From the seed to the tree

When "Ecclesia in Europe" was first published, on June 29 2003, Msgr. Aldo Giordano was the secretary general of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE). Today he is the permanent observer of the Holy See to the Council of Europe. SIR Europe has asked him a few questions on the impact of the post-Synod apostolic exhortation by John Paul II and on the recommendations on the European process contained in the document. What was the atmosphere when the document was first published? "The Apostolic exhortation has been considered a programmatic document whose roots are to be found in a collegial event held on the eve of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, that I had the pleasure to attend, namely, the Bishops’ Synod of October 1999, titled ‘Jesus Christ alive in His Church, source of hope for Europe.’ It is with emotion that I think back to when John Paul opened the meeting with a prayer, and at the end of all the contributions, delivered the final statement with a humorous remark. Europe had freed itself from the yoke of Communist totalitarian regimes. But the painful Iron Curtain separating the East and the West, instead of entering the ‘promised land’ fell in the barren lands of the fratricidal Balkan conflict, stumbling against the disappointment of Eastern Countries within the new liberalist economic system. It appeared that history had not kept its promises, while the inescapable challenge of globalization and its related identity questions loomed over Europe. A historical shock ensued: the terror attack of September 11 2001. Perhaps the fact that the document had been expected for so long and that it was finally published four years after the Synod signals the historical complexities of the time". Which of the seeds sown by Ecclesia in Europa have started to blossom in our Continent? "I appreciate the use of the term ‘seeds’, as it reflects the logic of the Gospel. If a good seed is sown, it will grow into a big tree. The tree that seems to be growing is the tree of the conscience of the primate of evangelization, of faith, of the Word of God, of spirituality and of liturgy. I am thinking of the Magisterium of Benedict XVI, which gave renewed impetus to the Church’s commitment vis a vis the reality of Jesus’ faith, engaging in an open dialogue with contemporary culture. As many as 11 pages of Ecclesia in Europa are devoted to liturgy. We are currently witnessing a rediscovery of liturgy, of sacramental rites, especially of the Eucharist, along with a renewed sensitivity regarding the places devoted to the encounter with God and prayer. There is a new yearning for spirituality coupled by the need for witnesses capable of transmitting the transcendent light. Europe seems to have overcome its deceitful, arrogant belief in self-salvation and it has found the courage to continue along the road leading to truth, beauty and goodness".What are the items of the Exhortation that have not fully emerged? "The chapter whose relevance has not yet fully emerged is the one regarding communion. In almost every page the Exhortation speaks of communion and unity, perhaps owing to the awareness that it is a rare gem. We are all familiar with the suffering of the Catholic Church caused by internal divisions. In the ecumenical framework we strive to have a common voice, while the determined will to achieve visible unity appears to be lacking. Interfaith dialogue thus becomes ever more complex because of political and ideological manipulations. Also the path leading to economic and political unification in the Continent is understood through the categories of the crisis. In the global scenario questions are raised on Europe’s ability to assume the responsibility of solidarity, peace, and justice worldwide. A long list of areas still await the secret of communion. John Paul II devoted five pages to the family, with a great encouragement also to communion among priests. Clear signs show that Francis’ Pontificate is under the banner of the communion brought by Christ on earth".Speaking of hope today is all the more urgent, but it’s more difficult. How can Europeans recover their courage? "The point is Christ. As Saint John in the Book of the Revelation encouraged the suffering Church to remain firm in her faith to Jesus Christ, also today the Church must not loose faith in Jesus Christ, in the fact that the seed of the Gospel is living in Europe. John Paul II asked Christians to contribute so as not to close the skies of Europe within the boundaries of earthly and mortal affairs, that ultimately coincides with a lack of meaning. It is necessary to leave the skies open to transcendence and to a world of values that represent the only way to defuse hatred, thus leading to self fulfilment".