In Brussels, Cardinal Parolin urges Europe to remember its Christian roots
Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula, founded in 1226 – one of the main symbols of Christian Belgium. Photo: Vatican News
The Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, speaking at the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula on the occasion of its eight-hundredth anniversary, reminded those present of Europe’s spiritual mission, Vatican News reports.
Addressing the faithful and representatives of the Belgian royal family, the cardinal stressed that the Church does not exist outside time, but “at the very heart of history”. He recalled that the Christian faith had taken root in Brussels even before the thirteenth century, when a chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael stood on the site of the present cathedral. Parolin highlighted the cathedral’s two patrons – Michael and Gudula – as symbols of spiritual vigilance and daily faithfulness.
The cardinal noted that contemporary Europe is experiencing “a period of profound fragility, marked by fears and divisions not only of a political and social nature, but also internal and cultural”.
According to him, a loss of self-confidence also poses a challenge for the Church today. The Roman Catholic cardinal said that the greatest danger lies not in numerical decline, but in a loss of relevance and in the erosion of “evangelical courage”.
As the UOJ previously reported, Parolin earlier spoke about a peace plan for Ukraine, stating that the parties would have to make compromises.
Read also
Shevchuk thanks Catholic cardinal for visit to Russia
The UGCC head called Catholic Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s visit to Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia an extremely important step.
‘Won’t find a girl better than you’: UGCC clergy dance on church porch
In Ternopil, UGCC clergy danced to a wedding song on the steps of a church and tossed candy into the crowd.
‘This is not how freedom is done’: Met. Theodosiy on secret Phanar report
The Cherkasy hierarch said the Constantinople cleric’s report on the 2018 “council” shows that the fate of “autocephaly” was determined not by the canons but by the authorities and security services.
UOC lawyer urges police to prevent provocations at upcoming court hearing
The next court hearing in the case seeking the dissolution of the UOC Kyiv Metropolia is scheduled for October 7.
UOC hierarch consecrates new bell tower at church in Behendiatska Pastil
In Transcarpathia, a vicar bishop of the Mukachevo Eparchy celebrated the Liturgy and then performed the rite of consecration of the new bell tower.
Metropolitan Onuphry calls for prayers to Mother of God for peace in Ukraine
On the feast day of the “She Who Is Quick to Hear” icon, the UOC Primate spoke of the Mother of God’s maternal care and urged the faithful to live by the laws of holiness and love.