EUROPE-The New Evangelization "is not a magic potion ... it is an act of faith in Christ who makes all things new"

Vilnius (Agenzia Fides) - At the heart of the mission of the Church there are the human persons and their relationship with Jesus Christ, because only this relationship can transform life and fill it with a joy that witnesses the presence of God. These people who have been transformed by their encounter with God are, in fact, the protagonists of the new evangelization; they are the foundation of the renewal of ecclesial communities and they are key drivers of a Church that outreaches those who have moved away from her, offering them the possibility of encountering Jesus again and experiencing His mercy. This is what was expressed during two meetings on the theme of the new evangelization which took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 16 to 21 June 2011, the general Secretaries and spokesman of Europe’s Bishops’ Conferences. Both meetings were attended by a total of sixty participants, representing 30 Bishops’ Conferences of the continent.
In the final press release of the CCEE (Council of European Bishops 'Conferences), the promoter of the meetings, of which a copy was sent to Fides, underlines that "the New Evangelization is not a magic potion ... First of all it is an attitude. It is an act of faith in Christ who "makes all things new." It is a work of renewal inherent in the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is already in place and it needs to be proclaimed to the world. The new evangelization does not require the Christian faithful to do something more; it asks only to embody every day in our prayer and our works of charity, in family life and at work, faith, hope and charity in God who became man ". The spokespersons have also highlighted how this new evangelization is already active particularly in the world of economy, in the new media, in the sector of voluntary charity work...
The Secretaries have also addressed the issue of religious freedom, which is a fundamental human right founded on the dignity of the human person. The Church and Europe must do everything possible to ensure that this right is respected around the world as it should be in Europe. Another central theme for Europe was the demographic crisis and particularly the problem of an aging European population, with serious consequences for the welfare and social security systems. General Secretaries and spokespersons met to discuss Church communication in times of crisis and the use of new technological means to proclaim the Gospel. The Church's communication is part of her mission. Being faithful to the Gospel and to the truth is the way to communicate both in time of crisis, and in ordinary times. All means can be used, but none can replace personal encounter with others and with God. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 06/22/2011)