Apr 17, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide
“Leadership for Peace” is the theme of the 12th edition of the World Peace Forum from 19 to 22 April. The International Forum links and gathers hundreds of young activists and promoters in the respective countries and actions for peace. After the recent editions in Cairo (Egypt), Florianapolis (Brazil) and Madaba (Jordan), this year Toronto (Canada) will host the event with an extensive programme of debates, studies and analyses for development, exchange of good practices, conflict resolution models, and identification of common values and strategies to create a chain of leaders motivated in building world peace. Forum 2018 particularly addresses directors, public and private administrators, teachers, educators, NGO presidents, religious leaders and government agencies, activists, and members of movements that operate in favour of dialogue, peace and disarmament. For information: www.worldpeaceforum.org
Apr 16, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide
The Burj Khalifa is currently the world’s tallest building, its 160 floors rising to a dizzying 830 metres. At ground level an immense choreographed fountain is illuminated by laser beams bouncing through water jets to a constantly changing musical accompaniment. Although its “world-highest” title is under threat from the Kingdom Tower of Gedda (200 floors) and other skyscrapers rising up in various countries, the city of Dubai is synonymous with its ‘At The Top’ observation deck, offering breath-taking birds-eye views of stunning ultramodern constructions. In recent years, the so-called ‘city of dreams’ has seen one of the highest immigration rates in the world, attracting people from many different countries looking for work. This has produced a distinctively cosmopolitan environment, one not without difficulties, particularly for its foreign workers. In this high-rise ‘concrete jungle’ dwells a small community of the Focolare Movement. Many left their own countries for Dubai – like countless others – hoping to find better financial opportunities for their families. For three weeks in February this community enthusiastically welcomed Romè from the Philippines, Fadia and Susanne from Jordan and Murad from Syria, later joined by Alessandro from Italy for part of the time. Together they formed a ‘temporary focolare’ in this unique location. 
The visitors recall: “We were welcomed at the airport by a group of radiant faces. Each one of us was presented with a beautiful flower! Instantly we were made to feel at home. Our first morning in Dubai dawned with an email greeting from Focolare President, Maria Voce: ‘May Jesus be always present among you, and may He be the most beautiful gift for those you will meet!’ These words guided our steps as we entered into the heart of this community. On tip-toe we contacted one person after another, setting up appointments in their homes, in churches, restaurants, shopping centres and even in metro stations. Wherever we met, people brought items – providence – to share with others. Every moment of the day, and well into the night hours as well, provided opportunities to build a ‘shelter’ for Jesus, for Jesus among us. And what joy every time!” The visitors joined an international and culturally diverse group of Focolare animators to prepare a 2-day Mariapolis. “Our presence in Dubai was in order to serve. But each one of the 70 participants at the Mariapolis, from eleven different nationalities, gave their own active contribution. Chiara Lubich’s last wish ‘always be a family’ was evident there.” The visitors continue: “Talking with several Dubai residents, we became aware of how many worries they may have – discrimination, the fear of losing a job, the high cost of living combined with disproportionately low salaries, no permanent residence, and often no clear future. However, beneath all this, lies a ‘treasure’ hidden in each one’s heart: God, whom they have chosen as their ideal in life.” In conclusion, “We saw how it’s the life of unity lived as part of a community which helps each one withstand the daily challenges.” This – and not height in metres – is what characterizes their distinctive race to The Top. Chiara Favotti
Apr 15, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide
The military intervention in Syria on the night of Friday 13th April has become the focus of international concern. After the heartfelt appeal of the Holy Father, Maria Voce, President of the Focolare, expressed, on behalf of the members of the Movement all over the world, her closeness, solidarity and prayer for the Syrian people who have been suffering immensely for seven years now. “Since we are continually in contact with our communities in Syria,” Maria Voce said, “we cannot fail to make our own their great suffering on perceiving themselves as victims of a proxy war, caused and carried out by outside interests.” “The Movement,” the President stressed, “appeals to political leaders all over the world to return to a profound and truthful dialogue, guided by the sincere search for a peaceful solution, for the good of the Syrian people and all peoples in the Middle East.”
