![“Academic Fields at Sophia”: When philosophy, economics and politics meet]()
8 Jun 2011 | Non categorizzato
The conference offered a series of lectures by prominent figures of contemporary culture: Ugo Amaldi, there was Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Stefano Zamagni, Sergio Zavoli and Martha Nussbaum. Perhaps, few know her by name, but in 1986 she was the first to introduce the concept of “relational goods” – which has since become a stable component of economy. She also greatly influenced the United Nations in the development of the human development index. This was thanks to the capability approach (an approach that respects ability) which she drew up in cooperation with Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen. And no, she is not an economist, but a philosopher, and like the American Martha Nussbaum, professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago, she is known in academic circles – and beyond – especially for having introduced the topic of emotions in political and social reflection. And “public emotions” were at the core of the lectures that brought her to the Sophia Institute in Italy. At Loppiano she first met with the students of Sophia for an interesting discussion in which she was questioned not only by students, but also by Nussbaum. This was followed by a debate about the coexistence of different religions and cultures, and different educational systems, given the diverse religious, cultural, and geographic backgrounds of the students. But much of the debate focused on the relationship between philosophy and economics, beginning with the direct experience of Nussbaum with Sen, which led into the additional topic: the interdisciplinarity of knowledge and the need for collaboration among scholars of varying fields. 
Regarding the specific experience of Sophia, Nussbaum noted that it provides “a type of interdisciplinary education that is crucial in the formation of a ‘world citizen”. If we limit ourselves to just one field of knowledge, we are not sufficiently equipped in this sense.” She directed an invitation to the students to “try to understand how to put together the critical approach and the emotional,” essential elements of her thinking, to build a society that is respectful of every aspect of human life. The conference, open to the public and entitled “Public Emotions and the Decent Society”, was a journey through space and time – beginning with Europe after the French Revolution, with Comte and Mill, to India’s Tagore and Gandhi – to examine how the idea of a society built around a “civil religion”, which is in fact supported by emotions, was able to make headway and result in the experience particularly of the subcontinent. Emotions mainly understood in the sense of “empathy” for others, the ability to perceive a “common good” to be pursued, which embraces the entire society, and that the State itself is called upon to promote, beginning with the education of its young. Source: Città Nuova online
![“Academic Fields at Sophia”: When philosophy, economics and politics meet]()
4 Jun 2011 | Focolare Worldwide
“An opportunity to live brotherhood among us bishops, to deepen relationships of true friendship: this is the reason for the meeting”. This is how Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mobasa, Kenya introduced the meeting. Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala, Uganda, echoed his words saying: “To rediscover our task at the service of society, let us try to understand together God’s design on us. During these days we can feel how much He calls us precisely to unity, which is the charism of Chiara Lubich.” The first thing the bishops did when they arrived at the Focolare little town “Piero”, was to make the commitment to practise “the art of Christian loving” among themselves in order to have the presence of the Risen One in their midst. “It will be the Risen Jesus who will enlighten and who will give us the gifts of the Spirit,” said Cardinal Miloslav Vlk, convenor of the meeting. This same lifestyle is shared by more than 1000 bishops throughout the world, which is inspired by the “spirituality of communion”. Bishop Salutaris Libena, auxilliary bishop of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, immediately affirms: “I’ve come to learn to serve, to love concretely. This is a way of life which fills the heart, which gives supernatural joy.” Bishop Salesius Mugambi, Bishop of Meru, Kenya remarks: “In a serene and joyful atmosphere, we reflected and delved more deeply into the spirituality of communion. We listened to updatings, shared joys and sorrows, but also enjoyed moments of relaxation.” These sentiments were shared by Archbishop Damiao Franklin of Luanda, Angola: “These were days spent in sincerity toward God and toward our brothers.” 
There were several moments for the sharing of experiences, both personal and pastoral, with a look at some of the challenges that the African continent must face: conflicts and violence, poverty, corruption; all challenges in which the members of the Movement are immersed, and which they want to respond to by living the spirituality of communion, which leads them to be workers of peace and unity in the environments in which they live. South African Bishop Patrick Mvemve of Klerksdorp, shared about his first contact with the Focolare during the period of the apartheid, as a young priest: “Having met two priests who truly lived the Gospel with facts, without giving a lot of speeches, I became curious. And so one day they spoke to me of Jesus crucified and abandoned. In that moment I was “healed” of my prejudices and became an apostle of unity. Another topic that was discussed was “the educational emergency”. The experiences of forming priests in the “spirituality of communion” was recognized by the bishops as “one of the valid contributions being made to the Church of today. At the conclusion of the meeting, the bishops wanted to formulate a “pact” of mutual love, declaring their desire to continue taking care of each other once they had returned to their diocese. 
