On 28 September, at 12.30 a direct Internet link-up marked the conclusion of the work of the General Assembly of the Focolare. Everyone sets out with a commitment to live as “world men and women,” a phrase first used by Chiara Lubich and recalled by Pope Francis during the audience on 26 September: “Men and women with the soul, the heart and the mind of Jesus and because of this able to recognize and interpret the needs, concerns and hopes that dwell in the heart of every man and woman.” The exchange during the audience with the Christians of various Churches and people of no religious convictions present had been warm and open.

His message to the Focolare found great resonance in the 494 representatives of 137 countries: and indeed in clear consonance with the conclusions to which the 2014 General Assembly had arrived after three weeks of intense work – beginning with more than 3000 proposals coming from around the world – and summarized in the guidelines that will direct the work of the Movement over the next six years.

The focus of Francis’ speech was concentrated on three words: contemplate (“immersed in the crowd, shoulder to shoulder,” quoting a thought of Chiara Lubich), go out and educate, accompanied by a strong call to generosity, creativity and the art of dialogue, “that cannot be learned cheaply.”

And there are also three words contained in the title of the guidelines issued by the Assembly: go out, together, properly prepared. These guidelines, which also have the specific aim of the Focolare in its title “That all may be one”, will be applied by the Focolare community spread throughout the world, according to the practical needs and the specific requirements of each geographical region.

See also: Contemplate, go out, educate: Francis’ 3 words to the Focolare

Interview with Maria Voce and Jesús Morán

Focolare Assembly: a visible journey of unity

Documentation of the Assembly

 

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