![Maria Voce in France: Visit to Toulouse]()
6 May 2010 | Focolare Worldwide
Before leaving Lourdes, for Toulouse, Maria Voce shared a few reflections: "We wanted to begin this visit to France, in Lourdes; we wouldn’t have had it any other way. And Mary, Seat of Wisdom, invited us to look at all the miracles happening around us, not only physical healings but also the people who are returning to God, and the small conversions in our own lives. Who knows how many miracles we’ll witness during this trip? But, like Mary at the Visitation, we need to wait a bit still. The seed is planted and so it will sprout. »
In Toulouse she met about 120 members of the Focolare Movement who were able to be free from work on a Wednesday afternoon. She was given a warm and festive welcome. There was a quick presentation of the groups present. So much diversity! As some of the historical, sociological, and religious background was presented, a portrait of the region was gradually formed that gave a good idea of the place and its people. Then Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti answered a few questions. For example: "How might we love the people who have fallen out of contact with us?" Love without expecting anything in return, not even recognition from people . . . . but God always responds.
After an intense meeting of two hours the time came to say goodbye.
(Compiled by Jean-Marie Dessaivre, our translation)
![Maria Voce in France: Visit to Toulouse]()
4 May 2010 | Focolare Worldwide
Maria Voce started her visit to France (4-12 May) in Lourdes on Tuesday 4th May. It was raining and snowing – just like when Chiara Lubich make a historic visit there in 1958.
The Focolare Movement participates actively in local church and civic affairs throughout France. These activities can be parish-based or at the level of ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue – several Muslims, Jews and Buddhists are members of the Movement. Members of the Movement are very involved in inter-religious activities in the town of Evry, to the southeast of Paris, while others support the work of the WCRP (World Council of Religions for Peace). Many participated in ‘France’s Social Weeks’ and in the ecumenical meetings for Together for Europe; in Nantes there was an event called Gusts of Unity, which involved 800 participants from 10 different movements and new ecclesial communities. There are over thirty business men and women involved in the Economy of Communion, a project that works for a fairer sharing of wealth
Often it’s the day-to-day presence of members of the Movement who try to take a spirit of peace to their places of work or study that makes a difference. There are many examples – Ennouar, a Muslim who is a friend of the Focolare and works as a bus driver in Tremblay-en-France, Jean-Christophe and Ewenaelle who are in contact with many other families; Bruno, a student who gives one evening a week as a volunteer with the Red Cross etc.
During her visit Maria Voce told how in the fifties she also had been to Lourdes and on that occasion had asked Our Lady’s help in understanding what her vocation would be. After meeting the Movement and Chiara, Maria Voce never returned to Lourdes again until now, when as President of the Focolare Movement she wanted to begin her trip to France in Lourdes, to thank Mary and to entrust to her the Movement that carries her name (The Work of Mary).
