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15 Oct 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
“In explaining the meaning of the spirituality of unity to the Bishops of the Focolari Movement during their meeting on 10 February 1984, Chiara Lubich made a few remarks: “It is a journey undertaken together, in which we strive to help the others to reach sanctity in the same way as we try to sanctify ourselves, since what matters before all else, is to glorify God. And what gives a decisive impulse to the personal effort to reach sanctity is Christ’s presence in an increasingly intense manner among Christians which affects each person in an ever deeper way.” And here, once again, Chiara Lubich underpinned the novelty of this type of sanctity and pathway: the term, “An interior castle,” in the same way as St. Teresa called the reality of the soul inhabited by His Majesty, is a very suitable term which we have to discover and highlight. It is the height of sanctity in an individual path. However, the time has come to discover, enlighten, and edify for God, also his exterior castle, so to say, with His presence among us. This – on a deeper reflection – is nothing else but the fact that the Church in which we live, through this spirituality, can more and more fulfill this calling, and grow in beauty and splendour as the mystical spouse of Christ, the foretaste of the Heavenly Jerusalem, which was described in the words: “Behold! The dwelling place of God is with man! And He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will be with them as their God.” (Revelation 21,3). […] When visiting Spain in the first days of December 2003, Chiara wanted to go to Avila, St Theresa’s birthplace, to visit the monastery of the Incarnation where Teresa had lived for more than 27 years […] She signed the monastery’s Golden Book with this testimonial of her “spiritual friendship” with the Saint of Avila: “Thank you, St. Teresa, for all you have done for us, for our journey. Thanks! But we will express our deepest thanks to you in Paradise. Continue to watch over all of us, over “our exterior castle” which the divine Spouse established on earth, as a completion of your “interior castle,” to embellish the Church as you desired. See you soon, St. Teresa. A big hug, Chiara.” I have always considered Teresa of Avila’s interior castle as a proposed evangelical lifestyle for all Christians who wish to live their own universal vocation of sanctity, union with God in the Trinitarian and ecclesiastic experience. But what I consider the even bigger grace, and more exciting adventure, is that of participating with the charisma of unity, in the discovery of this particular design of God, the possibility to live together the adventure of community and ecclesiastic sanctity, in building a splendid, shining exterior castle, personified in the Work of Mary, for the Church and humanity.” Further reading: “Two women and two castles” Excerpt from “The exterior castle, the novelty of the spirituality of Chiara Lubich,” (“Il castello esteriore, il nuovo nella spiritualità di Chiara Lubich”), by Jesús Castellano Cervera (1941-2006), pp. 63-67/68.
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14 Oct 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
This experience began in 2012 with the first workshop titled: “Start up the Future”. The following year another workshop was held: “Planning Labour and Building the Future”; and this year’s workshop: “Being satisfied with your job”. The young people write: “This workshop encourages us to seek work that will not just satisfy our financial needs, but but will also permit us to develop our talents, initiatives and to live our work-life as a calling, in communion with workmates. It’s a horizon to look towards, a target to aim for. With the help of numerous experts and professionals we became more acquainted with the Economy of Communion (EoC) and examined the indissoluble link us and our work. The workshop was not only a training, but above all dialogue and growth as we reflected on our aspirations and on the importance of recognising our talents in order to be able to fulfill ourselves at work not so much as individuals, but members who belong to a community. Knowing the world of the EoC showed how much our small contribution can become much more significant and pleasing when it is shared along with the resources of others. 
