CHURCHES IN BRIEF
Comece: Conference at the EP on Christians and the Arab WorldThe Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (Comece) work for the Middle East continues. On Wednesday May 9th, Comece together with the European people’s party and the ECR parties will organize a seminar on Christians in the Middle East and Northern Africa which is in some way a continuation of a seminar, held two years ago, about the persecution of Christians. The conference, titled "Christians in the Arab world: One year after the Arab spring" will be held at the European Parliament (EP) in Brussels. The Conference will begin with the presentation of reports on the situation of Christians in the Arab world given by associations such as "Church in need", "Open Doors International" and "Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life". Other speakers will then address, specifically, the "practice of religious freedom in the Arab world:" Cornelius Hulsman, editor of "Arab-West Report" (Egypt); mgr. Samir Nassar, Maronite Archbishop of Damascus (Syria); father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, custodian of the Holy Land (Jerusalem), and Damianos Kattar, former Finance Minister (Lebanon). "This seminar a Comece notice reads – will help us understand to what extent the Arab Spring meets the expectations of liberal values, such as democracy, and fundamental rights". Mgr Piotr Mazurkiewicz, secretary general will draw the conclusions of the Conference.Ireland: Web page for Vocation prayer dayIn view of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations scheduled for April 29th, Good Shepherd Sunday, on the theme chosen by Benedict XVI, "Vocations, the gift of God’s charity", the Irish Bishops Conference has added to its website www.catholicbishops.ie a special web page titled Vocations Sunday 2012. The page opens with a video interview with father Willie Purcell, national coordinator for diocesan vocations, who describes his own vocation as "a gift" and assesses the situation of vocations in Ireland and the diocesan directors’ programmes for vocations in view of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress (Dublin 10-17 June). "People – father Purcell points out still look at priests to find strength in times of weakness, courage and hope in times of desperation. People still believe in their priests", a trust born "out of hard work and devotion they see in their parishes, schools, hospitals, universities and community life". The webpage also includes the full text of Pope Benedict XVI’s message for the Day 2012, documents of the Congregation for the Clergy, a prayer for vocations to be said in the parishes, links and useful contact for diocesan vocation directors, an interview with card. Timothy Dolan about the "happiness that attracts" promoting vocations and priesthood. France: "Nuit Blance" in more than 100 churchesFrom Ajaccio to Paris passing through Strasbourg and Lille. Up to now, 109 French Churches joined the "Night of Churches" event which invites cathedrals, chapels, shrines and parishes to open their doors to the public on Saturday June 7, offering a varied program of spiritual and artistic activities to make themselves known. After the success of last year, the National Service for Pastoral Care of the French Bishops’ Conference decided to repeat the initiative. In this year’s event all participants must sign a "Charter" of commitments asking the dioceses to promote the artistic and cultural heritage of the Church so as to spread its Christian message. Furthermore, the sacredness of the places that host the events must be respected. The initiative promoters encourage local communities to light up the facade of their churches: "A night of open doors and illuminated facades – father Gilles Drouin explains – is a strong and clear sign, a friendly invitation for passers – by to enter Church for a more or less long period of time". "Everybody is invited to come in Emmanuel Bellanger adds -. It is up to us Christians to show the existing heritage. The Church is completely immersed in the world of her time and thus in its ways of thinking. The Church is also bearer of culture nourished by experience and liturgical activities that must not remain hidden because they can nourish the surrounding culture". In France there are 100 thousand places of Catholic worship: 45 thousand parish churches belong to the municipalities. We must also include chapels, oratories, shrines and places of worship belonging to monasteries and diocesan association. For further information and programmes visit www.narthex.fr.
