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Dec 26, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
“You left in silence, almost on tiptoe, without disturbing anyone. Perhaps you wanted to celebrate your Christmas in heaven, the Christmas celebration of Life…” wrote one of the focolarini who had lived with him in a focolare community over the last years in Rocca di Papa.
Born in Vicenza (Italy) on 22 February 1927, he met the Ideal through the group in Pisa in ‘52, where he was studying Medicine. After a few years in Rome, Pescara and Turin, came the turning point of his life: Africa.
This occurred at the start of October 1962, when Chiara Lubich and Don Foresi asked him, and Nicasio Triolo, another focolarino doctor: “Are you ready to leave for Africa?”.
On 11 February 1963 they landed in Cameroon together with Danilo Gioacchin, a vet and Venetian, like Lucio. Life over there was a daily query on the reality around them, in an attitude of crystalline and open respect for the culture of a people that was completely new to them. Wonder, uncertainty, discoveries and deep perceptions of their limits in face of a mystery, but above all always open to the plans of God who would have transformed their experience into a fantastic “love song” that developed simultaneously with the founding of the Movement and the spreading of the Ideal of unity in the black continent. Lucio would have lived that particular time in close contact with Chiara Lubich who later visited Cameroon in ’65, ‘66 and ‘69. Much later, in ‘92 Chiara went to Kenya and again to Fontem (Cameroon), where in the meantime, in 2000 the first Focolare citadel in Africa was built. Lucio was so happy to see that in “a span of 35 years Chiara’s dream had become a reality, that God exists, that love is real, and that mutual love is the secret of happiness; and that all was made possible because Our Lady has embraced us all as a sole family.”
Da sinistra: Lucio Dal Soglio, Georges Mani, Dominic Nyukilim, Teresina Tumuhairwe, Benedict Murac Manjo, Marilen Holzhauser, d. Adolfo Raggio, Nicolette Manka Ndingsa.
Lucio did not speak much about himself, and he never wanted to show off, or be in the spotlight. But for those who were lucky enough to have known him, Lucio was like a “huge Baobab” tree – as some African friends wrote recently. Numberless echoes have reached us from Africa: “We shall never be grateful enough to him for what he has done for the Work of Mary here in Africa!!!”. “His love for people was infinite, because he saw in each person, Christ, whom Lucio loved with all his heart…”. “We remember above all, his radicalism and sincerity in living the Gospel, a big brother, a true friend who has always walked with us along life’s “holy journey.” “I see an African Mary’ with her arms open wide to welcome this special son of hers, along with many others who have lived, suffered, worked and endlessly loved to bring the ideal of Unity to the lands of Africa. This is not a time of sadness, but of profound thanksgiving to God for the gift of having walked alongside Lucio on this holy journey, and who was our father, elder brother and friend.”
The world of the Gospel Chiara Lubich had given him as a guide and lighthouse for his life was: “”If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” (Mt. 18,12).
“We are praying to him –Maria Voce wrote to the Focolare members –and asking him to help the entire Work of Mary to fulfill the God’s plan “that all may be one.”
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Dec 21, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
Between 2002 and 2006, a civil war was underway in the Ivory Coast, which went virtually unnoticed by Europe and the world. It was a political conflict over control for power. The Focolare Movement has had a presence in that country, in the capital city of Abidjan and in Man, since 1975.
When hostility broke out and Man became the target of the rebels, the western countries advised their co-nationals to evacuate immediately. The welcoming centre for foreigners was located in front of one of our centres, Mariapolis Victoria. That centre began to fill up with refugees, and so we decided, Africans and Europeans together, to stay on with the population. It was certainly a risky decision, but motivated by the desire to partake in the drama that was engulfing everyone.”
Then they began working together in welcoming the thousands of people who poured into the centre. The refugees belonged to different tribal groups and were Muslim, Christian and followers of traditional African religions. All were welcomed without distinction. The Focolare Movement offered temporary spaces where they could stay. Many of the refugees brought with them all they could carry.
“Life within the compound, even amidst the difficulties caused by the war, continued as it was in the city, in peaceful and integrated coexistence of the diverse communities, not without some natural tensions. There was also a vast sharing of goods and basic needs (clothing, food and water). All doctors and nurses had fled, according to the government, and the only doctor remaining was one of us, who cared for the people without any discrimination, including rebels who controlled Man for a period of time. As soon as the government took control of the region, the majority of people left for the villages, but some remained behind.”
