A sign of peace

Widespread enthusiasm marked the third edition of "Together for Europe", an initiative held May 12 in Brussels, with other events taking place simultaneously in 140 European cities. It might have been for the passion and enthusiasm of over 300 associations, communities and movements from European churches, and for the energetic music of raggae singer Judy Bailey. But the fact is that the initiatives that animated the Square Meeting Centre of the Belgian capital deeply touched all participants.An open and inclusive EU. Children, youth, adults and old people felt a sense of belonging to a great European project, based on solidarity, subsidiarity and development. In fact, it was something more than a mere event. Rather, it was an example of a Pan-European meeting: from the many cities involved in the different countries of the EU came video contributions that tore down divides and borders. Different languages, cultures and religious denominations came together, also virtually, and "gave new life to one of the strongholds of Europe", "unity in diversity", as recalled by the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy. This is precisely what characterizes the spirit of "Together for Europe", as underlined by the president of the Focolari movement Maria Voce, one of the realities promoting the initiative. "The multi-faceted richness of these movements is evident in the variety of the commitments in society: in the numerous concrete solutions – she said – that proved to be effective and contagious, fruit of the gifts bestowed by the heavens to their Charismas". Ideas, dreams and projects based on the awareness that diversities represent "a source of richness; not a reason for fear and separation", and potentially capable of acting as a source of hope. All participants jointly agreed on the importance of rejecting nationalisms and xenophobia to the benefit of an open and inclusive Europe. Solidarity, family and life. The many themes addressed range from nature to the environment, from hope to solidarity with the poor and the outcast extending to the principle of responsibility towards the whole of society. But at less than a month’s time to the seventh world meeting in Milan (May 30 – June 3), a debate took place on the theme of the family, with direct testimonies of young parents, so that this nucleus may return to be "the point of reference of society and individuals, representing a safe heaven/harbour for a lifetime". On the theme of life movements and communities a fundamental message was reiterated: "United by this covenant of mutual love we say yes to life and pledge our commitment to defend its inviolable dignity in all its stages, from the moment of conception to its natural termination". A message. Participants conveyed their commitment and determination in spreading the message of Jesus in Europe and in the world. The objective – they underlined several times – is for everyone to contribute to "the creation of a free, democratic societies based on solidarity". In fact, peoples need a "Common European vision", underlined the former president of the European Commission Romano Prodi. "Visions are the icons of hope and it’s crucial to return to create social networks, since conceiving them individually is a source of pessimism – pointed out Andrea Riccardi – founder of the Community of St. Egidio, Italian minister for International Cooperation and integration–; this is why Europe has to put itself to the service of a dream of a community and act as the bearer and the promoter of messages of hope". The movements and the communities gathered for "Together for Europe", welcomed these suggestions which were incorporated in the final Manifesto (published entirely by SIR Europe: click here), a true and determined commitment for a better Europe. Rethinking the economy. "Together for Europe" echoed citizens’ voices also within EU institutions. A debate on the "Economy of Communion" was in fact held in the seat of the European Parliament. Many participants followed attentively the conference, that focused on the theme of "the culture of bestowal". But how can this concept, understood primarily as openness and support to others, survive in modern globalized society? According to professor of Economy and Philosophy at the University of Anverse, Hendrik Opdebeeck, the reply is to be found in "participative responsibility". "We must oppose ourselves to individualistic ethics and to the closure towards others – the expert said –. "We we have to place at the centre of our attention the poor and solidarity". Luigino Bruni, professor of political economy at Milano Bicocca University, pointed out that "a new beginning will be possible only if the financial-economic sector is rethought "At the moment, great part of the richness produced by Europe doesn’t pass by real economy but by financial markets. This unbalance is not the bearer of democracy, but of inequality and closure". Bruni indicates the need for a new humanism and a rethinking of the nature of capitalism.