Thailand, the story of a young Buddhist

30 Dec 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

My name is Num. I was born in Thailand and I am a Buddhist Gen. I am a musician and a painter. At the moment I’m teaching computer skills to people with disabilities. As you can see my hair is extremely short because I’ve just come back from a time as a Buddhist monk.

In our tradition young men spend a period as a monk in a monastery. Unfortunately the practice is not popular today. As a Gen, I want to get to know more about my religion and to live my spiritual life better. So I decided to be ordained a monk. The ordination ceremony was really significant for me. The focolarini and the other Gen were present for this important occasion. I felt they were with me in this experience.

I had more time to meditate, beginning very early in the morning, at 4:30. Immediately after meditating, I would leave the monastery with other monks to go begging in search of food. I discovered that people trust monks and have a great deal of respect for them. I understood how important this trust is and that we monks should be faithful to the teachings of the Buddha in order to keep the trust people have. I have learnt so much from the teachings of Buddhism, especially from the older monks. And also while I was in the monastery, I felt that the other Gen were united with me.

I met the Gen through one of my Buddhist friends. He had got to know the Gen Ideal from a Buddhist monk in his village. The first time I met them I immediately noticed the very friendly relationship they had; they were like brothers and sisters, even though they were (and we are are) very different from one another – even following different religions.

What does it mean to be a Buddhist Gen? We have a lot of things in common with Christians, such as, for example, trying to be committed and good, and also in our choice to treat others well. I can live as a Gen anywhere I am, in each moment and, above all, by loving everyone I meet, helping to build family-style relationships with everyone. We Buddhist Gen try to live the Ideal of unity every day, loving and building unity wherever we are. We organize many things for the good of society together with the Christian Gen, for instance, fundraising for the victims of natural disasters. Now we are working to help people affected by the Typhoon in the Philippines. Let’s go ahead together!

Minoti Aram, pioneer of interfaith dialogue

26 Dec 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Minoti Aram

On Christmas morning came the unexpected news. Minoti Aram has died in Dubai where she was staying with the family of her son Ashok.

For years Minoti Aram was in a wheelchair, her health going up and down in a worrying way. But her indomitable spirit made her overcome every the crises. She continued as a reference point for thousands of people living around Shanti Ashram of Coimbatore (in Tamil Nadu, south India).

Married to Dr Aram, an educationalist, a pacifist and a member of the Indian senate, she led her life in the spirit of Gandhi. In the 80s her husband and she started the Shanti Ashram, a centre for peace and social commitment. It sought to be, in the words of the Mahatma, part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Minoti Aram, Natalia Dallapiccola

She followed in her husband’s footsteps in her commitment to interfaith dialogue. For many years Dr Aram was one of the presidents of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (nowadays simply called Religions for Peace). This led her to meet Natalia Dallapiccola, one of the first focolarine, in Beijing during the 80s. They became, as Minoti loved to say, sisters. After the death of Dr Aram about 10 years later, Minoti fulfilled one of his dreams: to invite Chiara Lubich to India.

Chiara Lubich, Minoti Aram

In 2001, she suggested to several Gandhian organizations in Tamil Nadu (Sarvodaya) to give Chiara Lubich the Gandhi Award, Defender of Peace. Her suggestion was accepted and Chiara went to India for 3 weeks. In Coimbatore, apart receiving the award, she spoke to a public meeting of about 600 Hindus. The following day Chiara, Minoti and her daughter Vinu and some of those who worked with them met to understand how to continue the dialogue that had begun.

This gave rise to Sarvo-Foco Pariwar, round table discussions between the Sarvodaya family and the Focolare. Minoti Aram was always present as a force behind this original form of dialogue. The family has grown and many member of the Aram family have joined in the moments of sharing between the Gandhian Movement and the Focolare. Artistic and social projects have been set up, as well as exchanges among groups of young people, to the point of oragnizing the 2009 Gen 3 Supercongress.

With other Gandhians she took part in the Hindu-Christian symposia of 2002, 2004 and 2007. At this last, Chiara Lubich despite her failing health, wanted to meet Minoti personally.

Two years ago, during the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Shanti Ashram, surrounded by many guests, Minoti recalled the importance of her dialogue with Chiara and Natalia, her sisters. In the last months she insisted to her daughter, Dr Vinu Aram, that there should be a conference at the Shanti Ashram to commemorate Natalia Dallapiccola, so that, as she said, ‘future generations may know the pioneers of dialogue between the followers of different religions.’ The date of the conference has been set for November 2014!

