Catholics from all over Europe are thinking about the identity of the continent in Bratislava
They continue in the capital of Slovakia European Catholic Social Days. 150 delegates – representatives of charities and theologians, including Gintaras Grusas, President of the Council of European Bishops ‘Conferences, Cardinal Michael Czerny of the Vatican Dicastery for Integral Human Development or Bishop Jan Vokal of Hradec Králové, representing the EU Commission of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences (COMECE) and the Czechia the situation in Europe after the pandemic.
The goal conference is to reflect the social doctrine of the Church in connection with current events on the continent, according to the organizers from the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE), the Commission of Episcopal Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of Bishops of Slovakia (KBS). Even before the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the event was subtitled Europe – Beyond the Pandemic: A New Beginning. “The covidu-19 pandemic has unfortunate consequences. Not only have they shaken the apparent security of our political, economic and social systems, but they have also exposed our vulnerabilities. and the social division of the event for the Church in Slovakia. This event broadens our perspective and allows us to gain the values of how important it is for the Church in Slovakia to be part of the dialogue on issues of public life and politics. “ KBS Secretary General Ivan Růžička told Radio Lumen.
Pope Francis today addressed a message to the participants, in which he appreciates a quick and united response and helps people suffering in Ukraine, giving for material assistance, hospitality and shelter. He urges the use of political art for peace. According to the pope, the conflict in Ukraine is related to a perverted abuse of power.
The third European Catholic Social Days was opened yesterday in the early evening by a service in St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava. Today’s program was opened by the President of the Slovak Republic Zuzana Čaputová accompanied by Prime Minister Eduard Heger. Before that, Cardinal Czerny had served Mass when he said: “Therefore, in celebrating the Eucharist during the European Catholic Social Days, we place the transforming power of love at the center of our work and realize that it is not an idea or political attitude such as nonviolence or pacifism, but power. It works because it does exist and can draw on and pass it on. “ During the speech at the conference, this native of Brno and a close associate of the pope roared: “It is a delusion to approve wars as a legitimate response to any situation or tension.”
Among the topics of the meeting are social and demographic change, technological transformation and ecology, the program also includes ecumenical prayer with the community of Sant’Egidio in the Cathedral of St. Martin in Bratislava. The event will culminate in a service at St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava, which will be celebrated at noon on Sunday by COMECE President Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich.
The first European Catholic Social Days took place in October 2009 in Gdańsk, Poland, with the theme: “Solidarity – a challenge for Europe”. They began the tradition of regular meetings, at which Catholics from all over the continent gather at intervals of about three to four years to reflect on Europe and the European Union, building on the social teachings of the Church. The second European Catholic Social Days were hosted by Madrid in September 2014, with the theme: “The Christian Faith and the Future of Europe”.
Sources: tkkbs, catholicsocialdays.eu