Focolare Movement

12 May 2012 – Together for Europe

Apr 13, 2012

One month away from an event that will involve the entire European continent, an outline of the main event which will be held in Brussels. Teenagers in the front lines with their Run4Unity.

A fair economy, integration of refugees, the marginalized and families for a more humane society: these are some of the emergency situations facing today’s Europe that will be spoken about at the Together for Europe’s main event in Brussels on 12 May 2012. And the popular demonstration will be repeated on the same day in many cities across Europe. One of these activities will be that of the teenagers, which will be held contemporaneously with Together for Europe: the 2012 Run4Unity, a worldwide relay race promoted by Teens for Unity of the Focolare Movement. The basic objectives have been summarized in a series of “Yes” (to peace, to solidarity, to life and the family, to creation, and to a fair economy), which have been creatively expressed by the teenagers through mathematical signs. In many spots during the relay race the teenagers will become a flash mob that composes the word “Yes!” in several languages. Outline of the 12 May gathering at Brussels Square Meeting Centre   Following a welcome from Brussels to the 150 cities that will be involved in the single European event, Together for Europe – how it began and what it can offer today’s Europe – has been entrusted to the president of the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce. Romano Prodi, president of the European Commission, will give a presentation with reflections on the Contribution of Christian Movements and Communities to today’s Europe. Then the word will be given to European university students, followed by an overview of the emergency situations in Europe today including the defence of life and the environment, peace and citizen participation. The second part of the programme, beginning at 5.00pm local time, will be transmitted via internet and satellite, in connection with other local events.    Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio and Italian Government Minister for International Cooperation and Integration will speak, and space will also be provided for the teenagers and their creative involvement in the vision for Europe. Representatives of European institutions will be present, including Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, with a video message, and Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament. At the conclusion Thomas Römer (YMCA, Munich), will present the “Brussels 2012 Manifesto”. The event was awarded the medal representing the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, and was held under the patronage of José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Comission; Thorbjørn Jagland, General Secretary of the European Council; Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO. Official Together for Unity website Download the program

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