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Dec 17, 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
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Dec 13, 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
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Dec 9, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide
Cochabamba, Bolivia: here, where the population is made up of 50% children and adolescents most of whom have been abandoned by their parents, the Association of Volunteer Service ONLUS “Casa de los Niños” has been active for some five years or so.
“We are the fruit of the encounter with the face of Jesus that became real in the persons who have crossed our path – those responsoble for the project wrote us – pushed by dreams of hope and of the welfare of those people who are living in situations of great suffering or marginalization, especially children”.
Chiara Lubich, foundress of the Focolare Movement, once expressed the wish that all orphanages could be closed hoping that each one of the little guests could enjoy the warmth and love of a family. “Following this dream of Chiara Lubich – they share – we went to work, there wherever it was possible, to recompose, to temporarily welcome and support the families or relatives of children in extreme difficulty. With the help of many we were able, in these past 6 years, to reunite almost a hundred families, offering them a dignified place to live.”.
The story of M.R. is an example, she was diagnosed to be HIV positive 8 years ago. When the staff of the Association met her, she wasn’t talking and walking; when she was discharged from the intensive care unit where she was confined due to an infection, she was welcomed at the “Casa de los Niños” (Children’s Home) . “M. R. will clebrate her 10th birthday in a few months – they share with joy. In the meantime her mother, who was sent away from her home because she was being blamed for this situation, was also welcomed by the Children’s Home and so a small family has been reunited”.
“Our Center – they continue – is now the point of reference of all the public institutions in the city who are taking care of those with HIV. Around 20% of the families in Cochabamba who are carriers of the virus are living with us. Also 30% of the HIV positive children in the city are staying at our “Cittadella Arcobaleno” (Little City Rainbow), together with other 200 children with different stories behind them”.
This concrete action, even if it is fundamental and necessary, cannot be separated from that which gives meaning and value to every action: “The art of encounter has marked our life – the staff share – and this is what we are seeing blossoming around us, it is the fruit of our relationship with extraordinary people with whom we share their life and their most profound dreams. This allows us to embrace innocent suffering, those of children who suffer the most absurd injustice, who suffer a life that they have not chosen and which obliges them to fight against the current from the moment they were born. We are here with them, with the tenacity of the miserable and the faith of the weak. We naively believe, that inspite of the daily failures, the good will always triumph”.
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Dec 6, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide
Colombia, together with its many natural riches, it is also a Country with serious social wounds among which is the great inequality between the few who are rich and the many who are poor, numerous families who are forced to leave their homes and cities due to violence, thousands of cases of abuse of minors ….
The Fondazione Mundo Mejor (Better World Foundation), a non-profit organization, was born in Medellín in 1996 started by a group of people of the Focolare Movement who found the strength to face the social emergemcies around them from the Charism of Unity. No one could remain indifferent in front of these realities, on the contrary, striving to live the spirituality of Chiara Lubich, gave rise to concrete answers: diverse social projects that integrate action and reflection.
The program of child services, for example, offers complete education for vulnerable children from 2 to 5 years of age.
That of social integration offers assistance to the destitute, by trying to create alternatives and livelihood projects that will allow them to re-enter into the social fabric and into the workforce. The program of re-introduction into the world of work, with the offer of professional training and assistance there where they reside.
A program on human rights, where strategies to strengthen the exercise of the principal human rights of children and their families are developed.
At present the Foundation has 155 employees, including nutritionists, psychologists, teachers and administrative personnel, looking after the welfare of around 2,000 children and 400 homeless.
Steve Carty and his wife – Peruvian and with two children – have dedicated themselves to work full-time in this educational-social project. “Our challenge goes beyond activism –Steve underlined – because we have understood that the first big social revolution is born in the heart of every person”.
Today the Foundazione Mundo Mejor (Better World Foundation) is an institution that is recognized as a valid voice in the fields of politics, art, social works and sports; it is the partner of other organization that have chosen it for its transparency and attention for the other, in the spirit of fraternity.
It has received important recognitions from the Town Council of Medellin, from the regional authorities and from the Senate of the Republic of Colombia. Recently, they have signed an agreement with the Club UNESCO Heritage, with headquarters in Valencia, Spain.
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Dec 5, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide
“The social revolution that marked the beginning of a new age began with a fifteen year old girl. It was a total revolution that comprehended not only the body, but also the spirit; not only time, but also eternity. This young girl was named Mary.
