A citadel surrounded by green

35 kilometers from Paris stands the newly begun citadel of the Focolare in France. It is surrounded by greenery, in the Parco d’ Arny (Bruyeres-le-Chatel). The population is quite diverse in this area, made up of just over a million people. It is a rural setting, endowed with high tech industry,

The cathedral, mosque, and large pagoda, give an idea of the religious diversity of population. Bishop Dubost, the local bishop, met Chiara Lubich personally during the Synod in Rome; and now he was warmly welcoming Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti. For the bishop, the citadel is a “chance” for the diocese, and he hopes that these “spaces of life” that testify to the love of God increase and multiply. He underscored the cultural importance of having the Nouvelle Cité Publishers in the region.

The day continued with a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of Notre Dame, which is the spiritual center of the capital.

In the evening there was a meeting for young people in a very familial atmosphere. Maria and Giancarlo were flooded with questions: How do you live in a society where time is such a rare thing? Maria Voce responded: “Have the freedom of someone who knows that she is loved by God and act accordingly.” And, after stressing the importance of having respect for everyone, whatever their beliefs, she encouraged the youths to live in the freedom of the children of God who push ahead and dare to take risks, and are open to whatever the future may hold.

On the next day, May 12, they visited every corner of the citadel. After visiting the town of Bruyeres-le-Chatel where they admired the magnificent 11th century Church of St Didier, Maria Voce and Giancarlo began their tour with a cup of hot coffee at the “guardian’s house” where there are two flats which have been renovated to accommodate guests. From there they went on to the “main house” which houses the women’s focolare and a family that moved to the new citadel.

They continued their tour visiting the premises of Nouvelle Cité Publisheres: typography, editing, local administration and shipping. Maria Voce speaks French very well and so the meeting with the employees was very spontaneous and direct.

At the conclusion of the visit, the president of the Focolare strongly affirmed her certainty: The Focolare town of Arny should be a showcase, an “expo” of God, not so much because of the buildings but through the witness of mutual love which you live, and which must shine beyond France. Now beyond the gloom of the day, another sun is shining, especially for the people involved in this promising project of our newly born citadel.