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15 Sep 2011 | Focolare Worldwide
It was a sight to behold: from 7 August to 5 September, 470 Gen4 (children between the ages of 5 and 9) and their chaperones from more than 50 Brazilian cities travelled distances of over 2000 kilometers. Their destination was the Gen4 Congress in Recife (19-21 August), at Mariapolis Ginetta near São Paolo (26-28 August), and in the areas around Brasilia (2-4 September). With effort and imagination the Gen4 prepared themselves with acts of love and collecting money for their journey. Some sold their toys; others set up a puppet market; some started a small bakery and sold the bread to friends and neighbours. Others used their savings or found financial assistance from relatives and local community. They were welcomed into an environment that was colourfully decorated, with beautiful backdrops, dancing and clowns. The congress began with taking off on the greatest possible adventure: to discover the will of God! But how do you discover it? Beginning with the story of creation we examined how God manifested himself throughout history, always full of love and mercy, and we are also part of this story. 
Then we examined many episodes from the life of Jesus, who is the Father’s greatest gift to us. The stories about Jesus showed us how he always did the will of his Father and how we can imitate him in every moment of our lives. Of course, to know what the will of God is in the present moment, you need to open your heart and “take a moment for silently listening to the correct voice,” one Gen4 noticed. Maria Voce sent a message that was immediately put into practice: Always say “yes” to God and carry the flame of Jesus’ love to the whole world. Everyone was actively involved in creating the congress, during games in the large park, participating in group activities, tidying the rooms and dining hall, and presenting scenes from the life of Chiara Lubich and the Gospel on stage. Also during the Mass – the moment to meet Jesus – the children were actively involved with their songs and skits, and with their acts of love which they presented at the moment of the Offertory. But now we let the Gen4 speak.”
From Recife:
- “Jesus, I love you to death. You can always count on me and I always want to be faithful to you. I promise, I will never betray you like Judas did. I’m eternally grateful, that you gave your life for us. Gabriel
- I liked when we spoke about the Word of God, because now I can remember to help my Mummy more, and the new man can live in my heart. Pedro
- Jesus is my treasure in life; he’s the true man of the earth and of all of us. Abraão
From San Paulo:
- I helped my friend Ragael to carry his luggage to the room, because he’s very small and couldn’t carry it. Eduardo
- I wish my whole family were here to witness this great moment in my life. Matheus
- I sold 50 packages of biscuits to help pay expenses for the Gen4 from my city. Pedro
From Brasilia:
- Dear Jesus, I’ll never forget you. I’ll spread joy in the world and have lots of friendship with those around me. André
- I gave up the swing for my friend. I shared my snack with a friend. I shared my things with others and lent my toys. . . I love you very much, Jesus. Paulo
- Lord, I ask you for a bit of money, so I can give it to the poor. Carlos
- I know that sometimes I’m not the boy who helps everyone, but I try to do my best. I hope you understand me, your dear Gen4, André.”
Matthias Bolkart – Gen4 Centre [nggallery id=69]
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10 Sep 2011 | Focolare Worldwide
The “Arab Spring” and the complex scenario of political and juridical relationships in the medio-oriental quadrant, were at the centre of the study seminar recently concluded in the area of Trent, (27-30 August 2011), promoted by Sophia University, in collaboration with Mppu/Political Movement for unity and Ced/Communion and Law.
The initiative, that utilised the contribution of the Province of Trent and the collaboration of the local administration, represents the first edition of a more more articolated research project lasting several years directed towards young university students, to increment, within their formative courses, academics and professionals, towards a “culture of universal fraternity” between peoples and cultures.
Typical of the experience was the possibility of communicating competencies and diverse disciplinary languages to examine a mutidimensional theme, in strict interaction between teachers and students of judiciary and politics areas; the majority of them were already linked together through participation in previous initiatives (such as the summer seminars promoted by CeD/Communion and law, and the “Schools of participation” by the Mppu/Political Movement for unity).
The programme required concentration and personal commitment from each of the participants-50 persons in all, of whom 38 were youths- and at the same time,it offered, in view of the extraordinary beauty of the natural environment in which it took place, the Dolomites of Primiero,adequate time for reciprocal knowl;edge and recreation.