The Man experience highlights how a Focolare community responds in risky situations: “Firstly, the many years of people in the area who are trying to live the Gospel, has created an inter-ethnic community that offered a place of welcome and peace; the members of our community, acting because of a powerful spiritual motivation, decided to stay with the people and share their fate. That principle of fraternity garunteed that all were to be welcomed, without any type of discrimination. This created mutual trust, which allowed the thousands of people not only to survive, but even to share what they had with others. the trust that was generated among all, even the rebels, secured the possibility of saving other lives. In fact, one group of rebels risked their lives, escorting a special bus that brought children from a hospital which had fallen into the hands of some of their fellow-rebels, into an area controlled by the government. Thanks to everyone’s effort, a certain social cohesiveness was preserved.”
See also: Witnesses to Peace, New City Philippines
![Lucio Dal Soglio: his Christmas]()
Dec 20, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
Poverty in Central America and South of the Continent, the youth, digital culture, the role of women, original cultures, afro-descent culture, social movements, the new perspectives of the continent. Some of the themes discussed during the 2nd Seminar on Trinitarian Anthropology, promoted by the Latin-Americal Episcopal Council (CELAM), held last October in Cochabamba (Bolivia).
Entitled “A Trinitarian Anthropology from and for our peoples. Diversity and plurality,” the symposium was developed by a team of expert Latin American theologians (Jesuits, conventuals, priests of the clergy and lay people) and the presence of Italian theologian Piero Coda, dean of the Sophia University Institute (IUS), international ateneo of the Focolare, with headquarters at the town of Loppiano (Florence). To note, the active participation of 4 IUS students from, Colombia and Argentina.. In fact, the ateneo is taking its first steps to establish itself also in Latin America.
The first day featured a press conference online with journalists to present the first book of the team that had worked on the project during last year’s seminar, at the Argentian Focolare’s “Mariápolis Lia”. There were journalists from Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Chile, Ecuador, Perù, Bolivia and Argentina.
A singular event was the visit to the Missionology Institute, directed by Dr. Roberto Tomichá,an aborigine Franciscan, and member of the central team of Trinitarian Anthropology. The symposium participants visited the study centre which was created following indigenous categories and values.
On that occasion the Director expressed his conviction the the key to the “fundaments for the theology of indigenous peoples” lies in Trinitarian anthropology.”
In order to allow this itinerary of common reflections of philosophies and life to develop, the decision was made to appoint the new Latin American branch of Sophia, as its representative to the CELAM.
This agreement was made by the various universities to which the various participants belonged.
Since the pariticpating theologians are all renowned at Latin American and world levels, they took all by surprise when they relayed their impressions which underlined “ the profound liberty and fertile creatività experienced in the work groups, in the methodology established and the horizons open towards the future.” The next appointment is set for 2015 in Argentina.
![Lucio Dal Soglio: his Christmas]()
Dec 18, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
Salvatore vividly recalls, “When I was about fourteen, I had my first encounter with Jesus. I remember it as vividly as if it happened yesterday. I had met the Focolare Movement, people who had found fulfillment in life and who were able to get this young lad interested in what they were on about. I liked hanging around with them and together with my brother, we’d find every excuse to go to their place. It was that special aura around them, the ‘presence’ of Jesus in their midst, that attracted me. The fruit of that period? The desire to meet Jesus in the Eucharist every day.” When he was 20 he fell in love with Adriana. “I decided to declare my feelings, certain that they would be reciprocated. But the response I got was a harsh disappointment. I could not imagine my future without her. I was tempted to withdraw into myself. But I learned not to stop, and to have an open mind and heart. I persevered in loving. After a few years, I found myself with Adriana at my side, and it was then that our lifelong adventure began.” Some years into the marriage, and with three adolescent kids, Adriana and Salvatore were immersed in a busy life, amid family, their jobs, and volunteer work. Above all, a difficult period began for Adriana. “Slowly and silently, a sense of aridity was growing in me, characterised by a lack of self-confidence. I experienced bitterness in losing people I loved, and at a certain point, there were even times when I wished I could die. But somehow, everything around me was pushing me to move on. I worked for long hours behind a teller’s window with a throng of people in line, and trying to love each one, after which I was at home, cooking, cleaning, staying with my kids, and helping them out. My relationship with God was reduced to a bleak light which was quickly fading. One day I took stock of this absence of God in me, and I was overcome by fear which shook me deeply. I prayed to ask him to reveal himself! It was almost as if I was challenging him. It was during my early morning walks, that I found a relationship with God again, and this helped me re-establish my inner peace.” And the kids? It was an experience of detachment. Salvatore recounts the experience with his firstborn. “Ever since he was a teenager, he wanted to be a musician. He learned to play the guitar and though he never wanted to go to the conservatory, he got involved in our city – Naples – with musical groups, activities, and musicians of a certain level; He had frequent engagements with them, even if he was only 20. The prospects, however, were scarce. At 24, he decided to give his life a new turn and left for London. It