Category Archives: Österreich

Building bridges of hope

25 May 2023

Europe Day in Vienna, 6 May 2023. More than 100 people from six Central European countries gathered for the event promoted by ‘Together for Europe – Austria’ in the Schönstatt Centre in Vienna-Kahlenberg.

Under the title ‘Building Bridges of Hope’, ten speakers shared their experiences as ‘bridge builders’. On this day, the dream became reality, a day of encouragement in an often-discouraging daily routine.

In Innsbruck, Gottfried Rießlegger is involved in an ecumenical exchange between a Catholic and a Protestant parish, which have their own churches, and an Orthodox parish without a church. Two churches, 150 metres apart, separated by a fence. One day the desire to be together was stronger than fears and reservations – two big scissors, one on the left, one on the right – and already there was a big hole in the fence, the beginning of a blessed enrichment. The Orthodox community has a kit in a large chest; and every Sunday, after the Catholic liturgy, the iconostasis is set up in front of the altar.

From Slovenia, Marjeta Bobnar reported on the fruits of the ‘Summer job’ project. This project builds relationships with people in need through aid of a physical nature and, of course, between young people from different parts of Slovenia.

In Hungary, Tibor Héjj is ‘building bridges’ with minibuses. People with disabilities are transported day by day to the workplaces of various companies, where they work and live with people without disabilities.
Also, from Hungary we had the choir ‘Vox mirabilis’, which made bridge building a tangible experience.

In the Czech Republic, Dagmar and Petr Peňáz are bridge builders with heart and soul. They build bridges for people with special needs. They build bridges between Christians, for example through ecumenical pilgrimages in Moravia, and bridges between the nations of the former Monarchy.

MEP Lukas Mandl recounted the tensions he experiences in his parliamentary work, in which he could not agree on everything. However, as a Christian, he always tried to uphold human dignity and respect the freedom of others. Working together requires concrete work in committees, but also spiritual inspiration.
Eva ed Erich Berger gave him a 44-page collection: small stories of bridge-builders, stories from the daily lives of Christians, which can give courage and hope.

On this 6 May 2023, God showed his people that he is capable of building bridges for everyone. An injection of courage.

The building of bridges must continue, in a concrete and lasting way: on 7 May and every day thereafter.

Edited by Diego Goller

1 Miteinander für Europa 230506_Begegnungstag

10 Dagmar Penazovi – Tschechien, Bruecken bauen in Europa

6 Maria Spesova – Slowakei LK MfE Eindruecke Europatag

9 Bruecken bauen in der Wirtscaft ‘Fuer andere’ Tibor Hejj Ungarn

8 Musikalische Gestaltung Sophia und Rupert

7 Moderation Beate Mayerhofer-Schoepf, Imo Trojan – Austria

2 Moderation Beate Mayerhofer-Schoepf – Austria, Boris Petrovic – Bosnien Herzegovina, Brueckenbauen um Dialog mit Muslimen

4 Lukas Mandl MEP und Fam.Berger – Austria Ueberreichung Broschuere Hoffnungsberichte Bruecken bauen

5 Mag. Lucas Mandl MEP Brueckenbauen aus Sicht eines Politikers

3 Chor Vox Mirabilis Ungarn Eroeffnung

Photo: Christoph Fürböck

(Deutsch) Brücken der Hoffnung bauen

02 February 2023

Sorry, this entry is only available in German.

How to overcome divisions

30 May 2022

Meeting in Graz to mark the Europe Day, May 7, 2022

The venue was a recently refurbished hall that previously was the refectory of the Franciscan Friar Minors. Now it is the baroque heart of a modern conference Centre in the city centre of Graz. The date was May 7, 2022 and the participants were members of Christian communities from diverse denominations. The purpose was to mark Europe Day and it was organized by Together for Europe.

There were about 130 participants and these came from various places in Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Switzerland. They came together to listen to the Word of God and to share lived-out experiences related to the topic of the conference: “How to overcome divisions”.

The various inputs included:

A dialogue project in Hungary to deal with controversial political opinions;
Building trust between refugees and those opposed to their presence;
Reconciliation of families of victims and executioners 75 years after the Holocaust;

Needless to say, all participants were struck by these and they created the right atmosphere for a lively exchange of ideas in small-group meetings.

The leaders of the Catholic and Protestant Churches, together with those of the Baptist community, had words of encouragement. Friends from Slovakia, Slovenia and Italy who could not be present due to their commitment with refugees, or for health and other reasons, sent their greetings.

After a shared lunch and a guided visit of the city, the afternoon was dedicated to an ecumenical prayer for peace.

All the present difficulties, like the war in Ukraine and in many other parts of the world, the climate crisis, the Covic-19 pandemic, the economic uncertainty… were presented to God. This touching intercession prayer was organized by a family from the Schönstatt Movement.

The participants felt strengthened to fulfil their task in the Church and society by the words from the Letter to the Hebrews: “May the God of peace… equip you with every good thing to do His will” (Hb 13, 20-21).

