Africa, the Middle East was the cradle of great civilizations and 3 monotheistic religions. For thousands of years these lands held a very noticeable influence on Asia Minor and the European Mediterranean. Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Hittites, Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Arabs and Turks have let an indelible mark through their culture, art and religions. Judaism, Christianity and Islam were begun in this region, and it was here in Jerusalem that their holy city is found.

November 27, 1999 in Jordan is a day that will forever remain an unforgettable day for the members of the Focolare in these lands. Founder Chiara Lubich visited the Middle East and met some thousand members of the Focolare in Amman. They came from more than 20 countries (from the Middle East and beyond), some travelling over 20 hours by bus, others in airplanes, and overcoming impossible obstacles. A thousand people representing the more than 25,000 people who belong to the Movement in those lands. On that occasion, Chiara said to the crowd: “It’s wonderful to be with you. We are many peoples, but in this hall we are one.”

Two days later, on November 29, during the 7th Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP), which was held in Amman, during her speech, Chiara Lubich presented the “Art of Loving” including the aspect of loving everyone without distinction, taking the initiative in loving, putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and remembering that every human being has made in the image and likeness o God. She offered as an effective way of building peace among individuals and peoples.

On August 28, 2013, the current president and co-president of the Focolare, Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti, are expected to meet with the Focolare community in Jordan. Their visit will last through September 1, 2013 and is seen as an important and delicate encounter, considering the latest painful events in that region, especially in Egypt.

At the WCRP Assembly in 1999, Chiara Lubich had stated: “We are here today because we believe that in spite of everything,, peace is still possible. In fact it is the only path for a future that is worthy of the highest human values.” Perhaps these words are the key or understanding the upcoming visit of the Focolare president in Jordan.

16 Comments

  • Carissimi: Emmaus e Giancarlo,
    Siamo con voi in questo importante viaggio per il mondo arabo, ma anche per il MONDO INTERO (siamo la Famiglia di Dio), molto bello il vero testimonio vostro di amore alle nostre “Frontiere” ed anche per il momento perche passa il mondo riguardo al Grido di Pace in Terra. Viviamo con voi questo viaggio nel dilagare nel mondo la cultura del dialogo. Qui siamo all’unisono con voi nel seguire l’apello del Papa, in vista della comunione planetaria, che genera pace vera

  • We from the New Jersey communities of the Focolare Movement are praying for the success of your meetings to bring peace and unity to the Middle East. Love is the answer to offer to make this a better world.
    May God be with you. In unity an love. Your New Jersey brethren s . 1 Jim & Mary Jane Milway

  • Carissimi Emmaus e Giancarlo,
    vi seguo ogni giorno nel vostro viaggio con la preghiera che estendo anche a tutti quelli che stanno vivendo momenti tragici nel Medio Oriente! Monica

  • Carissimi Emmaus e Giancarlo,

    Offro tutto per il vostro viaggio e per la pace in quelle terre
    così sofferenti.
    Assicuro le mie preghiere, certa che Dio donerà
    tanta gioia e pace alle comunità del Movimento del Medio Oriente.

    Un caro saluto a tutti.

    Maria Pia, della Svizzera

  • Dear Emmaus and Giancarlo,

    I am with you with much prayers as you go to be with the people in these suffering countries.

    Nilda Salud

  • Questo viaggio di Emmaus e Giancarlo sarà un dono particolare per tutti noi del Medio Oriente, sopprattuto per il momento particolare in cui i nostri paesi stanno attraversando.
    أهلا و سهلا بكم
    Benvenuti!

    • Ciao, Emmaus e Giancarlo,
      Sono com voi nelle parole di Chiara nella Assemblea della WCRP in ’99: “Siamo qui perché siamo convinti…!”

      • Carissimi Emmaus e Giancarlo,
        il vostro viaggio è proprio quel balsamo di cui il Medio Oriente ha bisogno. Siamo con voi perché lo siate: come espressione di tutto il nostro amore e della nostra preghiera.

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