was such a disappointment for us. He did not speak a word of English, and he was going to this immense and unknown city, without knowing where to stay and how to make a living. On the day of his departure, I accompanied him to the airport, and watched him disappear at the departure gates. My heart was torn between contrasting sensations. I felt fear for his life, the pain of losing him, yet I was aware of the need to respect his choices in life. That image of the plane taking off seemed to summarise what God was asking of me: to let go of the flesh of my flesh, to allow him to be different from me. God was saying, “Before he became your son, he was MY son, so do you think I will not take care of him?” My son now lives in London, working as a musician. “Two years ago, we went to visit him. The opportunity came as he was performing in a concert in a theatre which is considered the temple of modern dance, filled to the brim by 2,000 people! He was there with with his successful band which had taken him on tour around the world.” And at what stage are we in now? “Well, we’re experiencing a newly found freedom, even in our recent choice to leave our home in Naples for a few years and to transfer to another city, Rome, to be at the service of the international centre of the Focolare Movement.” (A. and S. L. – Italy)
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Dec 15, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
“Let this cube be the sign that reminds us that peace is a precious possession, to be cultivated always, with the commitment of everyone.” These were the words of the Deputy Mayor of Trieste, Fabiana Martini, during the inauguration of the “Cube of Peace” garden on November 21, 2014. The steel frame and polycarbonate structure, 60 cm per side, is located in the Muzio de Tommasini Public Garden. Each of the six sides has a motto: We help each other; Forgive others; Be the first to love; Listen to others; Share with others; and Welcome everyone.” Promoted by the Town of Trieste and built by the Focolare’s Action for a United World (AMU) on the hundredth anniversary of World War I, the initiative resulted from a project already launched in other Italian cities such as Trent and Rovigo, but also in more distant lands like Hungary and Pakistan. The aim is to foster peace education, engaging children and teenagers, but also schools, educators, families and adults of all ages who wish to be involved in this important and timely effort. The crowded ceremony was conducted by Roberto Mosca from the United World Project, and enlivened by music and songs from many children, teenagers and young people. Students from every class level and type of school also contributed, along with Municipal Councillors of Public Works, Andrea Dapretto, and Education Councillor Antonella Grim, who stressed the viability of the project, as well as the significance and value of building true relations of peace. 
Whoever passes by the “peace garden” with the “cube of peace” at its centre, will be able to almost playfully, spin the cube and begin to build a personal but very important journey of peace. This educational toy was inspired by the Art of Loving proposed by foundress of the Focolare Movement, Chiara Lubich, and it aims at putting into practice the phrase from one of its six sides that comes up with each day’s spin. The cube is part of a broader educational project that has involved many educators, classrooms, especially at the nursery and elementary levels, in a daily journey of raising awareness about peace and solidarity. Source: Town of Trieste Press Office
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Dec 15, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
Plenty to do When we young people heard that there was a colony of 1000 people in the desert, who were stricken with leprosy, we went to explore their situation. We saw that they were in need of everything, even medical care. We contacted Caritas, now we are a group of Christians and Muslims who go to visit there on our days off from work. Two medical students did some research on caring for lepers. Others got involved in other services, such as painting their dwellings. Another young person, a journalist, wrote articles in several magazines and newspapers in order to inform and sensitise as many people as possible about the problem. We came to realise that those patients were especially in need of someone who would listen to them: for them, this was even more important than medicines. This experience that there is always something that anyone can do, to give something that will be to the advantage of others. S. H. – Egypt 
The little cart A poor man had knocked on our door several times, asking for money. I thought it would be better to teach him how to fish, rather than give him a fish. So I started to build him a small cart to sell sweets and coffee. I made the window with a metal table we had in the house and, with the proceeds from the sale of paper, I bought the wheels. We ended up with a really nice cart. Then we went to Bogota, in the area that the poor fellow frequented, to deliver it to him. When he saw it he was amazed, so happy that he asked to take a picture with us. He got to work right away and now has a more dignified life. O. M. – Colombia 
I found a friend! I was driving to the doctor. It was raining and I was in a hurry. I had just passed a man who was walking with difficulty by the side of the road. Then I thought again and, put the car in reverse. I invited him to get in. He was also on his way to the doctor. . . my very doctor! When I told him that, he exclaimed: “Today I met an angel!” In fact, my name is Angelo and when I told him he had quite a good laugh. When we left the doctor’s I accompanied Antonio – that was his name – to do some shopping and then to his home where I met his wife, Antonietta. As they shared a bit about themselves, I was offered a liqueur and a biscuit made by his wife. Before saying goodbye, we exchanged telephone numbers and promised that we would meet again. Antonio: “Today I found a friend.” And Antoinetta immediately handed me a dozen fresh eggs, saying: “They’re still warm, just taken from our chickens.” It felt like time had stood still. Truly, there is more joy in giving than receiving! Angelo D. N. – Italy
