Conference to discuss evangelization on ‘old’ continent

Madrid, Spain, Feb 20, 2007 / 08:02 am

A Catholic Action conference next month in Madrid will consider the future of Europe and of Christianity on the “old continent.”

The 4th Europe-Mediterranean Meeting of the Catholic Action International Forum will be held March 1-4. The theme is “Where is Europe Heading? Christians, value and hope for the future.”

The aim of the forum — in keeping with the guidelines offered in the apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Europe — is to identify what needs to be done in view of the evangelization in Europe at the beginning of the third Christian millennium, highlighting Christian values as a constitutive and constituent part of European culture for a more human future, reported Fides.

The purpose of the meeting is to:
•    sensitize national and diocesan Catholic Action groups to collect and share existing experiences in their respective realities
•    to foster reflection on formation of consciences and witness of lay Christian citizens of Europe
•    to promote and sustain the participation of young people
•    to underline the value of the Catholic Action for the life of the Church and of society.

Participants will come from western and eastern Europe. The work of discussion, reflection and prayer will lead to the drafting of a final document.

The meeting will include a pilgrimage to Avila at the school of Saint Teresa, great mystic, founder, reformer and pilgrim.