annalisainnocenti - Movimento dei Focolari

Schönstatt: A Hundred Year Mission

4 Nov 2014 | Non categorizzato

Fr Kentenich

Missionary spirit and alliance with Mary, the mother of Jesus, are the two tenets of the spirituality of the Schönstatt Family, a Catholic movement formed in Germany a 100 years ago. And on the occasion of the 100^th year of its foundation (October 1914), Pope Francis received in audience 7,500 representatives of the Movement last 25 October. There were dialogues, and testimonials, and the word of Pope Francis focused on the family, stressing the the existential peripheries, a theme he holds dear, , but also the missionary spirit, and renewal of hearts to open out to the culture of encounter. Various ecclesiastical movements also participated in the event, among which was the Focolari President, Maria Voce,, and Co-President, Jesús Morán. “The last act the Pope did was to send all out on a mission, saying: I send you out, not in my name but in the name of Jesus, and the entire Church. Over 7,000people, how marvelous it is to see people like you going out into the world to bring Jesus,” Maria Voce exclaimed on returning from the audience. «Upon greeting the group’s world leader, Fr. Heinrich Walter, I thanked him and told him that we too form part of the “Alliance” (a pact which is their typical feature, and which they make with Our Lady). I could feel a deep oneness. This true relationship is a concrete gift of God! It is one of the many lovely things that are in the Church and humanity. It was like an invitation from Jesus to have a big heart in acknowledging all His gifts, an invitation to join forces to strengthen our commitment which involves all of humanity.” In the Centre of the Focolari Movement dedicated to relations with ecclesiastical movements and relations, there is a picture, of the “three times admirable Madonna.” It represents and testifies to an important moment: the start of a tale of unity. On the back of the picture is a prayer to Mary who has always been present from the start in the work of Fr Kentenich, and which well represents all the charisms in the Church, that entrust themselves to the friendship and communion of Movements as the first step towards universal brotherhood. Chiara Lubich’s signature is among the signatures. This happened in 1999, a year before the Pentecost of 1998: the historic world meeting of the Movements and new Communities with John Paul II, and which marked the start of a new season for the various ecclesiastic realities born from the charisms and consisting in reciprocal acquaintance and esteem.

June 10, 1999: Chiara Lubich and Andrea Riccardi visiting Schönstatt

Since 1999 the Focolare Movement’s relationship with Schönstatt has progressed, and even extends throughout the world. And everywhere cooperation was established at various levels, paying special attention to the expectations of humanity, the world of employment, battles against poverty, initiatives for Europe, the family and other sectors of society. Our best wishes to the Apostolic Movement of Schönstatt for these first hundred years: a long time, a long testimonial of life and faithfulness to the charism that God endowed P. Kentenich with and that has spread and borne so much fruit the world over.

Volunteers, contemplatives in the midst of the world

1 Nov 2014 | Non categorizzato

Photo © Giancarlo Nuzzolo

415 men and women Volunteers attended the Assemblies of the two branches of the Focolare Movement , representing the 23,000 members worldwide. The meetings were held in Castel Gandolfo (Rome) last 22 – 26 October. Their specific vocation comes to light: while sharing the difficulties of all, they are called to irradiate the light of the Spirit with concrete actions, preparing themselves constantly to face present-day challenges, in all fields of life. They took stock of the path they have undertaken over the last six years, in terms of both spiritual growth and also in social works achieved and in the commitment to diffuse the culture of brotherhood in the various sectors society. Besides the 223 women volunteers and the 162 men volunteers from the five continents, with 17 languages under simultaneous translation, there was also a big group of guests., among which were members of various Churches. «Your presence here is vital, since this makes us all ecumenical, universal in the full sense of the term » – affirmed Maria Ghislandi, international outgoing directress in her opening speech.

Photo © Giancarlo Nuzzolo

On 23 October – precisely during the work sessions – was the anniversary of the 1956 events in Hungary: following Soviet repression, for which Pope Pius 12^th appealed to all to bring God back into the world. As a response to this plea, Chiara Lubich’s inspiration, “God’s Volunteers”were born in the heart of the Focolari Movement. Maria Voce defined them as «a concrete and mature reality», underlining how – they bring the IDeal of unity to the factories, offices, families, in society with its suffering, pain, wars – the Volunteers recall the Eucharist, in its being love which takes flesh. She invited them to become, in unity with the entire Focolari Movement, capable of bringing messages of truth and hope, as Pope Francis said during the last Synod.

Maria Ghislandi, Maria Voce, Paolo Mottironi, Jesús Morán. Photo © Giancarlo Nuzzolo

Co-President, Jesús Morán recalled that the particularity and beauty of the Volunteers lies in being “mediators” of the the Charism’s light, so that all may enter into all the structures of the movement. This is demonstrated by the experience of people of various continents and professions, situated in the most different environments and fields of work: public administration, justice, public relations, immigration and reception, the world of education and legality. He continued: «We are involved in going out, but you, with your vocation, are in the frontline in bringing the dimension of the global-person that has to be born ». In the sessions that followed, the volunteers from Syria and other Middle East countries testified that this type of “global-person” who believes in the revolution brought about by the charism of unity, already exists everywhere.. During the five days, there were work groups that gathered the motions from the zones with the aim of drawing up proposals, suggestions and programmes to be presented to the plenary session of the Assembly.

