Events, that include experiences and projects, organized in various European localities. It was on 9 May 1950, when Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of the European Union and the first President of the European Parliamentary Assembly, presented the declaration that announced the plan of economic cooperation aimed at forming a future federal union. Five years earlier, on 9 May 1945, Europe finally saw the end of the deadliest war that destroyed it and brought drastic change.This date was remembered throughout Europe, and various events were organized in many cities, where many communities questioned the future that citiżens of the old continent envisage today. Thousands of citizens, members of more than 300 different religious denominations participated in conferences, seminars, moments of prayer, promoted by “Together for Europe” in cities, from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, to Prague, in countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy and many others.”Together for Europe” is an international body that brings together Communities and Movements that pursue shared goals, each contributing through its own specific charism. Important events took place in Rome, Palermo and Castel Gandolfo. The group of Movements and Communities in Rome warmly welcomed the invitation to follow the six-week ‘Prayer Journey’ for Europe, from March 25 to May 9, 2019. The communities of five important Basilicas linked to the Patron Saints of Europe, participated in this prayerful event which ended with an ecumenical prayer vigil at the Roman Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles. The two events held on May 8 and May 11 focussed mainly on the economic and cultural perspective. The first event took place at ‘Spazio Europa’, which is run by the Office of the European Parliament in Italy and the Commission’s representation in Italy. In his keynote speech Prof. Leonardo Becchetti spoke about migration, finance, work, sovereignism and euroscepticism. While not sparing criticism about sovereignty principles that lead many European countries to unfruitful isolation, this economist offered new prospects that consider the “School of Civil Economy” as a new wave of proposals, an alternative to the current economic model. During the cultural evening held at Castel Gandolfo on May 11, representatives of “Together for Europe” communities were present. Prof. Alberto Lo Presti spoke about “Europe’s plan according to the Bishops of Rome”; Prof. Dimitrios Keramidas spoke on “Europe and the Patriarchate of Constantinople” and Pál Tóth on “East and West in Europe”. On May 9, 1600 people attended the conference entitled “The European society rediscovers its Christian values”. It was held at Palermo and promoted by the various Christian communities of “Together for Europe”. During their sixth edition of this event, they also presented projects and experiences; individuals and groups spoke about initiatives set up in the city to help people in need, such as: welcoming migrants, supporting the unemployed, visiting prisoners. They also spoke about choosing the road of lawfulness, working in addiction prevention programmes, especially against gambling, promoting active citizenship in risky neighbourhoods and awareness of ecological responsibility. The next event will take place in Ottmaring and Ausburg, Germany from 7 to 9 November, when the 20th anniversary of “Together for Europe” will be celebrated.

Patrizia Mazzola