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5 Mar 2013 | Focolare Worldwide
The Youth for a United World have launched their Sharing with Africa project that focuses on making known the gift that this continent is for the world, with its peculiarities and traditions. Already in 2011 some 200 youths from several African countries had met to more deeply examine the project of achieving true brotherhood. This project has been going ahead since the 1960’s in Fontem, Cameroon to see how they could also contribute to universal brotherhood. It was from here Sharing with Africa was begun with the goal of making a contribution to forming a new culture that is open to the building of a more united world by promoting the values that have created and shaped African society. The goal of the project is to create a space for communion not only among youths who live on the African continent but for youths of the whole world, and to favour cultural exchange, sharing of talents, life experiences and life challenges, through concrete projects and activities. The first stage of the project will take place in Nairobi, Kenya at the School of Inculturation. The topic will be: “The Ubuntu vision of the human person: “I am what I am because we all are.” 
Ubuntu philosophy presents a unifying vision of the world which is expressed in the Zulu proverb: “Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu” (A person is a person because of other people). This life concept is found at the basis of all African society, and it implies respect, sharing, trust, altruism and cooperation. It is a “communitarian” idea of the human person that identifies a person as someone in relation to his or her relations with others. A person with an Ubuntu ethic is open, available to others, supportive, aware of belonging to a greater whole. Speaking in Ubuntu terms involves a stronger sense of unity in social relations, in order to be available and willing to meet differences in the humanity of the other, as one’s own humanity is enriched: “I am what I am because of who we all are.” The Sharing with Africa project also gives participants in the School of Inculturation the opportunity to be involved in several social activities together with the Youth for a United World in Kenya. Some of the activities include being the guests of the Samburu Tribe, but also working for children living in a slum in Nairobi; others in a Nutrition Centre on the outskirts of the vast city.
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25 Feb 2013 | Focolare Worldwide
What are the requirements for a young person who is seeking employment today in business or politics? The most obvious answer seems to be that she or he would need to have a super-specialisation and have received unbeatable training. But Dr. Lorenzo Rosi who is vice president of Erutria Bank and was present at the Open Day of Sophia University Institute thinks otherwise: “In job interviews we ask that the candidate be able to come up with solutions to problems. We consider it the task of the company to provide further training through internships or ad hoc courses, but the most important thing for us is that candidates can use their heads. This is why I recommend Sophia to young people, because it opens the mind, forms people who are capable of dialogue, and are accepting of differences. In other words, from here, people come out who are capable of thinking and not merely executors [of someone else’s thinking].”
It was surely not a traditional University Opening Day, where professors and secretaries explain the curriculum and answer questions about registration procedures and fees – although there was also this. It was rather the students, about 80 of them from 30 different countries, and spread out among three specializations – Economics and Management, Trinitarian Ontology and Political Studies – who did the honours. They told of how they landed at Sophia, the reasons why after three years of becoming highly specialized at another university they decided to come here from such different fields and life experiences. One story said it all, the story of Rami, and Egyptian on the forefront of the revolution that two years ago brought aa breath of Arab Spring to his own land. “I slept in TahrirSquare, I protested with thousands of people in the streets, we fought for freedom putting our lives on the line. But after such a strong experience, I felt the need to be enriched interiorly, and this is what Sophia is for me. I came to the “mountain top” far from the crowd, to absorb Wisdom. No, this is not an escape from the problems. I am continuing to live the revolution at the side of my people but in a different way. I write articles that are published in Egypt as I am nourished by the Wisdom that I find here at Sophia, both in the courses and in daily life with the professors and students. I feel that I am setting solid foundations inside me that will prepare me to bring peace where there is none.”
Where are the economy and the world going?” was the title for one of the three lessons that LuiginoBruni, Professor of Economics. Together with political philosopher Antonio M. Baggio, and theologian Alessandro Clemenzia presented to the students in attendance or linked up via online streaming.
“At Sophia,” Bruni pointed out, “specific skills are reinforced by learning to look further. Study then is not a pre-employment stage but complementary to work, thanks to the stagesthat are being defined for all subject areas.”
Three professionals in the areas of enterprise, academic research and political involvement showed the added value of Sophia in three areas. One of these was Letizia De Torre (Movement for Unity in Politics), former Member of Parliament who reminded everyone that a young person cannot “enter into politics without having a vision of the world.” “Sophia was begun to express a culture that not only looks to the interests of one party but which, by virtue of its interdisciplinary approach, is open to listening and to criticism, the ability to change a position, to change the dynamics, learning to talk. In short, do not be afraid of the differences. Sophia provides you with the tools to build the dream of a better society for all.”
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24 Feb 2013 | Focolare Worldwide
What was your first reaction when you heard about Benedict’s XVI resignation? What aspects of his pontificate do you appreciate? What do you wish the new Pope?
Here are some excerpts from their answers.
