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May 13, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
Austria, just a small country (84,000 km²) in the heart of Europe, has a long great history. Most of its more than 8 million inhabitants speak German, but there are also other officially recognized linguistic groups. Austria has always played an important role as a bridge between East and West, especially during difficult historic periods, such as at the time of the Iron Curtain.
The territory of Austria presents great topographical variety: flat plains to the east, high Alpine regions to the west, woods, hills, lakes and rivers. It is known for its great cultural richness, especially its music, theatre and much more.
It is a land with a rich history. The first document to mention Ostarichi goes back to the year 996. Austria has had its ups and downs, from the splendour of the Austro-Hungarian empire in the 19th century (which included not only Austria, but also the current Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and part of Italy, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania, Poland and Ukraine) to the collapse of monarchy, and its inclusion, during the period of the Nazis, in the German area of Ostmark. It became one of the poorest countries of Europe after the Second World War, but saw much development in successive years, which led it to becoming one of the richest countries in the world. It has belonged to the European Union since 1995.
The beginnings of the Focolare Movement in Austria date back to 1952 with the temporary stay of a few focolarini at Innsbruck, and the first focolare was opened in Vienna in 1962. The 50th anniversary of the Focolare in this Central European country is being celebrated during these days and Maria Voce, president of the Focolare is on a week-long visit to the country.
The spirituality quickly spread among priests, families and youths and, in 1963, a first Mariapolis was held in Wattens (Tirolo) for the German speaking regions. This typical Focolare event has become a mainstay in the life of many (1000 people each year). The Mariapolis is a highlight event for the Movement in Austria, with programmes for people of all ages. The spirituality of unity has led to the development of many local communities where teenagers, children and adults, people from every professional background and religious affiliation feel at home. They make a small contribution to universal brotherhood on a local level. Currently there are sixty local communities in Austria. The focolares in Austria have been involved in the ecumenical dialogue for decades, maintaining intense contacts with members of several churches, such as with the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Michael Staikos. There are also Evangelical Christians belonging to the Movement. Through the project “Together for Europe” Catholic, Evangelical Christian and members of the free churches have had the opportunity to join together. A vibrant relationship has begun with some Muslims, which first began with members of the Mosque of Linz. One exemplary pilot project has been the so-called “Women’s Breakfast” in Hall. In 2010 a Christian-Muslim study meeting was held in cooperation with the University of Innsbruck, and another one is planned. A dialogue has also begun with people of non-religious convictions. Among these, there are the leaders of the Austrian Communist Party, since the 1990’s. Cooperation was begun with the European and World Social Forum.
The newlborn permanent Mariapolis in Austria, “Mariapolis Giosi” is located to the south of Vienna. Its inhabitants include families, a community of priests, focolares and youths. The Am Spiegeln Mariapolis Centre is a place of encounter for the members of the Movement, as well as for local groups who hold seminars on local economy. ARGE-Education was begun to give special attention to the new generations, with European Education conferences that have already been held. In the field of sport, a Sports4peace has been created with rules of fair play, which is being used in schools and several associations in different countries (teamtime.net). Several activities and gatherings have been held for teens and young adults: Social Day, Run4Unity, peace work, summer camps, musicals and end-of-the-year celebrations.
Chiara Lubich visited Austria twice. In 1997 she was one of the keynote speakers at the European Ecumenical Assembly in Graz where she spoke about the spirituality of reconciliation. In 2001, she was invited by the Mayor of Innsbruck van Staa, where she spoke about Fraternity in Politics, at the 1000 Cities for Europe Conference. Shortly before, Chiara had met with 6000 youths at the main Cathedral of Vienna, together with Cardinal Schönborn, during the “Rufzeichen” event.
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May 12, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
Flickr photo gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/run4unity
During the day, from 3.00-4.00 pm (in the different time zones), thousands of young people of different cultures and religions will be organising sports competitions together with actions for peace and solidarity. Many of them will be holding meetings with civic and religious dignitaries.
The “Run for Unity” started off in New Zealand followed by Australia, and after hour, it will continue throughout the countries of Asia and the Middle East, Europe and Africa, South and North America and the last leg will be run by young people in Vancouver, Canada.
