![Reformation Day]()
Oct 31, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
On 31 October German Evangelical Christians and Protestants throughout the world celebrate ‘Reformation Day’. It recalls the beginning of the Luther’s reform when in 1517, according to tradition, he nailed his 95 theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg. There will be many liturgical celebrations, Bible readings and concerts to mark the day. In Switzerland, however, the day is celebrated on the first Sunday of November.
On 27 October 2002 Chiara Lubich was invited to speak in the Reformed Cathedral of St Pierre in Geneva, the Calvin’s Reformation. She was introduced by Pastor Joël Stroudinsk who at the time was the Moderator of the Reformed Church in Geneva. He said, ‘In a few days Protestantism in its diversity will celebrate the Reformation. Beyond the specific characteristic of Protestantism, it is shared now by other Christian confessions, represented here, this morning in their diversity. The specific characteristic is the passion for the Gospel. It is the will to register the power of a word that transforms the world in its existence and in everyday life, in its many expressions, social, economic, political. This is the challenge that Chiara Lubich … has highlighted. It is with a spirit of gratitude and fellowship that we welcome her this morning to this place.’
Chiara Lubich on 27 October 2002 in Reformed Cathedral of St Pierre in Geneva
In a Cathedral filled to capacity with more than 1500 persons, Chiara started her talk with these words. ‘On the next 3 November here in Geneva there will be a celebration of the anniversary of the Reformation, a religious festival that I hope will be rich with the best spiritual gifts for all Christians from Churches of the Reform, my beloved brothers and sisters. In that day the word ‘Reform’ will ring out. ‘Reform’, a term that expresses the desire for renewal, for change, almost for rebirth. It is a special, attractive word that means life, more life. It is a word that can stimulate a question: are the noun Reform and the adjective Reformed relevant only for the Church that has its centre in Geneva? Or are they not words that can be applied in some way to all of the Churches? Indeed, were they not always typical of the Church?
Chiara went on to say, ‘The Second Vatican Council in its decree on ecumenism, says “Christ summons the Church to continual reformation as she sojourns here on earth. The Church is always in need of this, in so far as she is an institution of men here on earth.”[1] If we observe the history of the Church, and in particular the years when Christians were still united, we see that Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, has always thought, willed, directed his Bride towards a continuous reformation, bringing about in it a constant renewal. For this reason he sends on earth, from time to time, gifts, charisms of the Holy Spirit who has given rise to new spiritual currents and new religious families. And with these he has presented again the vision, in men and women, of a life that is evangelical, totally dedicated and radical.’
And she concludes, ‘Dearest bothers and sisters, this is what we have understood: the present time demands love from each one of us, demands unity, communion, solidarity. And it also calls the Churches to build up again the unity rent by the centuries. And this the reform of the reforms that heaven requires. It is the first and necessary step towards universal brotherhood with all other people, all men and women in the world. Indeed, the world will believe if we are united. Jesus said it: ‘May they all be one … that the world may believe (see Jn 17:21). God wants this! Believe me! And he repeats it and shouts it in the current circumstances that he allows to exist. May he give us the grace, if not to see this come to fruition, at least to prepare for it.’[2]
[1] Unitatis Redintegratio, 6.
[2] Chiara Lubich, Il dialogo è vita (Città Nuova: Rome, 2007), pp.37, 43-44
![Reformation Day]()
Oct 28, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
A visit to the families in Loppiano
The Rev. Saito from the Buddhist Association Rissho Kosei-kai together with his wife Hiroyo and Mrs Eriko were in Italy this year for a trip full of events and meetings, which began at the Focolare Movement’s New Families’ Centre.
Rissho Kosei-kai’s commitment in the field of family life is in deep harmony with the aims of New Families, and they have been working together for many years: ‘I am a member of Rissho Kosei-kai. One of the teachings inspiring it is that we should be committed to building peace in the world, the State, society and the family. I remember that also Chiara Lubich said that society begins with the family, so it is vital to practise love, living it first of all in the family, which is the thing closest to us, and then in society which is made up of many families, and then in the State, and then in the whole world. Like this we can build peace. We can say that the family contributes love to the world.’