Roberto Catalano

Republic of Central Africa, we are with you

25 Dec 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Bangui, 23 December, 2013 «We know that many are attentively following the development of the dramatic situation that has hit the Republic of Central Africa. In the last few days there were still clashes in some areas of Bangui, the capital. It is a predictable situation, seeing that the disarmament was not an easy task and zones of influence, or we could say zones of occupation continue to exist, on the side of the “Anti-Balaka’ fighters who are battling against the ‘Seleka’. But it is also true that the city centre and the main roads of the capital are guarded by the French troops, and this has allowed for a small revival of the activities and circulation of the people. The most dramatic aspect touches the population who find themselves directly involved in these clashes. From December 5, date of the frst attack of the ‘Anti-Balaka’, there has been a real exodus of the population towards the zones that are considered safer: Catholic and Protestant Churches, Catholic seminaries, Mosques for the Muslims, zones and camps around the city, the departure area of the airport (that is protected by the French troops). Those massacred in this period has gone beyond 1000 dead.  The religious aspect, Christians against Muslims and vice-versa, has been instrumentalized for economic and political ends, but in fact a very serious problem persists regarding the conscience of the faithful. How can you speak of forgiveness when you have seen your loved one massacred? A cycle of revenge has been set in motion that goes beyond the simple alliances. And now it is the time, not only of uncertainty but also of hunger. The populace in fact, have finished their meager supplies; the commercial activity has started again but sporadically and there is the risk to one’s life when you move around to try and find some supplies; prices are sky-high. Distribution of supplies are being done by PAM and by other NGOs, but they cannot meet the enormous needs; so much so that there are threats, robberies and aggresion during the distribution. In Bangui there is a small but lively community of the Focolare: youth, families, teens… Many of them are protected up to now in the place where they have found refuge; some have gone home during the day but return to the refugee centre during the night. In the meantime, they are working to help in the various neighborhoods and in the refugee camps, and to welcome people into their homes, those who live in more peaceful neighborhoods. A family of the community, made up of five members, has now been extended to more than thirty… Eliane and Max, went into action in their neighborhood, involving around sixty people: they help the elderly and the sick who have remained isolated or in dangerous zones, to assist them in reaching the refugee centres. After having distributed all that the community was able to put together, gathering whatavere they had, they made a survey of the most urgent cases: around 500 persons who were handicapped, the elderly and the sick, pregnant mothers or with small children; they then went to the various aid agencies to ask for help. Other members of the Focolare are working in the refugee camps, assisting the peopl in various ways, but above all striving to share hope with their small comforting gestures. The numerous difficulties, makes us more aware of having received a ‘gift’: the charism of unity that was given to Chiara Lubich during times that were similar to ours now, the Second World War. We feel that this is our strength. From this troubled point in our planet, we count on your prayers and we send you our reciprocal greetings that Baby Jesus may bring the miracle of peace to the Republic of Central Africa».

Syria’s Uncertain Future

17 Dec 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“Our correspondence with Syria was interrupted for several weeks. Gio has had to leave the house in Damascus and move to the coast in search of safer accommodations. Electrical power in the country continues to come and go, functioning for three hours in the morning or a few hours in the afternoon.

Telephoning the apartment in Damascus, by chance we reached a friend of our correspondent there who had gone ahead to check out the situation. “You know, there are a lot of bombs falling in the capital, but here we are doing well enough.” She tried to reassure me and herself as he went on saying: “We’re living moment to moment, we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and so it’s today that counts.” She hasn’t worked in two months, since her boss had asked her to carry out jobs that are illegal and she refused. She refused to tell me the type of work. She is keeping that confidential in order to protect herself and the person who gave her the job. The other day she presented a resume with the hope of a breakthrough.    

She told me about her parents. They live in Talfita, near to Maaloula, the village where the Orthodox nuns were abducted on December 3, 2013. There is much anxiety over their fate. “A friend of mine telephoned them every day, but that Tuesday the telephone rang and rang, but nobody answered.” Meanwhile, in a video broadcasted on a rebel television channel, the nuns stated that they had not been kidnapped but were held to in order to protect them from the attacks in the region. But no one believes it.

