03/03/2022
European Sunday Alliance Joint Statement on the European Day for a Work Free-Sunday (EN)
Archives
Press Release
ESA calls EU leaders to establish a European weekly common day of rest
The European Sunday Alliance calls on political leaders to establish a European weekly common day of rest. “It strengthens the social cohesion of our communities, and it is indispensable to recover and to ensure both a better wellbeing and productivity of workers”, says the Alliance in a statement released on Wednesday 3 March 2022. Download the Statement On the occasion of the International Day for … Continue reading
Press Release
Bratislava, 17-20 March: European Catholic Social Days
The 3rd edition of the European Catholic Social Days will be held on 17-20 March 2022 in Bratislava. The event aims to promote dialogue on social justice within the Church and among Europeans in a context marked by demographic imbalances, technological disruption and ecological injustices. Journalists can now request accreditation. The initiative will gather 200 delegates from every corner of Europe. Participants will include Church … Continue reading
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
24/02/2022
Cardinal Hollerich’s statement on the situation in Ukraine and in Europe (EN)
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
22/02/2022
COMECE Internship Programme on Social & Economic Affairs and Youth (EN)
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
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
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