CHURCHES IN BRIEF
COMECE: young people’s commitment for eco-justice In Europe “there is pollution, extreme poverty, injustice and isolation. Sustainability is not yet at an affordable price for many Europeans. What can young Europeans do about it?” The question is at the centre of a seminar that will take place at the premises of the Secretariat of COMECE- Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community – in Brussels on Tuesday, September 9. The theme of the Conference, co-organized with several ecumenical and youth bodies, is: “Young Europeans: We stand for sustainability and eco-justice!” (further information on: www.comece.eu). Roberta Di Lecce, Climate Change Attache, Permanent Representation of Italy to the European Union, will deliver the opening speech to illustrate “the vision of the Italian Presidency on climate change negotiations”, on the fall agenda of the EU. The presentation of two projects conducted by youth organizations will be followed by a round table between political leaders (Margrete Auken, member of the Parliament’s Environment and Heath Committee), representatives of ecumenical (Peter Pavlovic, Church and Society Committee) and youth bodies (Pawel’ Pustelnik, Eyce, Ecumenical Youth Council). Moreover, COMECE invites all the faithful to attend the “Missa pro Europa” on September 24, a traditional appointment for the resumption of European institutions’ activity (Notre-Dame au Sablon Church, 19.00 hrs). The Mass will be presided over by the archbishop of Malines-Brussels André-Joseph Léonard. The collected sums will be devoted to Caritas Ukraine. Albania: on line website for the Pope’s visit A website for the apostolic visit of Pope Francis in Tirana on September 21 – www.spes.al. The portal provides information on the Church in Albania, on its dioceses, on religious life, young people, on charity centres and much more. “The website, said Fr Gjergj Meta – responsible for the informative structure of the Albanian Church on the occasion of the visit – is an initiative of the Bishops’ Conference. It recalls the leitmotiv of ‘hope’ that animates the visit and the anticipation of the Church and of the Albanian people over the visit. In fact, the bishops have decided to welcome the Pope with the slogan: ‘Together with God, towards unfailing hope’, a reference to Saint Paul in the Letter to the Romans, where he speaks of unfailing hope and of a jointly undertaken path.” This, added Fr Meta, “holds special significance” for Albania. “We are a people that has experienced the consequences of militant atheism, of a God-less society, and now we have to build a society with others and with God.” The summary of all this, concludes the responsible, “is well-represented by the logo chosen for the Pope’s visit. In a stylized fashion, it represents the Christian people that arises from the blood of martyrs and continues walking with the Cross as a Vessel.”The Netherlands: solidarity to persecuted Iraqis “#WeareN” is the title of the solidarity campaign with Christians and other minorities persecuted by Iraq, launched in Holland by eight Catholic charitable organizations. The initiative exploits the renowned Arab symbol that stands for “N”, the first letter of the word “Nazarenes”, Christians. “The purpose of the campaign is to stir the awareness of Christians in The Netherlands”, said Joris van Voorst tot Voorst from Aid to the Church in Need. “Christians in Iraq need concrete help but they also say: ‘Pray for us’ and ‘Make us feel that we’re not alone.” For this reason, through the website wearen.nl, the campaign proposes four areas: to be informed on events in Iraq and solidarity initiatives through a dedicated information box; to pray, registering on the website the time and the day in which the personal prayer or the prayer meeting will be held (“registration” or if someone is praying in that moment is visible in anonymous mode). “#WeareN” proposes to also “show solidarity” by contacting the families of Syrians and Iraqis living in Holland through the Christian refugee service “Sticthing gave” or to make donations through them. Finally, the invitation is to “wear”, as a sign of solidarity, the Arab symbol “n” with the purpose of purchase of shirts on which is printed the same symbol for charity purposes.
