Posted On 2011-11-20 In Dilexit ecclesiam

A road for European unity is possible

TOGETHER FOR EUROPE, Aurelio Molé. Representatives of movements and Christian communities gathered in Rome in preparation for the great European event of May 12, 2012 in Brussels. We are publishing an interview with Severin Schmid, Focolare Movement.

 

 

 

Great enthusiasm, profound dialogue, and a mature, consolidated communion through the years characterized the agenda of the more than one hundred representatives of European Christian communities and Movements, who gathered in Sassone (Rome) on November 11th and 12th to plan the program for the May 12, 2012great European event, which will gather 1,200 people from Europe, different Christian professions and cultural areas in Brussels. Severn Schmitd is one of the organizers from the Focolare Movement.

What is the difference between the May 12th event in Brussels from previous ones?

“We could say it using a metaphor: if we until now we had been an engaged couple, now we are married; this is in the sense that there is a very solid network of communion among the Movements. Another new element will be the presentation of the fruits of our collaboration from 2007 to the present. The May 12th event will take place in the European Parliament to present our experience to the politicians in a situation in which Europe is fragmented, while there is a unifying strength that gathers people from the allover the continent, from all Christian denominations of many languages.

What be contributed to overcome the economic crisis? Is the message of Brussels solely spiritual or are there also political and structural reforms of the European community?

“We still do not have the capacity to make political proposals. The strongest proposal is to make it known that unity is possible. The message is: if we are not united, we will not be Europe. Even strong countries like Germany cannot survive economically without the other European countries. We are united to one another. Either we unite, or we will cease to exist. Let us try to give a free service for the common good. We are a creative minority, which aims to develop more concrete proposals by working together. European unity cannot be established through a law or only through institutions; but, above all, it grows from the people”.

Why was the European Parliament chosen for the event of May 12th?

“We do not want to criticize the politicians; we want to support and encourage them, because there are people who work for the common good among us. We offer a dialogue to be credible speakers, because within so many Christian movements concrete answers for economic equality, a peaceful co-existence, and good social practices exist. We will present our experiences, and we want to hear the politician’s demands to find ways to collaborate.

Will the event also be held in other European cities?

“Approximately 200 cities will have a contemporary program in connection with Brussels. We do not want a manifestation for ourselves; rather, we want to do something for others. In a large hall, only a limited number can gather, and we want to gather as many people as possible in these 200 cities.”

Source: www.focolare.org

 

Translation: Schoenstatt.org – Celina M. Garza: Spanish/English – Melissa Peña-Janknegt: English edit

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