But it was not only the splendid scenery and the mild temperature that brought the Summer School to those mountains. Acting as catalyst was, above all, the reference to the experience of Chiara Lubich and the first group of the newborn Movement of the Focolari that, in this same valley, during the years of the 50’s, found themselves living some stages that marked its development in an indelible way. It was then that they intuited with greater clarity the charismatic force of the idea of unity and its translation into a diverse model of human sociality, illuminated by universal fraternity.
How to give continuity to this initiative? At the end , to the enthusiasm of the youths were added the concretness and project capability of the president of the Valle Community, the mayor of Tonadico, and other administrators of the territory, with whom some plans have already been drawn. It is planned that there will be the possibility that Primiero will host an annual week of international studies, proposed by the Sophia team in collaboration with other networks of experts, highlighting every year a specific team tackled in an interdisciplinary manner.
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9 Sep 2011 | Focolare Worldwide
The “chilly” month of August was unforgettable for the members of the Focolare in the city of Curitiba: the three seats of political power – the Chamber of State Members of Parliament, the local council and the Chamber of Municipal Councillors, from the 20th to 24th of August, bade tribute to the person of Chiara Lubich. Inauguration of the Memorial to Chiara Lubich: Despite the brief interruption due to some rain, Mayor Luciano Ducci – as reported in the newspapers – inaugurated on the 20th August a new cultural centre, as a “monument of initiation” in the Workers Park, in the industrial zone of the city. The idea to “ place firmly at Curitiba the memory of this woman” by dedicating to her a way, a square, and a cultural centre, goes back to an initiative by local city councillor Tito Zeglin when, in 2009, the Paranese capital was chosen as the seat of the first “city forum”. At the Legistlative Assembly of the State, during the extraordinary session of the 23rd August, upon the proposal of parliamentarian Reinhold Stephanes Junior, and the unanimous approval of parliament, a Diploma to Chiara Lubich “in memoriam” was bestowed. On this occasion, there was a surprise: Areovaldo Figueiredo, the Director of Postal Services, of the state of Paraná made an announcement. He is a member of the local Political Movement for Unity and he presented a Brazilian postage stamp, dedicated to Chiara Lubich, personalised with her photo. Archbishop Mons. Moacir Jose` Vitti, who is at Madrid for the GMG, sends a message which, amongst other things, says: Chiara, with her courage and her unshakeable faith in God, has charmed the world with her way of living and her works that continue also today.” By way of conclusion, on 24th August, during a Special Session in tribute to Chiara Lubich, at the seat of the Comunal Council, a parchment is given on the proposal of the Councillor Tito Zeglin. During each of these events, the politicians and personalities present have confirmed their adherence to what Maria Voce, president of the Focolari – proposed with her message: “These events were favourable occasions to launch towards collectivity, with a new impulse, all those positive values, that emerge from adherence to the spirit of love and fraternity, important in everyday life and in political action: seeking first of all what unites and preferring the common good to personal interest. That is seeing our environment, private, social, and political in the wider view of the human family.”
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3 Sep 2011 | Focolare Worldwide
(from left)Fr P. Foresi, Igino Giordani, Canon Bernard Pawley & Mrs Pawley, Chiara Lubich, Eli Folonari
In the 60s, when Beatlemania was taking Liverpool by storm, the Focolare Movement’s spirituality of unity was making inroads right there. It came about through Fr Green, a Benedictine monk, who asked Chiara Lubich and Fr Pasquale Foresi that the Focolare open a house in Liverpool. The Archbishop of Westminster, Msgr John Heenan, advised them to start off from this city where Catholics had reached 40% of the population, while in the rest of Great Britain they averaged 10%. “If you succeed in Liverpool, where it’s much easier, you’ll succeed everywhere else,” said the Archbishop.
And so it was that Mari Ponticaccia and Maria Egger became the first two Focolare members to establish themselves in England in November 1963. They rented a tiny apartment which was spartan in its furnishings. In fact, the only pieces of furniture were their suitcases! But little by little, things started to arrive and eventually they moved into a proper house. From its humble beginnings in Liverpool, the Focolare Movement spread to the rest of Great Britain.