Paolo Mottironi, Patience Molle Lobe - (C) Giancarlo Nuzzolo

Paolo Mottironi, Patience Mollè Lobè – Photo © Giancarlo Nuzzolo

Two themes the works will focus on are: vocation /training, with commitment to social work, the New humanity organisation, dialogues with the ecumenical, interreligious world, persons of no religious affiliation and culture and local communities. The Men Volunteers’ Assembly reelected for a second mandate, Paolo Mottironi, 50 years of age, Italian, married and two sons, a public servant. . The Women Volunteers voted Patience Félicité Mollè Lobè, 57 years of age from Cameroon, a widow, civil engineer and engaged in politics. «I see in all I have lived –Patience confided– that God was preparing me for a plan of love I was not aware of ». And Paolo Mottironi concluded: «We are writing the story of our lives with a new chapter construed along the lines of the previous pages. Help us to be always, more than ever, a service. »

Reformation Day 2014

31 Oct 2014 | Non categorizzato

International Congress 2013

In Germany will be commemorated on October 31, in memory of Martin Luther and in Switzerland, on the first Sunday of November, in memory of Huldrich Zwingli along with John Calvin and other Swiss reformers of the 16^th century. The Reformation Anniversary will occur in 2017 and many are wondering how to make the commemoration fruitful today, in light of the changes which have also produced divisions among Christians; but at the European level, this query has initiated an exchange of considerations that have already achieved the first results. The Lutheran and Reformation Christians have decided for the first time after the Reformation, to hold their celebrations together. To this end, a first international preparatory conference was held on October 2013 in Zurich, with about 240 representatives from over 35 countries In view of the 2017 anniversary, also the dark sides of the Reformation are considered an important aspect to discuss. The Reformed Churches in Switzerland have reviewed the history of the centenary persecution of the Anabaptists (Mennonites, Amish), and in 2004, began a process of reconciliation in Zurich where the Anabaptist movement is rooted. There is hope that this period of preparation could develop among the many churches, a mutual pathway of reconciliation and understanding, in line with Pope Francis who, on 8 October 2014, in his catechesis on ecumenism underlined how in the course of history, serious and painful separations came about, but that cannot be considered with resignation and indifference.

Kathrin (prima fila a sinistra) con Maria Voce e Giancarlo Faletti e un gruppo di focolarini svizzeri - novembre 2012

Kathrin (first row left) with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti and a group of Swiss focolarini – November 2012

To this regard, we interviewed Kathrin Reusser, a focolarina belonging to the Swiss Reformed Church. Could you tell us about your experience over the last years? «”Ecclesia semper reformanda” (the Church has to constantly reform itself): this essential motto of the Reform is very dear to me. During my growing up crisis in 1972, in Loppiano I was fascinated by how the focolarini lived the Gospel in their daily lives. At home, in the effort to see Christ in everyone, I saw difficult relationships start to change. My parents, with their example of coherence, had strongly impressed Christian values in me. The Focolari spirituality then opened my horizons towards humanity, for which I could live as a instrument of unity and greater communion.» Did this hold an impact also on your professional life as a Judge?«Yes, it has guided me in drawing up court sentences and handling proceedings and arbitration, and living also here a “reform,” that is, a “change” of situations and a “new start.” If for example, in a desperate conflict between the parties I recognised the presence of ‘Jesus Forsaken’ ‑ whom Chiara Lubich had made me see as a “key to unity”– and when in the darkness of twisted proofs it seemed impossible to make a real and just decision, I tried to accept HIM completely, and then– in ever different and surprising ways –an acceptable solution for all the parties would come up».

Chiara Lubich in Grossmünster (2001)

Aren’t there any contrasts between a spirituality rooted in the Catholic Church and your belonging to the Reformed Church? «To tell the truth, the life of the spirituality pushed me to delve deeply also into the roots of my Reformed Church. That is how, for example, through a Focolare practice of renewing of the ‘pact’ of mutual love (John 13,34) I found, in particular, before going to the Rites, a new and deeper comprehension of the meaning of the Holy Supper. With joy I discovered later, that for the reformer, Zwingli, the Holy Supper is THE place where the entire Christian church renews itself in unity, like the body of Christ. This experience is really precious, also in the dialogue with the other reformers for whom, at times, the Holy Supper holds no vital significance. There is a growing certainty that I can give my contribution – no matter how small – to a new unity among Christians in the future. Chiara Lubich on 17 November 2001, in a speech in Zurich, the place where Zwingli operated, described the invigorating effect of unity: “Let us not rest! God will help us (…). And when we will be fully united, a new breath of life will invade the earth for the good of humanity, for the glory of God and to our joy. May God give us the grace, to see the Church united, or at least, to contribute in preparing the way to unity.»

