Inhabiting Europe

A few days after the first Catholic Social Days for Europe, the hearts and minds of those who have had the privilege of being an active part of the events’ preparatory phases cherish vibrant hopes for the future. The European pilgrimage called by COMECE in 2004, a few weeks before the EU adhesion of 10 new Member States and the 2007 COMECE Congress in Rome, with the Report by the Committee of the Sages and the contribution of 400 delegates in the final Message for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome paved the way. These two events set the basis for the development of a comprehensive project that draws inspiration from the different nations’ Social Weeks for the establishment of a working group charged with conveying Catholics’ views and proposals, founded on the social doctrine of the Church, in the public arena. Three-hundred-fifty delegates from 29 European Countries, bishops, priests, religious, theologians, lay faithful representing various communities and different forms of social commitment, along with European politicians, convened for a three-day meeting on major issues pertaining to Europe’s current agenda – the dignity of the human person, the family, the European social model, the role inside institutions, Europe’s responsibilities for the global common good – seeking to identify ways whereby solidarity will continue characterizing Europe’s inner soul. Now that the development of this reality has become more significant and consistent, positive evaluations are inevitably accompanied by critical remarks, that ought to be turned into constructive proposals for the common good. As relates to more concrete issues, bringing together and promoting the dialogue of different European Catholic traditions and paths is the new challenge that needs to be met, in order to set the basis for a joint outlook and a common social, economic and political vision marked by unity in diversity, often referred to the European process, which encompasses concrete historical events relating to Catholic Churches in Europe, within the framework of open and fraternal dialogue with the other Christian confessions attending the meeting in Gdansk. Another challenge consists in establishing a structural dialogue with institutions and politicians engaged in the European process. In his address to “his Catholic Church”, the former president of the European Parliament Poettering, calls for the creation of public areas for debate, where opportune proposals conveying the immense richness of the Christian tradition could develop, bringing encouragement and support to politicians and civil servants seeking concrete proposals for the common good. This may lead to the establishment of a permanent European think tank, contributing with its own competitive proposals and ideas in those same areas where other initiatives are actively present. The Days of Gdansk constituted also an occasion for a number of symbolical events. The ceremony on the Westerplatte recalled the abyss of the war that broke out 70 years ago, whilst the quest for peace was reaffirmed as a founding value (which European Catholics appear to be oblivious to…). The proclamation of the final message under the Three Crosses at the entrance of the naval dockyard, that witnessed the onset of the struggle that was to restore dignity to human work, the battle for everyone’s freedom and progress. The opening Mass, celebrated in the ancient Basilica of Saint Brigid, Co-Patron Saint of Europe and church where Solidarnosc militants would gather in prayer, with “their hands raised to God”, the origin and meeting place of our social commitment.The development of Europe’s Catholic public opinion symphony equally necessitates a space for the preservation of collective memory, with symbols recalling historical events we acknowledge as common, which is not to be taken for granted. Taking into account the dynamics of the legislative and political process, the process of gradual trans-nationalisation of civil society and the ongoing Europeanization of the public opinion, European Catholics today are free to devote their determined dedication to this crucial area of evangelisation in the framework of living dialogue with other faiths and beliefs. In this way this project will continue serving the fulfilment of individuals and mankind, for reconciliation, peace, justice and solidarity.