23/2/2007 -
Italy - Humanism and the Christian Roots of Europe
(ANS – Rome: 23 February 2007) - Yesterday afternoon at the “Auxilium” Pontifical Faculty of Education the Hon. Marcello Pera, Senator of the Italian Republic gave a Conference on the subject “Humanism and the Christian Roots of Europe.” The event, held on the day dedicated to the Holy Father, was one of a series promoted by the Faculty in the context of the ongoing programme “Ways of education to the faith” which this year has the theme: “Discovering the beauty of believing.” Senator Pera began analysing some of the signs which indicate a crisis in the identity of Europe, which no longer recognises its Judeo-Christian roots. The conflict which followed 11 September 2001, immigration, the evolution of modern science and technology are challenges for Europe and contribute to increasing the crisis which is troubling it within and without. These situations and their consequences demand that we reflect on our identity. We need to overcome the dictatorship of secularism and relativism and recognise that Christianity is at the roots of Europe and in this way rediscover our identity and re-establish a genuine dialogue with other cultures. Among those present were Sr. Yvonne Reungoat, Vicar General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The conference was followed by comments and questions from those present - students, teachers and friends of the Faculty – and an appeal from the Senator, addressed particularly to the young, to reflect and to discuss in order to understand “who we are” and “the values we believe in.” It is the future of Europe that is at stake.
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