Bishop Sithembele Sipuka of Umtata, South Africa, summarizes the experience they had: “I leave enthusiastic with a life programme. I pray the Holy Spirit will guide me to put it into practice in the daily reality of every day.” Meetings for Bishop Friends of the Focolare take place in various geographic locations around the world, which are inspired by the “spirituality of communion” proposed by John Paul II and practiced by the Focolare Movement since its began. Following the gathering in Kenya, similar events will take place in Madagascar and in Cameroon, in the Philippines, the Middle East and Europe. [nggallery id=49]
![“Academic Fields at Sophia”: When philosophy, economics and politics meet]()
3 Jun 2011 | Non categorizzato
This year, on this occasion, a group of young people decided to do something concrete for their city. Recently, they had taken part, in partnership with other youth groups of German and Italian schools, in a European project called “Heimat Europa” (Europe, Home to All). The project was begun in Germany in 2010 through the initiative of the German association Starkmacher, in collaboration with the Movement for Unity in Politics. It was a training course which lasted more than a year, where they worked and comparing their views on immigration in from the viewpoint of integration, the environment, the future of Europe, with particular reference to the development the Federal European Union which should be able to accomplish it. It was a compelling journey that left a mark in their hearts but also in their minds and, begun as a game, it gradually grew and became a true political experience. The Mayor of Solingen and other city authorities were enthusiastic about the project and immediately offered their support. Before the anniversary event even began, knowing that the memorial spot had to be cleaned, they offered to do it. In collaboration with their school, they got many other students involved. A working group assembled information on the tragedy of 1993 for the younger students. And, since the 20th of May occurred during “European Week”, they took the occasion to present the idea of Europe as home for all, including immigrants. 
The suggestions were many. After observing a minute of silence, a “tree of peace” was planted, and the young people present were invited to write on cards the values which they hold to be important (peace, brotherhood, unity, solidarity, responsibility …). Then the cards were symbolically placed in the hole in which the tree was planted. It was an apple tree. A young person: “The tree has many leaves, which symbolize Europe in its communion in diversity. The fruits, the apples, symbolize the new generations and new ideas.” And another: “The little apple stands for a great goal, peace in Europe but also in our city.” And what came out in the end, is something interior which confirms that “you can hope for a different world; the change depends on our personal sense of responsibility and our ability to work together.” “You could even become passionate about this kind of politics.”
![“Academic Fields at Sophia”: When philosophy, economics and politics meet]()
2 Jun 2011 | Focolare Worldwide
On 22 May, the Focolare’s little town in Mexico – “El Diamante” – was awaiting the appointment with Christians and Jews united in a sign of living dialogue among people who desire to rediscover their common roots. They are our “big brothers”, said John Paul II using an expression which has now become famous. And “What might happen,” asked Chiara Lubich, “as we deepen the brotherly relationship between us, Jews and Christians, who share the patrimony of the Bible, in what we call the Old Testament?” Today the relationship continues to develop in the Focolare Movement, upon this basis and the dialogue between Christians and Jews continues. The day at Acatzingo is an example. Following a brief introduction, focused on the discovery of God Love as the basis of our brotherhood, along with moments from the history of the Focolare in its dialogue with the Jewish world, Liviu Bleier, president of the new B’nai B’rith of Mexico, stressed that “the best religion is the one that is the closest to God” and he expressed his appreciation and joy for this occasion of mutual exchange. The group, composed of 23 people belonging to the Jewish faith from Mexico City and friends of the Focolare, visited the workshops and the school linked to the Mariapolis Centre, located in a rural setting, with the aim of training people in loving and forgiving, a culture of life and of giving. The inhabitants of the Mariapolis, youths, adults and children, presented an overview of a Christian witness in daily life, which was much appreciated by the guests. 
The ceremony around the olive tree – a symbol of peace, and a symbol common to Christians and Jews alike – was a moment of importance which brought out dimensions of the brotherhood among all: “Thank you for the way in which you welcomed us – said one of the attendees – for the spirit of brotherhood, as if you knew us for a long time. It makes me realize that we must be humble and at the service of others, to change ourselves and the world. ” The next appointment is set for 21 – 24 August in Buenos Aires, for another Jewish-Christian symposium, following the one last year in Jerusalem.
