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Philippines: Interfaith Harmony Week

Philippines: Interfaith Harmony Week

Apr 11, 2016 | Focolare Worldwide

World Interfaith Harmony Week

Breakfast Dialogue with Cardinal Tagle opens 2016 World Interfaith Harmony Week. Photo: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila

“Love, Mercy and Compassion as Wellsprings of Peace and Hope” was the central theme of the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2016 (1- 7 February). The event acquired a special significance in the Philippines due to the support given by Card. Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila. In fact, it was the Cardinal who commenced the week-long celebration by hosting a breakfast dialogue with various religious leaders, key government officials and the diplomatic corps. It was an occasion for different religions to come together and know each other, and engage in dialogue. From this perspective of sharing, through forums and round table discussions, various topics were reflected on during the week, including climate change. For many of the participants in this program – of which the Focolare was tasked with coordinating the preparation of the interfaith aspect – it was getting to know the many facets and arduous challenges that this problem presents.  They expressed a great interest in the proposals regarding the role that governments, but also each one of us, can play to safeguard the environment. 20160411A joint symposium on Mary in the Bible and Mariam in Quran also proved to be quite interesting. The unanimous conclusion: Mary, woman of love, mercy and compassion, is a mother for all Christians and Muslims.  Another significant event saw the attendance of 80 cancer patients and survivors. The opening remarks were based on the spirituality of Chiara Lubich. At the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Buddhist Temple the awards ceremony of a digital poster-making contest took place. It was organized with the Buddhist International Association – Manila, on the theme “Creating Peace and Hope through Acts of Goodness”.
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At Sulyap ng Pag-asa Housing Project

An activity was also organized in Quezon City, Metro Manila, where, for some years now, Sulyap ng Pag-asa (Glimpse of Hope) is found. It is a housing project of the Focolare undertaken for the purpose of providing housing to homeless families. Here some 90 Christian and Muslim children spent an exciting afternoon together, with songs, dances and games which helped them understand how to build fraternity despite differences in culture and religion. The culminating activity of the week-long celebration was the Festival of Harmony held in a big shopping mall in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. It attracted an extraordinary participation indeed. Cardinal Tagle and the participants in the breakfast dialogue were joined by other institutional dignitaries, by people who had participated in the various events during the week, by ordinary people.  After highlighting mutual cooperation between the government and the religious sectors in promoting religious freedom, dialogue and peace, the program continued with musical numbers from the youth and children of various faith groups. A young member of the Focolare introduced a choreography and said: “To attain love, mercy and compassion as wellsprings of peace, there is the need to overcome diversities, … and to be united for peace and harmony.”  With other children of different religions, a girl was chosen to speak in the name of the Roman Catholic Church. She said: “To me, peace is harmony and love. When God created the world, everything was fine. There was balance and harmony with the plants and animals. When man came, it was okay for a while until he became greedy. He cut down trees, flattened mountains and now cement is everywhere! Animals became extinct. There is no more balance and harmony. I dream of harmony in nature. I dream of no war.” Cardinal Tagle’s concluding remarks were an emotional one. Clearly touched and grateful to the children who spoke, he cited all the various talks making the different subjects his own.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teamVMfAoKw