Life is very difficult in the north of the country where rebels that they are as heinous as the army. It is cold and the lack of electricity does not allow anyone to live a normal life. They are using gasoline generators, but fuel is being used to stay warm and provide light. “Our village was practically burned to the ground. No one goes out of the house, not even to purchase basic necessities. However, God continues to intervene and save our lives, but we don’t see any glimmers of peace. On the contrary, everything seems aimless and meaningless. When will we say enough with all this violence?”

Compiled by: Maddalena Maltese

Source: Città Nuova

The Philippines Live

13 Dec 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“Until now we have managed to help some 500 families, who then help other families with assistance from the Focolare worldwide and also many others. At present we’re collecting money for rebuilding homes that have been destroyed. So we are counting on everyone’s help!” This invitation was given during a global internet link-up with 6,343 points on the 5 continents, with Carlo Gentile and Ding Dalisay from the Focolare community, who are directly involved in the help operation in the most devastated areas. The continue their story sharing several examples that show the solidarity that has been put in motion, even in situation that is still quite precarious. “On the day following the typhoon, some of our people went toward the most stricken regions to offer help. Some decided to flee the city; others stayed behind: ‘We couldn’t run away and flee our responsibility. We have to pay salaries, help the city to recover. . .” Bimboy explained. He is president of the local university and member of the Focolare. Bimboy walked 10 km each day, in order to show up at the university and assure a minimal sense of normality. Pepe and Marina are from the local Focolare community in Tacloban. They placed themselves at the service of those around them: one neighbour was in need of petro. They gave that neighbour the small amount they had for their own automobile. “What will we do now?” they wondered. The next day, unexpectedly, a cousin who was fleeing the city lent them his van until his return. Meanwhile in Cebu help continues to arrive from the Focolare around the world. The Philippine New City Magazine wrote: “The support that continues to arrive from the international community is simply overwhelming.” The Gospel prophecy “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself” seems to be coming true in Tacloban. Even small children from around the world are sending their piggy-bank savings.” It has triggered a positive chain reaction. One Philippine-Italian couple living in Italy said that the members of the Movement have sent 23 packages for Abuyog, where their family resides. “Not only food assistance,” they say, “but also tents, mosquito nets, mattresses and more. The packages have had an arduous journey, and were blocked a few hours from the city . . . but then they were recovered.” Then a network of solidarity was activated to help the less fortunate: “They scoured the most affected areas, distributing parcels and the rice that was sent or purchased; leaving written messages to families in difficulty, inviting them to their homes for more assistance.” And support continues to arrive, both from the AFN non-profit and the United World Project, a non-profit of the Focolare that has been in the region and is very close to the population. Angel, a teenager from the Focolare Movement in the Philippines encouraged his teachers and classmates to give up something for the victims of the typhoon saying: “When one part of us dies, another lives.” Through his efforts he gathered many materials and more than 20,000 pesos (€ 400) in a single day. Another boy from the Focolare, Michael, gathered 7 sacks of good and usable clothing from his poor village. Help is being sent from both rich and poor countries. In conclusion, Amiel recounts: “It will take a long time for life to return to normal. But having experienced something similar to Chiara Lubich’s experience during the war, we’ll carry on. This will be our way of witnessing that God is Love!” For anyone who would like to contribute financially: Associazione Azione per un Mondo Unito – Onlus presso Banca Popolare Etica, filiale di Roma Codice IBAN: IT16G0501803200000000120434 Codice SWIFT/BIC CCRTIT2184D Causale: emergenza tifone Haiyan Filippine AZIONE per FAMIGLIE NUOVE Onlus c/c bancario n° 1000/1060 BANCA PROSSIMA Cod. IBAN: IT 55 K 03359 01600 100000001060 Cod. Bic – Swift: BCITITMX MOVIMENTO DEI FOCOLARI A CEBU Payable to : Emergency Typhoon Haiyan Philippines METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST COMPANY Cebu – Guadalupe Branch 6000 Cebu City – Cebu, Philippines Tel: 0063-32-2533728 Bank Account name: WORK OF MARY/FOCOLARE MOVEMENT FOR WOMEN Euro Bank Account no.: 398-2-39860031-7 SWIFT Code: MBTCPHMM Payable to: Help Philippines– Typhoon Haiyan Email: focolaremovementcebf@gmail.com