Rocca di Papa (Italy), 15th April 2018
Apr 13, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide
Syria is a martyred nation due to its civil war and constant tensions. Many people have lost their job and forced to spend all their savings in order to survive and pay for medical assistance. Doctors, teachers and other trained personnel have emigrated abroad. Those who have remained have most likely lost their homes and forced into already overcrowded neighbourhoods. The areas that are more in urgent need of help in view of future reconstruction are those dealing with financial support services, education and health care. Program activities: 1. Education and Training support in Homs and Damascus: After-school programs, tutoring, morning tea and supply of teaching materials for 220 students; 2. EHIS School for the Deaf in Aleppo: Lessons in the classroom and extra-curricular activities for 75 children; 3. Professional course in Aleppo: Traditional Syrian crafts; 4. Social and health care in Homs and Kafarbo: Access to medical care for cancer patients (chemotherapy and other treatments), financial assistance for surgical procedures, support for patients suffering from kidney failure, financial support for other medical services (radiology, blood tests etc) and counselling; 5. Family income support in Kafarbo, Homs, Aleppo and Damascus: Monthly financial subsidies for food, rent, home repairs, medical assistance. The carrying out of the activities guarantees employment for about 70 people, including teachers, social workers, trainers and assistants and involves about 50 volunteers. Places Kafarbo – Homs – Aleppo – Damascus Beneficiaries 200 families for income support 114 men and women for medical assistance 295 young people for assistance with education and training Costs of the program Total cost: € 293.138,33 Total contributions required by AMU: € 241.586,20 To support the program, please send donations to: Azione per un Mondo Unito ONLUS (AMU) Bank: Banca Popolare Etica IBAN: IT58 S050 1803 2000 0001 1204 344 SWIFT/BIC code: CCRTIT2T Azione per Famiglie Nuove ONLUS (AFN) Bank: Banca Prossima IBAN:IT55 K033 5901 6001 0000 0001 060 SWIFT/BIC code: BCITITMX Description: Emergenza Syria Program Donations made out to Emergency Syria on either bank account will be administered jointly by AMU & AFN
Apr 12, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide
“For nearly three years we Young People For A United World, here in Rome, have been working with the prison adminstration and the G9 Committee, a group of eight prisoners from an un-named department of the prison of Rebibbia, who, although they don’t have children of their own, have been engaged in promoting opportunities for other prisoners to meet with their families. Raffaele Natalucci and another twenty-nine young people from Rome share their story. “Three times a year we set up stands where parents and children can spend some time together, playing and colouring with their little ones. During the organized events in the grassy areas, the internal courtyard of the prison, nearly three-hundred people are able to gather, which include inmates and their families, and numerous volunteers from the local area. During one of those events a detainee shared his experience with us: “Being deprived of your freedom, estranges you from reality. Staying in a cell, between four walls, one’s horizon also begins to shrink. Those that had benefited from special permits said that it was difficult to look far into the horizon. The opportunity to do jobs inside the prison means a lot to me. Before, I spent my energy on illegal activity, but that turned out to be like eating an ice-cream cone that was melting in the sun. But to work at organizing sport events or projects that benefit the inmates is a hundred times better than any salary.” Raffaele continues: “As Young People For Unity, we’re having a very powerful human experience: the order from the prison guards to leave every piece of personal property behind resounds, every time, like an invitation to also abandon every prejudice, going beyond the barriers between the outside world and the prison world, to build authentic relationships with the people in jail, to the point that they now refer to us as the “External Committee”. We’ve launched a “Project on Legality” with a series of thematic gatherings outside the prison. In full sync with the instructors, inmates and experts, we’ve chosen to explore several topics, such as interpersonal relationships, integration among cultures, a legality of “us”, the rediscovery of one’s attitudes and re-insertion into professional life.” On Father’s Day, March 19th, we invited psychologist, Ezio Aceti, to speak on parenthood, to some seventy inmates in the prison theatre. The presenation was focused on the needs and expectations of the child. “Take note of the other person’s thoughts, talk honestly about oneself, show a positive image,” he explained. “These are the necessary prerequisites so that the encounter between detainies and their children will bear fruit.” During the roundtable conference, one detainee asked: “What can a father with a life sentence say to his daughter?” “That her father made a mistake, but is doing all he can,” was the answer. “If his daughter finds that integrity and the courage to get up again, that will be the image she has of her father.” “Parenthood is keeping a bond going. You must transmit a feeling of belonging to your children. Then they will have a positive experience and will remember their father who is in prison.” Lastly, the psychologist strongly encouraged the detainees: “Raising a child does not mean not making mistakes, but putting everything into it in spite of the mistakes. That will teach your children tolerance. You can be good fathers even if you’ve made mistakes. Deep down all of us feel discouraged, but there’s another voice in our hearts that tells us: Get up, begin again. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve gone wrong, but how many times you’ve got up again. The miracle is that by always getting up again, a change will take place.”
Apr 10, 2018 | Focolare Worldwide
Letizia Mombelli and her husband are the owners of a small company in Brescia, northern Italy. Over the years, they have coped with many crisis and setbacks but have always made decisions in front of God, entrusted their worries to him and relied upon his providence. They began by opening up a small mechanics workshop with just a few employees. However, shortage of work, bureaucracy and their choice to avoid corruption at all costs led to them losing lots of money. Very sadly, they had to let most of their workers go and sell a lot of their equipment in order to pay their employees until they found another job. Letizia said, “We felt a terrible sense of failure but we didn’t give up. We had the support of the members of the Movement who prayed for us. We trusted in God and asked him to guide us in the decisions we were making; we tried to maintain good relationships with our clients, suppliers, representatives – with everyone who came to the workshop. We didn’t have to wait too long before God’s providence arrived.” After coping very courageously with that difficult phase of the business, there was the possibility of change: other small businesses and suppliers provided practical help and the company was able to get back on its feet. Letizia continued, “One of the best things to emerge from that time was seeing what our children learned from the experience. They grew up appreciating the simple things in life and were able to see God’s love in lots of small things. This brought us together as a family.” 
However, in 2009, Letizia’s company was hit by the global economic crisis and orders for work began to decrease significantly. Once again, the family trusted in God and orders picked up again. In 2016, the company received a very large order which guaranteed economic stability for several years. After dispatching the first consignment, Letizia discovered that their products were being used in the arms trade. Thinking of the images of despair of refugees fleeing from war torn countries, Letizia and her family decided to reject the order. “We were very apprehensive about turning down work but my husband and I were sure that it was the right thing to do. Furthermore, our son who had begun to work with us was in full agreement.” There was then yet another crisis that almost led to the closure of the company. Letizia and her family trusted in God’s providence and again work began to arrive. In fact, there were more orders than there had been for several years. “I feel as if God is walking alongside us,” Letizia confided. She then referred to the foundress of the Focolare Movement. “I am grateful to Chiara Lubich who is like a guiding light, helping us to make the right decisions, putting human beings before profit and economic security.” Chiara Favotti
