Eurojam 2014 : Speeches at the Ceremonies
Speech at the Opening Ceremony on August 3rd, 2014
Martin Hafner, Federal Commissioner
Dear Sister guide, dear Brother scout,
August 3rd, 1914: The peoples of Europe rise up against one another.
August 3rd, 2014: The guides and scouts of Europe rise their hearts together, just as St. Mary’s citadel rose with the twelve stars of Europe and the flags of the twelve sub-camps, a few minutes ago.
The founding Fathers of Europe always considered the European flag as a sign of the Virgin Mary, crowned with twelve stars. Mary shows us by her life the way to Christ. Only in Him, not in money and weapons, can mankind find peace, unity and reconciliation.
Yes, we are living a time of peace and unity in Europe. But our sisters and brothers from Ukraine can tell us how fragile peace can be. We need more reconciliation. Every day, in every heart.
This is why I declare this Eurojam to be the Eurojam of reconciliation: reconciliation with God, reconciliation with myself, and reconciliation with my sister and my brother. Reconciliation with God: Unity only exists in Christ. I invite each one of you to receive the sacrament of penance during this week. Our priests are at your disposal day and night. Reconciliation with myself: I say “Yes” to my abilities and I make them grow in the midst of this beautiful nature.
Thus reconciled, I am open to follow my call as a scout, i.e. to serve and to save my neighbour.
I greet all our guests from the Church and the State who made this Eurojam possible. You are so many that I do beg your pardon not to be able to mention you one by one. Representing the dozens of people who have helped us, I wish to give our brown scarf, the symbol of service, to two young men who are not scouts: our plumbers Nicolas and Ludovic. Only thanks to you do we now have water in our camp. Thank you.
And now, dear sisters and brothers, let’s take possession of our city in the woods. Make it an image of Heavenly Jerusalem!
I declare Eurojam 2014 in Saint-Évroult-Notre-Dame-du-Bois open!
Venite et videte!
Speech at the Closing Ceremony on August 10th, 2014
Martin Hafner, Federal Commissioner
Dear Sister guide, dear Brother scout,
in a few hours you will already be back on your way home, and Eurojam will be behind you. During this week, you have lived difficult times in the woods of Saint-Évroult-Notre-Dame-du-Bois, but also wonderful moments full of joy, friendship and reconciliation.
Today, Europe has gained 12,500 joyful and reconciled hearts. Save this heart.
Pope Francis sent us a message for Eurojam. He wrote: “You are true actors in this world, not only observers!“
Be a scout! Be a guide! Be an actor! God has called you to be that! How many of our sisters and brothers are not here because they are ill! And let’s also think about the Christians persecuted in Iraq. The Holy Father writes to us: “I invite you to pray for the happening of unity and peace in Europe and in the world.” Pray for those who are lonely, those who are persecuted! A scout is made to serve and save his neighbour.
The Eurojam of Reconciliation continues – in your heart! I send each one of you to take back to your family, your patrol, to Europe and to all the people you meet reconciliation in Christ.
Be inspired by Eurojam and renew the face of Europe!
Dear patrol leaders! Venistis, vidistis, vadite!
