European pilgrimage of the youth in SantiagoThe European Youth Pilgrimage (EYP) will take place next August 5-8 2010 in Santiago de Compostela, promoted by the local archdiocese in conjunction with celebrations for the Compostela Holy Year. “I encourage Italian youth to take part in the pilgrimage – Fr. Nicolò Anselmi, from the Italian Bishops’ Conference, told SIR Europe. “It is one of the major youth pilgrimages, rich in moments for reflection and spiritual motivation. It is an anticipation of Madrid’s WYD in view of which this pilgrimage is a major preparatory event”. As relates to Madrid’s WYD Fr. Anselmi points out that “from the economic point of view it can be seen as an opportune moment for sharing. The youth could create a large kitty at Parish level. The collected funds would thus serve to cover WYD expenses to those yearning to attend”. According to figures released by the archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela, over 15 thousand young people are expected to attend the pilgrimage, set up as a real and true WYD, with catechesis in the morning, social and cultural activities in the afternoon and celebrations in the evening. A vigil will take place the eve of August 7 around the WYD Cross, which in those days will be in the archdiocese of Santiago. The following day, during the closing Mass, Portuguese youth will be given the Cross and the Icon, so they may commence the trip to their Country. On November 6 Benedict XVI will be in Santiago to consecrate the new altar in the Cathedral.Iberian forum on gypsies To celebrate the International Day of the Romani Gypsies (April 8) an Iberian Forum was held in Lisbon, which addressed the theme of the integration of gypsies in Portugal and Spain. Drawing from the European Commission report on racism and intolerance (ECRI), the president of the Gypsies’ Association of Leiria (Ciglei) Dinis Abreu said: “Before the 500-year-long ongoing discrimination we sadly acknowledge the worsening of the living conditions of Gypsy communities in Portugal. They may have different cultural traditions, but they have displayed their wish for modernization, development and progress”. “Tired of the ongoing discriminations, the gypsies have tried to create their own lifestyle and ways for self-subsistence in fairs and in markets, where they used to sell livestock and then worked in fabrics and shoes trade”, Abreu said. “Despite the strong yearning to comply with the Law, the legislation regulating these questions is distant from the reality of life, and this prevents the social integration of the gypsies. These are laws made by bureaucrats who have no knowledge of what it means to have a stall in fairs and open markets. These bills are drawn up without consulting those living the daily difficulties linked to these economic situations”. Also the president of the bishops’ Commission of human mobility Msgr. Antonio Vitalino conveyed the position of the Church, that is open to reception, and reiterated, “It is necessary to change the mentality with which the gipsy community is judged, creating the necessary conditions for its social inclusion. A child living in an encampment or in a barrack will hardly have a circle of friends, and this prevents the establishment of a stable relationships which provide the foundations of social coexistence”. European Conference of childhood missions “Mission: living it starting from baptism!” This was the theme of reflection proposed by the European Conference of Childhood Missions (CEME, Conférence de l’Enfance missionaire européenne) recently held in Luxembourg (the conference is held every two years). According to Fides news agency the responsible of European countries where the Pontifical works for missionary childhood are present devoted special attention to the situation of children, trying to provide the answers to some of their questions: “how do they see life? Which questions do they raise? How do they act in society?” Not by chance, the slogan of Childhood Missions is “the children help the children”. CEME represents an important place of encounter since the situation of Missionary Childhood is differs in European countries. While in some countries the Works dispose of consistent human and financial resources, with an old-dated tradition in this field, in others it is just beginning its activity and can therefore count of a help of few people. In this framework thus CEME becomes a forum for the exchange of ideas and projects. During the meeting participants acknowledged the end of mandate of Jean Lazarus as CEME president (of Missio Belgium). The new president is Flavio Moresino (of Missio Swizerland-Liechtenstein) who will occupy the post for the period 2010-2016 in conjuncion with Committee of delegates from France, Germany, Luxembourg and Germany.
