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Pope Francis in Loppiano

Pope Francis in Loppiano

May 7, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide

In Loppiano all is ready to welcome the Holy Father. Around 6,000 people from all over Italy are arriving, but thousands will be linked up in streaming in the five continents. We asked Maria Voce, Focolare President, how this encounter will take place. “We want to present to the Pope.” she explained, “this tiny town, the first among other 24 diffused worldwide, which wants to offer a model of coexistence founded on the evangelical principles of solidarity and fraternity, certainly unique, but able to be spread and repeated elsewhere. In Loppiano, the Pope will not only meet the 750 inhabitants, ” Maria Voce continued, “but also a representative group of the Focolare’s global family. We shall ask him some questions on themes that we hold dear: the challenge of fidelity to the charismatic idea of Chiara Lubich in contrast with the changed conditions of today; the education of the young people in a culture of fraternity; and Loppiano’s model of coexistence as a contribution to the current announcement of the Christian message and the overcoming of barriers, nationalism and prejudices.” The Focolare Movement is a variegated constellation that places at the core of its actions and dialogue a lifestyle that concurs to construct unity and peace in the world. It counts over 2 million members belonging to many Christian Churches, but also of different religious beliefs and lay inspirations. It undertakes around 1,000 social actions underway in various countries, and around 800 enterprises worldwide that work according to the principles of the Economy of Communion. The Sophia University, based precisely in Loppiano is now in its tenth year of life. Upon his arrival in the town, the Holy Father will go directly to the Church of Maria Theotókos, where he shall stop briefly to pray. He will also pray before the painting of the Madonna with Child, the work of a painter belonging to the Hindu religion and symbol of the dialogue which is one of the many pillars of coexistence in Loppiano. Then in the churchyard, Maria Voce will greet the Pope on behalf of the Focolare Movement. A moment of dialogue will follow in which some citizens of Loppiano will ask him some questions. This session will be interrupted with music pieces of artists from various countries and religious environments. Lastly, around 30 citizens will personally greet the Pope who will leave to return to the Vatican, after the benediction.

Live streaming 10 May 2018, 10.00am till 12.00 noon (CEST): Vatican Media Live http://live.focolare.org

Simon the Shark

Simon the Shark

May 6, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide

Simon Barlaam

“As you can tell by the colour of my hair, I am a few years older than you! But I’m part of the Genfest family just like you are. The Genfests I attended in my youth left an indelible mark in me. What did I learn from those experiences? Two things. Firstly, for me, coming from a little town in Abruzzo (Italy), each time was like plunging into a global experience. Secondly, at the Genfest, I realized that we are protagonists of our own destiny: my future depended on me. Since then, this is what I have been trying to focus on in my life in the pursuit of my ambitions, even the most complicated or seemingly impossible ones to achieve. This is what my wife Claudia and I have always tried to convey to our children. I like to think that there is a bigger plan for each one of us. The hard part is to turn on the light to be able to see the plan when there is no light out there. Like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, life’s events come together, they are intertwined, and it seems hard to find their right location but, suddenly, the pieces start falling into place. In January 2000, Claudia and I were in Sydney, Australia, on our honeymoon and we were strolling through the brand-new Olympic park that was going to host the Olympic Games a few months later. We were making plans and laying the foundations for our future family. Simon was on the way, and we were so happy and full of love and expectation. We felt invincible. Then Simon was born, and his arrival brought us concern right from the start. We found out he suffered from Hip dysplasia and coxa vara. It meant a permanent disability which was made worse by a fractured femur. Basically, one femur was about 15 centimeters shorter than the other, and it was as brittle as a piece of glass. Over the years Simon had to undergo twelve surgeries: limb lengthening, hip correction procedures, bone grafts to strengthen his weak femur neck. Each operation was followed by endless months in a cast that blocked him from the chest down. During those long months in bed, Simon learned to draw, which was the only thing he could do while he was lying down. He loved to draw fish, especially sharks because of their power and speed, so much so that a close friend of ours nicknamed him Simon the “shark”. When he was in a cast up to his chest, we used to watch Nemo the animated movie, which was set in Australia. Simon, just like Nemo, had (and still has) one fin shorter than the other. I felt like Marlin, Nemo’s father in the film, anxious about his future. And filled with fear of what might happen to him. But just like Marlin did with Nemo, at one point I realized that Simon could face his “ocean” on his own, without any fear, even though he had a shorter fin. At a certain point Simon started playing sports. Swimming was the only sport where he could move his muscles without the risk of breaking his crystal-like bone. He began to compete. A few years later, he started training with the Italian junior swimming team. Every day, after school, he would practice in the swimming pool for two and a half hours, which turned into five hours in the wake of the most important competitions. When he was 17, Simon competed at the Paralympic world championship held in Mexico City in December 2017, and won two gold medals, for the 50 and 100 meter freestyle events, and one silver and one bronze. They are considered the fastest races in swimming. Now, exactly 16 years after our honeymoon, Simon is an exchange student in Australia and keeps training at the highest level: that is why he is not here today. He keeps practicing, studying, and competing with the best Australian swimmers at Sydney’s Olympic Aquatic Centre, in the same place where Claudia and I had taken him before he was even born. Well, if someone had told me a few years ago that one day I would have a son who would be twice world champion, I would have told them that they were crazy! One of Simon’s fins is smaller but stronger than we all thought it would be. He had the courage to spread it and fly away. My wish for you is that you all spread your wings too. I urge you to be brave. And learn how to fly. Follow your passions. Work hard to get where you want to be. Don’t settle for less.” Riccardo Barlaam