«In the beginning I could not believe it. Then I understood that the Holy Father had decided to take this step for the good of the Church. Since I have lived together with catholic brothers and sisters, I deeply understand that the essence of this ministry is of a spiritual nature. I want to be united with him and with the other Christians in prayer, for the election of the new Pope, so that the Church may go ahead for the good of humanity». Metta, Buddhist from Thailand
«I think it is a wise decision; since he carries out his role in the name of God, there is no doubt that God is with him. His action is unparalleled and sets an example for all humanity. His decision to retire to a monastery is also something great. My wishes for the new Pope are that with the help of God, he may be even more inspired, and that he does not get disheartened by ill-intentioned criticism». Abdou, Muslim from Algeria
«The Pope’s renunciation concerns us all. But nothing will change the things we have at heart. He has continued John Paul II’s work, and there is no way back. On the contrary, we go further ahead in mutual understanding and collaboration ». Enrique, Jewish, from Uruguay
«I think that (the announcement of Benedict XVI’s resignation) constitutes a very important precedent. I appreciated the Pope’s humility and his sincere allusions to the causes of his resignation, and the difficulties in the Vatican curia. With his decision I feel (I hope) that he has paved the way for an increased collegiality in the Church. What do I wish the next pope? Courage! He will have to bear a heavy cross, but he will be able to and have to share it more with his people». Armando, Italian with non religious convictions.
«We couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw Benedict XVI announcing his resignation. Then we were filled with a deep understanding and sympathy for him. Not even a Pope can escape human limitations! Joseph Ratzinger had the courage and sincerity to publicly acknowledge this. Our wishes for the future pope is that he continue along the path of openness towards other Christian denominations, towards other religious traditions, as well as people of different convictions». Donika and Luan, Tirana – Albania
«I think that he has taken a wise decision, though certainly not an easy one! Even this is an act of responsibility. I would like to thank him for all that he has given us. What I expect from the next Pope is that he may have always this consideration for brotherhood, this openness towards the other creeds, religious traditions, to build a world of universal brotherhood». Racim, Muslim from Algeria
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21 Feb 2013 | Focolare Worldwide
It was a real and proper ‘EoC Mission’ the one held in Serbia, in the region of Vojvodina and Belgrade, the first few days of February. The aim of the mission was to get to know up close the entrepreneurs and the families involved in the Economy of Communion in Serbia.
The EoC in Serbia is concentrated in the region of Vojvodina, and is not made up of great numbers but rather of varied experiences representing a society where the local communities suffer unemployment, scarce agricultural productivity and lack of services. It is composed mainly of artisans who, since the beginning of the EoC, have shared their profits, and who now must innovate their production, young people who intend to start up workshops, stores, farming initiatives which collaborate in the production of feed, and who give the product to the poor since they cannot give profit, entrepreneurs who have in common the choice of giving part of their profits the the EoC project, even while using different business strategies among them (the little business that gives credit to clients based on a relationship of trust rather than on interest, the biggest society trying to conciliate a dimensional growth with attention to the local community and to maintaining the number of jobs; a company director who, while not the owner, administers according to EoC principles.)
The beneficiaries of aid given: Other significant moments of the trip were the meetings with some of the realities that benefit from help coming from EoC initiatives: a meal service for children, families, and the elderly; a Caritas centre that organizes entertainment activities for both young and old. It is mostly young families who make themselves available to tell us their experiences: some of them are unable to pay for their children’s education; elderly people who cannot afford medical care; a husband and wife who live in a small house made of recovered materials, in extreme conditions of misery, yet at the same time with great dignity and openness towards their neighbours.
What is the contribution of the EoC in Serbia today – it is very clear that the economic model founded on the culture of giving continues to attract and to propose itself as a valid solution, up to making one rethink the socio-economic system from its very base; the awareness is very strong even for the EoC that today it is fundamental to be able to innovate and to anticipate changes (for the Balkan countries, the cost they will be carrying, as well as the prospects of development is emblematic for a future integration into the European Union).The role of the new generations will be fundamental in this process, of young people attracted by the EoC Ideal and competent not only on matters of health and work security, environment, marketing, project administration, and accounting, but also in the guidelines for conducting an EoC business, (studied and developed in detail referring to specific local and business contexts) that could offer entrepreneurs a concrete contribution both at the local level (Serbia could be representative of an important experimentation in this sense) and at the level of the International Commission. To form 3-5 young people, already locally identified who have these competencies is the proposal with which the mission concluded: this will be a way to create jobs for some youth who will be entering the EoC reality and businesses that will necessitate consultations in order to innovate, both on a general and a specific level, will also be helped.
Finally, a very important moment of dialogue with the Serbian Orthodox Community took place, in particular with the Institute for the study of Dialogue between Culture and Christianity in the person of BojanaBursac: from this encounter it is probable that in a not too distant future there might be a meeting between the EoC and Serbia’s orthodox. New frontiers of dialogue can be seen on the horizon.
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20 Feb 2013 | Focolare Worldwide
This will be a unique occasion for the Focolare Movement to once again express its gratitude and to pray with the Pope and thousands of others who will gather at St. Peter’s, for the Church’s future.
“Your Holiness, the Focolare Movement wishes to be near to you with great gratitude for the fatherly love and support you have always shown it.”
