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Mar 5, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
March 5, 2014. “The situation appears relatively calm in Kiev; the violence has moved to Crimea where Russia has huge economic military interests. . . . There is great uncertainty in Kiev and throughout Ukraine. You can feel the exploding emotion in this historic moment for Europe, even if it is not clear what will happen in the coming months. . . . The people find it difficult to put together what they need to survive.
The different factions in the country are not as uniform as one might think – Russians, Cossacks, Tartars, Slavs, Ukranians, Polish – they are divided into many different religious and often conflicting groups. Therefore, recent pro-Russian nationalist flare-ups are no real surprise, which are rooted in the brutal repression and violent reprisals that occur here every ten or twenty years.
One night in Maidan Square. Notwithstanding the cold, thousands of students have not abandoned their tents. A mausoleum in the open air. . . .
Night has already fallen when I reach the square. The silence in the streets is surreal, hardly any cars, no sign of police. . . .
This is where the first students were murdered, hit by snipers posted on top of government buildings, rather than by the police. There are vigil lights and flowers everywhere. This is where these students brought down the president by their determination. The country has been split in two, but this crowd – made fertile by the blood of martyrs – does not seem to want to give up.
It’s quite cold and people gather around bonfires; they sip warm drinks offered to them by the Kights of Malta, the Red Cross and other volunteers. . . .
Maidan vibrates for Crimea. Opinions vary, but hope for a free and independent Crimea has not diminished. . . . Through an appeal launched on social networks, the population has begun cleaning the great park in front of the Parliament building, as well as Maidan Square and its surroundings. Men, women, elderly and children are working to erase every trace of the long Kiev battle. A day chasing reports coming from Crimea. . . . Now for the diplomacy and hard work. Everyone is hoping for mediation from the European Union and the United Nations.
A doctor who has been generously working at treating the wounds and illnesses in Maidan Square at an improvised hospital in the Ukraine Hotel asked me: ‘Is it truly so difficult to imagine a Ukraine that is neither Russian nor American, but only itself?’ The situation is certainly serious and everyone is aware, perhaps today more than yesterday, that the future of Europe is being played out in this historic square. . . .
But the people of Maidan remain in my heart, with their vigil lamps and flowers. Ordinary people who have come today to venerate the place where hundreds of their children were martyred. It is for these people that Europe must intervene. With diplomacy. Weapons have had their opportunity at resolving conflicts.”
By Michele Zanzucchi
Fonte: Città Nuova online
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Feb 28, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
Oriental melodies, lines from the Koran and the Lord’s Prayer being sung with a translation in Turkish. . . . Everything was in place for the meeting on February 9, 2014 at the Eckstein Centre in Baar, Switzerland. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. Ninety Muslims and Christians had accepted the Focolare’s invitation to discuss family values as the basic cell of society.
Although living in Switzerland much of the audience had roots elsewhere: Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Madagascar, Albania, Kosovo, Iran, Syria, Somalia, Turkey, Egypt, Senegal and Sri Lanka.
The reunion began with excerpts from a video conference with Chiara Lubich in which she recounted the beginnings of the Focolare Movement during the Second World War; and the link between the words hearth or focolare and family. Through openness to different religions and cultures, this Focolare family has created a place for unity and dialogue among people of different Christian confessions and the faithful of other religions.
The testimonies – some quite painful –demonstrated the difficulty of becoming integrated in a foreign country; like the young Algerian woman whose husband had abandoned her two years into their marriage; or the Swiss couple whose son was in the grip of drug addiction; or those young parents who lost their first child.
Each story highlighted the strength that comes from faith in God and a supportive community.
During the video of Chiara speaking at the International Congress on the Family in Lucerne, 1999, she stated that “A family does not stop at the limits of kinship. A neighbour can also be a brother or sister.” Then she added: “All that happens within the family can be lived as both expectation and grace from God: just as a building has need of the foundation in order to rise, a family is consolidated through trials, but also through joys. Indeed, it is a school of love that contains within it all the shades of love: from mutual forgiveness to the invitation to constantly begin again. In summary: the family is an ongoing source of positive stimulation and vitality for both individuals and communities.”