A particularly important moment on this trip was the audience with Pope Benedict XVI. Rev. Saito recalled it like this: ‘In Japan there have been huge disasters, like the tsunami last March, and large numbers of people have died, have lost their families, homes and work. The Pope made an appeal for prayer for Japan and I believe that that has deeply touched the hearts of many people in the world. I was able to tell him that the Japanese people never forget his words and I expressed my personal, profound gratitude. Benedict XVI smiled and he shook my hand with great warmth. This made me understand how much love he has in his heart.’
In Assisi
The visit to Assisi was also important for Rev. Saito: ‘The words of God-Buddha are becoming fact because people have put them into practice. This is true of the words of Jesus: “Love one another as I have loved you”, “Whatever you have done to the least, you have done to me.” These words of Jesus have become concrete teachings for us to live as a result of our seeing the life and witness of St Francis.”
Having met Chiara Lubich personally and his tremendous respect for her drew Rev. Saito to go in the end to visit Chiara’s house: ‘When we went into the room where she lived the last moments of her life, in front of her bed, the focolarina who was our guide us said that in that last period Chiara had read the gospels again in order to check if she had put into practice all of Jesus’ words. Having had the confirmation that this was so, Chiara left for heaven. I would like to live faith in the same way Chiara did, following her example.’
![Reformation Day]()
Oct 25, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
A website that does all the right things, with attractive graphics, but above all with integrity – a combination of three things that have made Terre di Loppiano’s fortune. It was set up to promote and to sell (www.terrediloppiano.com) the products of several agricultural businesses. Its 200 products of high quality, certified, from known sources, guaranteed and tested, come from different parts of the world. The entrepreneur Giorgio Balduzzi had the initial idea and started it up. We asked him for a few thoughts on the project.
Why use the name Terre di Loppiano?
‘The brand “Terre di Loppiano” (literally “Lands of Loppiano”) does not express so much a link with a particular territory as the value of the “land” which, if it is respected, can yield produce of the highest quality. “Loppiano” refers to our way of doing things grounded in the spirituality of unity which the little town of Loppiano expresses in its daily life.’
Do all the businesses that are part of Terre di Loppiano participate in the Economy of Communion (EoC)?
‘Of the 15 businesses that are part of it only a few are participate in the EoC. Others have been chosen because their professional and ethical values are similar to ours. But also these businesses have now asked to be part of the EoC.’
What added value has the relationship with these businesses given to your work?
‘The relationship with some of these business has given rise to the idea of promoting some of the social projects they are involved in. It is important to publicize these things and, especially, to bring them into a network, so that not only can they get beyond simply knowing one another but, above all, so as to ensure that each one serves the common good.’
Synergies, relationships, networks, team building: it all seems like part of a single mission that you have …
‘Yes. We have experienced that with mutual help and all the seeking the common good together, businesses can even find a way out of crisis. In 2010, for instance, Terre di Loppiano found itself involved with a honey producing firm that was at risk of closing down. Meeting us gave them new energy. We guaranteed the annual purchase of a quantity of honey and, thanks to our network, we were able to put it on the market, so the firm did not fail.’
Have you managed to spread outside Italy?
‘We have opened eight shops with our brand in Korea, thanks to a chance meeting with a Korean businessman who has taken on board the same challenge as we have. And now he is working to make this kind of economic activity known in Korea.’
Great commitment and responsibility are required then…
‘It’s true, things need to be done well, and if they are done also with love for the people round about us, who perhaps are in difficult situations, you can’t avoid good results. Our experiences are always similar. For instance, the people running a food shop selling some of our products once said that they understood the spirit behind this kind of business by looking at the relationship among us. Some of our suppliers have now asked to join in an educational programme for this new economic culture. We try to sow the seed and do our part, then if the sowing has been good, a harvest is inevitable.’
Edited by Paolo Balduzzi
![Reformation Day]()
Oct 22, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
Dr Rowan Williams at the Synod of Bishops in Rome
Lambeth Palace, September 2011. Archbishop Rowan Williams receives Focolare President, Maria Voce, together with Cardinal M. Vlk,and Msgr A. Bortolaso
![Reformation Day]()
Oct 21, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
“Strong people have no need for violence,” was the motto chosen by the Werkealschule School of Isny (Allgäu-Germany). It is one of the first partners of the new edition of Gen Rosso’s educational project and association Starkmacher. No longer the famous “Strong without Violence” but “Starkmacher Schule” (Schools that make you strong).
