Focolare Movement

A true story

Jan 23, 2005

Ecumenism

Ivan grew up in Zagreb (Croatia). During the Balkan war, he and his family made it to escape to Germany. However, the violence of the war produced profoundly negative effects on Ivan that led him to aggressiveness and dependence on drugs and alcohol. There were those who thought he could never be rehabilitated. He was invited to the CVJM (German YMCA) Center. For the first time he heard someone speak of God’s love for each person. There he learned that Jesus is forgiving and brings back peace among men.

Soon Ivan learned to entrust his life to God and found the strength to trust in other people. He has found his way.

Stories of this kind encourage us to keep going to form strong children and youth and a solid society. In our YMCA groups – there are a great variety of them – deep friendships are often built. Children are given the opportunity to prove themselves and discover their hidden talents as they get involved in sports activities, games, hobbies or music, for example. Vacations or traveling are ideal occasions for them to experience faith, trust and the joy of getting along with others.

During our meetings we try to dedicate ourselves particularly to young people who come from difficult social situations or who feel alienated. We try to make them feel welcome and listen to them. Our groups try to develop expertise in social action, the capacity to build relationships and solve conflicts, as well as a sense of responsibility in the youth.

The YMCA Movement was born in London as an ecumenical movement in 1844; from then it spread throughout the world as the largest Christian-ecumenical movement for the youth. In Germany alone, there are 30,000 volunteers (men and women) and 700 consultants who work full-time for the youth.

(Mathias Ritter – Katja Muessig)

___

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

Paolo Rovea, a life in God

Paolo Rovea, a life in God

On 3rd July 2025, Paolo Rovea, an Italian doctor and married focolarino, completed his earthly life. Following his passing, many messages arrived from all over the world, coming together to form a unique and very rich mosaic, just like Paolo himself.

Living the Gospel: the courage to stop

Living the Gospel: the courage to stop

The parable of the good Samaritan teaches us not only to draw close, touching the wounds of those around us and breaking down the walls of prejudice, but through this Word we come to understand the art of compassion and the infinite mercy with which God embraces us, cares for us and leaves us free to abandon ourselves to his love.

Gen Verde: an inner journey, an experience in music

Gen Verde: an inner journey, an experience in music

The international group has launched a new musical project entitled “Tutto parla di te – Preghiera in musica” (“Everything speaks about you – Prayer in music”), available online on the major digital platforms.