1 Jun 2011 | Focolare Worldwide
(ومُرْضي وكامل”. (رومية 12، 2
نقرأ هذه الآية في الجزء الثاني من رسالة القدّيس بولس إلى أهل رومية. فيها يصف القدّيس بولس سلوك الإنسان المسيحي على أنه تعبير عن الحياة الجديدة، والمحبّة الحقيقيّة، والفرح الحقيقي، والحرية الحقيقيّة التي وهبنا إياها المسيح. إنها الحياة المسيحيّة، إنه
طريقة جديدة تجعلنا، بنور وقوّة الروح القدس، نواجه الواجبات والمشاكل المختلفة التي قد تعترضنا. في هذه الآية، المرتبطة بشكل وثيق بالآية السابقة، يعلن الرسول عن الهدف والسلوك الأصيل اللذَيْن يجب أن تتّسم بهما كل تصرّفاتنا، وهما أن نجعل من حياتنا تمجيداً لله، وفعل محبّة دائم على مرّ الزمن، باحثين باستمرار عن إرادته وعمّا هو مرضي ومقبول لديه. ولا تتشبّهوا بهذا الدهر بل تغيّروا بتجديد عقولكم، لكي تميّزوا ما هو مشيئة الله، أي ما هو صالح ومُرْضي وكامل”. من المؤكّد أنه علينا أن نعرف قبل كل شيء ما هي إرادة الله، لنتمكّن من تحقيقها. ولكن القدّيس بولس لا يخفي علينا صعوبة هذا الأمر، إذ لا نستطيع أن نعرف جيّداً مشيئة الله من دون نور خاص يساعدنا على تمييز ما يريده منّا الرب في كل موقف، فنتجنّب الأوهام والأخطاء التي قد نقع فيها بسهولة. إنها موهبة من مواهب الروح القدس، تُدعى “التمييز”، والتي لا بدّ منها لبناء عقليّة مسيحيّة حقيقيّة عند كل واحد منّا. ولا تتشبّهوا بهذا الدهر بل تغيّروا بتجديد عقولكم، لكي تميّزوا ما هو مشيئة الله، أي ما هو صالح ومُرْضي وكامل”. ولكن ما العمل لإكتساب هذه الموهبة المهمّة إلى هذا الحد وتنميتها؟ مطلوب منّا من دون شك معرفة جيّدة للعقيدة المسيحيّة. ولكنّها وحدها لا تكفي؟ كما يقترح علينا الرسول بولس، إنها مسألة حياة وسخاء وإندفاع لعيْش كلمة يسوع، تاركين جانباً مخاوفنا وشكوكنا وحساباتنا الضيّقة. إنها مسألة إستعداد وإسراع في إتمام مشيئة الله. إنها الدرب التي تسمح لنا باكتساب نور الروح القدس وببناء العقليّة الجديدة التي تطلبها منّا هذه الآية. ولا تتشبّهوا بهذا الدهر بل تغيّروا بتجديد عقولكم، لكي تميّزوا ما هو مشيئة الله، أي ما هو صالح ومُرْضي وكامل”. كيف نعيش إذًا كلمة الحياة لهذا الشهر؟ فلنسعَ لنستحق نحن أيضاً النور اللازم لإتمام مشيئة الله علينا بطريقة جيّدة. ولنقترح على أنفسنا أن نتعمّق بمعرفة أفضل لإرادته علينا، كما تعبّر عنها كلمته وتعاليم الكنيسة وواجبات كلٍّ منا وإلتزاماتنا إلخ… ولكن، سنركّز أكثر من ذلك كله على طريقة العيْش، لأنه كما سبق وقلنا، من الحياة والحب يشعّ النور الحقيقي. فيسوع يتجلّى للإنسان الذي يحبّه إذ يعيش عمليّاً وصاياه (يو21,14). هكذا بإتمام مشيئة الله، سوف ننجح في أن نقدّم له أجمل هدية. هديّة مرضيّة لديه ليس فقط بسبب المحبّة التي تحملها، بل أيضاً بفضل النور وثمار تجدُّد الحياة المسيحيّة، التي سوف تولد من حولنا.
كيارا لوبيك (أغسطس 1993)
Regarding the specific experience of Sophia, Nussbaum noted that it provides “a type of interdisciplinary education that is crucial in the formation of a ‘world citizen”. If we limit ourselves to just one field of knowledge, we are not sufficiently equipped in this sense.” She directed an invitation to the students to “try to understand how to put together the critical approach and the emotional,” essential elements of her thinking, to build a society that is respectful of every aspect of human life. The conference, open to the public and entitled “Public Emotions and the Decent Society”, was a journey through space and time – beginning with Europe after the French Revolution, with Comte and Mill, to India’s Tagore and Gandhi – to examine how the idea of a society built around a “civil religion”, which is in fact supported by emotions, was able to make headway and result in the experience particularly of the subcontinent. Emotions mainly understood in the sense of “empathy” for others, the ability to perceive a “common good” to be pursued, which embraces the entire society, and that the State itself is called upon to promote, beginning with the education of its young. Source: Città Nuova online
