14 Nov 2017 | Focolare Worldwide
The political and social context is very dangerous and the per capita income is among the lowest in the world as pressure from international powers is being placed on the enormous natural resources of the region. But there is also the echo of the great African leaders from the twentieth century, from Nkruah to Senghor, from Lumumba to Nyerere that still resonates like a warning to leave the past behind and set great goals that “always seem impossible until done” (Mandela). It was in that context that on November 4th of last year the Ecoforleaders School of Higher Training in Communion Leadership was inaugurated in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo in the presence of several political, diplomatic, academic ((among whom the Rectors of the Catholic University and the University of Mapon, and the two Emeritus Rectors of the Kasangani University and the National Pedagogy), Christian and Muslim religious leaders in an attempt to lift up a hope for openness in that African country. It all began with a group of African students who wondered how they could offer themselves for the building of a new Africa. Now they are working with the support of Sophia University Institute and the Focolare’s International Centre of the Movement for Unity in Politics. 
The Secretary of the Bishops Conference of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was invited to cut the ribbon, a man know for having conducted the dialogue between politicians of the majority and opposition leaders during the election controversy that linked the presidential election date to the next census. The Secretary remains a point of encounter between the parties until this day. Five students will begin courses given by a faculty that includes three university rectors and several tutors. This is not an isolated initiative, because the School is inserted into a broader project already presented at UNESCO, a project of formation in a leadership style inspired by universal brotherhood, which include the training of tutors and professors in Nairobi next January. The project is of interest to the whole East of Africa and will last for three years. Afterwards, it will be expanded to other regions of the continent. See also: News Repubblica Democratica del Congo
13 Nov 2017 | Non categorizzato
Yesterday, November 12,an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 caused hundreds of casualties in the Iraq-Iran border. 11 people died and thousands are wounded in Iraq, while in Iran the earthquake killed around 348 people and left 6,603 wounded. The devastated areas show entire buildings which had crumbled by the powerful tremor. The epicenter of the earthquake was located at a distance of 31 kilometres from the city of Halabja, 240km North-East of Baghdad, and about 15km from the Iranian border, but the shock waves have been felt by millions of people in Central Asia. Iraqi authorities have ordered urgent evacuation in the area surrounding the Darbandiyan hydroelectric power station. It is feared that many people will be buried under the rubble. Iran’s authorities also sent the country’s armed forces to give emergency help. According to the Mehr News agency, the Iraqi prime minister thanked Iran for its collaboration with Iraq. Pope Francis “expresses his sorrow towards all those who weep for the loss of their loved ones” and “offers his prayers for the dead”. The Pope also “invokes divine blessings of consolation and strength” for the wounded and for those who work in the search and rescue.
13 Nov 2017 | Non categorizzato
November 19 marks the first World Day of the Poor, which was announced by Pope Francis in order to focus attention, in a respectful and attentive way, on all those who are socially marginalized, excluded or discarded. It is also aimed for us all to choose a simpler lifestyle in response to our disposable and wasteful culture. “As long as Lazarus is at the door of our home,” the Pope said, “there can be no justice or social peace.” It is an invitation to work hard, especially during the week before the event, to create opportunities to meet, build friendship and solidarity, and offer tangible help. People are also being asked to invite the poor to participate in the Sunday Eucharist and later open their homes to them as privileged guests. The logo for the World Day of the Poor reflects its meaning, with two hands that extend toward each other, each offering something. They are two arms that express solidarity and invite the poor to come in and not stay at the door.
12 Nov 2017 | Non categorizzato
On 9 November, 2017, at the Vienna Cathedral – dedicated to St Stephen – hundreds of people gathered to pray for peace together with Cardinal Christoph Schönborn with an ecumenical group of ecclesiastical authorities. Members of the ecumenical network Together for Europe at the heart of the Austrian capital city, at the vigil of their annual Congress. They came from countries such as Portugal, Russia, England, and Greece. Their aim: unity and reconciliation among various Christian denominations and cultures, as well as solidarity and integration within Europe. See press release
