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17 Sep 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
“Seated within a large tent we listened as the people who had lived through the earthquake shared their adventure, never losing hope and already making plans for the future,” writes Tomek Mikusinski from Gen Rosso on the evening before the show.
The group was welcomed in a large tent next to the church that was still unusable. Images of the controlled demolition of the bell tower of Poggio Renatico (Italy) have already fill the web. “But we are also the Church,” continues Tomek. “They give us an opportunity to share our life, the path that leads us here, our choice of God and the way we follow Him, experiences from our lives and the expectations that guide us on our way forward.” One person confided to us: “I thank everyone in the musical group for your testimony of life and love that you have brought among us. Recent events had us a bit discouraged, and we were really in such need of this! It is such a great joy that we were able to realize this great dream.”
The day before on 14 September 2012, there was another mild earthquake whose epicentre was quite close to the area of Poggio Renatico, but this did not stop the show from going on. On the evening of 15 September 2012 there were a thousand spectators on the sport field. Considering the size of the local population, this meant one out of every three families was there. Some people also came prepared to spend the night in a camping site that was set up on one area of the field.
“Sharing, admiration, hope, gratitude, love, unity, and friendship are just a few of the words that express what we lived this week,” Tomek continues. “’Cities and hills may fall but love never fails, love never fails. And so many people are helping, offering hope and serenity. . .’ These words from one of our songs had a strong resonance among our listeners. They rang very true especially in this area around Poggio Renatico. We lived days of true brotherhood! Because wherever there is love and hope that is founded on love, there is God and Life returns! So much life!”
“I’ve been recharged and am ready to set out once again on my journey, which so often filled with obstacles and difficulties,” shared one girl when it was time to leave. “Thank you for showing that we can go far when we walk together.”
“An historic international music group contributes to reconstruction” was one of the headlines in “Ferrara24ore” news. “This group that defines itself as an international performing arts group, has been performing since 1966 with a deeply social focus, and this is why it has enthusiastically accepted the invitation to do a show in our region, in order to help revive the spirit of the people that has been disturbed by recent events. They have come in order to be involved in resolving the problems and difficulties of this painful moment for so many people.” “The group fights for the construction of a more liveable world, a world of justice, solidarity and peace. There couldn’t be a better idea for getting Poggio Renatico back on its feet again.”
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16 Sep 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
“When I was ten years old an event occurred that turned out to be a turning point in the life of my family and in my personal life. My father underwent a very serious liver operation. I remember some mornings in the summer when I would accompany him, with my mother, to the promenade of Syracuse, Italy, for a walk. After a brief period in which he appeared to be recovering, suddenly as a storm came the crisis. And one night he fell asleep forever. When I saw his motionless body, his face paler than usual, I couldn’t cry. I was like stone. At ten years old, the thought of asking why never entered my mind, neither was I able to pray. In later years I realized that all my friends had a father who protected them, but not me. And the situation of orphan-hood weighed on me a lot.
Five years later, through a friend of mine, I met people who had made the Gospel their code of life. In their apartment – the Focolare – one evening I met Marco, the first young man who had followed Chiara Lubich. And he told me about the adventure of unity. His words so full of life, of the living Gospel in daily life, really hit me. I was no longer an orphan, I now had a Father who took care of me. In fact, in the years that followed I found a hundred fathers, a hundred mothers, a hundred brothers and sisters (see Mt. 19:29). I suddenly realized that I had to put the Gospel into practice, so I began at school, listening with love to that somewhat boring teacher, sharing my notes with my classmates who needed them.
A few years later, prompted by this wonderful discovery of God’s personal love, there began to grow in me the desire to give myself to him, and the experience of the Focolare was opened up to me. I lived for twenty six years in the Focolare in Vienna and then there were continual short visits to Czechoslovakia and Hungary to meet with people of the Movement there. These were the years in which there was a wall between us but what united us was the Gospel, because this is what they were thirsting for more than for freedom.
