The beautiful surrounds of the North Antrim coast in Northern Ireland will this year play host to the annual summer gathering of Focolare, or Mariapolis from 2nd-6th July 2014 in Ballycastle, Co Antrim. Entitled “Many Streams-One River“, the gathering will have a strong ecumenical theme.
This year the movement celebrates the fortieth anniversary of its first Mariapolis in Ireland, and according to organisers, the gathering jointly hosted by the Corrymeela Community and Focolare, will be a landmark event in its history in Ireland. The Focolare movement which has the aim of contributing with others to the fulfilment of Jesus’ prayer, ‘that they may all be one’ (Jn. 17:21) arrived in Ireland in the early 1970s.
“Immediately there was the feeling that the spirituality of unity could contribute to peace in Northern Ireland,” recalls Juanita Majury from Belfast who met the movement at the height of the Troubles. For years a committed community living the spirituality built relationships across community divides. In 2004 a focolare centre opened in Belfast.
“We see this event as an opportunity to extend the ecumenical circle of Focolare,” said Irene Jovaras from the centre in Belfast, “It will seek to manifest how living Jesus’ New Commandment, Love one another as I have loved you, (Jn. 13:34) can bring about a unity beyond all our differences.”
Daily programmes including talks, reflections, outings, workshops, social activities and worship, will take place each day at the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle. Parallel programmes for children and young adults will run at the Corrymeela Centre. Two musicians / dancers from the International performance group Gen Rosso, will be among the animators of workshops on music and dance for young people.
Hundreds of people from all over Ireland are expected to take part in the event, described by Conleth Burns (16) as a “big family holiday”. “It is an ever growing family holiday where everyone – young and old – can come together to chat, to think, to relax, to have fun, to take a break.”
The event is open to all and according to Irene Jovaras, it is not too late to join the event. “Even at this point, people may book for the Mariapolis or drop in at any stage,” she said.
Among the inter church events will be a joint address by Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick and the Very Rev. John Mann, Dean of St Anne’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, in which they will share their own experiences of the New Commandment.
On Thursday evening, 3rd July, Fr Alan McGuckian SJ and Presbyterian historian, Philip Orr, will present a jointly written play, 1912..100 years on, which reveals different perspectives on a pivotal moment in Irish history.
On the evening of Friday 4th July, there will a Service of Prayer for Christian Unity in the Presbyterian Church in Ballycastle.
“In an increasingly global, multi-ethnic culture it becomes ever more urgent that Christians go ahead together as brothers and sisters in order to engage in fruitful dialogue with other faith groups to ensure a future of peace without tensions. These summer gatherings are one of many events to bear witness to the faith that such a future is possible,” said Irene.
