For the national year of prayer for reconciliation, launched by the Hungarian Bishops Conference (Ceu), yesterday June 29th the bishops of the Slovakian Bishops Conference and Ceu co-celebrated a liturgy of reconciliation in the basilica of Esztergom, with the homily of mgr. Frantiek Tondra, president of Ces. After the Gospel, the two fraternal letters on reconciliation and cooperation between the two Bishops Conferences signed by their presidents were read. On such an epoch-making occasion, Benedict XVI sent his apostolic blessing and expressed "his appreciation of the important meeting", wishing "it may boost the promotion of Christian values for the good of their communities". In his letter, cardinal Erdo recalled "the over one thousand years of history" that binds the two peoples, full of positive results, such as "the spreading and strengthening of the faith, the foundation of a civilisation through Christianity", as well as "blessings and successes in science, art and the whole Christian culture". "At the same time, though, this history has often been a history of shared sufferings and efforts", not without "controversy and abuse that have left their marks on the souls". (to be continued)” “