The meeting was enhanced by the contribution of accomplished musicians who injected the event with a festive and spiritual atmosphere. The participants responded very generously toward a project to help Ukrainian refugees being hosted near the Hungarian border.

In the background of the hall there was an expressive painting of “Jesus feeding the five thousand”, a fitting reminder. The day, which was full of enriching encounters, came to a close with the hymn: “Stay with us Lord, because evening is fast approaching. Stay with us Lord, because it’s getting dark. Stay with us Lord”.

Michael Murg, TfE Graz

Photo: privat

Glimpses

25 May 2022

May 9, 2022: a European expression

Once again, this year many original initiatives were organized to mark May 9, Europe Day. The following are just glimpses of some of them.

A trans-borders meeting was held in France and Germany. From Strasbourg (France) the one-hour walk under the banner ‘For a peaceful Europe’ ended at the Church of Peace in Kehl (Germany). At the end of the event, one of the 200 participants stated: “This day will be remembered for a long time. Together we offered a sign of unity and celebrated hope for all Europe”.

The EU declared 2022 as the European Year of Youth. Thus, Together for Europe in Italy focused on “Education” to mark May 9. The online sharing of experiences between young and old persons clearly showed that there exists a mutual dependence between the two for a happy and successful life. The meeting was followed by about 1,800 persons.

About 300 persons from Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Switzerland met in Graz (Austria). Friends from Slovakia, Slovenia and Italy sent their greetings. The meeting reach its climax in the afternoons with a common prayer for peace. The participants then responded generously to the appeal for donations in favour of a project to support Ukrainian refugees near the border with Hungary.

In Munich (Bavaria), Together for Europe went up a panoramic wheel. The gondolas performed numerous rotations, always with eight persons on board – who held a conversation and a meeting at high altitude!

Beatriz Lauenroth

Europe Day – Encounter in Graz

05 April 2022

Together for Europe – culture of reciprocity

Since 1999 has grown Together for Europe, an initiative of already more than 300 Christian communities of different Churches. It is a network which is engaged in shared goals where the charism of each community comes into play. It´s „culture of reciprocity“ contains that individuals and peoples get to know and appreciate each other, become reconciled and support each other.

Saturday, 7 May 2022, 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Minoritensaal, Mariahilferplatz 3, 8020 Graz, Austria

Free parking: Access via Volksgartenstraße-Afritschgasse

Admission: voluntary donation (approx. € 25 for food and conference fee)

The event will be held in German, translations will be provided.

Programme:

9:00 am	Arrival
9:30 am	Welcome and spiritual impulse
10:15 am	Ways out of divisiveness Exchange of experiences with participants from Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Austria, …
12:00	Lunch break
13:30	Small city tour (optional)
15.00	Attunement to the prayer for peace
15:30 to 16:30	Prayer for Peace in the Cloister of Minorite Monastery

Registration for the event
anm.gramfe@gmx.at until Monday, 2. 5. 2022
with surname, first name, language/s, place of residence, country

Overnight reservation (if required)
office@bhs-exerzitienhaus.at, Ms Anna Gigl
Exerzitienhaus der Barmherzigen Schwestern, Mariengasse 6a, 8020 Graz
(Near the main station, 15 minutes walk to the Minorite Monastery)

COVID-19 measures according to the current regulations, in any case negative PCR test not older than 72 hours or daily negative antigen test.

Organiser: Together for Europe – Austria together4europe.org/Österreich

With the kind support of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau

Seeing – Judging – Acting

12 June 2021

Europe turns 71. What can we conclude when we see that the European States, and the entire world, are struggling due to the consequences of the Pandemic?

This was the introductory question with which the Austrian professor, Dr. Petra Steinmair-Pösel, started her contribution during the Zoom conference. The conference was based in Graz and was held to mark Europe Day 2021. She quoted the Schumann Declaration (May 9, 1950): “World peace cannot be preserved without creative efforts that are as great as the threat”. According to the Professor, these words are still valid today and thus the question is: what creative efforts ought to be done by our generation?

Dr Steinmair- Pösel proposed the three steps: seeing – judging – acting. “Seeing” today’s great challenges: the pandemic, the fear of the others and therefore the building of defence walls. “Judging”: what does Europe need today? Here the Professor spoke about the need of dialogue, which is able to change life. And lastly, “Acting”, which means: to dialogue while keeping an interior silence, respecting the others and being open to learn from them.

According to Dr Steimair-Pösel, dialogue is the personal and cultural bases that allows us to seek together new solutions in a creative way; this entails nurturing mutual trust and working together. In this way we will create the conditions for “a discussion that unites us all”.