A video link-up with a Muslim couple from the Focolare Movement in Algeria made a powerful impression. It was introduced as a personal experience of forgiveness: “In the evening I wasn’t agreeable to a decision my wife had made for the following day. But in the morning, the voice of God in my conscience: “Why are you angry with her? I’m not angry with you, even though you haven’t recited your prayers in a week.” So, “Why are you angry? I’m not outraged with you even though you haven’t said your prayers in a week.” And so, rather than having it out with my wife, I assisted her with her work.”
They went on to talk about the many other Muslim families who are committed in living the spirituality of unity.
In his concluding remarks, Imam Mustapha Baztami from Teramo, Italy, said he was convinced “that Christians and Muslims can offer a huge service to the world if they try to live together for family values.”
A conclusione, una dei partecipanti così si è espresso: «Secondo la mia educazione, era chiaro che noi possedevamo la verità e gli altri erano in torto. Oggi, qui, ho imparato ad aprirmi; ho scoperto che muri e pregiudizi devono essere distrutti».
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Feb 27, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide
“This morning we prayed the Lord’s Prayer for peace in Venezuela and in the world” writes kindergarten teacher, C. “When we finished the prayer a child came up to me and said: “Teacher, I was home with my Mum. She was in the garden banging the pan (the cacerolazo, which is used as an instrument of protest). Then some people approached on large motorcycles. We ran because they were firing on us.” My eyes filled with tears. This couldn’t be the country where I was born and raised!” 
Indeed, Venezuela has traditionally considered itself a land of brothers and sisters. Countless immigrants have found a home in this South American nation, creating a multi-ethnic society that is open, welcoming and fraternal. “Still,” C attempted to explain to her small students, “our country is so beautiful. It’s a gigantic home where everyone is our brother and sister.” This is why the scene of violence that has taken place over the past years seems so unnatural. The distress of the people has increased together with the growing socio-economic deterioration of the country which, in recent months, has reached levels never before seen.
From Caracas they write: “On February 12, 2014, National Day of Young People, peaceful demonstrations were held by students because of the serious social and economic problems: insecurity, lack of food and medicines, repression. Unfortunately, there was no willingness to listen and the situation degenerated into violence with several deaths and numerous wounded, because of the severe beatings.”
Within such a context the local Focolare community is aware that it has something to offer toward hope for peace. “Our gaze returns to the ideal beginnings of the Movement, to Chiara Lubich and the first group people during the Second World War when everything crumbled and only God remained (. . .) The situation in which we find ourselves now must not hold us back from witnessing to our Gospel ideal. We still have hearts with which to love, forgive and begin again. With this certainty we celebrated the tenth anniversary of “La Asociación La Perla” (The Pearl Association), an alternative education project that provides concrete ways of educating children according to a “pedagogy of reciprocity”. We wondered if it was appropriate to celebrate during such times, but the community unanimously agreed that we should. We held sporting and recreational events on the streets with families in an atmosphere of hope and joy. “This was like a ray of light amidst the storm,” said one participant.”
N., who has been physically limited because of serious illness, recounts how he lives through the present situation: “I pray for all the protestors, regardless of which trench they are in, especially for those who die. I said to Jesus: “I have no physical strength, no weapons, but I pray and offer my life so that they can find you before they die.” Two nights ago there was a large demonstration in front of my house, with cacerolas, shouting and chants. They set fire in the street and smoke was filling our home. My sister took my small nephew – who is also ill – to my bedroom. I invented ways to make him smile, to relax him a bit.”
These are delicate moments we are living. Pope Francis has invited all the faithful “to pray and work for reconciliation and peace.”
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Feb 25, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
While the crisis in the Ukraine, has reached the breaking point, keeping the world holding its breath; and the media spotlights are focused on many other parts of the planet such as Syria or Venezuela, we had the possibility of talking to some of our Focolare friends who are immersed in the tensions that Nigeria is going through, the most populated country of Africa with more than 160 million inhabitants. 