However, even prior to this, contact had been made from overseas. Some of Chiara’s first companions, such as Eli Folonari, Valeria Ronchetti and Doriana Zamboni, had already been making trips to the UK from Belgium, Holland and France in order to meet with people who had got to know the Focolare. In 1961, by means of these personal relationships, the first group of people from England participated in a Mariapolis in Belgium. And turning over the photo-album, one notices that way back in 1959, at the Mariapolis of Fiera di Primierio (in the Italian Dolomites), there was already an English participant.
Once the Focolare was eventually established in Liverpool, Mari Ponticaccia found work as a teacher of French whilst Maria Egger worked in an old people’s home. In 1965, in that small apartment composed of just two rooms, Chiara Lubich came to visit. She was invited to speak in the Anglican Cathedral of Liverpool to 50 priests in an era when ecumenism was practically non-existent. The event raised eyebrows even more so because it was promoted by a woman.
The adventure that had begun had ecumenical characteristics and the Focolare community, right from the beginnings, presented itself composed of people belonging to different churches. They were small communities built on authentic personal relationships, true friendships, mutual love, and there were meetings and annual Mariapolis gatherings which gave them formation in the new spirituality.
In 1967, a Focolare centre was opened in the heart of London because a house was made available for a year. The Movement developed steadily, and by the late 70s there were Focolare centres established also in Scotland – in Glasgow in 1976 and in Edinburgh in 1982.
Chiara Lubich with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.
Chiara Lubich visited England eight times and she always regarded this country as having a leading role in ecumenical dialogue.
In 1977, quite unexpectedly, Chiara was awarded the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion at the Guildhall in London. There, Chiara shared her experience in front of various religious dignitaries and she had the profound sensation that all those present, even those of other faiths, were one family. The Focolare Movement subsequently embarked on promoting interreligious dialogue.
Chiara Lubich’s last trip to England was in 2004. She was welcomed warmly by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams. During every visit to England, in fact, she had the opportunity to meet with the Primate of the Church of England and to dialogue personally with ecumenical leaders and leaders of other faiths. This commitment to building universal brotherhood was also extended to the political arena. During her visit in 2004, Chiara met with a group of parliamentarians from both Houses.
Today, the Focolare Movement in the United Kingdom numbers 7,000 adherents, of which 1,700 belong to churches other than the Catholic Church.
Within this historical context we would like to mention Maria Voce’s first visit to England currently taking place. Maria Voce is the current President of the Focolare Movement and her program includes meeting with the local Focolare community in London on 3 September, and an “Open Day” with ecumenical and religious leaders.
By our correspondent Aurelio Molè
See also
Focolare Information Service
From our archives – photos of Chiara Lubich in Great Britain
Below: Arrival of Maria Voce in London airport on 1 September 2011
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1 Sep 2011 | Focolare Worldwide
I belong to the generation of “rebels”. I was raised in the Catholic faith without understanding or living it in a coherent way. From the time I was young, I questioned many things. Above all, it took a great effort to attend mass every Sunday. I found the solution: I gave up believing, but I continued to hold on to Jesus’ message of love as my point of reference.
I met M. Angels, my wife, and a long period of transformation began for the both of us. She is a believer and a member of the Focolare Movement. Actually, as time went by, I discovered that I had married an “activist” in the Movement.
We were immediately faced with the decision concerning the rite of matrimony. We married in the Church. Nevertheless, on my side, I didn’t give up any of my ideas. I not only accepted a religious ceremony, but I actively participated with great interest and respect.
The other important concerned the education of our children. Once again we followed a simple principle which has always worked well when it came to these difficult decisions: I told my wife “a Catholic education would be to our children’s advantage. It would make them sensitive, more complete, happier.” I said to my wife, “ You have the faith, I have emptiness.”
It wasn’t all as easy as it might seem. For example, I didn’t understand my wife’s enthusiasm about Focolare events. Was it a sect? I must admit that I was a bit jealous. Little by little, with effort from the both of us, we found our balance. I was a bit curious about the Movement and she found ways of discreetly telling me about it.
A significant event was when I attended a meeting. I recall the welcome I received and the atmosphere. I began to learn the spirituality of Chiara Lubich, which I tried to make match with my personal beliefs. One significant thing was how it led me to understand the word love in a new way. This word has lost its relevance in today’s world.
