On October 20, just a few days before the date of Chiara Luce Badano’s feast day, which has now been set as October 29, there were 300 children and teens who lined the streets of Acatzingo, in the Mexican state of Puebla. They were there early in the morning to honor Chiara Luce, who they call “blessed for our times.” The celebration began with music and dance marked by joy and more than a few decibels, organized by the Focolare community and including five local school groups. In 2012 a chapel had been dedicated to the young Badano at “El Diamante”, the Focolare’s little town that is the beating heart of the community there. Since then there has been a contagious call to a full and joyful following of the will of God – “a splendid design that, little by little, reveals itself,” according to Chiara Luce’s words. It is a call that reaches many young people each year, engaging “heads, hearts, hands.” Inspired by the words of Pope Francis, who during the recent synod held up many young people as models of holiness, these children displayed thoughts and moments from Chiara Badano’s life in an atmosphere of friendship and celebration. Just a few miles from El Diamante in the city of Acatzingo, which has suffered a wave of violence in past months, those watching were invited to roll the Cube of Love. Like in many countries of the world, this highly symbolic act is an invitation to individuals and society to take on initiatives of peace. The celebrations then continued at El Diamante, with dance, music, theatre, the sharing of experiences and games, with more than 500 attending. It had been put together by the young people from the school of formation there. “Chiara Luce is for us a beacon that urges us to live for a great ideal.” Other schools and colleges in Acatzingo have already signed up for future celebrations. Mariapoli El Diamante, 20 ottobre 2018