Nigeria is the largest Islamic-Christian co-existence in the world, according to you is this the cause of the serious acts of violence that happen in the Country?
“Unfortunately in these last few years Nigeria has been in the headlines often due to the frequent terrorist attacks and the destruction caused, both by Muslims and by Christians; just as the painful events of the past weeks have shown in the states of Borno and of Adamaza in the northeast of the Country. Seen from the outside, it may seem that what is happening is an expression of a religious conflict, but those living in the Country can testify that this is not the whole truth. The fact is, in a great part of Nigeria the cohabitation is peaceful and full of respect for one another”.
Are there pockets of violence…?
”In some regions, especially in the north, there are continuing tensions that have caused thousands of victims. There are many reasons for this: the lack of economic resources, the wounds inflicted upon the people in the past among the various ethnic groups but, above all the destructive activities of terrorist groups”.
How do you try to react in this situation?
“The members of the Focolare Movement, together with many men and women of good will, try to be builders of peace in our daily life: to recognize in every person we meet above all a brother and sister who must be respected, encouraged and helped. We strive to have this attitude wherever we are; in our families, in our place of work, on the street, at the market or in school; starting with small acts, such as a greeting, or showing interest in what the other has in his heart, etc…”.
In front of dangerous situations, wherein one must protect one’s life or that of the other…?
”We try not to stop in front of the different ethnic or religious factions, so as to be ready to help whoever is in need. We have seen how these actions, small or big, can help to slow down and, at times, to even stop the spiral of violence. Slowly they can promote a new mentality, which is to change the atmosphere of hate and revenge into an attitude of respect and fraternity”.
You have recently opened a new center in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria…
”Yes, exactly one month ago. It was a decision made together with the local Church so as to be close to the community in the north of the Country, which is more exposed to the conflicts. In this way we can support and encourage all those who are living for peace and fraternity, inspite of everything”.
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Feb 23, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
Contact between the Focolare and members of the Jewish community in various countries began in 1970’s.
In 1995 representatives from the Jewish community in Rome, Italy gave Chiara Lubich a symbolic olive tree in recognition of her efforts for peace between Christians and Jews. The tree was planted in the garden of the Focolare Movement’s headquarters in Rocca di Papa, Italy.
In 1996 the first international convention between Christians and Jews, promoted by the Movement was held in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. The convention focused on the topic, love of God and neighbour. It was a great surprise to discover the consonance between authentic rabbinic tradition and the spirituality of the Movement. The highpoint of the meeting was the pact of mercy, which had been proposed by Norma Lebitt, a Jew from New York, for reconciliation between Christians and Jews of different traditions.
But a more important event took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when Chiara Lubich visited the country in 1998. She presented the spirituality of unity highlighting common points with the spiritual patrimony of Judaism. One highpoint was when she referred to the Holocaust: “That unspeakable pain of the Holocaust as well as more recent bloody persecutions cannot but bear fruit. We would like to share them with you so that they will no longer be an abyss that separates us, but a bridge that unites us; that they might become a seed of unity.” From then on a Day of Peace has been celebrated at Mariapolis Lia in the province of Buenos Aires.
Another meaningful moment was the meeting with Jewish friends in Jerusalem, 1999. Chiara could not attend the event, but asked Natalia Dallapiccola and Enzo Fondi to go in her place and read the presentation she had prepared. At that time Natalia and Enzo were overseeing the interreligious dialogue of the Movement. The audience, which included rabbis, greatly appreciated her answer to a question regarding the reason for suffering. Chiara quoted a passage from the Talmud: “Whoever does not experience the hiding of God’s face, is not one of the Hebrew people” (see Talmud: Mas Chagigah 5,b).
Four international symposiums were held between 2005 and 2011: two in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, and the third in Jerusalem, 2009. The words that were used most often by Christians, Jews and members of the local Arab Focolare community to describe this event were: a miracle and hope. Everyone was eager to embrace the challenge of unity; the gathering was entitled Walking Together Towards Jerusalem. Particularly moving was the Pact of Mutual Love that was solemnly recited at the Steps on Mount Zion which, according to a tradition Jesus walked as he prayed for unity. The Pact was recited again at the Eastern Wall, known as the Wailing Wall.