This was a spirituality that centres on the message of Jesus, in an explicit and radical way, and is concretised in the small events of everyday life. My interests in the spirituality grew, and also the desire to live it with my friends, acquaintances, colleagues at work and – in the most difficult setting – in my family.
One obstacle remained. It seemed to me that the Movement was reserved for Christian believers. I was truly surprised when I learnt that it also included persons who held no religious convictions, not only: I was even invited to be actively involved.
I’ve learnt to see my neighbour as a brother and to think and act accordingly. I’ve learnt that you don’t need to be a hero. I’ve experienced that it requires constant effort, but we are helped in this by a spirituality with a high communitarian component.
In recent years I’ve had the good fortune to direct a group of young musicians. It was fortunate, because being with them has given me the opportunity to share not only in their musical growth, but also their spiritual growth. This has required a lot of hard work and much patience in adapting myself to their requests, knowledge, age and their desire to play and live.
I now look back on my life as a trajectory that allowed me to grow on spiritual ground and to fill that emptiness that I seemed to carry with me, compared to my wife’s fullness of faith. This evolution has required me to move on from being a spectator to becoming an actor.
Jordi Illa
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27 Aug 2011 | Focolare Worldwide
“…We had to wait for the appearance of three stars in the sky, the sign that Saturday had ended. Only then could we start. The appointment was in front of a large hotel in the centre of Buenos Aires, where some of the Jewish friends who came over from the United States, Europe and Israel were staying. After three hours travelling, we arrived at the Mariapoli Lia, in deep night.
“The first day of the Jewish-Christian symposium. The participants are around eighty from various parts of the world. The atmosphere is very high, with reciprocal listening, and friendly relationships. Several of us have met in previous symposiums, especially that of Jerusalem. The chosen theme is that of identity and dialogue, two realities that enter into each other: identity is the fruit of relationship. There are very profound presentations from the philosophical, anthropological, and psychological point of view, with names that are remembered: Martin Buber, Emmanuel Lévinas, Victor Frankl, Paul Ricoeur…”
“… I realise increasingly that interreligious dialogue cannot be improvised; preparation and refineness of soul are required. It is participation in the work of mediation done by Jesus between heaven and earth, and between the divisions of human beings. So as to fill every divergence and bring unity, he became that “nothing” of love that allowed unification without there being anymore any diaphragm.
“… If night in the Argentine Pampas is silent, with stars that shine mutely, the day is full of the singing of a thousand birds. Nature seems to participate in the feast among us in this symposium. We become aware of an increase compared to the previous three: a profound knowledge, more trust, and a love which is more sincere. It seems a dream. Today, next to the usual conferences, the dialogue meetings for different ambiance: the world of Justice, of communication, of education…
“… the strong affirmation of one’s identity can generate conflict. Only the reciprocal “non-being” in front of the other, as expression of love, makes “being” the other and makes one find oneself fully in the most profound religious identity: being love. Another intense day. It seems almost superfluous to speak of dialogue amongst us, so profound is the unity achieved. When the Rabbis speak one feels the wisdom of centuries.
“… I delivered my talk: the Crucified, Icon of Extreme Love. The greatest love, Jesus said, is that when one gives one’s life for one’s friends (Jn 15, 13). Thanks to this extreme love, every person becomes his friend. He gives his life also for those who are his enemies. It is the new view required to build universal brotherhood: see all as brothers and sisters for whom one is ready to give one’s life: see a friend in every person one contacts. Chiara Lubich has translated this extreme love of Jesus with a simple and demanding expression: “make oneself one” with the other, or rather understand him deeply, enter in his world, share his sentiments. It is the preamble for every dialogue. Chiara has applied this teaching of hers in the field of interreligious dialogue, placing herself in the disposition of listening to members of different religions, so as to understand them from within their culture.
“…the symposium was concluded at the seat of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, at Buenos Aires. There were present Jewish and Christian civil and religious dignitaries. It was thus highly represented. We part feeling called in person to accomplish a work of mediation between tendencies, positions and experiences that are sometimes contrasting in between themselves. The way- we have understood in these days – is to be only a presence of love, without any pretences, or judgements, being of service, until we become that “nothingness of love” that allows us to come together.”
From the diary of Fr Fabio Ciardi (OMI)
