23 May 2015 | Chiara Lubich, Cultura, Focolari nel Mondo, Non categorizzato, Spiritualità
It was the evening of 7 May 1995 at the international Centre in Loppiano (Italy). A group of people of various beliefs and cultural backgrounds were having a lively discussion at dinner. They had spent the entire day together to see whether they, as Catholics and agnostics, could overcome ideological limits, dislikes and century-old prejudices and get to understand, accept and appreciate one another. These gatherings of people who spoke different languages and professed various beliefs had started already in 1978 when Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, set up the “Centre for Dialogue with People who hold No Religious Affiliations” within the scope of a more extensive experience initiated by the Focolare. The 7 May 2015 meeting in Loppiano was taken as an opportunity to take stock of this reality and a challenge to certify, face to face, if mutual esteem is really possible. Over the years, in fact, all have even become “friends,” and getting together and discussing with one another was considered not only stimulating but also very pleasant. At that dinner, however, someone was missing, one who perhaps was the most active in the group: Ugo Radica. This really special focolarino had decided to pursue an idea without notifying anybody and had gone to station himself close to the house of Chiara Lubich, founder of the Movement, who was supposed to arrive in Loppiano that evening. His patience was rewarded in the end when Chiara’s car finally came into view. Ugo approached the car, and Chiara, quite surprised, lowered the window to ask: «What are you doing here, Ugo? He firmly said: “I’m here with a group of friends of different beliefs. Why don’t you come to see us tomorrow? I think it would be very important for them to have an exchange of ideas with you personally.” Chiara accepted though unsure and a bit doubtful. She requested that the group prepare some questions for her to answer. Ugo thus returned to the group full of enthusiasm.
Chiara Lubich meets with the group in Loppiano, 7 May 1995
That evening, Tito, one of the friends who had turned up by chance at the last minute, phoned his wife, a genuine Catholic, and a long-time member of the Movement, to proudly announce to her that he had spoken to Chiara personally, while she in all those years still had not seen or had a glimpse of her even from afar. Twenty years later, on 7 May 2015 there was again a celebration in Loppiano. A nostalgic commemoration? Absolutely not. Armando, Morena, Tito, Dolores, Piero, Luciana, Roberto, Silvano and many more followed one another onstage to recall those moments, not only to assess the 20 years that have passed, but to also organize the next events. They are convinced, more than ever, of the importance of this type of dialogue. And unlike the moments of encounters between believers, one never knows how these “fourth dialogue” meetings can turn out. But precisely this fact is a warranty of authenticity, since each inevitably has to be fully and personally involved, ready to offer one’s ideas but also accept those of others through an intricate but fruitful exchange. This dialogue which has continued through the years, not without difficulties, has become international, and has reached many countries. Its diffusion and urgency was strongly felt as a pressing responsibility by those who attended the 2015 gathering. This lifestyle has to be actualised firstly among the members of the Movement, to be offered in turn, to all of humanity.
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14 May 2014 | Cultura
Author: Doriana Zamboni (ed)
Synopsis
Jesus promised the hundredfold in this life to those who love God. This little book contains a selection from the many thousands of experiences of that hundredfold in the lives of ordinary people who live the Focolare spirituality.
Available from New City London
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7 May 2014 | Cultura
Author: Chiara Lubich
What is it that Christians of many different Churches find so attractive about the young Jewish girl who gave birth to Jesus? This book does more than hint at an answer. Chiara Lubich’s gospel-based intuitions are a source of new insights for Christians of all traditions. Not only do we see the beauty of a human being who gave birth to God made flesh, not only do we taste the essential poetry of this unique event in history and enter more fully into all it implies, but we are made able to translate this vision into our daily lives. Mary becomes less a person we admire, an object of veneration, and more a source of inspiration, an example on which we can model our lives.
Available from New City Press (Philippines)
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30 Apr 2014 | Cultura
In this moving collection of writings from his final year in this world, we hear John Paul II’s voice again as he calls us to build a society that recognizes universal human rights, to listen to our neighbours cry for help, to build bridges and to share in one another’s gifts. Read more
Available from New City Press (NY)
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8 Apr 2014 | Cultura
Author: Marc Foley
The reflections contained here invite us to ponder our lives and to open our listening hearts to the voice of God, so that our Lent can truly be a Lent in its deepest sense a spring that buds forth new life. Drawing upon classic and current literature, Marc Foley accompanies us in this Scriptural-personal Lenten journey. He does it in a way that invites us to both explore the human condition and embrace the grace the Lord again offers us in order to transform who we are and how we are living. What more than this can you ask of a Lenten guide?
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11 Mar 2014 | Cultura
Strengthen the spiritual life of the parish Living City Magazine of the Focolare announces the release of Called to be community — A guide to living a spirituality of communion as a new resource for those involved in adult catechesis to deepen the Gospel life of their parishes and local communities. The 88-page manual is rich in content and gives guidelines on how to implement the Gospel in daily life, thus forming the kind of “living parish communities” that were envisioned by the Second Vatican Council. It offers participants the means to deepen their faith and the opportunity to put the Gospel into practice — together! Called to be community has been specifically prepared for small groups in parishes and other pastoral environments or home places where Christians can be of “one heart and one mind” in living out a spirituality of communion — a spirituality that belongs to the whole Church. In the words of Pope John Paul II: “We need to promote a spirituality of communion, making it the guiding principle of education wherever individuals and Christians are formed.” This guide will lead one to discover God who is love, and ways to respond to his love through love of one’s neighbor. It outlines the essential points of a spirituality of communion, and offers practical exercises to make them an integral part of life. Called to be community can be a great tool for those responsible for adult catechesis in the parish and even for those who are not yet part of parish life. Its simplicity and accessibility to everyone makes this program an invaluable resource to make the parish a school of communion and contribute to the fulfillment of Jesus utmost desire, “May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you” (Jn 17:21). $11.95 per copy (88 pages), discount on bulk orders. Leader’s manual (16 pages), $2.95. To order copies, or for more information please contact Living City: Living City 202 Comforter Blvd, Hyde Park, New York 12538 tel. 845-229-0496 fax 845-229-1770 email: livingcity.ed@livingcitymagazine.com www.livingcitymagazine.com (more…)