Beyond One’s Limits

Beyond One’s Limits

May 4, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide

“My family is Christian and refuses to kill or carry weapons,” says George, a young Syrian from Homs. We’re in Loppiano, the Focolare international town near Florence, Italy where hundreds of young people from all over country have gathered for a meeting that include testimonies, sharing and much festivity. This year the event was held in anticipation of the much larger international Genfest, which will be heldnext month in Manila, Philippines (http://y4uw.org/it/events/genfest-2018/). The May 1st gathering was the Italian edition where 3700 young people took part in a one-day celebration of fraternity with reporting on projects, social action, personal experiences in which people came face to face with the personal dramas and pain of humanity. As in the case of George and Michael who left everyone breathless with their description of what they have been experiencing for years years in Syria. “We’ve seen many people die,” says George. “For a period of time I even had to carry a knife to protect myself, to defend myself in case of danger. Years of hatred, death and loss of dignity had emptied my heart and I began to think that love didn’t exist. Only the Mariapolis was able to remove this thought from my mind (several days spent living in the light of the Gospel, an annual gathering of the Focolare). After that Mariapolis I never carried a knife again and decided to start responding to hatred with love.” The final appeal to the young people was strongly embraced: “Don’t complain about your life. It’s beautiful, you just don’t realize it.” The conducting thread of the event, which was entitled “Beyond Me”, was the desire to go beyond one’s limits and boundaries in order to bring about a personal and, especially, a social change. Roberto Spuri and Elena Sofia Ferri bore witness to this as they told about the experience of the earthquake in Central Italy; Alessio Lanaloni and Maria Chiara Cefaloni, with their efforts for a disarmed economy; Alessandra Leanza, with the experience of volunteering with Rom children in Sardinia. And Marco Voleri, the internationally renowned tenor and founder of “Sintomi di Felicita” which promotes public awareness of multiple sclerosis; Simone Barlaam, para-olympic swimming champion at the Mexican world games. Michele Tranzuilli, author of the book Una buona idea and promoter of the bridge with Africa YouAid; Sara Fabris, painter. Projects. All the stories that were told at Genfest-Italy were connected to concrete experiences: an association, a social project, which anyone could “adopt” in the coming year. This was the call to action that was launched at the end of the event with an invitation to each young person to choose a project and replicate it everywhere else. To facilitate their work, the associations that are actively engaged in the cities of Italy posted links on the United world project website, according to region. Genfest Italy concluded with a city that “flying” city, a city that was depicted in the final choreography that was based on a meditation by Chiara Lubich: “One City Is Not Enough:” “For God, one city is too little. He made the stars, guided the destiny of Time. With God you can see farther, to everyone’s country, to the whole globe. At the end of life let us not have to regret that we loved too little.” Loppiano is getting ready to welcome Pope Francis on May 10th, and it wasn’t by chance that a group of young people from Nomadelfia was at Genfest Italy bringing the greetings of their community, which will also be visited by Pope Francis on the same day. As we prepare to welcome him our friendship is growing and intensifying. Source: www.cittanuova.it Flickr photo gallery  

