Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brussels (Agenzia Fides) - To show that Europe is built not only on political, economic, juridical, social and financial foundations but also taking into consideration religion, the Commission of the European Bishops’ Conferences COMECE and the Union of European Conferences of Major Superiors UCESM have organised for 9 May 2006 a “Day of Prayer for Peace in Europe and in the World”. Sr Ana María Garbayo UCESM secretary general said 9 May was chosen because it was on 9 May 1950 that a small group of European countries signed a Declaration committing themselves to the goals of peace, social progress and solidarity and that was the first nucleus of the future European Union.
UCESM has 42 national conference members representing about 400,000 men and women religious in Europe. Men and women Religious who intend to take part in the Day should be Brussels for the evening of 7 May to start prayers for peace and reflect on the role of religious life in Europe. Besides shared prayers and ecumenical liturgies the programme includes a visit to the European Parliament and the presentation of religious bodies in European Institutions and conferences on various topics: Dominican Fr Ignace Berten will speak about challenges facing religious life in Europe; Dominican Fr J. C. Lavigne will speak about religious and Europe, Sr Evangeline, Prioress of Deaconesses, will speak about religious life in the new Europe under construction. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 29/3/2006 - Righe 19, parole 273)