Here the transcription of her talk (translation from German) 2021 05 08 TfE Austria -Steinmair-Poesel – A conversation that brings us togehter

Photo: //petrasteinmairpoesel.wordpress.com

May 8 Graz – time to dialogue

12 April 2021

Once again, Covid-19 is preventing the holding of the ‘Meeting in Graz’ on the occasion of the 2021 Europe Day. Nevertheless, a Zoom meeting will cater for the manifold friendships:

Saturday, May 8, 2021, from 9 till 11 a.m. from Graz

With participants and contributions from Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia

(with simultaneous translations in the national languages and English)

Topic: “A conversation that brings us all together” (Laudato si‘ 14). DIALOGUE

Guest speaker: Dr. Petra Steinmair-Pösel

Ecumenical prayer with Bishop Dr. Wilhelm Krautwaschl, the superintendent Mag. Wolfgang Rehner, and Pastor Bruno Gasper

This is being organised by the Styria Team of Together for Europe

Bookings at Elfriede Palt: elfi.palt@gmx.net stating name and surname, language and respective Community/Movement

You can download the invitation and the programme:

Programme Zoom Meeting from Graz 2021 05 08

An International Link-up on the Feast of Europe

12 May 2020

“Welcome to you all gathered here in the Graz Town Hall for our meeting on Europe Day!” This was the way we planned to welcome the participants on Saturday, May 9, 2020. However, Covid-19 disrupted all our plans.

Therefore, toward the end of March, our regional team of Together for Europe decided to postpone the meeting for next year, and to offer a simple substitute program via Skype.

**The video conference call of Together for Europe, Saturday May 9, 2020**

Nevertheless, the ‘makeshift solution’ resulted in an hour-long online meeting with about 100 participants from Austria and five other neighbouring Countries. The participants included Christians belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical Church, the Romanian Orthodox Church and Communities of the Free Churches.

Brief inputs from Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy and Carinthia provided an updated and authentic insight regarding daily life during the Covid-19 crisis. All the participants were grateful that they could mutually share their experiences and thus become aware of how others are living in their respective Countries. Thus means that, now, they can pray even better for each other.

The diocesan Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl, too, took part in this online meeting. He thanked for this experience of communion that goes beyond borders, and concluded by saying “In spite of our differences and separations, through the Cross we are all united one to the other”.

Plans for May 8, 2021…

Naturally, a video conference call cannot take the place of a Day Meeting. Yet, in the present circumstances, by the way this Europe Day 2020 was lived out, Together was strengthened. It was, indeed, a successful preparation for the Day Meeting scheduled for May 8, 2021, when we could, hopefully, truly say: “Grüß Gott hier im Rathaus Graz …!” – “Welcome to Graz Town Hall!”.

The Together for Europe Team, Austria.

Graz – ‘Plan B’ for the Europe Day 2020

03 April 2020

On February 27, we updated you about the intensive preparations being carried out by the local team of Together for Europe to mark the Europe Day with an international event in Graz (Austria). Although, due to the pandemic a Plan B is now needed, this did not prevent those persons to keep going ‘together’ to start preparing for 2021. And they will do so with a Skype Conference call on May 9.

This is what Theresia Fürpass, of the organizing team wrote to us:

“The idea behind the event to mark the Europe Day on May 9, 2020 – “Together for Europe – Meeting in Graz” – was to promote the encounter of Austrians, Italians, Slovenians, Croatians and Hungarians. Read more>>

We were planning to have an in-depth approach to the theme of dialogue; to exchange experiences resulting for the ‘7 Yeses’ of Together for Europe; to offer a guided tour of Graz, and to conclude the day with an ecumenical prayer meeting. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has made all this impossible. Nonetheless, we still want to keep on journeying together seeing that a lot has been already done. Therefore, we are planning to hold this meeting in 2021.

An yet, it would be a great pity if we were to allow the Europe Day to pass without any sign of celebration! Thus, we invite all those who were planning to participate at “Together for Europe – Meeting in Graz” to join us for a Skype Conference all on May 9, from 10 to 11 a.m. Many have already confirmed their participation. Some of us will give an update regarding the present situation in their Country and we shall conclude by praying together the ‘Our Father’.

We are more than convinced that God will show us the way forward. So far, he has guided us in an impressive way, and has made it possible for us to achieve much more than we could have ever imagined”.

The Team of TfE in Austria

Contact: f.theresia@gmx.at
0043 3842 27 513
0043 664 73577 163

At Graz, May 9 will be international

27 February 2020

“Visiting one another, talk to each other, being a gift one for the other and praying together”. The preparations for the Feast of Europe (May 9, 2020) in the Austrian city of Graz have been going on for months. The team of Together for Europe in Styria extends its invitation for an open and international Meeting.

On the occasion of the Feast of Europe (May 9, 2020) the Friends of Together for Europe from Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary will come together in the Town Hall of Graz. The meeting will give persons coming from Eastern and Western Europe the opportunity to meet and know each other. With the aim of facilitating the sharing between the participants, there will be a keynote speech about dialogue.

Several Movements and Communities of Together for Europe will share how they live out marriage and family life, the economy, the safeguarding of life and creation, civic responsibilities, etc, as Christians. They would indicate pathways for an ever more liveable Europe.

The guided tours of the city will enhance the participants’ encounter with Austria and among themselves. During the concluding ecumenical prayer meeting in the Landhaushof the pressing issues that Europe is facing will be entrusted to God through thanksgivings and prayers. The program will be enriched with musical performances.

