by Theresia Fürpaß | 22 May 2026 | Austria, Local Events, News
On 16 and 17 April 2026 in Spital am Pyhrn (Austria), Together for Europe was invited to help shape the agenda for the ‘Round Table’. Even during the first round of discussions, in which we shared with one another the spiritual focal points and talents present in our communities, we saw the richness they contain and how this becomes a source of fruitfulness for society.
When Fr Heinrich Walter of the Schönstatt Movement spoke about his experience with Together for Europe, of which he has been a member since the very beginning, there was a palpable sense of joy among the 60 or so participants.
Following a brief but very intense evening of prayer, the celebrations marking Johannes Fichtenbauer’s 70th birthday highlighted his varied, steadfast and fruitful work for Christian unity.
With the Easter message “Peace be with you” from Bishop Hermann Glettler of Innsbruck, the diocesan bishop responsible for the “Round Table” at the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, we began the second day in high spirits.
A number of examples of the activities carried out by Together for Europe in Austria (Carinthia, Styria, Tyrol, Vienna) and Slovakia contributed to a fruitful exchange of experiences.
Herbert Lauenroth, of the Focolare Movement, spoke about the key aspects of unity among Christian communities, including: God gathers his people together. He has torn down the walls. We are on a journey towards freedom and communion. This sometimes requires taking the risk of leaping like a trapeze artist, trusting that there is someone ready to catch me. And furthermore: I should not stop at the image I have formed of the other.
The young adults’ testimonies highlighted just how much they value freedom and diversity in Europe, and how aware they are that we must do something about this
It was interesting to note the reference to www.echtsein.live, which provides a platform in German for dialogue between Christians and people who hold different worldviews.
Finally, it was a pleasure to welcome Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament, who was receptive to the feedback during the closing round-table discussion and emphasised that the EU’s motto is also ‘Unity in diversity’.
The “Round Table” also received a message of greeting from the Steering Committee of Together for Europe, which was meeting in Vienna at almost the same time.
“It was a truly wonderful experience to witness this diversity and yet this sense of solidarity” – this was one of the comments made during the round-table discussion.
Photo: A. Lilek / C.-M. Zeller
by Theresia Fürpaß | 30 May 2025 | 2025 Europe Day, Austria, Local Events, News
Inspiration, unity and hope in a online event
On the evening of 8 May 2025, people from different Christian communities and denominations gathered in front of their screens to participate in an event on Zoom, promoted by Together for Europe and the ‘Families’ Movement of Schönstatt, Austria’. Under the motto ‘For the future of Europe’, the online event offered a mix of reflections, personal testimonies and musical contributions.
A varied programme with moving speeches
The meeting opened with the profound reflections of Fr. Heinrich Walter, Schönstatt, who shared his long experience with Together for Europe: a glimpse into the spiritual depth and potential of this network at European level. Another highlight was a video message from Lukas Mandl, Austrian Member of the European Parliament. He described his vision of a united Europe, aware of its Christian roots and able to use them as a foundation for a peaceful future. Imo Trojan, an Evangelical, emphasised the importance of interfaith dialogue. His personal commitment and interest in the spiritual wealth of the different European countries was inspiring. Sascha Becker, YMCA Vienna, spoke of his vocation and faithfulness to the journey with Together for Europe: how important it is to find one’s place in the network and to contribute to it with passion!
Touching personal testimonies showed how talents and charisms of individuals and communities become visible and effective along the journey together. Musical contributions and prayers for peace and unity completed the programme.
Prayers for Europe in Innsbruck and Klagenfurt
Other signs of hope took place in Austria: in Innsbruck (8 May) and Klagenfurt (9 May), Christians from different Churches gathered for ecumenical moments of prayer for Europe. In Innsbruck, many were struck by the prayer of the Member of the European Parliament, Mag. Sophia Kircher, whereas in Klagenfurt, the piano performance of a Ukrainian pianist was a particularly intense musical moment, making the bond with the peoples of other countries tangible.
In remembrance of the Schuman Declaration, which 75 years ago laid the foundations for the European Union, biographical insights were offered into the life of a man whose Christian beliefs profoundly influenced his political vision.
Biblical texts and spiritual reflections invited recollection and opened a space for meditation. A final agape and personal exchange concluded the meetings, bringing out the desire for a reconciled coexistence between the Churches and peoples of Europe.
A continent in transformation needs people with faith, hope and reconciliation.
Theresia Fürpaß
