Thursday 20 - Saturday 22 March 2025

Rooted Principles, Stronger Future: The Heritage of Saint Benedict in the Values of European Conservatism

On Thursday and Friday 20 and 21 March 2025 in Subiaco, Italy—a place of deep spiritual and cultural significance for Europe—ECR MEPs will gather for the event “Rooted Principles, Stronger Future: The Heritage of Saint Benedict in the Values of European Conservatism” to discuss and reaffirm the core values of their political family.

Subiaco is home to the Sanctuary of the Sacro Speco (Holy Cave), one of the most significant places of Benedictine spirituality dating back almost a thousand years.

The Benedictine monks were the first to understand the importance of the preservation and transmission of knowledge. Via the official “Rule”, in their scriptoria, the monks copied sacred and profane texts by hand, thus providing an essential contribution to the preservation and spread of European culture and heritage.

During the two-day event, ECR MEPs will take part in the yearly town celebrations in honour of Benedict, Saint Patron of Europe.

On the morning of Friday 21 March, the main day of the celebrations, the ECR Group will welcome former ECR Co-Chair, Professor Ryszard Legutko, for a lectio magistralis on the topic of European identity.

In a time when Europe’s cultural and intellectual foundations are increasingly challenged by radical ideological movements, the ECR Group will stand strong in reaffirming the enduring values that have shaped European civilization.

Programme:

Thursday, 20 March

• 17:00: Celebration of the Holy Mass at the Sacro Speco of Subiaco, with the traditional coronation of the statue of Saint Benedict.

Friday, 21 March

• 11:00: ECR Conference at Teatro Narzio

o Opening remarks by Antonella Sberna, Vice President of the European Parliament

o Lectio Magistralis by Prof. Ryszard Legutko, philosopher and former Co-President of the ECR group.

o Roundtable discussion with Members of the European Parliament.

• 16:00 - 19:30: Solemn celebrations in honour of Saint Benedict, Patron of Europe.

o Procession of the Patron Saint through the town’s streets, starting from the Basilica of Saint Andrew the Apostle, followed by a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration.

o Performance by local marching bands.

o Institutional moment with representatives of the Italian Government, the Italian and European Parliaments, and local authorities, including a message by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.