Chiara Lubich: A charism which generates new life

Chiara Lubich: A charism which generates new life

May 3, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide

“The path of a prophecy”. On the tenth anniversary of the death of Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, a conference was held on 3rd May promoted by the Italian Embassy to the Holy See in conjunction with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and in collaboration with the Focolare. It was an opportunity for a reflection on the economy in the light of the charism of unity. Mgr. Giovanni Angelo Becciu, the Vatican Deputy Secretary of State, Maria Voce, president of the Focolare Movement, Luigino Bruni, professor of Economics at the LUMSA University of Rome, Leonardo Becchetti, professor of Economics at the University took part of Rome Tor Vergata, and Simona Rizzi, president of the Tassano Servizi Territoriali Consortium. In her speech, Maria Voce said that the Focolare Movement “would not achieve its vocation if it did not implement the first page of the Christian social doctrine, the prayer of the Magnificat in which among other things it says: “He filled the hungry with good things and sent back the rich empty-handed“. The Economy of Communion, born from an inspiration of Chiara Lubich, has given life to a social action model, in dialogue with contemporary culture, particularly in the field of economy, both locally and internationally.

The “Children’s Home” in Damascus

The “Children’s Home” in Damascus

May 2, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide

“La Maison des enfants” in Damascus, © Zéna.

“A bomb exploded a few meters away from my house. I should have been in the place of the explosion to reach my work place. But that day I was ten minutes late. It was a sign of fate.” Her voice was clear, calm, and in perfect French, showing a serenity that contrasted with the sound of bombs and airplanes that alternate in the daily life of the capital, Damascus. Zéna was born in Lebanon 35 years ago, and arrived in Syria last July. A member of the Focolare Movement, she had decided to join the country at war, after a long reflection. In her birthplace, she had experienced the war and bombs. “I kept it all inside me. I was scared. But one day I started to see things in a positive light. I entrusted all to God and came to Damascus with the Focolare.” In the first 6 months she lived under the air raids. “Up to December the raids were daily, but we still managed to continue our lives,” she said, “until that day in January when a bomb fell just a few meters from the house. In Syria, despite the courage of the inhabitants, fear and danger are always close at hand.” Zéna works for the “Maison des enfants” run by the Movement in cooperation with others, in the poor district of Douela in Damascus. The centre has four classes for 90 children aged 6 to 10. Eight teachers are all young Syrian scholars. “We called it the ’Children’s Home’ because we want to be their family. We receive many requests which we are unable to accept. We gather the poorer children, many of whom have lost both parents or who suffered violence. They need to be surrounded by adults who love them.” In February, the “Maison” had to close for several weeks due to an attack. “It was a terrible moment when the children were asked if they were afraid of the bombings. Most of them answered evasively, rejecting the reality. There is a lot of suffering related to the consequences of the war.” The center reopened at the start of April, to the great joy of the students. “They are really happy to come, and sad when they have to leave.” Life has resumed in Syria. Now the country is almost entirely under the control of the Syrian government. “During the weekends, the bars are open up to one or two in the morning. The people are stressed, they need an outlet.” Zena lives at the “East Gate– Bab Sharqi” of Damascus, in the old city. Few bombs have fallen in 7 years in the neighbourhood, although the signs of long years of conflict are evident. “Today there is little work. Many young people have gone to Europe or Lebanon to avoid having to do military service, or to find a job. In Syria, there is a ratio of 10 women to 1 man.” The Focolare Movement serenely carries out its mission. “Here the Christians are protected by the government. We are well respected. After 7 years of war, the eastern churches were able to hold the Easter processions in the streets. At the end of the conflict – she continued – precisely the Syrian people will be the ones to rebuild the country. The worksite is enormous. Damascus is not destroyed but the damage is immense in the Aleppo and Homs regions. The Syrian lira has lost most of its value and many wealthy families have become poor. The elite have disappeared, and there are only people in great need. How do the young graduates find a job? Despite this, many have remained. They believe in the restoration of their country.” Before the physical reconstruction and economic recovery, Syria will have to uproot the armed conflicts in its territory. Zéna is convinced that the end of the war is near. “If there are no external interventions, I’m sure that the war on Syrian soil will be over before 2018 ends. We have to restore work and dignity to the people. I really hope that little by little, the enterprises will return, and so will the tourists. We have to give a new motivation to the Syrians, starting from the children who are the pillars of future society, and “Her” children, precisely. Today it’s Zena’s turn to prepare lunch. Every day I come to work with incredible joy.” Source: imprimaturweb.fr