Runners in the relay teams have chosen places that are a sign of peace and unity: the peace bell in Bicentennial Park in Sydney (Australia); Schengen (Luxembourg) famous for the signing of treaties regarding European borders; in Berlin (Germany) past the Brandenburg Gate, symbol of the unity of Germany; in Belfast the Parliament Buildings and the Stormont Estate will host the Irish stage of the worldwide event.
The relay race will include Christians from different denominations and in many countries there will be youth belonging to different faiths, cultures and ethnic groups running together to show their commitment to peace and unity: In New Delhi (India) the “Run for Unity” event will involve Sikh, Muslim, Hindu and Christian shrines; in Karachi (Pakistan), the team will be composed of Christians, Muslims and Hindus; in Caesarea Maritima (Holy Land), the event will gather Jewish, Muslim and Christian youth; in New York (USA) Christians and Muslims will come together at Malcolm Shabazz Mosque in Harlem.
The “Run for Unity” website, Facebook and YouTube channel will publish real-time updates of scheduled events with information, photos and video. On Saturday, 12 May, three brief transmissions will be shown (at 10.00 am, 2.00 pm and 8.00 pm Italian time) with news from various cities in all five continents, reported by the young people themselves.
These activities, organised on 12 May, form part of a bigger project entitled “Let’s Colour Our Cities” whereby young people carry out actions of solidarity in places where there is a prevalence of poverty and situations of conflict (more information can be found at www.teens4unity.net).
To follow the Run for Unity event: www.run4unity.net/2012
May 12, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
The organisation of the meeting to be held on 12 May, which is the 2012 edition of “Together for Europe”, is almost finalised. Young people and adults from over 300 movements and Christian communities are expected to attend the event. The meeting aims to give visibility to the dynamism of fraternity that runs through the continent which will be expressed through experiences and proposals that touch on economy and work, justice and peace, integration, family and other themes. The central point will be the event at Square Meeting Centre in Brussels that, together with the representatives of movements and Christian communities from all of Europe, will gather dignitaries from the European political, institutional and cultural panorama. Integral part of the event will be the 130 gatherings hat will happen simultaneously in as many number of cities throughout the continent, which will be linked by satellite and internet with the main event in Brussels. (more)
Official site – http://www.together4europe.org
Programme 12 May in Brussels –http://www.together4europe.org/en/together-for-europe-2012/156-program-may-12-2012.html Press Area Read articles published on focolare.org
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May 11, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
Lights, a stage, colours, dance, music and lots of movement are some of the features of “Arts & Culture reshaping urban life” which has come to its last stop in Belgium with “Streetlight – The Musical” with Gen Rosso. The international musical group will be in Brussels between the 5th and 13th of May, highlighting the importance of creativity for building a more united world. For the 120 youths who are participating in the project it is an experience of unity in diversity.
Brussels is an alive city, a crucible for different nationalities and cultures. Against this beautiful backdrop, Gen Rosso held the first two days of its tour, some workshops for youths in view of the presenation of their musical Streetlight on a large stage at Tour&Taxi, the city’s renamed public arena. The young people come from at least three linguistic groups: Flemish, French and German, not counting those who are coming from farther away: Middle East, Africa and Asia. Their work began under the motto: “one for the other” as they set out preparing the musical in workshops for hip-hop dance, instrumental music, Broadway music, chorus, scenography and Brazilian dance.
Tells a true story that happened in 1969. It is the story of two boys, Charles and Jordan, who lived opposite realities and who in an important moment of their lives, saw their stories intersect. One of them, Charles, who with the help of the Streetlight Band whose music and song promote the values of a united world, is a sign of contradiction in his own environment – a Chicago ghetto.
Here are some of the impressions gathered from the young people who attended:
So many different languages, names, nations, ideas and attitudes. . . and in spite of all these differences our hearts were beating one for the other. I’ll never be able to forget this!
I’d like to say thank you, because before coming here I didn’t feel at peace, like an empty chest. . . Now I feel full, full of love and hope that I would like to bring back to my home. Thank you!
The last days of Gen Rosso’s tour in Belgium will be the 12th and 13th of May at the Together forEurope event, which will also be attended by Focolare president Maria Voce.