Mercy means love towards everyone

Mercy means love towards everyone

Apr 10, 2016 | Non categorizzato

maxresdefault2“While realizing that the foundation of the Gospel is charity… we did not immediately understand how to live it, nor with whom, nor to what degree we were to put it into practice. At the beginning, due mainly to the distressing circumstances of the war, we directed our love toward the poor. We were convinced that in those gaunt and, at times, repulsive faces, we could make out the face of the Lord. It was a real training. We were not accustomed to loving supernaturally. At most, we cared about our relatives or our friends in a spirit of warm respect or in a purely natural and healthy friendship. Now, under the impulse of grace, trusting in God and in his Providence which cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, we addressed our attention to all the poor of the city. We invited them to our houses, to eat at our table…  (…) When we could not receive them in our home, we arranged to meet them somewhere, and we gave them whatever we had managed to put together. We visited them in their dismal shacks and we comforted them and offered them medicines. The poor were truly the object of our love because for them and through them we could love Jesus. They became the concern also of those who had been attracted by our common ideal. As the community grew around the initial nucleus of the focolarine, the possibilities of helping, of assisting whoever suffered grew. And it was quite a sight to see tons of food, clothing and medicine arrive; it was an unusual abundance which, considering that we were in the last years of the war, clearly made the special intervention of divine Providence obvious to anyone. (…) These are small events which happen to whoever, being a follower of Jesus, experiences ‘Ask and it will be given to you’ (Mt 7:7). Nevertheless, they never ceased to amaze us. At the same time, we were encouraged by other extraordinary events experienced by our great brothers and sisters who had preceded us and who also knew—at a time when they were not yet saints—the difficulties encountered in the ascent to God, in the process of thawing the hardened human personality by the fire of Divine Love. Hadn’t Saint Catherine, in her love for the poor, given to one her mantle and to another the cross on her rosary? And hadn’t Jesus appeared to her in a vision the following nights to thank her for the gifts she had given to him in the poor? And didn’t St. Francis give away his cloak to the poor some thirty times? Surely, then, it was no great sacrifice for us to take off our gloves in the winter and offer them to somebody who needed to beg for hours out in the cold just to survive (…) Yet, in spite of everyone’s great generosity (…) it became clear that perhaps this was not the immediate goal for which the Lord had urged us to love in a concrete way. It was only later that we seemed to understand the Lord had urged us in this direction also for an intention of his own: it is in love and through the practice of love that one can better comprehend the things of heaven, and that God can more easily enlighten our souls. It was probably because of this concrete love that later on we understood that we didn’t have to turn only towards the poor but towards everyone indiscriminately. No doubt there were people who needed to be fed, to be given drink, to be clothed, but also those who needed to be educated, advised, put up with, or who were in need of our prayers…. The corporal and spiritual works of mercy opened up before us. Furthermore, they were the precise questions that the Judge of our lives would ask in order to decide our eternity. This thought immersed us in adoration considering the infinite love of Jesus who had revealed them to us when he came on earth so as to make it easier for us to get into heaven. (…) God was not asking us only to love the poor, but each and every neighbour, whoever they were, as we love ourselves. So if we came across someone who was weeping, we tried to weep with him and their cross was lightened. If someone rejoiced we rejoiced with them, and the joy was all the greater. ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep’ (Rom 12:15).” Chiara Lubich, May they all be one, New City Press, NY, 1984, pp.44-48.