And we had our share of adventures during those trips. Once in the border area, opening the boot of the car for the usual checks, I realized to my horror that we had accidentally loaded a large suitcase full of videos, writings and slide photos of our communities. These were all “forbidden” materials. Strangely, the police gave a superficial glance (not noticing my terrified face) and told us that we could proceed. Everything turned out fine for our friends in Budapest who were able to have the necessary means to know about the spread of the Gospel around the world. On this and on many other occasions I saw God’s love watching over my steps, even when I didn’t do things as well as I should have.
The Genfest was held in Budapest in the beginning of September. It was such a joy for me to see. I remembered the days when we were meeting in the ‘catacombs’ with the young people, in a family home. It was officially prohibited to gather together groups of more than five people. In the midst of the tourist season we would be able to meet sometimes on weekends at a country cottage or at Lake Balaton. There, surrounded by tourists, we would be able to talk about the spirituality of unity and about our experiences of living the Gospel.
Today many of those teenagers, families and priests are actively involved in this new life in the Movement. Jesus in His powerful strength is the Light that always shines through, even when the doors are all closed, even now, as He did then.”
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15 Sep 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
“There has been much expectation and joy over this visit of Benedict XVI,” say Arlette Samma, Lebanese, and Giorgio Antoniazzi, Italian, who are co-directors of the Focolare Movement in Lebanon. The Movement has been present in this land since 1969. Arlette and Giorgio were interviewed while attending a meeting for regional delegates of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa, Italy. “The entire population is celebrating. The Muslims welcomed the news of the Pope’s visit and made clear their joy through their religious leaders. They see this this visit as a blessing especially during this delicate situation in the region,” Arlette explained. “The Middle East that has welcomed the Pope is no longer that of October 2010 when the Synod for the Middle East took place. Several political, social, popular and economic shocks have since rocked the nation and brought some nations in the region to their knees.” What is the awaited message? “It was broadly outlined in the recommendations made by the Synod but will certainly have new words, a new light,” continues Giorgio. “The heart of it all is the minority presence of Christians and the relationship with Islam, the question of religious freedom, freedom to worship, dialogue, peace which is needed more than ever now but continues to be threatened. And given that the title of the Synod was Communion and Witness, it makes one think that this is the challenge for the local Churches on the vigil of the Synod on Evangelization.” How has the population been preparing for this visit? “On 2 September there was a march for peace with Christians and Muslims, which we also attended. The march flowed into Reconciliation Square in Beirut. There were prayers and novenas in the Catholic diocese and parishes; the streets are wallpapered with photos of the Pope and with welcoming slogans for the man of peace. It has become a moment of hope for the people of the Middle East.” At the signing of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops, Benedict XVI met with the President of the Republic and with civil and Christian and Muslim religious authorities, and with young people at the Maronite Patriarchate. On Sunday morning he will celebrate the Holy Mass in the centre of Beirut. 
The Focolare Movement is present in every region of the country and Christians of different Eastern Churches and also many Muslims belong to it. How will you be involved during the Pope’s visit? “We’re inserted into the parishes and together with everyone else we will assist at the various events. We sent a present to the Pope along with our gratitude for his visit to our lands, assuring of our constant prayers for every step at every step of his journey, with the hope that it brings abundant graces of peace and hope to our people that has been so sorely tried. We also assured him of our faithful commitment to bring unity and brotherhood,” recalls Arlette. “There was a focolarino representing the Movement at the document signing on 14 September,” Giorgio explains, “and around a hundred youths were involved in helping out and attending the evening for young people on the 15th of September.” Arlette concluded: “This is undoubtedly an important moment for the unity of the Church and for the countries of the Middle East.”
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10 Sep 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
‘“You’ve brightened Egypt” is a common phrase in Egypt, used to welcome new guests who have come to visit. A phrase dictated by the wisdom of an ancient culture that sees the gift of God’s presence in the guest who arrives. These words also synthesize the moments of discussion between Maria Voce and Giancarlo Falleti and several groups of the Focolare Movement in Egypt. Everyone was looking forward to such an open discussion in which they could talk about the challenges that are facing Egypt today, and issues related to the relationship among Churches.