Professor Luigino Bruni reminded us: “working is never just holding some generic place in the world, but a fundamental exercise for understanding one’s place in the world” and, above all, that practising a profession means inserting oneself into a social network. Another important point was also highlighted; that is, the need to look towards an economy “with a soul,” one that centres on relationship. Between training sessions, workshops were offered that focused on: the content and the direct experiences of several EoC business owners and professionals in different fields of work; and self-knowledge through the exploration of personal talents that could be developed and put in common with the talents of others to provide a work experience that would not only be fulfilling for us, but also a contribution towards the common good. Those days together provided us an experience of communion. At a moment in history characterised by the crisis of our economic models, by distrust of institutions, and by individualism, activities such as these are able to instill new hope. But this hope has sprung from concrete examples, from the experiences of those who have stepped into play with an innovative economic model that includes and is based on the centrality of the human person, as well as the gift of the economy. It is a hope born from the very experience of these days together in which, by questioning ourselves and sharing our thoughts, we have turned a glance towards the future.” Flickr gallery
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12 Oct 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
Loppiano’s Auditorium was packed last October 3, in an atmosphere of great expectations. On the agenda was an evening dialogue on “Augustine of Hippo: a legacy and a resource,” inserted within the framework of the fifth edition of LoppianoLab, promoted by the Sophia University Institute (IUS) and Citta’ Nuova Publishing House, and emceed by Marco Tarquinio, Director of Avvenire, the main Catholic paper in Italy. Onstage were two “top advocates of Italian creative thought,” according to New City’s Director, Sophia University, theologian and philosopher, Piero Coda. This was really “an extraordinary lesson” offered within a perspective of dialogue and enriched by stimulating questions addressed by the students regarding the actuality of the philosophy of this “gigantic” figure of the Church and of philosophy. Despite the different profiles of the two main guests and the outstanding diversity between their evaluations of the works of the Bishop of Hippo, what occurred was not so much a rhetoric duel or even an abstract confrontation detached from daily life, but rather, a remarkable outcome which the art of dialogue is able to produce when knowledge and sharing intertwine in a clear action, open to the light of truth. The philosopher, Galimberti, gave the Bishop of Hippo credit for having introduced into western culture the concept of the individual person, underlining the dualism of body/soul, as inspired by a religion such as Christianity which assigns a central value to self reflection on one’s own corporeal existence (“And the Word was made flesh”, wrote John in the prologue of his Gospel). Piero Coda, on the other hand, defined Augustine as the person who “discovered interiority” in the Christian perspective. Interiority is seen as the inner space where man encounters God, and reaches total fulfillment as a bodily and spiritual being, as conveyed in the expression, “withdrawing inwards… so as to transcend also oneself,” which is the starting point of Augustine’s reflections, without however isolating oneself in a blind introspection but in order to perceive also what lies beyond ourselves.” Augustine’s interiority is inhabited by Christ and therefore by the relationship with the other: and this where the discussion faces the concept of “relationships,” since God reveals Jesus Christ, who in turn speaks of God as a father and attests to the universal bond of brotherhood. The third concept which clearly emerged was that of the “city” given that precisely Augustine wrote “De Civitate Dei,” a work that deals with the image of a city which embraces people of all beliefs, open to the quest for a common good rooted in that Utmost Good which is God, through the life of the Gospel. Three overviews offer new meanings that can direct society today towards a fuller integration. Dissatisfied with the consolation of certainties, and a relentless seeker of truth, in this sense Augustine also on this occasion, has revealed to be a personage who is able to bridge the centuries and speak to the youth and adults of all latitudes. It is a landmark which guides us in our quest for the roots of the “person,” of a people, so as to better grasp the present and also work up new proposals for the future. Source: Sophia University Online
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6 Oct 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
Economics, gender, education, family, immigration and interculturalism, gambling, reforms and political participation; companies that “prefer” the poor to making a profit, these were among the topics touched upon in the 15 workshops held at LoppianoLab, from October 3 to 5. On the issue of gender, space was given not only to reflect on this burning issue, but especially to the sharing of stories, sufferings and experiences, in an effort to stimulate dialogue between the different sensibilities. With regard to gambling, reference was made to the more than 60 cities reached by a Movement known as Slotmob, in support of managers of bars and public places that have rejected slot machines and of numerous social and cultural initiatives for the rehabilitation of people, places and communities from this scourge. On the economic front, the Virtual Expo and Convention of the Economy of Communion have allowed a real national map to be drawn of the companies that belong to the EOC. In addition, at the Lionello Bonfanti industrial park, a project called “Tuscany towards Expo 2015” is starting in collaboration with the Region of Tuscany: a series of preparatory events on issues of the common good, from biodiversity and forms of enterprise, to civil economy and public happiness. 
A Workshop of the Economy of Communion, a Seminar on Political Formation run by the Movement for Unity in Politics, and the proposals of the Sophia University, showed the commitment of the many young people present at LoppianoLab to build networks across the country not only with institutions and the world of politics, but also with the world of business and work. “Only a society where we return to trust each other can be correctly defined civil; only then can we say to one another: ‘it doesn’t matter where you come from, as long as we can go forward together’,” the editor of Citta Nuova, Luca Gentile stated. 
There was an unexpected number of participants at the 3 days of LoppianoLab: 3000, in fact, registered. Among these was the premier Matteo Renzi, who stopped off at the Focolare town during the celebration for its 50th anniversary to “bring the esteem, the friendship and the closeness of all the Italian institutions.” The Prime Minister brought attention to three issues: unity, first of all, which he defined as a “political choice with a capital ‘P’,” “a great political challenge that arises from an extraordinary intuition.” The entrepreneurial industrial park and challenge of the Economy of Communion, which constitute “a new model for the economy, an economic paradigm for our time”, in which “there is need to reflect on how the crisis has changed our production and employment system.” Finally, recalling the definition of Loppiano by the scientist Ugo Amaldi (“City of trust”), Renzi stressed how much there is a need for trust today: “Trust which has not only been lost in interpersonal relationships, but especially in the future.” While acceptance, dialogue and care of education to generate the common good – not only of Italy, but of humanity – are the points raised in the video message of Pope Francis, a real surprise for the inhabitants of the town and all the participants at LoppianoLab with his wish to “look forward and aim high with confidence, courage and imagination.”