Between the 8th and 12th October 2012, students and teachers from the Werkrealschule Isny were involved in a project that put them on the stage with Gen Rosso and their musical “Streetlight”. And it all happened witih only three days of rehearsaling! Foolishenes? “Maybe so,” says Tomek who is one of the band members, “but we all believed it could be done and rehearsals went on without stopping.”
“A project involving the whole school does not happen every day,” admits School Principal Grimm, “for this reason Starkmacher Schule was introduced in every class.”
The projects provides an experience living and working alongside Gen Rosso to present their musical after a three-day workshop integrating different subjects and skills training, through a course developed at the University of Heidelberg for teachers and students that helps them to discover the qualities and skills that can be used to accomplish their goal. “Already last year some of the teachers and students went through this training,” says Anita Heumos, a social worker who was a translator last year and is now the project organizer in her own city.
“For many youths, getting on stage and performing in front of their peers is not something to be taken for granted,” explains Tomek. “Therefore it is important that the educational system helps them, offering them new challenges and skills. This guarantees the sustainability of the project. It’s one of the novelties of this new edition.”
Instructor Günther Kreutzer added: “The show has a lot of people working around it. In the workshops, for example, there were translators, because the members of Gen Rosso band come from different countries. This was a very engaging and creative feature of the project.
“On the 19th of October 2012 we were welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Isny. He was so enthusiastic about what was happening in the school. And some businesses, two parishes (Catholic and Protestant) and common people have offered support for the project with money and other gifts,” Anita recounts. She goes on to say: “The principal was also very satisfied with the response from some parents, who also took an active part in the project.”
With the help of the music and several creative workshops the youths reached a good level of preparation for the project, both concerning the seriousness of everyday violence and in the interior strength needed to face and resolve daily problems. The standing ovation they received at the end of the performance by the more than 1000 member audience at the two musicals in the Rotmooshalle of Isny, was recompense enough for all the work that was put in by everyone. One local newspaper wrote: “A Musical makes a school happy.” “The spirit of unity,” Tomek concludes, “has left a mark in each one. . . Their shining faces seem to confirm it!”
Photo gallery Starmacher Schule Project in Isny
![Reformation Day]()
Oct 18, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
Many revolutions in history started in an unexpected way. Young people often find themselves at the centre. I cannot hide the fact that, like many immersed in the problems of the mega-cities of our countries, I also found myself asking: “When will this change?” I discussed this with some friends; I studied the paths taken by the great protagonists of history; I asked myself many questions.
When I started working as a journalist at the headquarters of ANSA in São Paolo, I never missed the opportunity to illustrate in my articles the signs of the times, seeking the truth. I had great aspirations. Yet as I gained experience, I felt that idealism was not enough.
I was faced with the demands of a complex world which required expertise and experience I didn’t yet have. Furthermore crisis situations were rampant in our interdependent societies, together with financial and work-related problems, internal conflicts, obsolete institutional mechanisms as well as other scenarios I was unable to decipher.
The offer to enrol in Sophia University arrived just as I had been reflecting on all of these things. I decided to invest in a plane ticket and decided to spend two years of my life doing a course which combines theory and daily practice, to explore a new culture, that of unity. I enrolled in a political subject and I found myself in a laboratory of life in which, day by day, together with students and teachers from different backgrounds, we faced an intensive program of study which delineated the culture of unity in many areas of science and of human interaction.
At Sophia University we experience that our goals for social change need to be accompanied by adequate preparation: we need professional formation, multi-dimensional knowledge and a 360° mode of dialogue in order to relate to peoples near and far and to able to manage the network of interdependence that characterizes our time. The comparative study approach among disciplines, illuminated by Chiara Lubich’s charism, is supported by the daily effort to put into practice the insights and academic results we achieve in the classroom. All these things involved my whole being, giving me new skills and different perspectives.
Having concluded the course, I can say that I acquired more expertise as a journalist, not only in employing better writing techniques, but also in reporting certain facts that I might have overlooked before.
I realized that the “new” I was looking for consisted in building relationships all round: with work colleagues, with the people I interview and with the members of the public who read my articles; it only comes about through an intense dialogue of life, through sharing and community consultation.
To aspire to a better world is something very important, but searching for the right tools to create it is equally fundamental. At Sophia University I realized that solutions can’t be improvised; we must devote time and resources to make sure the necessary conditions are there for things to happen.
(Source: Sophia University Institute website)
