When we talk about Europe today, we talk about economic problems, disputes, conflicts and wars. Sometimes one might think that Europe is disintegrating. ‘This danger makes the work of the Together for Europe (TfE) network, which emphasises the spiritual roots of the continent, all the more valuable,’ says a journalist who has been following the network for some time.
Influencing Peace in Europe
In April 2025, the customary meeting of the Steering Committee took place in Bratislava, Slovakia. For the first time in a Central and Eastern European country, the group was hosted by the charismatic Catholic network ENC (European network of communities). Eighteen people from seven Movements and five countries represented the European network in Bratislava, among them Margaret Karram, president of the Focolare Movement, Gerhard Pross, current TfE moderator, and other leaders from Quinta Dimensione, Vineyard, Schönstatt and various YMCAs in Germany. ‘TfE would like to be at the service for Europe. Internally we are constantly practising building unity in diversity. And through this experience TfE positively influences the commitment to peace in Europe.’ This is what was affirmed by Sr. Nicole Grochowina, Christusbruderschaft in Selbitz. And then she quoted Isaiah 43:19: ‘Behold, I do a new thing, do you not see?’
A breathtaking overview
This spirit of innovation could be felt, for example, when representatives of seven local Movements, local Christian politicians (Eduard Heger, Miriam Lexmann, Viliam Karas and Branislav Skripek) and personalities from the ecclesiastical world arrived at the meeting; among them there was the nuncio Monsignor Nicola Girasoli. In a breathtaking overview, the Movements made their charisms and commitments known, many of them in the world of youth. It was a unique opportunity for mutual acquaintance not only with TfE, but also with each other and with the political world. Slovakia, politically tried, shows great inner strength. There was a profound feeling between everyone present. The next morning, representatives of ENC Slovakia arrived with their president, Alex Myskov, and expounded the reality of their network. As TfE and ENC got to know each other better, it was evident how quickly friendship grows.
Shouting from the rooftops
‘It is more important than ever not to put the experience of TfE under the bushel, but to ‘shout it from the rooftops’. Thus Margaret Karram, to encourage the Committee for future steps. She continues: ‘TfE gives an impetus to Europe to breathe with two lungs, that is, to live the dialogue between East and West’. The plans for the future, e.g. a large meeting in 2027, will be discussed in more detail at the Meeting of the Friends of TfE from 6 to 8 November 2025 in Castel Gandolfo/Rome.
The Taizé community is ecumenically oriented and has regular prayer times in the morning, at noon and in the evening, during which the famous Taizé songs, Bible reading, shared silence and participation in communion play a central role. The 60 or so brothers invite young people from all over the world to participate in their life for a week. In fact, about a thousand Portuguese young people were in Taizé at the same time as our delegation.
Meeting
The shared reading from the book of Joel (2:12-18) led the delegation to a conversation with the prior of the community, Brother Matthew, and Brothers Richard and Andreas. The text struck the readers precisely in reference to Europe, where it says: ‘Tear your hearts and not your garments’. The appeal is addressed to all generations, that they approach God with sincere devotion and ask for his mercy. On this the group agreed. Being in contact with so many young people, the brothers of Taizé also have an insight into their fears, for which they feel an urgent need to be accompanied. Taizé is therefore undoubtedly a spiritual place for young people, where they find a listening ear and understanding.
A Bridge to link Together for Europe?
How can a bridge now be built between Taizé and TfE? The trio recognised that the Brothers’ charism and their contribution to the whole, and consequently also to Europe, lies in their closeness to young people, their fidelity to their prayers and their hospitality. Now the next steps must be identified together, starting with the friendship that has become deeper. And who knows? Perhaps in the future there will be a ‘Together for Europe’ meeting of young people in Taizé? We, together with the brothers, can certainly imagine it.
Impressions
Sister Nicole, Father Raffael and Matthias returned home happy and full of joy. ‘Besides the meeting with the Taizé brothers, these days brought us closer to each other – we are among the youngest in our Steering Committee. We need such experiences. The trips we make together and the meetings with the different Movements we visit make us realise: ‘Together in Europe is alive and we go on together!’
The prophet Jeremiah had a clear idea of what it means to seek good in the environment in which we live and dwell. He knew that God’s people prosper when they do not shut themselves off, but put themselves at the service of society. In this way it creates space for life and hope for future generations.
We have been experiencing for years that God wants to gather his people. We are aware that the gift-charism that He has given to each Movement and Community is destined to be ‘light and salt’ in the society in which we live. In the midst of the profound crisis that we are experiencing today, let us seek together ‘the Good’ in the challenges and possibilities of our time.
The initiative in Munich is meant to be an experience of friendship and inspiration. Together we want to celebrate God and live in unity and reconciliation. TOGETHER FOR EUROPE.
On Friday 27 June, the idea of ‘TOGETHER’ will be further explored: there will be a guided tour of the city, followed by a snack and an evening programme.
Saturday 28 June it is the turn to have a closer look at ‘FOR’: An in-depth study of the text of Jeremiah 29:7 will be followed by moments of exchange. In the afternoon there will be thematic groups: prayer for the city, social initiatives, youth, marriage and family, spreading the Gospel, migration and others. The evening will come to an end with a moment of praise.
Sunday, 29 June will be dedicated to ‘EUROPE’ with an ecumenical celebration.
For more information and booking see the national website: www.miteinander-wie-sonst.org. The event will be in German, and no translations shall be provided.
