'Ours is a time of Discernment'


Pope Francis addresses EU leaders on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and the foundation of the modern day European Union.

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Pope Francis pictured with EU leaders in the Vatican on 24th March 2017. Image courtesy of www.express.co.uk.

Pope Francis hosted European leaders at Sala Regia in the Vatican on March 24th - the eve of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957 which later paved the way for the modern day European Union (EU). In his address, the pontiff reflected on how the European Union came into being 'in the spirit of service,' following 'the dark years and the bloodshed of the Second World War,' and that the then leaders 'had faith in the possibility of a better future.'

Following on from the war-time crisis, Pope Francis centred on current crises which have enveloped recent EU meetings of EU which include issues such as Brexit and immigration. He reflected on the word 'crisis' and emphasised its positive connotations:

"...the term 'crisis' is not necessarily negative.  It does not simply indicate a painful moment to be endured.  The word “crisis” has its origin in the Greek verb kríno, which means to discern, to weigh, to assess.  Ours is a time of discernment, one that invites us to determine what is essential and to build on it.  It is a time of challenge and opportunity."

The pontiff went on to outline key values for the future European project which included:

  • being more human centered as an insititution;
  • the importance of solidarity over populism;
  • an openness to the outside world, enhancing the capacity of 'dialogue as a form of encounter';
  • the betterment of life for all citizens which will bring about true peace;
  • embracing the future by supporting young people, families and defending life in 'all its scaredness'.

 

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Graduates of the OLA Vocational Training Centre in Bugisi, Tanzania.

The OLA Sisters have a presence in four European countries - France, Holland, Ireland and Italy. The betterment of life, especially that of the woman - the mainstay of the family, is an essential part of the OLA mission. This is achieved through quality education and healthcare across our mission areas.

 

Click here to read Pope Francis' address in full.

Click here for more on the OLA presence worldwide and here for more on our work to support women.