In Ecuador, a festival of peace in the middle of the world

In Ecuador, a festival of peace in the middle of the world

Apr 9, 2016 | Focolare Worldwide

SMU2016_02The centre of the 2016 United World Week will be Ecuador where interculturalism, peace and unity in diversity will be celebrated. Events will include opportunities to know and be enriched by the diversity of ethnic cultures in the country. The title of the event is: “LINK CULTURES – Un Camino para la Paz (A Path For Peace), and the overriding theme will be interculturalism that translates into dialogue with different ethnic cultures and recognises their dignity which makes us equals. The event will involve young people from many South American and European countries.   Ecuador is strategically situated in the middle of the world. It has a population of some 15 million people and is divided into four main regions: the coastal lowlands, La Sierra, the East and the Galapagos Islands. The country is internationally known for the huge biodiversity, as well as for the multiculturalism of the population. Since 2008 the Ecuadoran Constitution has included interculturalism and multi-nationality and the defence of these characteristic features of the country, as well as the defence and promotion of “Sumak kawsay” (in the indigenous kichwa language, ‘good living’ in harmony with nature) and the rights of nature. UWW 2016 will have two parts. It will begin with a “traveling school” (May 1 – May 6) during which young people will visit several regions of Ecuador to have a living experience of interculturalism in the midst of different communities of the country. They will live and work amongst the local people, becoming more deeply acquainted with life in the South American land. The young people will choose between: Costa-La Sierra and Oriente-La Sierra. The former includes the provinces of Esmeraldas and Imbabura where the young people will have direct contact with the Gualapuro, Agato and Peguche communities. The latter includes the provinces of Pastaza, Tungurahua and Bolicar where they will meet the Shiwacocha, Kisapincha, Salasaka and Bolivar communities. Each stop is meant to be an opportunity to build relationships at different levels: with nature, with others and with themselves. Thus, the young people and the local people will be protagonists of real, true laboratories of community living in which they will be able to share, to learn, to experience and to become living witnesses to an exchange of gifts amongst different cultures. SMU2016_01The second part (May 7) will be a Festival For Peace in the tourist region known as The Middle of the World, an Ecuadoran icon that is internationally famous. It will be a large event that will engage young people from many cultures, faiths and walks of life. The goal is to highlight fraternity in an intercultural context and to commit to living peace and unity in respect for differences, through the practice of the Golden Rule that invites us to “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” The Young For Unity in Ecuador is also promoting two contests, one for music and another for photography. They have high dreams of beginning a permanent Peace School. Simultaneous events will take place in other cities of the world during United World Week 2016, which will be led by the young peacemakers. Information: info@mundounido2016.com Official website: www.mundounido2016.com

2016 United World Week and Run4Unity

2016 United World Week and Run4Unity

Apr 8, 2016 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmnzghp0ghg&feature=youtu.be This year, the annual event promoted by the youth of the Focolare, which aims to involve the greatest number of people and institutions in the journey towards peace, will be centered in Quito, Ecuador. Intercultural dialogue will be the theme of the youth meeting to be held at the so-called “Other end of the world,” where one foot can be set on the aurora borealis hemisphere and the other on the austral hemisphere. Days of dialogue will ensue among youth of different cultures, along with working and sharing groups, and community tourism surrounded by verdant nature. All the information on the Ecuador programme can be found on www.mundounido2016.com. “Link Cultures – un camino para la paz” is the title that all the fraternal initiatives will have in common, to be held simultaneously throughout the world, uniting generations and cultures in a sole workshop, and can be traced through the hashtag #4peace. SMU_Run4UnitySome historical data. May ’95, the Genfest – a big world event of the Youth for a United World – ended with the launching of the United World Week (UWW): to contribute to the building of peaceful relationships of coexistence among different cultures and peoples, while respecting the identity of each community. A proposal to the public or private, national and international institutions, to highlight and uphold the initiatives that promote unity at every level, the UWW is an integral part of the United World Project. Twenty years after that historic event: a multitude of initiatives of the youth, adolescents and adults, were launched in these editions of the UWW that progressively became known to the general public, the mass media, and institutions worldwide. At all points of the planet, people were strongly attracted to the aim of convincing the world that “this is the time for brotherhood.” In 2010, a global link-up from Hungary paved the way to the UWW. In the 2011 edition the global streaming instead started from the small town of Sassello (Italy), hometown of Chiara Luce Badano, a young member of the Focolare who died in 1990 and was beatified in 2010. The UWW of 2012 preceded the Genfest held in Budapest (12,000 youth in the Sports Arena and 500,000 in a live streaming through the social networks). In 2013 the event was broadcasted from Jerusalem: 120 youth of 25 countries, Muslims, Christians and Jews, lived a strong experience of fraternity, which became a lifelong action plan for the country’s future. The “focus” of the United World Week 2014 was Nairobi, with the reciprocity construction site, “Sharing with Africa,” and the UWW 2015 entitled “Fabric, Flavour, Festival – discovering fraternity” that developed the theme of dialogue at all latitudes. The central event was enlivened by the Youth for a United World of Mumbay, India with the youth of the Hindu Shanti Ashram movement, an ulterior sign of how these events unite different peoples and religions. 20160408-01Run4Unity – Another novelty for this year is the involvement of the children: the world sports event Run4Unity, a relay race for peace which in the previous editions saw the participation of thousands of adolescents, from now on will be held annually as part of the United World Week. Run4Unity 2016 will take place on 8 May. The Youth for a United World hope that this international and travelling expo, now on its 20th year, will be recognised by the UN. The initiatives to be carried out throughout the year, and on which the United World Week will spotlight, are contained in the United World Project platform.