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Together4peace in Brussels is co-financed by the European Commission (http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/culture/index_en.php) as a sub-project of the European “Arts and Cultures Reshaping Urban Life” project (www.reshape.eu). Its purpose is to foster relationships among people through art, in an urban context. Artistic gatherings have already taken place in several cities in Germany (Schwerte), Italy (Udine, Venice) and Czech Republic (Sternberk, Olomouc), with the aid of Gen Rosso. These events include panel discussions, conferences and international exchanges. Together4peace is an initiative of Youth for a United World of the Focolare Movement in Belgium (focolare.be), in close collaboration with the Gen Rosso group (genrosso.com) and the Focolare Movement in Solingen (fokolar-bewegung.de).
May 11, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
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May 10, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
Sharry Silvi (right) with Chiara Lubich as they leave the mosque on May 18, 1997
“A bright moment in the relationship between Christians and Muslims.” This is the title of an article reported in a New York newspaper in announcing the forthcoming event on 20th May entitled “Our Journey Towards the Excellence of the Human Family” to be held at the Malcolm Shabbaz Mosque in Harlem. It will commemorate the unprecedented pact made between the two leaders – Imam W. D. Mohammed and Chiara Lubich – to work together to promote unity in the human family. In this article, Sharry Silvi gives her eyewitness account of that historic meeting.
‘May 18, 1997. That unforgettable day will remain etched in my soul forever. I was next to Chiara when we walked together into the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque, both wearing our chadors. There was a very big crowd.
Chiara had prepared herself with great care, and I sensed she felt we were about to live a very important moment. While she was talking, the atmosphere in the hall was unbelievable. It was as if she were speaking to a group of people she had known for years.
At the end of the program we walked out of the hall together, and suddenly she took me by my arm. “Come,” she said, “I need you to translate for me.” I followed her into Imam Izak-El M. Pasha’s office, which Imam W. D. Mohammed had just entered.
“Imam Mohammed,” she said, “Let’s make a pact, in the name of the one God, to work unceasingly for peace and for unity.”
Imam Mohammed responded immediately. “This pact is made forever,” he said. “May God be my witness that you are my sister. I am your friend and I will help you always.”
It was such a powerful moment that I could hardly find the words to translate what was being said. A translation, in fact, almost wasn’t needed. They understood one another. They were two great leaders who answered God’s call to bring about a world of peace and love, and they understood that working together would help this to come true.
Imam Mohammed and Chiara Lubich came from two very different cultures and two different religions. They both already knew of each other, but that day they were meeting in person for the first time. The Imam had made a great act of trust in inviting Chiara, but he was certain that she could help his people. And Chiara came with the certainty that together they could further the unity of the world.
When we left that room I attempted to escort Chiara to the small elevator that could bring us down from the third floor of the mosque where we were. But Chiara declined the offer. “Let me walk among these people,” she said. She already loved the followers of Imam W.D.
I have been with Chiara many times on different occasions, yet this time stands out in my soul more than in my mind because of the joy she had in her heart that day. A group of us was with her driving back to Mariapolis Luminosa, and we all commented on this extraordinary event.
Chiara suddenly asked for a pen and paper. She wanted to write to the rest of the Focolare Movement all over the world that something important had taken place that day. She was looking for the right words, and what came to her mind were some of the expressions used by the Gen 3, the young people of the movement, to describe their recent congress: “It was super … it was mega!” It had been a moment of God.
Imam Pasha had done an incredible job in preparing everything for this particular encounter, making the environment that would host it very welcoming; and he has continued to keep this moment alive in the community. Soon the whole group following Imam Mohammed came to know Chiara, whom they called the “blessed lady.”
I remember that whenever I visited the mosque from that day on I had the impression that everyone I met on the street knew about Chiara, knew about what had happened and saw us as her followers. They always asked us how she was, what she was doing, where she was going.
A moment of God. In fact a great moment of God. It doesn’t happen every day, and I feel that we need to do everything possible to continue it through our lives, in order to bring forward the fruits of unity that this encounter has brought about.
Many years have passed and I feel more than ever that the followers of Imam Mohammed are truly my brothers and sisters, and I’m sure that for them we followers of Chiara are also their brothers and sisters.’
By Sharry Silvi
In 1997, Sharry Silvi, former Living City editor, was then Focolare co-director of the U.S. East Coast region. She currently heads the worldwide center for women focolarini in Rome.