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5 Oct 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
The Holy See Press Office released the text of a video message from Pope Francis on the 50th anniversary of the founding of Loppiano, the Focolare movement’s first “little town.” The town, located in north-central Italy, has 2,600 residents from 70 nations.
“Dear brothers and sisters, inhabitants of Loppiano, good evening to you all.
I also wish to greet all those who today populate the citadel which Chiara Lubich had created, inspired by the Gospel of brotherhood – that universal brotherhood – and all those who from every corner of the world have linked up to participate in the Loppiano’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Loppiano is at the service of the Church and the world, and I thank the Lord for this little town which is a living and effective testimonial of communion between people of different nations, cultures and vocations, and who make sure, especially in daily life to keep alive among you, mutual and constant charity.
I am glad that you chose to celebrate your anniversary on the same day in which the entire Church celebrates St Francis of Assisi, testimonial and creator of peace and brotherhood. It is really a happy coincidence also for me.”
The inhabitants of Loppiano, those who are permanent citizens and those who pass a period of training wish to become experts in mutual acceptance and dialogue, operators of peace, and generators of brotherhood,
Continue with renewed enthusiasm along this path, and I pray that you remain faithful and continue to incarnate more and more the prophetic design of this citadel which blossomed from the charisma of unity, exactly fifty years ago. All this was in harmony with the profound message which the Second Vatican Council was announcing in that period, to testify to the light and wisdom of the Gospel with mutual love towards all. Loppiano is, therefore, a school of life, where there is only one Teacher: Jesus.
Yes, a school of life, that makes the world hope once again, and that bears witness to the Gospel is truly the yeast and salt of the new civilization of love. And to do so, by drawing from the spiritual sap of the Gospel, you need to imagine and experience a new culture in all fields of social life: from family to politics, to the economy. In other words, the culture of relationships. The basics of wisdom is the sincere desire for education, and taking care of education means love. Therefore it is not surprising that Loppiano has for some years now become the seat of the Sophia University Institute established by the Holy See. There is an urgent need for young people, men and women who, besides having a qualified training in various disciplines, are at the same time imbued with the wisdom that springs from love of God.
Dear friends, my heartfelt wishes for all of you and Loppiano, to look ahead always, and aim high with faith, courage and creativity. No mediocrity! I entrust you all to Maria Theotokos, Mother of God, who embraces you all in the shrine which is the heart of the little town. And I ask you to pray for me. I bless and greet all of you.”
Video in Italian
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4 Oct 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
The official opening is at 19.00 (Italian time) – the celebration of 50 years since the start of Loppiano (Florence-Italian), the first international centre of the Focolare and a place of an on-going experience of a lifestyle based on dialogue and intercultural acceptance. Pope Francis will send a video message to the citizens of Loppiano and to all those following the event. The President of the Italian Council, Matteo Renzi, has confirmed his participation, out of a friendship that has linked him to the town for years, ever since the days when he was involved in politics in Tuscany. The event, which will be streamed live on loppiano.it and TV2000 at 22.30, marks the beginning of a year of cultural initiatives, a journey of discovery and dissemination of the values that animate the life of Loppiano and which have attracted what is estimated to be more than one million two hundred thousand people from all over the world over these past 50 years. With its current 800 inhabitants from over 60 countries, Loppiano is an on-going inter-cultural workshop, a learning experience at the service of peace and harmony between peoples. The first 50 years of the International Centre will be retraced through interviews with the protagonists of the early days, international artistic contributions and witnesses from people of non-Christian religious and cultural traditions who, on returning back to their own countries, have translated their experience in Loppiano into political action, work and educational models in different social and cultural environments. The synergies with the local area and civil institutions are presented through the contribution of different cultural and economic components of the town and the local communities. Hosts for the evening are actress Barbara Lo Gaglio together with the actors Paolo Bonacelli and Fabrizio Bucci. The whole event is a co-production between Loppiano International Centre and TV 2000. The event is part of LoppianoLab, a national workshop of economy, culture, citizenship, communication and training with the method and vision of the culture of unity.
Link all’evento Loppiano: www.loppiano.it Blog Facebook Twitter @LoppianoLab Twitter: #50Loppiano The event will be transmitted live loppiano.it and by TV2000 at 22.30 CET.