The detailed program:

8.30 a.m. Arrivals, coffee and cakes
9.00 a.m. Greetings by the mayor Dr. Siegfried Nagl, Dr Anna Hollwäger, Superintendent Wolfgang Rehner and others
9.30 a.m. Prof. Dr Petra Seinmair-Pösel: “A conversation that unites us all“. The importance of dialogue for Europe
10.30 a.m. Break
11.00 a.m. Life experiences regarding the following realities:

– Marriage and family life
– Solidarity with the poor
– Civic responsibilities
– Safeguarding life
– Safeguarding creation
– A commitment for peace
– Economy at the service of the human person

12.00 noon. Lunch offered by the city of Graz
1.30 p.m. Guided tours of the city in these languages: German, Italian, Croatian, Slovenian and Hungarian.
3.30 – 4.00 p.m. Concluding ecumenical prayer meeting in the courtyard of the palace “Landhaushof”.

Bookings are to be made not later than Sunday April 26, 2020.

f.theresia@gmx.at
0043 3842 27 513
0043 664 73577 163

The team of Together for Europe in Styria

Download the invitation (in German): 2020 05 09 MfE Oesterreich Einladung Graz

Photo: Pixabay, Map: by Tschubby – Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 3.0

Europe Day 2019 Vienna

29 May 2019

Currently, the text is only available in German

Photo and Video (©TfE Vienna, Chiarina Marent)

Europe Day 2019 Carinthia

19 May 2019

Sorry, but the text is only available in German

MfE Kaernten 3Mai19©Foto_Angela Rosenzopf-Schurian/Gudrun Kattnig

Carinthia, a crossroads of nations

30 March 2019

We are a group of Movements belonging to diverse Churches in Carinthia. Our praying together and a fruitful dialogue helped us to reflect upon how to celebrate the “Europe Day 2019”.

Through the contact with the “Europahaus” (House of Europe) at Klagenfurt we found a suitable place and this allowed us to outline our project.

The central theme will be “Europe without Christ?” By presenting our 7 Yeses, we aim at inspiring a reflection upon the contribution we could provide toward a sustainable Europe.

We live in Carinthia which is a crossroads of Europe and where three nations feel at home. For centuries there were here Romans, Slavs and German tribes. For this reason we have invited guests from Lublin, Trieste and Graz so as to meet together and share our experiences.

On May 3, 2019, we shall have the opportunity to celebrate a journey of relationships and harmony, which resulted in 70 years of peace. Together we will be able to appreciate how the diversity of nations in Europe enriches us.

While celebrating our “Europe Day”, we want to show our gratitude for all this and to express our hope for a peaceful future.

Manfred and Fini Wieser, team of Together for Europe, Carinthia

Download the invitation here (available only in German) Flyer Europatag 2019 MfE Österreich Klagenfurt “Europa Einheit in Vielfalt”>>

Vienna: Citizens of Europe are getting ready ‘together’

12 February 2019

Different important events are taking place from 19 March to 5 May at various locations in the Austrian capital. The aim is to give citizens and parliamentarians the opportunity to discuss politics together in a constructive way in view of the forthcoming European elections.

What do our friends in Vienna have in their hearts?

“The current problems regarding the politics, economics and structure of the European Union concern all of us. As members of Together for Europe we feel compelled to add our voices to the debate on the continent’s future by putting in practice “our vocation for unity and our Culture of Togetherness”. We are convinced that the gift of “unity in diversity” we received in the moving process of reconciliation is God’s response to the needs of our time. With this confidence we wish to invite citizens, experts and Members of the European Parliament to dialogue together and bear positive witness to the politics of reconciliation and solidarity.”

The topics selected for discussion are very stimulating:

Erasmus – shaping Europe
Judaism in Europe today – old and new anti-Semitism
Migrants and the homeland
“Word and bread” – the social dimension

The conclusive evening will be celebrated on 11 April in the “House of the European Union” where amongst other things we will collect and present messages from the various political and ecclesiastical representatives who were present at the different meetings.

An ecumenical service of prayers for Europe will be held on 5 May in a church in the city centre.

Each meeting will have a different format and be held at a different location. There will be different movements and experts, different topics for discussion and different ways to get involved but beneath it all is a shared desire not to miss the opportunity to say: TOGETHER we can!

Let us pray that many others will be inspired by Vienna’s example.

Taken from the invitation: A Prayer for Europe (Carlo Maria Martini)

Father of mankind, Lord of History,
Look upon this continent to which you sent
philosophers, lawgivers and people endowed with wisdom,
precursors of that faith in your Son, fallen and risen.

Look at these people evangelized by Peter and Paul,
by prophets, monks and saints.
Look at these regions drenched in the blood of martyrs,
moved by the voice of reformers.
Look at these people linked by so many bonds and ties,
yet divided by hatred and war.

Assist us in committing ourselves to a Europe of the Spirit
founded not just on economic treaties,
but also on values which are human and eternal;
a Europe capable of ethnic and ecumenical reconciliations,
quick to welcome the stranger, respectful of human dignity.