Palestinian territories: “trying at least not to hate.”

Palestinian territories: “trying at least not to hate.”

Apr 7, 2016 | Focolare Worldwide

20160407-01Nasri studied in Milan (Italy), to then specialise in Urban Sciences in Venice. Upon returning to his homeland 20 years ago, he was introduced to the Focolare Movement. According to him, this meeting changed his life. He now has three daughters who are 17, 15 and 13 years old. We met him on the occasion of the international OnCity, on public heritage assets (Castel Gandolfo 1-3 April). What challenges do you have to face daily in your homeland? “I work in the constructions sector. For political reasons we have a hard time renewing the 1970 town planning schemes. To open a new road or modify a route, we need permits, but the Israeli military authorities refuse to issue them.” Is it really possible to “love your enemy?” “It is not easy to be a real Christian in Palestine. In this sector the real enemy is the Israeli military authority, not the Jews! I respect the Jewish religion because we are all brothers, sons of God. But how can I love an Israeli soldier who kills me? And destroys our cities? Who occupies our territory? How can I live Christianity? I tried to discuss this with other Christians. I understood that if we are unable to love, we can at least try not to hate, and slowly, love will come. I stuck the words “do not hate” in my mind and heart and started to live them in my world. They have often been of help, for example, in smiling at a soldier, especially at the check point, since unfortunately, we Palestinians cannot move around freely. We are surrounded, like in a prison. Once, a captain asked me why I had smiled at him, though I was a Palestinian Arab. I answered: Jesus said “we have to love everyone,” and I love you. He was impressed, and did not know what to say. He let me pass without checking me too much! Love exists, also in the heart of the Israeli occupiers as in the heart of every human being on earth. I do not blame them, because they are soldiers and have to obey orders. We leave the conflicts to the governments, and we as peoples can live together. But the youth find this difficult to accept, especially today where through the internet they see how the world is outside Palestine.” How do you manage with the Focolare Movement in the Holy Land? “I am a volunteer and active in the New Families. We promote activities in the various churches with the Christian Community in Bethlehem. I am a Greek-Orthodox and my wife is Catholic. We go to those in need: the elderly, abandoned children or the mentally ill who need to be loved. We try to do our best…” Are there Jews among those who are in contact with the Movement? “Many Jewish families are friends of ours. We hold meetings together. One of my daughters plays soccer. Through the Peres Center for Peace her team, along with the Israeli team, was invited by the Real Madrid. This was her first contact with Jewish peers, and it was a new experience. When she returned she said:  «All the Jewish players are my friends.» We keep in touch also with many Muslim families:  in Palestine, 99% are Muslim, and 1% is Christian. As members of the Focolare Movement, we have a very good relationship with the Muslims and also  the Jews. This proves that it is possible to live together.” If you could give a m”ssage to the world, what do you desire most for your land? «Please remember us. There are Christian Palestinians who are suffering. We once formed 10% of the population, but the emigration of Christian Families has increased a lot. I fear that one day, there will not even be a Christian. Help us to solve this Palestinian problem. If peace is created in the Middle East, there will be peace for the whole world. We know what God’s will is, but we also need the will of human beings. It is a strategic point, rich in spirituality. We only need unity. If unity exists among these three religions, the Middle East would be in peace and be a model. This is the only message I want to give: let us live the words of Jesus to create peace and love, because we really need it.” Maria Chiara De Lorenzo

