In celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the Holy See, the European Union hosted the Iter Europaeum project in Rome from 9 May to 27 June. It is a pilgrimage and a walkway where each country chooses a church to which it is particularly attached for historical reasons or because of the links with their community in Rome.
The Iter Europaeum is a project of the EU Delegation, in collaboration with the EU Member States’ Embassies accredited to the Holy See. On 9 May 2021 in the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, a Holy Mass was celebrated by H.E. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Vicar General of His Holiness. Mr Egils Levits, President of Latvia, was present.
The launch also coincided with Europe Day, celebrated every year on 9 May and dedicated to Robert Schuman, the main architect of the agreement that led to the establishment of the European Communities in 1957.
The Holy Mass, celebrated at 12:00 on 9 May by H.E. Cardinal De Donatis, was followed by a visit to the nearby Basilica of Santi Quattro Coronati selected by Latvia. The walkway also continued with a visit to the Basilica of Saint Clement, chosen by Czechia, and concluded at the nearby Hungarian Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio.
On each Sunday, there were liturgical celebrations, concerts and guided tours at the selected churches and basilicas. Due to the restrictions in place to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, participation on Sundays were by invitation only. All media were invited to participate.
More details can be retrieved with the map and guidebook on www.itereuropaeum.eu. In the churches, visitors can also find signs explaining the history of the relationship of the Member State and the Holy See, as well as, with the selected church. The signs will remain on display for several months.
(Photos: Thanksgiving Mass at the closing of project Iter Europaeum)
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