The great manifestation “Together for Europe” started off in a festive atmosphere. This event is the outcome of an ongoing growing process of communion among Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Anglican Movements from all over Europe. The 8,000 adherents gathered here belong to over 250 Christian Movements and Communities. Pope Benedict XVI’s message, signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcizio Bertone, wished that the initiative “strengthens the desire of communion” that animates this ecclesial reality and “contributes towards loosening prejudices, overcoming nationalisms and historical barriers and spurring on the commitment so that Europe’s spiritual dimension may not come short in these post-modern times”. Together for Europe: It is a life programme extends its roots in day-to-day living, which was traced out this morning at Stuttgart. “To whom should we go to? Where should we go? It is the question we ask ourselves regarding the future of Europe”, said Ulrich Parzany – Evangelical Pastor promoter of the evangelisation project ProChrist. “Along with the enthusiasm for Europe, a sense of scepticism, fear of enduring disadvantages has taken over. The currents of our times toss us here and there. With serene confidence we repeat: Lord, to whom should we go to? You have words of life”. He is the answer to the questions of the youth, as highlighted by Nicky Gumble, Anglican, responsible for the evangelisation courses Alpha International born in the Anglican Church: “Youth look for transcendence, a scope in their life”. Andrea Riccardi, founder of Saint Egidio Community,  spoke about the historical deep current that is becoming ever more important. “In an Europe with rigid institutions, where processes delay and politicians hesitate, there is a need for – he said – a prophetic people, capable of provoking a sentiment of unity that becomes a vital current among our European, Christian and non-Christian, believing and non-believing co-citizens, so that Europe may promote a new current of passion for unity, capable of overpowering rigidity and boundaries. In this way, Europe may look beyond its frontiers, towards Africa where two thirds are excluded from well being”. Chiara Lubich deepened the source from which a new current of life gushes out. Her words – read by one of her first companions, Bruna Tomasi – touched the mystery of Jesus in that moment on the cross when he cries out his abandonment. In him, there is the image of every wound, darkness, doubt, inner trouble. “In recognising and loving him, present in every countenance of sorrow, – she concluded – we could welcome the cry of today’s  humanity and having redeemed everything through his cry, we can create around us a renewed society that the world awaits”. In the afternoon the testimony of the Gospel vitality in the renewal of the family, economy and work, the day-to-day life in multicultural cities, old and new poverties, justice and peace. With the participation of political personalities such as the Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi and the Vice President of the European Commission Jacques Barrot. (From Stuttgart, Carla Cotignoli for Vatican Radio)