Cyprus: negotiations, a “step forward” in reunification “I am optimistic. It is a big step forward”. With these words, mgr. Giorgio Khoury, Secretary general of the Maronite Church, the largest congregation of local Catholic devotees, over 5 thousand, comments the opening, in Nicosia, of negotiations between the Greek-Cypriot president Demetris Christofias and the Turkish-Cypriot president Mehmet Ali Talat, to try to reunite the island that has been divided since 1974. “The two leaders – states Khoury to SIR – seemed to be optimistic and Talat said he hopes they will find a solution before the end of 2008. Now we expect the Turkish Cypriots to do their best: for instance, a road should be opened in the north west of the island which will be useful to reach the Turkish area more easily”. “We support the reunification of the island – goes on the Secretary general -. This would also enable us to recover four Maronite villages, two of which have been converted into military bases, and several churches. We want all the population to come back and live as they did before 1974. The negotiations for the reunification are a strong message for Europe; with so many walls that are erected across the world, there is one that is pulled down”. Croatia: the first Catholic elementary school The first Catholic primary school in the Republic of Croatia was unveiled at ibenik on September 1st. The official ceremony and the blessing were officiated by mgr. Ante Ivas, bishop of the diocese of ibenik, before the Mayor Neda Klariæ and the local authorities. “It is an epoch-making event for Croatia, for the city of ibenik and especially for the Church in the Croatian nation”, stated mgr. Ivas, drawing attention to the contribution made by the parents who supported the initiative. Mgr. Ivas recalled that “all Croatian bishops have enthusiastically supported the plan of the Catholic primary school of ibenik” and in addition he thanked the Franciscan missionary nuns of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who have taken over the running of the school, which at first will have three forms only: two first forms and one second form. The headmistress, sister Mandica Starèeviæ, highlighted that the school “fully complies with the educational standards established by the Croatian state. The school, which has been opened with the support of the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, will be free. The staff’s wages will be paid for by the State”.Germany: courses for seminariansStarting in September 2008, all those who wish to enter priestly life in Bavaria’s dioceses and in the five dioceses of former Eastern Germany, will be compelled to attend a one-year introductory course. The course is designed to provide basic formation enabling to address in the most appropriate way the complexities connected with social work and those related to pastoral care. Three main areas will be addressed during the course: faith, life and language education. The course’s objectives include developing one’s faith and learning Church expressions of faith and its teachings. Special emphasis will be placed upon Church life and spiritual service. The course envisages practical activity in the areas of charity and social work. The language school consists in classes on ancient languages that ought to be learnt for theological studies (Hebrew, Greek and Latin). A study-course in the Holy Land, in the places of Jesus, is also part of the program. Courses will be held in Bamberg and Passau, according to the diocese of origin of the future priests.Poland: John Paul II and SolidarnoscOn the occasion of the 28° anniversary of Solidarnosc, the first free labor union in Communist Countries, an international conference devoted to the significance of the teaching of John Paul II in the realm of world solidarity was held in Warsaw. The conference was attended, among others, by a great friend of Pope Wojtyla and of the Polish people, Rocco Buttiglione. “Solidarity, to the light of the teaching of John Paul II is a universal value, the absence of which makes conflict resolution harder. This is true also in the case of international crises such as those marking relations between the Northern and Southern hemispheres, or the question regarding environmental protection”, declared Polish President Lech Kaczynski in his opening address, recalling that Solidarnosc has been “the movement of political opposition in the name of values”. The value of Solidarnosc was underlined also by the bishop emeritus of Danzica, Msgr. Tadeusz Goclowski, who highlighted the importance of a “revolution carried out without the shedding of blood, against the regime established by the cruel Bolshevik revolution”. Bulgaria: an Italo-Bulgarian youth camp To recall the days spent in Loreto in 2007 and continue a tradition which for the fifth time brought together the youth of the diocese of Nicopoli and their peers from Fermo (Italy), on August 26-28 a summer camp for the youth of the diocese of Nicopoli was organized in Belene by Catholic Action volunteers of the Italian diocese. Last year’s camp was held in the parish Church of Montegiorgio, before the days devoted to the Agora of Italian youth and the encounter with Benedict XVI which they attended together. Special attention during this year’s camp was devoted to the figure of Saint Paul on the occasion of the Pauline Year. Interestingly, a paper Church was created with the sheets on which the youth wrote about their commitment in the Church. “Our work was fruitful – said Massimiliano, from Fermo – the language barrier wasn’t an obstacle since smiles and hand gestures made up for the lack of terms in English or Italian”.
