Rome: Europe between memory and prophecy

Rome: Europe between memory and prophecy

by | 12 May 2025 | 2025 Europe Day, Italy, Local Events, News

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’.

Click here to watch the event on YouTube>>

Read the speech by Angele Mulibinge Kaj (in Italian)>>

Download the invitation flyer (in Italian)>>

Cornelia Koni Brand

Conference organized by Together for Europe in the Protomoteca Hall in the Capitol, Rome
Woman speaks at podium next to classical bust.
Public discussion with two seated people
People seated in a conference room, formal event.
People seated during a formal event in the hall.
Uomo in giacca parla al microfono.
Man in suit gives speech behind transparent podium.
Musician plays flute in front of classical statues.
Church service with lit candles
Religious service in a crowded church

Photo: C.K. Brand/Ilona Toth

Porto: for a Europe of peace

Porto: for a Europe of peace

by | 12 May 2025 | 2025 Europe Day, Local Events, News

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

People seated in church during an event
Display panels with maps of European countries on display.
In Prague, for Europe

In Prague, for Europe

by | 8 May 2025 | 2025 Europe Day, Experiences, reflections and interviews, Local Events, News

On 6 May, in the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, we took part in the usual Taizé prayer.

The prayer was for Europe, with about 50 people present: it was very solemn and ecumenical, with representatives from different Churches. The intentions were prepared and read by us, at the request by the young organisers. A young friend of our network, who is now a candidate for the national parliament, was also present.

We came from four Movements: Schoenstatt, Sant’Egidio, Chemin Neuf and Focolari.

After the prayer, we gathered for an informal moment around a small refreshment that we had prepared. During the conversation we talked about Together for Europe and some people asked for the link to the event on 15 May in the European Parliament in Brussels. 

This gathering brought great joy in being together; the friendship among us representatives of the Movements grew stronger.

These small signs are like bricks for building Europe together.

Ludmila Bukovanska