What does it mean to live the Gospel in such a context today? How can we remain open to everyone in a society where there is so much discrimination? How are we to understand what choices to make about our future when we are young? And for our families? Is it possible to live the spirit of communion in such a complex and rapidly changing society whose future is also so cloudy? These are pressing questions for today’s Egyptians, two years away from the Egyptian Revolution in Tahrir Square, with a population that is young and where Christians are looking to the future with apprehension. The Christian community here descends from the Apostolic Church, founded by Mark the Evangelist. But it is presently a minority, even though it is deeply rooted in and part of the society and of the cultural history of this land.
There were several opportunities for dialogue among the Focolare members with their president and co-president: the meeting of 350 close adherents; the meeting among focolarini (men) and focolarine (women) living in community in Cairo and Sohag; the evening with around a hundred young people who are the animators of activities for young people in the spirit of the Focolare. Maria Voce and Giancarlo Falletti’s suggestions were very provocative because of their radicalness. They always went back to the Gospel as the only prospective from which to view the present as well as the future. Then they expressed their gratitude to everyone for their commitment in living the message of Gospel love under the banner of the unity for which Jesus had prayed before dying.
“Your life has been affected by this great suspension” admitted co-president Faletti. “An historical change is underway which involves contingencies. We want to share this uncertainty with you. We feel that you are the privileged brothers and sisters. You’re not alone. In our travels we’ve met other countries like your own, even in worse situations where there was overwhelming uncertainty. I am so grateful for your life.” Then, recalling the experience of Chiara Lubich during the early days of the Movement in the midst of the Second World War, he concluded: “(…) Chiara returned to her city deprived of certainties and securities. God was calling her there(…) As far as possible remain in the city where God has placed you. You are contributing to the path of God in humanity.”
The challenges lie precisely in the life of each day, said Maria Voce to a young married couple. She recalled that is was into a society like this that Jesus had come and lived, bringing a New Law, a law of love towards brothers and sisters with forgiveness. It’s not weakness but a sign of strength. Memories were still vivid of the days in Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Revolution that had given hope to millions of Egyptians. “How can we be true revolutionaries by bringing the light that makes us see?” asked one youth. Maria Voce offered him a challenge. “The only answer for this is the life of Jesus. The revolution that takes place in the life of a youth who tries to live the spirituality of the Focolare is that of living the life of Jesus. And Jesus says: “I am the light of the world” (Jn. 8:12). This is the real revolution: asking oneself what Jesus would do here, today. ‘You will do even greater things than I have done’ (see Jn. 14:12). He said it and we can do it. We can be the true revolutionaries par excellence!”
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9 Sep 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
“Pharaohs, the Greeks, Bedouins, Christians and Muslims. . . The Egypt of today is a synthesis of these cultures that have all brought something to the unique personality of the Egyptians, with its beauty, originality and, also, contradictions.” Sally, a young woman from Cairo, presented a brief overview of the religious and cultural history of this fascinating land.
It was Friday afternoon, which is holiday for the majority of Egyptians which is Muslim. The gathering took place in the large Jesuit College close to the central railway station and not far from Tahrir Square.
The special guests entered into a darkened hall. It was like entering into the inner chamber of an ancient pyramid surrounded by supernatural mystery. The three hundred and fifty people who had gathered were welcomed amid bursting enthusiasm as the lights were turned on. It appeared a true phantasmagoria of colour and sound, expressing the great joy.
Shortly before, a group of children had handed to Maria Voce the Key of Ankh, the Egyptian symbol for life and immortality. With this same key, Sally offered an hour-long presentation of the history of this people and its society that arose along the banks of the Nile, until the Tahrir Square and the Arab Revolution, which has left the country with a new situation to be faced.
The history of the Focolare Movement is also inserted into the history of this ancient country. It first appeared with the arrival of Aletta Salizzoni, Mariba Zimmermann and Marise Atallah on the 26 January 1981. This moment was the beginning of a change in the lives of many people within the Christian community, producing in this land the birth of many groups of people who spend their lives in the building of communities in which mutual love is practiced and where Christ can be present.