Ecuador: LINK CULTURES – Un Camino para la Paz (A Path For Peace)

Apr 6, 2016 | Focolare Worldwide

It will begin with a “Traveling school” (May 1 – May 6) during which young people will visit several regions of Ecuador to have a living experience of interculturalism in the midst of different communities of the country. They will live and work amongst the local people, becoming more deeply acquainted with life in the South American land. The young people will choose between: Costa-La Sierra and Oriente-La Sierra. The former includes the provinces of Esmeraldas and Imbabura where the young people will have direct contact with the Gualapuro, Agato and Peguche communities. The latter includes the provinces of Pastaza, Tungurahua and Bolicar where they will meet the Shiwacocha, Kisapincha, Salasaka and Bolivar communities. Each stop is meant to be an opportunity to build relationships at different levels: with nature, with others and with themselves. Thus, the young people and the local people will be protagonists of real, true laboratories of community living in which they will be able to share, to learn, to experience and to become living witnesses to an exchange of gifts amongst different cultures. The second part (May 7) will be a Festival For Peace in the tourist region known as The Middle of the World, an Ecuadoran icon that is internationally famous. It will be a large event that will engage young people from many cultures, faiths and walks of life. The goal is to highlight fraternity in an intercultural context and to commit to living peace and unity in respect for differences, through the practice of the Golden Rule that invites us to “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” The Young For Unity in Ecuador is also promoting two contests, one for music and another for photography. They have high dreams of beginning a permanent Peace School. Information: info@mundounido2016.com Official website: www.mundounido2016.com

Building peace in Burundi

Building peace in Burundi

Apr 6, 2016 | Focolare Worldwide

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Photo: Shutterstock

“The violence has also touched my life. In such a difficult context, the desire to rebuild my country has turned into a real passion that grows more and more each day. It was that desire which led me to attend Sophia University Institute (IUS) in Italy. I had heard of the school when I was back in my own country. The manner in which they approach diversity at Sophia helps me to deal with the diversity of Burundi, and here I realised that I shouldn’t wait until I finish my studies to contribute something.” That was how the young man began his work for peace. “I am able to meet a lot of my fellow countrymen and women, and every time I try to express my belief in the spirit of brotherhood, using the skills I acquired from my studies which allow me to dialogue value the positive I find in other people. This attitude of mine drew the attention of several people with differing opinions on the situation in Burundi. They included members of the opposition, members of the party that’s in power and also members of civil society. When it’s my turn to say something, I never talk about my political affiliation but express what I feel in my heart, referring to what the Pope has also said: ‘volence is never a pathway of peace.’ Once, for example, I highlighted the fact that there were representatives from the government amongst us and that the plan that time was to end our discussion drinking a beer together as a sign of reconciliation, which is  the custom in our culture. I added that here, far from the conflict, we sit side by side and even though we are having a heated argument, we greet one another as friends both when we arrive and when we say goodbye. But in Bujumbura they are killing one anothe . . . So, I  suggested: Why not share our testimony with everyone? Why not tell our countrymen back home that dialogue and argument are possible without killing anyone? We’ve shown that dialogue is possible, I added.” “After that comment I thought that I hadn’t been understood and that they would have thought I was a dreamer living in nowhere land.” But instead to his great surpprise, they had taken him very seriously. “We met again with twenty experts on the situation in Burundi. There were representatives from the different interest groups, and the goal was to discuss possible models for an inclusive dialogue amongst government, opposition, civil society, armed groups, and so on, in view of bringing peace to the country. It turned out to be an important opportunity for listening, useful for expressing together with serenity several proposals that could be made to the government.” “I could see that the experience at Sophia produces fruits that go beyond us,” he concluded. I’m convinced more than ever that we can bring the light of the Gospel to the many difficult situations that our countries are going through. I hope to continue making my small contribution to building peace, not only in Burundi, but in the whole world.”.