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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Tourism, A Transversal Reality: Pastoral Aspects: With this central theme, the Meeting of the National Directors of the Pastoral Care of Tourism in Europe took place with the participation of delegates from 15 countries (Austria, Belgium, Belarus’ Czech Republic, Cyprus, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland), and representatives of several congregations and offices of the Roman Curia, the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences and the Vicariate of Rome. The two days of work, which took place on November 6th and 7th, 2006 in the offices of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People that organized the event, were an occasion to deepen fraternity and constructive dialogue.
The Final Document in three parts reports on the meeting, the interventions and presents conclusions and recommendations. “All the participants are aware that proclamation of the Lord Jesus Christ is the centre of any pastoral care, including that of tourism,” is the first of the conclusions. Tourism, a complex reality, and a “sign of the times”, needs new if not first evangelisation also because of its new forms today: scholastic, linked with congresses, health, social, “missionary”, sport, tourism for major events. It was noted that, unfortunately, a reductive perception of tourism still exists associated solely with business and well being, and this hinders adequate acceptance and the necessary development of pastoral activity in the sector. Hence the need for national structure to coordinate what is already being done by many dioceses.
In the secular society of Europe ever more intercultural e multi-religious, tourism can be a channel to spread Gospel values. “A good guided visit to a work of art or historical memorial can be natural catechesis”. Hence the need for a formative project, in an ecumenical perspective attentive to the inter-religious dimension, able to interact with different subjects interested in the world of tourism. This transversal action can become a frontier laboratory for evangelization, but also a testimony to openness, acceptance, communion and dialogue both within the ecclesial community and in the Church-world relation.
Pilgrimages deserve special mention and attention, especially the destinations that have given a face to Europe: the Way of Santiago, the Via Francigena, the network of shrines, and the art and faith itineraries in a continent that is so rich in testimonies of its Christian roots
The Recommendations call for promotion of agreements with civil bodies civil bodies on various levels (International Organizations, the European Union, Governments, regions, municipalities), in the name of man’s centrality, and bearing in mind that tourism has a transversal influence on culture, economy, ecology, people’s lifestyles and quality of life, etc. It will be worthwhile to provide incentives, together with other ecclesial subjects, in a transversal way and in a spirit of communion (missionary centres, centres for the pastoral care of youth, the family, the elderly, retired people, volunteers), for original forms of tourism with a “new face”: free tourism, low-cost travel, visit to missionary territories, vacations in the service of poor countries, ecological tourism, paths of silence, hospitality in monasteries or in prayer centres..
The possibility should be studied of formational courses for ecclesial subjects within the pastoral plans of the local Churches and the programs in Seminaries, in an interdisciplinary and thus transversal key, while examining with the Catholic and State Universities, Theological Faculties, Formation Institutes and research Centres, the possibility of offering courses, masters and study seminars on tourism and its pastoral care.. In the pastoral care of tourism, both in welcoming visitors and in preparing the faithful for their voyages, the injustices will also have to be pointed out with regard to those who are exploited and whose rights are violated, as in the case of unprotected workers, women and especially minors. It is hoped that a website will be created on the European level with a pastoral focus to which everyone can refer and also contribute. The key words “pastoral care and tourism” are important for easy access to it. It is suggested to begin this on the national level.. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 5/12/2006 - righe 44, parole 626)