Give us confidence to see it as our duty
to encourage and promote understanding between peoples,
which provides for all continents justice and bread,
liberty and peace.

TfE Vienna/Austria Invitation in view of the European Elections 2019 (in German)

Small prophetic steps for Europe

27 June 2018

We have experienced many times that European unity is not a utopia and does not solely depend on institutions. European unity is generated through encounters between people: encounters without prejudices, with a willingness to uncover the riches in the other which brings us to discover, surprisingly, our own identity in deeper way.

That is what happened on 3^rd June during the visit of Ljubljana (Slovenia) by sixteen representatives of Together for Europe from the Styria and Carinthia regions of Austria. The guests were members of different Ecclesial Movements and Communities such as Schoenstatt Movement, Focolare Movement, Charismatic Renewal, Freie Christengemeinde and Kloster Wernberg.

The visit began with a morning tour of the historical centre of Ljubljana led by a cultural expert, Silvester Gaberscek. A typical Slovenian picnic followed with fifteen members of different Slovenian Movements and Communities. There were beautiful moments of brotherly and sisterly friendship among the participants that gave a taste of what a united Europe could look like.

The visit continued with a programme in one of the local halls with a meeting which opened with some traditional Slovenian songs. The participants introduced themselves and shared their spiritual experience as well as their commitment and concrete initiatives in different areas (such as refugee welcome, youth initiatives aimed at citizen bonding, pro-family referendum initiatives). There were also moments of prayer as well as musical interludes. The Austrian guests asked to learn how to sing a prayer in Slovenian. We all felt encouraged and full of enthusiasm to keep working for unity in Europe.

That evening we parted mutually enriched and with the intention to meet as often as possible. We are delighted to have that opportunity next November in Prague.

Mariana and Pavel Snoj, Coordinators of Together for Europe in Slovenia

TfE_Slovenia_Austria_2018_06_03 ©Foto: Christoph Fürböck

Vienna, a Bridge between East and West

20 November 2017

Place of origin: countries of Europe. Shared objective: reconciled unity among different Churches and cultures, solidarity and European integration.

From 9th to 11th November 2017 in Vienna (Austria), the annual conference of ecumenical network Together for Europe (TfE) took place, with 130 participants from 44 Movements, Communities and Associations.

They met to reflect upon the past, present and future of their ‘togetherness’. “What we need is an action through dialogue,” said Ilona Tóth, member of the Steering Committee of TfE, on 29th October 2017 following the COMECE meeting in Rome entitled ‘(Re)thinking Europe’, “that is look at issues together and together seek solutions”. This is precisely what they did in Vienna.

Ecumenical Prayer for Europe

On 9th November, the conference participants met in the Stephansdom, the Catholic Cathedral of Vienna, for a prayer presided by Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn who was also joined by a sizable group of ecclesial authorities and a few hundred faithful. The solemn prayer of Together for Europe for togetherness between cultures and generations and for peace was very well received. The date of the event carries a meaning in itself: following 9th November 1938 (Night of Broken Glass) and 9th November 1989 (fall of the Berlin Wall), the ecumenical prayer held on 9th November 2017 represents a significant moment on the path of Together for Europe and a sign of peace for Europe. See article, photos and video>

Exchange of views at the conference

In the following days, prayers and lectures as well as a lively exchange of views set the tone for the programme.

Fr. Heinrich Walter (Schoenstatt Movement) spoke of the eighteen-year history of Together for Europe. “On deep roots a fertile tree of unity for Europe is growing,” he said, as he reminded the conference of the year 1999, when Christian Communities, Movements and Association belonging to different Churches started working together in the context of the celebration of the ‘Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification’ in Augsburg.

Gérard Testard (Efesia, France) clearly and succinctly spoke about the crises and hopes in Europe today.
Gerhard Pross (YMCA Esslingen) then spoke of a ‘Europe at stake’. “Our ‘togetherness’ is a prophetic message, which marks the culture of Together for Europe”. Pross recalled the seven Yes-statements proclaimed by the network… “We say Yes to a Europe to which God has entrusted a vocation in the course of history: the togetherness of heaven and earth, of faith and shaping of the world: for heaven and earth meet in the crucified one.”

Pál Tóth (Focolare Movement Hungary) looked at the future of Together for Europe in his contribution entitled “A culture of encounter and dialogue between East and West,” followed by a well-attended panel discussion with participants from the Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Russia. Communication scientist Tóth pointed out some differences between the Eastern/Central European countries and the West of Europe and put forward a daring proposal: “Together for Europe can increasingly become a platform for dialogue, or rather a school of inter-European dialogue.” “Under the headline of equality and mutual recognition a kind of wisdom discourse might emerge in which misery and shortcomings can be viewed from the view point of redemption and resurrection.”

Where do we go from here?

There were numerous reflections in plenary sessions and in language groups, in which each participant was asked to actively contribute in the course of the actions his/her own opinion and experience.

