Archives

Press

Invitation

Ash Wednesday and prayer for Peace for Ukraine

Following Pope Francis’s appeal “to everyone, believers and non-believers alike”, to make March 2 – Ash Wednesday – “a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine”, COMECE, CEC, the Finnish Seamen’s Mission and the Chapel for Europe invite you to join one Ash Wednesday celebration in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The event will take place at the Chapel for Europe, Rue … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Statement

Cardinal Hollerich’s statement on the situation in Ukraine and in Europe

I am deeply worried by the latest reports of escalating military actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, opening up the alarming scenario of an armed conflict causing horrific human suffering, death and destruction. Today, peace on the whole European continent and beyond is facing a serious threat. On behalf of the Bishops of COMECE, I wish to reiterate our fraternal closeness and solidarity with the people … Continue reading »

Christian ARTworks month by month, Policy Areas

Germany

The Golden Madonna (Diocese of Essen)

The Golden Madonna, representing Mary with Jesus, is the embodiment of the Patron Saint of the German Diocese of Essen, where it is nowadays conserved. The miraculous statue, sculpted around 980 AD, was the most important Marian icon for the canonesses and sisters of the Essen Abbey, venerated for centuries and brought in processions. The statue is carved in poplar wood and covered with 116 … Continue reading »

Christian ARTworks month by month

The Netherlands

Saint Willibrord by Albert Termote (Archdiocese of Utrecht)

The bronze statue of Saint Willibrord can be seen today in the Archdiocese of Utrecht (The Netherlands), close to the Domplein. The statue is a symbol of the devotion of the faithful to Saint Willibrord, the missionary-bishop who evangelised many areas of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Denmark in the 6th century. Born in England in the 7th century, Willibrord took his vows as … Continue reading »

Christian ARTworks month by month

Portugal

Saint James the Greater by Dieric Bouts (Diocese of Funchal)

The Diocese of Funchal (Portugal) was founded 506 years ago and its history mixes with that of the archipelago of Madeira itself, rediscovered in 1418 and marked since then by Christian cultural heritage, identifiable in the different tangible and intangible cultural expressions of the area. The painting represents Saint James the Greater and is attributed to Dieric Bouts, a painter of the Flemish School, in … Continue reading »

Christian ARTworks month by month

Belgium

Madonna and Child by Michelangelo (Diocese of Bruges)

The Madonna with Child was sculpted by Michelangelo Buonarroti in 1504-1505. The Virgin Mary is represented as a young mother with the Infant Jesus, who is resting upright against her knee, both figures showcasing a serene expression. The marble statue was bought in Italy by Jan Mouscron, a scion of a wealthy Bruges-based family of cloth traders and shortly later gifted to the church. The … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE welcomes EU financial assistance to Ukraine

Following Cardinal Hollerich’s statement on the ongoing tensions at EU’s Eastern border, COMECE welcomes the adoption by the EU of €1.2 billion assistance to Ukraine to provide swift support in a situation of acute crisis and to strengthen the country’s resilience. The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomes the EU’s approval of an emergency macro-financial assistance operation of €1.2 billion … Continue reading »

Press

News

Job opportunity: COMECE internship programme

COMECE is looking for a young intern to assist its policy adviser on Social, Economic and Youth EU policies. It is a full-time paid internship taking place at the COMECE Secretariat, Brussels, from April to July 2022. COMECE offers internships for persons with a keen interest in the mission of the Catholic Church in Europe who want to improve their understanding of the EU policy … Continue reading »