For the growth of Europe ” “

When analysing European societies and Churches the image of a building yard is often evoked. It could be said that Europe is at the same time an “Old” and a “New” world. The continent is characterised by remarkable scientific and technological know-how, despite the risk of lagging behind North America and Asian countries. Low birth rates, unstable families along with increasingly aging population are among Europe’s preeminent features. In some countries, notably Slavic countries, the Church’s presence is strong. But widespread weariness is registered in the political realm, in the educational environment and in the media vis a vis Europe’s Christian heritage.  This feature emerges strongly in the struggle for the protection of human life from the moment of conception to its natural termination, in the protection of the family based on marriage and in the identification of the ethical borders of bio-engineering. Contemporary Europe is a continent whereby Christians are challenged, notably in their relations with Islam. Whilst shunning naiveness and provocative simplifications, further in-depth reflection is needed to tackle inherent risks and to identify opportunities for the strengthening of long-lasting peace.  Europe urgently needs determined and persuasive Christians who don’t conceal their identity, who are willing to establish relationships with individuals and groups marked by good will to address present and future challenges in their daily lives as well as in intercultural and interreligious relations; to promote human dignity, family truth, solidarity with the needy and social justice across civil society. This is demanded of lay Catholic associations, especially Catholic students’ organizations and each one of their members. Such organizations have an irreplaceable role in university structures and in civil society as a whole, creating realms whereby young Christians, engaged in encounters with older generations, learn the traditions and treasures of Christian faith and find assistance and shelter in their avenues of faith and formation. Such organizations develop and promote occasions for interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue. Often they also establish international friendships of which an ever more united Europe is in dire need of.The students that are integrated within these associations often at the end of their studies hold places of responsibility in the realm of the economy, politics and society. A dynamic apostolate of young and less young Chrisitans, especially within the framework of contemporary Europe’s social realms, should encompass a set of prerequisites: those who wish to speak for God and for the Church, for the values that protect individuals from the moment of birth until natural death, for a stable democracy, for the preservation and the development of our environment, must have the necessary skills and content that will ensure that their words are seriously listened to in our pluralistic society. It is necessary to show that what is said is reflected in daily life, thereby ensuring the acknowledgement of the principles of “scientia” and “religio”, which guide the life of associations like polar stars. Clear – albeit often forgotten – guidance was conveyed by bishops of eight European countries gathered in Mariazell in 2004, for the Catholic Meeting of central European countries (Mitteleuropäischen Katholikentag). In a joint message the bishops expressed a list of seven requests. These are: “Help people to see Christ”; “Learn to pray and teach people to pray”; “Grow in your knowledge of our faith”; “Let the symbols of our faith be seen”; “Safeguard the tradition of Sunday”; “Protect and love life”; “Promote solidarity in Europe and world wide”. But whence can we, as Christians, draw and breathe the strength enabling us to follow these recommendations? In 2007 Pope Benedict XVI summarized the answer to this question during his apostolic Visitation to Austria: “Look at Christ!” The echo of that appeal continues to thrive in the words of Pope Francis today. ” ”