On the last day, Thomas Roemer (YMCA Munich) and Sr. Vernita Weiss (Schoenstatt Movement) asked: “Now, where do we go from here?” After having prayed together to the Holy Spirit, the assembly decided almost unanimously to intensify encounters and mutual visits among Movements and Countries, and to strengthen the spirit of living ‘togetherness’. Another idea came from Jeff Fountain (Robert Schuman Centre, the Netherlands) and the Together for Europe group from Rome, who suggested using the date of 9th May – which in many countries marks Europe Day – to spread the message of ‘togetherness’ in local actions.

At the end, the gathering renewed its pact – a solemn promise of mutual love. With it they pledged before God their shared commitment and asked for courage and confidence to go ahead.

The next meeting of ‘Friends’ of Together for Europe aimed at furthering dialogue between East and West of Europe will take place in Prague (Czech Republic) from 15th to 17th November 2018. Together we set out on a path to a promising future.

Beatriz Lauenroth

Download and read some of the contributions:

2017 11 10 Fr Heinrich Walter – Fruits of Together for Europe after 18 years
2017 11 10 Gérard Testard – The Political Situation of Europe
2017 11 10 Pal Toth – Culture of encounter and the dialogue between Eastern and Western Europe
2017 11 20 Gerhard Pross – Europe is challenged

TfE Vienna 2017 Foto: Annemarie Baumgarten

TfE-Vienna-2017_Foto-A. Baumgarten

TfE-Vienna-2017_Pál Toth Foto-A. Baumgarten

TfE-Vienna-2017_Foto-A. Baumgarten

Vienna Cathedral at the Centre of Europe

10 November 2017

An ardent ecumenical prayer service. On the 9^th November, 2017, Vienna Cathedral – dedicated to St Stephen – became the focal point for Europe.

Visible, inviting, and European – this is how this “Ecumenical Evening Prayer for Europe” came across in the cathedral church of Vienna, the Stephansdom.

Members of the ecumenical network Together for Europe at the heart of the Austrian capital city, at the vigil of their annual Congress. They came from countries such as Portugal, Russia, England, and Greece.

Their aim: unity and reconciliation among various Christian denominations and cultures, as well as solidarity and integration within Europe.

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn lead an ecumenical group of representatives of various Churches: hundreds of people gathered under the “Lettner” Cross which is a significant memorial of the victims of the two world wars. “People today do not expect us to rule, but to serve,” the Cardinal emphasized in his speech. The solemn prayer for a TOGETHERNESS of cultures and generations and for peace resounded powerfully.

“This moment of prayer was a multilingual, visible, and European sign of hope,” said one of the participants, “and it gives us hope for the future.”

Video Ecumenical Prayer Vienna (German)>

At the reception that followed the celebration, Thomas Hennefeld, Superintendent of the Reformed Church of Austria and President of the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria, and Joerg Wojahn, Head of the European Commission Representation in Austria, underlined that Christian values are the basis for a united Europe. “We need everybody,” exclaimed the representative of the EU.

After November 9, 1938 (the Night of Broken Glass) and November 9, 1989 (fall of the Berlin wall), couldn’t November 9, 2017, day of the ecumenical prayer, be a significant step on the road of Together for Europe and a sign for Europe?

Beatriz Lauenroth; Photo: Annemarie Baumgarten

Empfang nach dem Oekumenischen Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

555th year anniversary

09 November 2017

“Hidden treasures” in Vienna

555th anniversary on 31^st October 2017! What am I talking about? Let me explain: 500 years since Luther’s Reformation, 50 years since I was born and 5 years since I have moved to Austria.

When I realised this coincidence, I wondered how to celebrate the big round anniversary uniting my personal history with the ecumenical one.

I am a Swiss citizen; my mother is reformed and my father Catholic. My siblings and I were baptised into the Reformed Church, but after we went our separate ways. As a child I joined the Catholic Church, hence my strong passion for the unity of Churches. I now live in a Focolare community in Vienna.

Some time ago, in a meeting of consecrated people in the Ecumenical Centre in Ottmaring, attended by the Lutheran Bishop Emeritus Herwig Sturm, I presented a performance on Luther, based on images, spoken word and dance (I am a ballet dancer by profession). It occurred to me, why not celebrate my birthday by offering the same performance to the public?

Roswitha M. Oberfeld Foto: privat

On 29^th October, more than 60 people gathered in Am Spiegeln, in the Meeting Centre of the Focolare Movement in Vienna, for my ‘ecumenical birthday show’. Instead of bringing birthday gifts, I asked my guests to offer a contribution towards translations of the meeting of Friends of the ecumenical network Together for Europe which was to take place in the Meeting Centre a few days after my birthday.

What a joyful occasion it has been to bring the money raised through the show to the International Steering Committee of Together for Europe!

Roswitha Oberfeld, Vienna (Austria)

Friends of Together for Europe meet in Vienna

30 October 2017

From 9th to 11th November 2017, the Friends of Together for Europe will come together in Vienna, a bridge between Easter and Western Europe, for their annual congress.