The spirituality of unity has now spread to Sohag, Luxor, Aswan, Alessandria, Ismailia and other cities, even into the smallest villages. Representatives from Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Syria and Iraq were also in attendance. There were groups from all over the country, who had gathered in Egypt to share with the president and co-president the latest pages of their country’s history beginning with the “revolution” as everyone calls it here. During that week, Sally recalls, “it was difficult to leave the house, there was not security and we were planted in the present moment. We prayed more and tried to help others. This resulted in deeper relationships with our neighbours and among Christians and Muslims. Our fear had been transformed into mutual love and joyous communion. We could feel the unity of our great family.”
To conclude there were a few pieces of folkore, bright colours, bright like the faces that appeared on stage. This was followed later in the day by meetings with the children, youths, and families where there were open and sincere discussions. Tomorrow there will be more discussion with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti.
By Roberto Catalano
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5 Sep 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
4 September 2012. 14:00. Following a twenty hour-long bus ride we arrived in Castelli Romani, Italy. We were different from when we had left. How many were we? There were ninety-six on the bus and twenty on the plane, and the others whom we met in Budapest. There were the four who had travelled by car in order to save some money, some others in a camper, some friends working behind the scenes in the underground area of the Sports Arena: the people working in productions, the Internet coordinator, the youths who were working on the social networks and many others. Our group was like a small slice of the Genfest with people of different ages (some younger than fourteen – the group’s mascot – and some who were already over thirty). There were also people of different beliefs in our group (many Catholics, even practicing, many who were just curious to experience something different. And then there were some agnostics and nonbelievers, and also a few priests and religious sisters).
News of the Genfest could be had through various means (press releases, social networks, the instant replay of the event). But how will we know what this even meant for those who were there? Only time will tell, but we did get some sense of what it was like. Before leaving Budapest, this very Italian group sat for a while on a lawn in the in front of the “downtown Church” just a few metres from the Chain Bridge which had been the site of the largest flash mob in history, ever to be performed on a bridge (it actually shook under the weight of the 12 thousand rejoicing youths!). As they sat there on the lawn it seemed that time stood still.
They no longer heard the noise of the traffic or the voices of pedestrians as they hurried by, nor were they bothered by the roasting afternoon temperatures and thirst. All they were hearing was the river of life sharing that flowed from those who overcoming their timidity, raised their voices to tell what was taking place within them. “I found the courage to ‘allow myself to be wounded’ by the sufferings of others without trying to move beyond it,” says 22 year-old Tiziana who is studying economy. And Francesco, who is not yet eighteen: “I had decided to come at the last minute just to do something that might be interesting at the end of the summer holiday. I was never expecting such a big change in me. It began with an apple that rolled over my foot and a smile as I handed it back to the one who had dropped it. For the past few days I have only tried to love the person who was near me, and I’ve never felt as alive as I do now.” Fourteen year-old Anna confides: “This year has been a bit sad for me, thinking about the many friends with whom I’ve tried to share this great ideal and little by little they drifted away. That’s why, when I heard about Genfest I did everything I could to attend. And with the charge I received during the days of this event, seeing how many we are, all of us believing that a united world is possible, I want to go back home and shout out to everyone about this great dream.” Freddy, eighteen years old: “We are all agnostics in a group I belong to, atheists and nonbelievers. But welcoming others is fundamental for us. This is what we experienced over these past few days, we felt like brothers and sisters in spite of the differences.”
I can leave now as the Genfest challenge has been won. One year ago, when we planned the trip, the young group leaders had said that we would need a whole week, since the fundamental thing would be to build relationships, strong bonds with our friends. And that’s how this trip turned out. It brought us through Vienna, and we stayed on in Budapest for an extra day in order to get to know this marvellous city. At the heart of it all were the two days at the Sport Arena, the Chain Bridge and the gathering in front of St Stephen’s Cathedral. “As soon as I stepped into the Arena something happened,” says Paolo; the concert on the 31st of August, the language of the songs that united the young people from all over the world, the feeling that you needed to jump up and down, to embrace each other, to share our feelings. But this emotion was immediately transformed into life, as is shown by the experiences they have shared; it has translated into courage and decision. And it has given them the courage to return home and live their motto “Let’s bridge,” to be a living bridge to anyone we may meet.