She was a Jew from an unfit village from which it was believed nothing good could ever come: Nazareth.
At the beginning of the great change there was a woman. She dwelt in a hovel and was familiar with the misery of families all crammed into caves like living sacrifices. She shared in their deep hunger and burning thirst for social justice.
From within the womb of this young maiden sprang up the maker of the revolution. The Son of God was about to be born as a man, as the Son of Mary. Perfect purity was taking flesh with blood of that same purity within the person of the one who was all worthy and without trace of the original fault.
Now, this girl who already represented the most amazing revolution as the humblest of creatures was chosen for the highest of duties; the most unknown among women was to become the women invoked by all generations.
She was a humble handmaid and, at the same time, strong-hearted. She rested in the power of God. She is the perfect woman: the complete woman: without blemish and without fear. Although prepared to sacrifice, she is certain of justice. She is all love and therefore totally free.
Her beauty has wrapped woman in a new light that has come to be revealed in her wake. Throughout the centuries Our Lady has raised up the woman and placed the mothering role in divinizing light. Her sweet motherhood is so boundless that all ages have called her Our Lady. Once the Father placed the Mother in our midst, life took on the atmosphere of a home and being there a feast.
Since humankind’s degeneration began with a woman, when the Creator wished to purify it he once again chose a woman, and began again with her. He chose Mary of Nazareth, a woman without stain.”
Igino Giordani in: Le Feste, Società Editrice Internazionale, 1954.
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Dec 5, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide
To bring back to one’s own Diocese and one’s own Church the riches of the experience made together: this was the intention of the 33 Bishops – Orthodox, belonging to the Ancient Oriental Churches, Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans and Catholics of the different Rites – at the end of the 32° Ecumenical Convention organized by the Focolare Movement which was held in Jerusalem from November 18 to 22. They contributed to the theme of the Convention which was “The reciprocity of love among the disciples of Christ, not only through the deepening of theological and spiritual topics but also through a fraternal and sincere exchange of experiences among the Bishops.
The central point of the meeting: a strong pact among them to constantly and always live their relationships with the imprint of the New Commandment: “As I have loved you, so too must you love one another”, because “By this they will know that you are my disciples: if you love one another’” (Jn. 13,31-35). The place that was chosen for this moment was very meaningful: the little “church” named “In Gallicantu” that lies along the pathway leading to the Cenacle at the Cedron stream, which according to tradition was the path that Jesus took after the Last Supper. Thus it is linked to his commandment of Love and to his prayer to the Father for the unity of those who followed him.
The Latin Patriarch S. B. Faoud Twal, greeted a group of Bishops during the preparation of the Convention. The meeting with the Greek-Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem,Theophilos III, was also significant. He considered the coming of the Bishops to Jerusalem as a blessing. “For the Christians of the Holy Land – he underlined – it is an encouragement to meet Bishops who are united, even if they belong to different Churches. It is also a strong support for us, because it is a clear sign that we have not been forgotten. You don’t only talk about dialogue but you are a living dialogue”.
They studied in detail two recent documents launched within the ecumenical field: “The Church: Towards a Common Vision” by the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, and the document of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity: “From Conflict to Communion” looking at the commemoration in 2017 of 500 years since the Reformation.
The Bishops were also informed about the experience of communion and collaboration within the network of Together for Europe that, respecting the specific character of each one, gathers together around 300 Movements and communities of various Christian Chruches for activities in common. Together for Europe is seen as a source of real hope by specialists, because it is an expression of what is often called the Ecumenism of life, considered by Vatican II to be the basis for all types of Ecumenism.
On November 2, the Bishops shared their ten-year experience of communion with about 120 people, among whom were notable people from the religious field and representatives of Movements and communities from different Churches present in the Holy Land. For their part, the Bishops also heard about constructive initiatives, often initiated by lay people, to improve relations among the Churches and the non-Christian communities of their country.
The visit every day to various holy sites made the life of Jesus feel even more present. This was especially true in Bethlehem, where the local community of the Focolare Movement gathered for a small event which, in the words of Helmut Sievers, “allowed everyone to experience the luminous presence of the Saviour in today’s world.”
Watch video (Franciscan Media Centre) “Love one another as I have loved you”—the 32nd Bishops’ Ecumenical Conference