A total of 120 participants from around 20 Eastern and Western European countries and 40 Movements are expected to attend. Their main aim will be to pool ideas on three topics:

What culture is generated by the history of Together for Europe?
What is our specific contribution to Europe?
Dialogue between East and West: a mutual enrichment

This network of people embraces all of Europe from England to Russia, from Portugal to Greece. Their shared mission: through the upcoming meeting, to strengthen communion among their individual charisms and build united and multifaceted Europe, with strong social cohesion and cultural diversity.

The meeting will open, on 9th November 2017, in the Stephansdom Cathedral of Vienna, with an Ecumenical prayer for Europe. All those who wish for peace in Europe and in the world, are invited to take part in this moment of prayer.

Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, Archbishop of Vienna, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Helmuth Kraetzl, Catholic Church, Archpriest Vicar Ivan Petkin, Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Austria, Chorbishop Emanuel Aydin, Syrian Orthodox Church in Austria, Patriarchal Delegate Tiran Petrosyan, Armenian Apostolic Church, Patrick Curran, Archdeacon of the Eastern Archdeaconry of the Anglican Church in Europe, together with all the present will bring before God needs and opportunities of our continent. The intention of the prayer is extremely timely: unity in diversity, peace in justice.

Following personalities will address the gathering: Thomas Hennefeld, Superintendent of the Reformed Church of Austria and President of the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria, and Joerg Wojahn, Head of the European Commission Representation in Austria.

Dialogue?!

30 September 2017

Dialogue, Párbeszéd, Dialog, диалог, Dialogo, Dialóg…

A word fundamental to today’s Europe. How can we deepen our understanding of this word? We feel the need for Eastern and Western European countries to continue, or rather, to begin again getting to know each other. This is the premise for the upcoming meeting of Friends of Together for Europe in Vienna (9^th -11^th November 2017) which will be a ‘workshop’ on this topic.

We have been looking for speakers on this extremely pertinent theme. Many of you no doubt would have something of value to contribute. To date we have considered including experiences from the following people:

Gennaro Lamagna A view of the Balkans by a man from Naples>

Beatriz Lauenroth Further and further East>

Tanino Minuta (to be published online in October)

Maria Bruna Romito (to be published online in October)

Welcome to Vienna!

25 September 2017

WILLKOMMEN, BENVENUTI, WELCOME, VITAJTE, BIENVENUE…

The group „Friends of Together for Europe” will meet in Vienna.

We are looking forward to this being a great, profound, visible, inviting, serene and European event held Together.

The TfE Coordination Team in Vienna has reflected and consulted at length with the International Steering Committee in preparation for this meeting. Our focus recently has been preparations for the opening of the meeting on 9^th November in St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) which will take the format of an ecumenical prayer. We have picked a location in the centre of Vienna and have invited public figures to attend. The Archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal Schönborn has confirmed his participation while the mayor of Vienna issued an invitation to an “Agape” to follow after the liturgy.

“9^th November, Stephansdom – you are coming, aren’t you?” – everyone we speak to is eagerly looking forward to the event.

Will we succeed in filling the Stephansdom Cathedral? We entrust this aspiration in the spirit of what Chiara Lubich used call: “The music sheet already written in heaven”.

Coordination Team of TfE, Vienna

Stephansdom_kl3_mdb – edw

Stephansdom_(c)_Kathbild-Rupprecht

DOWNLOAD THE INVITATION (in german): Treffen Trägerkreis Wien 2017 – Einladung zum Gebetsabend>>

Prayer for Carinthia in the Provincial Government building

27 February 2017

On Friday 27th January 2017, in the “Green Room” of the Provincial Government building of Carinthia (South Austria) an unusual event was held: a gathering to pray for the province.

The initiative came from the group Together for Europe, which has as its aim to give expression to Europe’s Christian identity. Representatives of different Churches and from different social, political and cultural spheres came together in prayer. The Outi & Lee duo provided musical accompaniment at the event.

“We hope this initiative will benefit this House”, commented Mr Reinhart Roth, President of the Provincial Government of Carinthia, while thanking organisers of the event. Local Councillor Ms Ruth Feistritzer, representing the Mayor, was also in attendance.

Together for Europe numbers more than 300 Christian Movements, Communities and Missionary Works around Europe. “We seek that which unites – among Christians and in society in general; we say Yes to Life, Family, Creation, Fair Economy, Solidarity, Peace and Responsibility”, said Manfred and Fini Wieser, Coordinators of the Together for Europe group of Carinthia.

(Italiano) In Österreich – Gemeinsam auf dem Weg der Versöhnung

28 August 2016

Sorry, this entry is only available in Italian and German.

(Italiano) Noi Tirolesi andremo a Monaco – chi viene con noi?

25 May 2016

Sorry, this entry is only available in Italian and German.

Why are you afraid?

29 February 2016

“Christians’ hope for Europe” is the subtitle for the evening gathering at the YMCA’s Hall of Fame, Vienna, February 11th, 2016

Introducing the evening’s welcoming address, the piano and saxophone performance conveyed an immediate sense of enthusiasm and professionalism. In her address, the host Sascha Becker (YMCA), transmitted the spirit underlying the Together for Europe events in Stuttgart in 2004 and 2007 and invited the audience to the upcoming event “Munich 2016”.