Myanmar: A light begins to shine in a small village

29 Oct 2014 | Non categorizzato

MyanmarChiaraLuce2 “I thought my life would end up like everyone else’s, without any challenges, but now I’ve been ‘awakened’ from a great dream because, during this youth camp I received so much strength and courage” (William, 20 years old). “Now I know what it means to love: serving others. I made many new friends and it was one of the happiest moments of my life” (Maung, 21 years old). “These three days were like a vitamin pill for carrying on toward my future” (Benjamin, 18 years old). These are only a few of the impressions following a youth camp that was held in Kanazogone, a tiny village in southern Myanmar (October 3-5, 2014). The idea began with the Youth for a United World from Yangon (also known as Rangoon, capital of Myanmar since 2005). “We took off in a bus, 23 young people from Yangon, then continued by boat since the road didn’t reach this remote village. We were welcomed by a small community in this mostly Christian region, which is under the guidance of a priest focolarino, Father Carolus. Another 60 young people joined us from the surrounding areas. MyanmarChiaraLuce3 For many it was the first time attending a meeting of this kind. Right from the start the young people listened with attention and embraced our message seriously.” The programme focused on the figure of Blessed Chiara Luce Badano. “When we began watching the video of her beatification,” the young people explained, “the rains were falling so noisely that we couldn’t hear the audio. So we stopped and improvised games until the rain stopped. . . The presenters proposed that we prayt together asking Chiara Luce to make it possible for us to hear the video. Shortly afterwards the rain suddenly diminished significantly. But the great miracle was the testimony of her life that reached the heart of each young person. It was a solemn moment, like when we spoke of peace: peace within ourselves when we forgive others, peace with those around us, concluding with a time-out for world peace. Many of the young people made a decision to begin loving the people around them, especially the closest people like their families.” MyanmarChiaraLuce1 “We wanted to do something useful for the village,” they recounted. “Even though it was such a hot afternoon, we went with the tools brought by the young people to remove the weeds that were growing along the river in the forest. We worked in the mud, with snakes and mosquitos everywhere. . . Some were amazed that they were doing such work, but everyone was overflowing with joy! And we left a beautiful garden behind. In the evening we feasted. We invited all the families and thanked the women who had cooked our meals for those two days. Many came and joined us in spite of their shyness.” “Even though there was no electricity – except for the generator – no telephone nor internet. . . oh, how difficult it was to leave that place!” The return trip to Yangon will never be forgotten, because of the group’s joy that was expressed in loud laughter and endless singing during the 15 hours on the bus.” “When we reached home, with the excuse that one of us would be travelling abroad for studies, we immediately organised a reunion that same week, to share photos and know more about the life of Chiara Luce. The atmosphere of those days in Kanazogone returned and our new friends also expressed a desire to imitate her.”

Living the Gospel: Mending a broken friendship

28 Oct 2014 | Non categorizzato

20141027-01 At the restaurant “Following an argument with an old friend, he, feeling offended, decided to end our friendship. I wrote him a letter asking for forgiveness, saying that perhaps, quite unintentionally, I had hurt his feelings. I didn’t get an answer back. Through some mutual friends, I came to know that he was adamant in keeping his distance: a wall had gone up between us. I started being afraid of meeting him, and sometimes on the street, I would change my direction if I saw him coming from afar. Until one Saturday evening. My wife and I decided to have dinner in a restaurant. We had already ordered our meal when, at the door, I saw precisely that person together with his wife. As soon as he too became aware of my presence, he hesitated, as if he wanted to leave. My wife and I looked at each other for a moment: we immediately understood one another. We went towards them with a smile and invited them to sit at our table. He accepted, at first he was quite perplexed, but then he was clearly happy of the invitation. The evening passed peacefully. It took so little for our relationship to go back to what it was before, as if nothing ever happened.” .R. S. – France Miracle? “During a written exam one of my classmates, considered by all as the worst in the class, asked me insistently to allow him to copy the assignment. I did not think it was right so I didn’t pass my work to him. After the class he wanted to take his revenge on me so my friends suggested that we inform the teacher about it. But instead, I had another tactic. I went to him and I asked him: ‘What would you have gained by fooling the professors? If you want, we can study together starting from the very beginning.’ He accepted. Now he is quite diligent in his studies. Everyone told me that I had worked a miracle… but I know that these are just the effects of love.” E. – Cameroun The terrorist “I’m a primary school teacher and I’m often sent to teach in the mountain villages, where communist terrorists usually hide. I had already experienced an encounter with a group of them, but I was able to hide among the rocks. But once, they kidnapped me and took me to their camp. I remember the endless days during which I underwent long interrogations. Despite my fear, I tried to answer them with much respect. To one of them who had tried for hours to indoctrinate me on the socialist ideology, I objected saying that first of all we must change ourselves if we want to change the structures of power that seem to be unjust: ‘What can change us is the love we have for one another.’ Maybe my words touched him. The fact is, after the interrogation, he set me free. From that day onwards I always continued to pray for him. Recently I recognized him in a news broadcast on television which showed a terrorist who had given up his weapons to the military, leaving his group.” N. – Philippines