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Christopher Mallia
Stuttgart
There is the risk that my cries to sell a united Europe on the market, may be deafened out. There are too many shouting for their product. However, I am convinced that at the end of the day my product will find satisfied customers, just like those of other sellers. For one thing it is a genuine product. Secondly, I know that there are many others who have contributed to the Europe I would like to live in. So, in the midst of the sellers’ shouts and cries, allow me to add mine.
8 May is vying for importance as much as any other date. On 8 May 1945 World War II was officially declared over. Now, on Saturday, 8 May 2004 numerous Christian movements and ecclesiastical communities will be gathering at the Stuttgart sports ground in Germany. Together with their leaders and founders they want to celebrate Europe’s calling towards unity in diversity, and for Europe’s contribution towards peace among nations.
Their particular brand of peace and unity comes directly from the Gospel. It is Jesus himself who prayed for this peace and unity, when during the Last Supper he told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” (John 17, 21).
This particular event has its roots in the criss-crossing of an on-going dialogue between movements of Christian inspiration, both Catholic and Evangelical. This dialogue came to a head two years ago. The aim of this meeting is to rediscover the Christian roots of Europe and celebrate them live on satellite link-up. In fact, the whole event is the result of a snow-balling effect among 240 Catholic and Evangelical movements and communities all over the world.
Here in Malta, this dialogue between movements was strongly encouraged by the Diocesan Synod recently concluded. They are organising the link-up with Stuttgart with 100 main cities on 8 May 2004. The event entitled ‘Together for Europe,’ will take place at Sir Temi Zammit Hall at the University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm. Everyone is welcome to participate. For further details: www.europ2004.org or press.malta@europ2004.info
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