The theme of the evening was modeled on the question Jesus asked of his wavering disciples: Why are you afraid? (Matthew 8:26) Whilst the “boat of Europe” rocks amidst a storm of discouragement and resignation, the contribution offered by Together for Europe to help face the current challenges of our continent was summed up by the subtitle of the evening “Christians’ hope for Europe”. Pastor Eduard Griesfelder’s illustrated the point further in his talk entitled “Ways of Reconciliation – Round Table – Austria” which spoke of a meeting among free Churches and Communities of diverse traditions and the acknowledgment they received from the Austrian State.

The picture of a recurring failure of politics in the face of the inevitable influx of refugees was painted with openness and sincerity by Heinz K. Becker, MEP. As spokesman for matters of Security for his fraction of the European Parliament Mr. Becker acknowledged the concerns of many, whilst observing how: “Christian values such as availability and solidarity are becoming increasingly valued”.

Examples were offered of how this can translate into practice helping politics and civil society work together, by the deputy mayor as well as by an active citizen with whom she collaborates and by a refugee from Eichgraben.

At the end of the event, the stage resounded with the hopeful feedback of participants. The meeting concluded with a moment of prayer expressing the hopes and concerns of the participants as well as their gratitude for the experience of being Together.

Herwig Sturm – Coordination team of Together for Europe for Vienna and Austria

Wien_11.2.2016 Bild: Jo Hoffmann

Heinz K. Becker_Member of the European Parliament Bild: Jo Hoffmann

Heinz K. Becker mit Chiarina Marent_11.2.2016 Bild: Jo Hoffmann

2016-02-11 MfE Einladung (219.0 KB)

Miteinander für Europa: Ein Kongress für christliche Werte

28 February 2016

Der internationale ökumenische Kongress von “Miteinander für Europa”, verbunden mit einer öffentlichen Kundgebung, findet vom 30. Juni bis 2. Juli in München statt. Bischof i.R. Herwig Sturm (Evangelische Kirche A.B.) und Chiarina Marent (Fokolar-Gemeinschaft) gehören der österrichischen Koordinationsgruppe dieser europaweiten Initiative an. Sie geben einen Ausblick auf die kommende Großveranstaltung in München und vermitteln einen Einblick in die Anliegen von “Miteinander für Europa” auf geistlicher und politischer Ebene.

27. April 2016

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvOUYsS4lU8&feature=em-upload_owner

Willkommen bei Miteinander für Europa – Österreich

07 January 2016

Wir erleben in unseren Kirchen und Gemeinschaften, dass Einheit in Verschiedenheit möglich ist. Mit diesen Erfahrungen wollen wir auch in die Gesellschaft hineinwirken, um Trennungen und Vorurteile zu überwinden. Versöhnung ist unsere Hoffnung und unser Weg.

Wir, das Netzwerk Miteinander für Europa, laden ein zu Begegnung und Gesprächen mit Heinz Karl BECKER, Abgeordneter zum Europäischen Parlament, mit „Weg der Versöhnung“, Bürgermeister und Flüchtlinge aus NÖ.

Donnerstag, 11. Februar 2016, 19:00 bis 21:00 Uhr im Festsaal des CVJM (Christlicher Verein Junger Menschen), Kenyongasse 15, 1070 Wien

PROGRAMM

Begrüßung

Gespräche

Runder Tisch Österreich – "Weg der Versöhnung" – Pastor Eduard Griesfelder

"Europa – Kontinent der Hoffnung" - BECKER Heinz Karl, MEP

"Europa konkret" – Bürgermeister und Flüchtlinge aus NÖ

"Was macht mir Hoffnung" – Plenum

"Gebet für Europa"

 Musik Trio: Klavier, Saxophon, Cello Agape

Weitere Infos unter //www.erzdioezese-wien.at/pages/inst/14431715/informationenueber/miteinanderfuereuropa

Local Events 2009

15 October 2009

Together for Europe multiplied. With the 2004 and 2007 events in Stuttgart, continental in scale, many Christian Movements and Communities all over Europe set on a journey of Together.

In 2009 in order to ‘sow’ locally national meetings were held in 12 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Northern Ireland, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Hungary. The presence of a representative of another European country at each national meeting helped maintain a broader European dimension.

Each of these events were unique in character and coloured by the culture of the region as well as the Communities and Movements involved in its organisation. A shared objective was to face up with responsibility to challenges facing today’s Europe, beginning within each country’s own borders.

Several of these local events were closely followed in the national media including TV, radio and press of the individual countries. Effective testimonials of Christian life were offered for a variety of life situations: with themes ranging from the welcoming and safeguarding of life to complex issues affecting the family today, the relationship with nature, solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable, commitment to peace and to safety in cities among others.

Testimonials such as these conveyed an assurance that viable solutions to issues faced by the society today could be found in the Gospel.

See the video “10 years for Europe”

by the International Secretariat of Together for Europe