May 1st: Festival in Loppiano

May 1st: Festival in Loppiano

Apr 30, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide

Umberto Giannettoni

In Loppiano, the 1st of May is synonymous with a youth festival. Umberto Giannettoni who passed away a few days ago, lived for 40 years in the international town, and was a direct witness to an event which later became an unmissable appointment for thousands of young people from all continents, who believe and work to bring unity and peace to the world. Among his memoirs are also those related to the forerunner event of the Genfest. The following text is an excerpt of “One among many stories,” an autobiography at times written in the third person, and at times in the first, which the author himself described as a “personal gift and testimonial.” Pope Francis had said, “A testimonial given as a service is useful, and makes us good people.” The story of each one is a harmonic weft through which man is able to achieve his endeavours with the enlightenment of reason, and with what he is freely offered by the penetrating light of divine revelation, in a continuous process of self-fulfilment.” 6207111132_0f401954ef_oThe first youth festival in Loppiano was on 1 May 1971. “After a meeting with the Prior of Taizé in Rocca di Papa (Rome), Chiara Lubich had described the town as a “town of the youth.” On a stopover in Loppiano on his way to Padua, Giorgio Marchetti, a close collaborator of Chiara, recounted what Chiara had said. This news for Umberto was like a flash of light in his soul, and he felt he had to answer Chiara immediately. During the weekend he organised an outing with the heads of the school of the focolare, to the Muraglione Pass in the Apennines. In a bar at the Pass he reflected on the possibility of holding a big meeting of young people in Loppiano, on the first of May […]. The young people of various zones and countries would be invited to participate with an artistic piece. When they left the bar, they were surprised by a particular scenery. The road was a sheet of ice. The rain had caused it after the lowering of the temperature. The vans couldn’t hold the road, and they had the impression that someone wanted to stop them from developing the decision made […].” “There was a very talented group of young people in Loppiano. Among them was Heleno Oliveira, a young Brazilian singer-songwriter, who would have been a big help for the artistic part. Everyone worked hard. On 1 May 1971 in the natural amphitheatre in Campo Giallo, we saw the arrival of thousands and thousands of young people under a splendid sun. The event, to which many in Italy and Europe had contributed, resulted to be very effective for the youth who left in the evening, happy and filled with the divine they had experienced. From Trent came Paolo Bampi, a boy affected by leukaemia, who sang a captivating song: “…but what are you seeking, what do you want…” Then came Gen Rosso with the song, “God who is Love.” Then theatre pieces and dances followed. Each single number was given a “first prize,” which the jury awarded according to various reasons: beauty, unity, content, and commitment. It was a crescendo of sincere and explosive joy which contaminated everyone. As evening came, under the rays of a sun which turned everything gold and in a solemn calm after the intense day […] we strongly felt the presence of Mary.” After a second festive meeting of the youth in 1972 with an even greater attendance, “Chiara Lubich understood that it would be an important tool for the whole youth movement. She decided to involve the World Gen Centres which would participate in the organisation of the “Genfest” of 1973, still in Loppiano. In that year, Fr. Pasquale Foresi (cofounder of the Focolare Movement) was present and gave an important speech on the call to follow Jesus. In the open-air amphitheater, there were almost 10,000 young people. That was the birth of the Genfest! Source: www.loppiano.it Live streaming: https://www.primomaggioloppiano.it/live/