised by the many positive reactions. People in positions of responsibility in Churches and politics are also showing interest. I am amazed at how many good things are possible in mutual love, which is the basis for our decisions.
Europe is increasingly less Christian. How can we convey to people the importance of the cohesion of the European peoples?
I would spontaneously say that we should let everyone experience togetherness. If people get to know each other, they gain trust and experience that they can complement and enrich each other. It is precisely this that I experience again and again in Together for Europe.
How do you live Together for Europe in your daily life?
Every person is a child of God and therefore I aim to treat my neighbours with care and respect. This makes it easier to face many of life’s difficulties, because one feels acceptance and support. I am always deeply touched when, without any expectations, I do something with Christians from other communities and the elementary aspects of life are dealt with in great agreement.
In 2024 the Friends of Together for Europe (TfE) will meet in Austria
It is wonderful (even if challenging!) to feel “called” to live and work in a reality greater than oneself: one does so, with joy and an ever-new impetus, on a well-founded Hope! Because, when God calls, we can always count on his grace that leads, accompanies, gives strength… And it is even more beautiful to discover that others, too, have received the same call – but with different tones and concrete expressions. This is how it is when different charisms meet! Converging in great freedom, discovering the myriad things that unite us, amplifies the beauty of each, refines and strengthens common goals.
Last year, in Timisoara/Romania, the Friends of TfE once again experienced being called to unity, an unforgettable experience, which filled their hearts, minds and souls.
Now their next meeting is approaching; this year it will be hosted by the TfE network in Styria, in Seggau, near the regional capital Graz/Austria.
Despite the fact that the world – including Europe – seems to be crumbling, there is a growing number of people who have been walking together for 25 years, experiencing the generative power of peace in going with an open heart towards the different, in welcoming each other even when it costs, in serving the Church and society together. These people know that the word ‘hope’ is not something that only refers to the future, but something already alive among them. “Called to Hope!” Hence the choice of this title for the meeting in Graz.
In and around the picturesque Hotel Schloss Seggau there will be time for getting to know each other, for dialogue, for making plans together for the good of our Churches and societies, and… also for an ‘ecumenical walk’ through the city of Graz, which is full of history in this respect. There will be opportunities to meet with leaders of local Churches and civil society. And, of course, there will be times for learning more about our charisms and for prayer.
We look forward with joy and full of renewed HOPE to this appointment – open to the surprises that its human-divine potential holds in store for us!
Friends of Together for Europe in Porto (Portugal)
“When we disarm, expropriate and open ourselves to the God-Man who makes new all things, then, He cancels our wicked past and donates to us a new time in which all things are possible” (1)
I’m feeling a little embarrassed. I’ve been asked: how was the Meeting with my friends in Porto, and, after all, what is this ‘Together for Europe’ all about? What could 166 persons coming from 19 different Countries, and belonging to 45 Movements and Communities from 8 Churches achieve, knowing that “like attracts like”, and diversity rarely – perhaps never – can become a force of cohesion? Added to this there are the diverse geopolitical, cultural, historic and confessional views: now, what will the Russians and the Ukrainians, present in our midst, do? The idea of ‘Europe’ is not popular anymore; why keep on chasing utopias and useless dreams in this polarized society?
While my mind was being bombarded by these thoughts and possible responses, I remembered that, when asked, Jesus did not explain how and where he lived; his response was a simple invitation: “come and see” (Jn 1,39). Those present in Porto did indeed “come and see”.
I witnessed the communion between 11 Portuguese Movements; these, with great commitment and generosity provided a home, food and technology, and, above all, created a ‘family’ among all those taking part.
I listened to experts who, through their expertise, have widened the horizons of an attentive audience.
I saw ecclesial leaders who, through their presence and prayers, wanted not only to bless the gathering, but also to show their strong support for this ecumenical network.
I was glad to meet young people who have given a meaning to their life after taking important decisions; these young people, showing generosity, impetus and poetry, spoke about future concrete projects for their Countries and cities.
I felt a sense of gratitude toward those who, after years of sterling service, are moving on to take up new tasks; there were tearful eyes when, with open hearts, we renewed the Pact of mutual love.
In a nutshell: I saw a small people, who, like the ‘chosen’ one, keeps on looking for water in the desert. To drink and to provide water for others.
When we gathered for the nightly ecumenical prayer in the majestic Igreja do Cedofeita church in Porto, I sat on the back pew. Then a friend invited me to move and sit on the front pew; from there, behind the alter, I could see a statue the likes of which I have never seen before: it did not present the suffering Redeemer on the cross or the Risen Lord who conquered death. It was a big statue showing a ‘disarmed’ Christ, with dropped hands, coming out of a base full of cracks – an icon of the polarizations and the divisions in us, among us and around us.
I fixed my gaze upon him. We, too, ought to disarm ourselves! Here lies, perhaps, the secret of the force of cohesion! Could this be the key idea that will allow Europe and the entire ‘Together’ to open up to new horizons and possibilities?
Ilona Toth
(1) Excerpt from a text by Patriarch Athenagoras I of Constantinople