In 2011 the symposium moved to Buenos Aires. Christians and Jews from various currents – orthodox, conservative and reformed – met at Mariapolis Lia to discuss Identity and Dialogue, a Continuing Journey. The programme was enriching with presentations in several academic fields including philosophy, anthropology, psychology, pedagogy, law and communications. These days together were important not only for the rich content, but also for the mutual listening and sharing of several experiences. One Jewish person commented: “During these days of respectful dialogue different currents in Judaism were able to come together in harmony.”
Further progress was made in 2013, in Castelgandolfo, Italy, at an international gathering where everyone tried to more deeply understand the tradition of the other.
However, the main characteristic of this fruitful dialogue is not the many meetings, but life together and the ongoing exchange of vision and experience, which has been unfolding in many cities across Europe, Israel and the Americas.
On March 20, 2014, there will be an event at the Urbania University of Rome, dedicated to Chiara Lubich and Religions: Together for the Unity of the Human Family. The gathering will highlight her efforts for interreligious dialogue, six years after her death. The event also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions, Nostra Aetate. Leaders from the Muslim world are also expected to attend.
read: Buenos Aires, 20 April 1998. Chiara Lubich to the members of B’nai B’rith and other members of the Jewish community
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Feb 22, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
“Move for something greater” is the title of a project of Gen Rosso that began on January 30, 2014 and will end on March 1, 2014. The project engages students from several Philippine cities in concrete gestures of sharing and solidarity, following the hurricane of last November. The arrival of the international music group has been in preparation stages for months, involving several public and private schools. 
Gen Rosso was met at its arrival in Manila, by the Philippine Minister of Education who expressed his great esteem for the project as well as his wish for future collaboration. The international performing arts group held several workshops in Manila (February 1-2, 2014) in which 210 teenagers took part and were enthusiastic to express their talents. Music, dance, choreography and lines from the musical Streetlight were channels for creating tuning in and communicating with the youths. Several of them came from marginalised regions of the metropolis. “They especially,” the band artists write, “were won over by the force of the project. They left with huge smiles on their faces and a singular sense of satisfaction.” 
Work in the workshops resulted in a presentation of two concerts in the Ynares Palasport of Manila; local young people performed together with band artists in performing the musical. Each show drew a crowd of 2,200 people, among these a group of forty Muslim youths. One of them commented on the “conviction, courage and inspiration” that was conveyed by the performance. Some impressions from the students who performed: “You’ve healed the wounds in our heart. How beautiful to return home and be able to live for others!” “Thank you for making us feel like part of a family!” “With this concert I found the desire to live again.” “I learned to be surer of myself and to have trust.” “Thank you for these days together with Gen Rosso. I have found a relationship with my father again.” Second stop: Masbate, an island to the southeast of Manila, nestled amidst tropical nature (February 7-8, 2014). “This tour,” they confide “is giving us unforgettable emotions. We’re on an island that lives on fishing and rice fields. The Fazenda, where we shall be staying, is located in the midst of the fields an hour away from the city, and the road is swarming with sidecars (tricycles). Even amidst a thousand difficulties, the people live happily. . . .” The project in Masbate was held in collaboration with the Fazenda da Esperanca, along with students from several schools on the island. Enthusiasm among the 200 students who took part in the workshop during the week really reached the stars! These teenagers have firsthand experience of many of the situations presented in the Streetlight musical. . . . It was necessary to schedule a third performance because of the many requests, with an audience of 1600 young people.”
With tears in their eyes they admit: “We leave tears of joy and deep friendships in Masbate. . . . Once again we’ve experienced that in places such as these that are so far and difficult to reach, we receive much more than we give.” The adventure continued in Davos (February 14-15, 2014) and will conclude in Manila on March 5, 2014. Ver video 1 Vedi video 2
