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.
Seventy-five years after the Schuman Declaration, the European Parliament will host a special event on 15 May entitled ‘A Soul for 21st Century Europe’, promoted by the ecumenical network Together for Europe (TfE). The initiative aims to rediscover the spiritual dimension and the value of peace that animated the founding fathers of the Union, offering insights into contemporary challenges.
Following a musical opening and a welcome by MEP Miriam Lexmann and TfE moderator Gerhard Pross, there will be a speech by Jeff Fountain (Schumancenter, Netherlands) on the deep meaning of the Schuman Declaration.
A key moment will be a discussion between MEPs from different political groups, including Miriam Lexmann, Leoluca Orlando, Antonella Sberna and a French MEP, to reflect on the relevance of Schuman’s legacy.
The second part of the event will feature young people, with an international panel discussion and political testimonies, including that of European MP Cristina Guarda. Personalities from the ecclesial and political world, such as Father Manuel Barrios Prieto, Metropolitan Nikitas Ioan Vulpesku of the Romanian Parliament, former Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger and Prof. Alberto Lo Presti will contribute to the discussions.
This will surely be an opportunity to imagine the future of Europe in the light of its founding values, as we promote memory, dialogue and hope.
In the afternoon, there will be a prayer meeting in the Chapel for Europe with the aim of reflecting on political responsibility and reconciliation in Europe. The programme includes Bible readings, prayers of thanksgiving, asking for forgiveness and intercessions for Europe, peace and for politicians. The ceremony will end with the ‘Prayer and Covenant Pact for Europe’ and a final blessing. Music and multi-lingual songs will enrich the meeting.
When we talk about Europe today, we talk about economic problems, disputes, conflicts and wars. Sometimes one might think that Europe is disintegrating. ‘This danger makes the work of the Together for Europe (TfE) network, which emphasises the spiritual roots of the continent, all the more valuable,’ says a journalist who has been following the network for some time.
Influencing Peace in Europe
In April 2025, the customary meeting of the Steering Committee took place in Bratislava, Slovakia. For the first time in a Central and Eastern European country, the group was hosted by the charismatic Catholic network ENC (European network of communities). Eighteen people from seven Movements and five countries represented the European network in Bratislava, among them Margaret Karram, president of the Focolare Movement, Gerhard Pross, current TfE moderator, and other leaders from Quinta Dimensione, Vineyard, Schönstatt and various YMCAs in Germany. ‘TfE would like to be at the service for Europe. Internally we are constantly practising building unity in diversity. And through this experience TfE positively influences the commitment to peace in Europe.’ This is what was affirmed by Sr. Nicole Grochowina, Christusbruderschaft in Selbitz. And then she quoted Isaiah 43:19: ‘Behold, I do a new thing, do you not see?’
A breathtaking overview
This spirit of innovation could be felt, for example, when representatives of seven local Movements, local Christian politicians (Eduard Heger, Miriam Lexmann, Viliam Karas and Branislav Skripek) and personalities from the ecclesiastical world arrived at the meeting; among them there was the nuncio Monsignor Nicola Girasoli. In a breathtaking overview, the Movements made their charisms and commitments known, many of them in the world of youth. It was a unique opportunity for mutual acquaintance not only with TfE, but also with each other and with the political world. Slovakia, politically tried, shows great inner strength. There was a profound feeling between everyone present. The next morning, representatives of ENC Slovakia arrived with their president, Alex Myskov, and expounded the reality of their network. As TfE and ENC got to know each other better, it was evident how quickly friendship grows.
Shouting from the rooftops
‘It is more important than ever not to put the experience of TfE under the bushel, but to ‘shout it from the rooftops’. Thus Margaret Karram, to encourage the Committee for future steps. She continues: ‘TfE gives an impetus to Europe to breathe with two lungs, that is, to live the dialogue between East and West’. The plans for the future, e.g. a large meeting in 2027, will be discussed in more detail at the Meeting of the Friends of TfE from 6 to 8 November 2025 in Castel Gandolfo/Rome.
The Taizé community is ecumenically oriented and has regular prayer times in the morning, at noon and in the evening, during which the famous Taizé songs, Bible reading, shared silence and participation in communion play a central role. The 60 or so brothers invite young people from all over the world to participate in their life for a week. In fact, about a thousand Portuguese young people were in Taizé at the same time as our delegation.
Meeting
The shared reading from the book of Joel (2:12-18) led the delegation to a conversation with the prior of the community, Brother Matthew, and Brothers Richard and Andreas. The text struck the readers precisely in reference to Europe, where it says: ‘Tear your hearts and not your garments’. The appeal is addressed to all generations, that they approach God with sincere devotion and ask for his mercy. On this the group agreed. Being in contact with so many young people, the brothers of Taizé also have an insight into their fears, for which they feel an urgent need to be accompanied. Taizé is therefore undoubtedly a spiritual place for young people, where they find a listening ear and understanding.
A Bridge to link Together for Europe?
How can a bridge now be built between Taizé and TfE? The trio recognised that the Brothers’ charism and their contribution to the whole, and consequently also to Europe, lies in their closeness to young people, their fidelity to their prayers and their hospitality. Now the next steps must be identified together, starting with the friendship that has become deeper. And who knows? Perhaps in the future there will be a ‘Together for Europe’ meeting of young people in Taizé? We, together with the brothers, can certainly imagine it.
Impressions
Sister Nicole, Father Raffael and Matthias returned home happy and full of joy. ‘Besides the meeting with the Taizé brothers, these days brought us closer to each other – we are among the youngest in our Steering Committee. We need such experiences. The trips we make together and the meetings with the different Movements we visit make us realise: ‘Together in Europe is alive and we go on together!’