The Focolare wishes to be part of the planetary embrace that has enveloped the Holy Father during these final days of his Pontificate. It wants to be there to express to the Holy Father its closeness in prayer. As the news began to spread at the Vatican Press Office on February 11th, Maria Voce wrote to the Pope on behalf of all the focolarini of the world: “We want you to know that we are at your side, in deep and constant prayer for this new phase that is opening in your life and in the life of the Church with that sure faith in God’s love, which you called us to in a special way this year. We continue to wish you well and we will always love you!”
The announcement of the Pope’s resignation took the world by surprise. Declarations of esteem and support immediately began to arrive praising the Pope’s “humility and courage”. Messages arrived from politicians, Christian and non-Chrisitan leaders, and ordinary people in response to this rather unique gesture in the history of the Church. And all of them expressed the love and consideration that this Pope enjoys at all levels of today’s world.
The president of the Focolare Movement admits that the first reaction was one of “dismay and even pain as the Pope spoke of his declining ‘strengths of both body and spirit, due to an advanced age’. Words spoken so simply and so humbly by the Pope that they make him appear all the greater to us precisely in his weakness.” It was because of this sentiment that the focolarini felt urged to send a “message of gratitude” to the Holy Father. But we also saw in this a call of God to a greater unity. Maria Voce explains: “This is our charism and in this moment more than ever we should give witness to it, pulling together in a worldwide renewal of the pact, from one end of the world to the other, so that we can make available to the whole Church the great treasure of Jesus in our midst.”
The Citta Nuova website dedicated a special edition to the Pope’s resignation and received many reactions from its readers. “Many people give their analyses, critical or benevolent acclaim, I simply wish to express my love for Benedict XVI.” “After the initial shock . . . I saw his decision as a confirmation of his greatness.” “I was struck by how the Pope was able to conceal his decision during these months, probably in a deep and ongoing conversation with God. I feel that his experience personally challenges me and has much to teach me.”
With regard to this ongoing conversation with God, theologian Piero Coda, Dean of the Sophia University Institute writes: “Benedict XVI has surprised us from the beginning of his ministry because, with the simplicity and radicalism of the Gospel he talked to us about his relationship with Jesus and the relationship that, in Jesus, we are called to have among ourselves in the most beautiful and intense expressions of our [human] experience: friendship. The unexpected gesture with which he today announced his resignation from the ministry of the Bishop of Rome and Successor of Peter the Apostle, is the highest sign of this friendship that he has offered us. It is a high gesture that not only places the seal on his extraordinary Pontificate, but one that opens a new stage in the way of understanding and adminstrating the ministry of the papacy.”
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19 Feb 2013 | Focolare Worldwide
Benedict XVI has often affirmed that a theology which does not consider the continuous spur of philosophical research and entreaties of science is not a true theology. Based on this conviction, the 2013 edition of the “Renata Borlone, woman in dialogue” award was assigned to the astrophysicist and cosmologist Piero Benvenuti at Loppiano, on Sunday, 17th February in the main hall of the mini city. He enthralled the audience gathered in the hall as well as those connected via the internet, by illustrating the richness and the need for such a relationship. And this is all the more so if one really wants to know the origin of the universe, which was the topic of the round table in the morning, entitled “In the beginning…”. Besides Prof. Benvenuti, professor of Astrophysics at the University of Padua, the speakers included the theologian Mons. Piero Coda, and the philosopher Prof. Sergio Rondinara of the Sophia University Institute. The scientist stated that science is unable to explain or prove what occurred in time before the “10 – 43 seconds’ instant. To understand the “beginning”, the initial spark that gave origin to the cosmos, we need to venture into different fields: primarily theology and philosophy. 
The figure of Renata Borlone, after whom the award is named, and a servant of God, was at the centre of the first part of the afternoon. Last September, on the occasion of LoppianoLab, the president of the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce, had said, “If the proclamation of the sanctity of someone serves to recognize the primacy of God, then why not”. And those who had known Renata personally were aware how well these words defined her. Hers is a pathway to holiness, which is a witness to “the rapport, the relationship, the synodality, the reciprocity with those around us”, as Maria Voce had further stated. This was followed by the award ceremony of Prof. Piero Benvenuti, who is also a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture and director of the CISAS (Interdepartmental Centre for Space Studies and Activities). The citation recognised “the constant drive towards the transcendent in his scientific work, the work of diffusion and dissemination of scientific truth as contributions of truth regarding the human person, and the contribution to the dialogue between the natural sciences and Christian theology”. Many congratulatory messages were received on the occasion, among which that of cardinal Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture: “The example of Renata Borlone – he wrote – with her commitment to the service of the brothers and sisters, which was intimately interwoven with her passion for science, is a splendid witness to a possible pathway of personal growth where faith and science are united and not opposed”. Prof. Piero Benvenuti then gave the keynote address entitled: “Is cosmology really needed?”. He explained the foundations of cosmology as a science “accessible to all”, which responds to the natural human aspiration towards the future and the universal, toward the eschaton. And he concluded referring to Renata: “Now that she sees the truth face to face, may she help us to continue on the scientific path with a horizon that is always a little beyond that which our rational pursuit shows us”. The programme ended with a musical tribute offered by some artists as a sublime expression of the infinite beauty enclosed in the universe.
