MUNICH, Germany, JAN. 28, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The bishops of Europe are meeting with Holy See representatives to strategize about pastoral work in universities.
This four-day congress in Munich on «Formation, Education and the Gospel: Perspectives for University Pastoral Work in Europe» ends Sunday.
The congress, organized by the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), has drawn together 60 delegates from various countries as well as representatives from the Congregation for Catholic Education and the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers.
A CCEE communiqué explained that the meeting’s objective is to «gather and evaluate the experiences of the past and reflect on the means and priority areas for future collaboration over university pastoral work in Europe.»
The participants will also consider «the many changes brought about by the Bologna Process, a reform which sanctioned the harmonization of systems of higher education at the European level and had numerous consequences for the work of the Church in universities in Europe.»
Some of the questions that the congress will address are: «Is it possible to live a faith experience in between courses and exams? Who are the protagonists in the Church’s pastoral service in this sphere?»
As well, participants will discuss the areas where «lived faith and theological reflection succeed in entering into a living dialogue with scientific reflection.»
Those gathered will have times of prayer and shared liturgies. On Saturday, they will visit the monument to members of the White Rose Group, an organization of German Christian students who opposed the Nazi regime in a nonviolent way.
