HOPING FOR ‘EUROPA CHRISTI’
Fr. Ireneusz Skubiś, Moderator of the ‘Europa Christi’ movement
The First International Congress of the ‘Europa Christi’ movement has ended. It was a great event, full of thinking and caring for the identity of our continent. It turns out that our suggestions were approved of warmly. Europe is ill, is experiencing a crisis of values, which is getting more severe. It is perceived by wise and responsible people in whole Europe. Our movement – ‘Europa Christi’, which appeared in Częstochowa, at the feet of Jasna Góra, also became a carrier of Mary’s message, connected with, this year, the anniversary of the apparitions in Fatima and the 100th anniversary of establishing the Knighthood of Immaculate Mary by St. Maksymilian Kolbe.
I am happy that the congress was attended by so many prominent speakers and guests. I would like to thank cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz who undertake an issue important for us: ‘St. John Paul II a patron of Europe’. It is long time since we have been thinking on the fact that Europe needs a great moral authority, which would show possibilities of getting out of the crisis and show roads of the future. This man, living in the awareness of not only Poles, but also Europeans, is St. John Paul II, who often spoke on Europe and knew its realities. So, it is justified that in order to join a group of patrons of Europe. A road to it is quite long, and some procedures must be followed.
My thought with the expressions of gratitude goes towards archbishop Wacław Depo who entrusted the congress to Our Lady of Jasna Góra and to all speakers, guests and listeners, who were participating in the meetings.
I will share my impressions concerning the person of cardinal Robert Sarah, a prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Cult and Sacraments Discipline. One could notice his deep engagement in prayer and great love to Church. In this spirit there were also our talks. I had an occasion to celebrate the Holy Mass with him – every time it was a great experience for me, which aroused my great admiration and respect to him. The topic of one of the lectures by cardinal Sarah was connected with the title of his book: ‘God or nothing’. Another speech took place in the Senate of the Republic of Poland. The speaker concentrated on the modern forms of colonialism. He presented the situation of families in Africa, tempted by Europe with the gender ideology, for much financial help in return. The cardinal expressed his clear and definite opinion on the gender program – he noted that it is very dangerous for the peoples of Africa. We heard his opinion concerning the representatives of authorities speaking during a session in the Senate – he emphasized that he had not met people of such class in Europe. I was glad that he would have such an opinion about Poland. The ‘Europa Christi’ movement suggests organizing ‘Europa Christi’ clubs which could function in whole Europe. They would not be political groups but communities reminding that life of Europe is marked with the Gospel and, being as such, it can have a chance for further good development. We also suggest wandering congresses – we have already been invited to Brussels and a few cities in Poland.
It would be good if we were a sparkle which brings evangelical values to whole Europe. So many Poles emigrate to various countries to find work. They could remind inhabitants there that Europe is Christian indeed and that it is wonderful to live with God, according to the natural law and God’s law. We could be missionaries of ‘Europa Christi’ to meet the needs of time.
As a moderator of the ‘Europa Christi’ movement I am grateful to the editor-in-chief of ‘Niedziela’ Lidia Dudkiewicz who understands the significance of the problem of Europe crisis and is open to any forms of evangelization. I am grateful to bishops who are treating our actions in a friendly way. I thank archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, the metropolitan of Poznań, the chairperson of the Polish Episcopal Conference, for his valuable letter opening the congress. I am grateful to president Andrzej Duda, the prime minister Beata Szydło, the president Jarosław Kaczyński, a minister Krzysztof Jurgiel and a minister Jan Szyszko and other personages holding supreme posts for the words addressed to the participants of the congress. I would like to thank the strategic sponsor of the congress – PWPW S.A., the main sponsor – Energa Group and others who were serving with help and support in their areas. I would like to thank everybody who contributed to organizing the congress and its functioning, as well as media which made these important international meetings public.
Let’s join the ‘Europa Christi’ movement whose main thought is: ‘Christians of Europe, let’s gather together!’There are many of us. We can do a lot, but we must be in solidarity and renew our faith and love to Christ and His Church.
(AA)
„Niedziela” 45/2017