Chiara Luce at World Youth Day

Aug 19, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

Included in the World Youth Day’s rich cultural program was this event deemed “essential” in today’s means of communication: a musical entitled “Life, Love, Light” which depicted the life of blessed Chiara Luce Badano. 50 young people of the Focolare Movement had a very ambitious goal: to present this musical at WYD which so far had been only been performed once at Paul VI Hall in the Vatican on the occasion of the beatification of Chiara Luce, in response to the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “I invite all young people to get to know her: her life was short, but her message was great. Nineteen years full of life, of love, of faith. The last two years of her life were full of suffering, but lived with love and light, a light that she irradiated around her, a light born from within her: from her heart filled with God!” It involved months of preparation and commitment, together with a strong, deep experience of God. What seemed to be a challenge achieved only through “a miracle”, yesterday evening, at the Auditorium Pilar García Peña (Madrid), it became a splendid reality. Up until a few months ago, they were only novice artists, but on the stage yesterday they were true professionals. Before the show, a Gen from the choreography group expressed herself in these terms: “What we want to communicate is that all of us can follow Chiara Luce’s way. She was one of us.” The auditorium, which has a capacity of 5,000 persons, was completely full and many people followed the musical seated on the floor or standing. Through songs, writings and choreographies, the musical Life, love, light” depicts the milestones in Chiara Badano’s life: her childhood with her parents, her relationships with friends and with the founder of the Focolare Movement, Chiara Lubich, her hopes, achievements, failures, up to the crucial moment of her sickness. “Why, Jesus?” she asked herself when faced with this immense suffering and her own response, “If You want it, I want it too”. A special, profound and emotional moment was the live testimonies given by Maria Teresa and Ruggero Badano, Chiara Luce’s parents as well as by Chicca Coriasco, her best friend. Other young people present were also given the opportunity to share their experiences and their commitment in living the Gospel daily, like Chiara Luce. The audience was strongly moved when extracts of her letters to Chiara Lubich were read out: “I discovered that Jesus Forsaken is the key to unity with God. I chose Him as my first Spouse, and I want to prepare myself for when He arrives. I want to prefer Him.” Many people in the audience praised the beauty of the musical, the spectacular stage lighting effects, the use of modern language. Some young people who were present, while professing to be unbelievers, affirmed that they accepted the message of “love and unity” which was transmitted through the show. “I can no longer run,” Chiara Luce said shortly before she passed way, “but I would like to hand the torch over to you, as in the Olympics… because we have only one life to live, and it is worth to spend it well.” They are strong words which also reflect the atmosphere experienced during yesterday evening’s concert. Now it is up to each one of us to carry this torch. Video Clip on YouTube [nggallery id=61]

Welcome to Madrid!

Aug 17, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

Dear young people, The day we have all been waiting for has arrived: the inauguration of the 26^th World Youth Day. After a long path of preparation you are finally here in Madrid, a beautiful modern city that will be the world capital of Catholic youth for the next few days. “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Ps. 118: 26). With the words of the psalmist I extend a cordial welcome and affectionate greeting on behalf of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the department of the Holy See entrusted by the Pope with the organisation of world meetings of young people. I also greet your bishops, priests, religious and lay leaders who have come here with you and have guided you on your journey of spiritual preparation for this great adventure of faith that we shall experience together for the next few days. You have come to this meeting with the Holy Father Benedict XVI bringing with you all your plans and hopes, as well as your concerns and apprehensions about the choices that lie ahead. These will be days that you will never forget, days of important discoveries and decisions that will be decisive for your future. Our reflection and prayer over the next few days will be guided by the words of Saint Paul that you know so well: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (cf Col 2:7). This is very demanding because it contains a definite life plan for each one of us. Faith will be at the centre of our reflection at this time. Faith is a decisive factor in each person’s life. Everything changes according to whether God exists or not. Faith is like a root that is nourished by the lifeblood of the word of God and the sacraments. It is the foundation, the rock on which life is built, the dependable compass that guides our choices and gives clear direction to our lives. Many of us might wonder: in our world today where God is often rejected and people live as if God did not exist, is it still possible to have faith? Dear young people! You are gathered here in Madrid after having come from the most remote corners of the planet. You have come to say aloud to the whole world – and in particular to Europe which is showing signs of being very lost – your unwavering “yes”! Yes, faith is possible. It is in fact a wonderful adventure that allows us to discover the magnitude and beauty of our lives. This is because God, revealed in the face of Christ, does not put human beings down. God exalts us beyond all measure and beyond our wildest imaginings! For the next few days, together with the apostles, we all want to shout aloud to the Lord: “Increase our faith!” (Lk 17:5). Like Saint Anselmo, we too want to pray: Lord, “Teach me to seek you, and reveal yourself to me as I seek, because I can neither seek you if you do not teach me how, nor find you unless you reveal yourself (Proslogion 1:1). As we await the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI, we have welcomed a special guest this evening to WYD in Madrid. Blessed John Paul II has come back to you, the young people that he loved so much, and who was equally loved by you. He has returned as your blessed patron and as a protector in whom you can trust. He has returned as a friend – a demanding friend, as he liked to call himself. He has come to say to you yet again and with much affection: Do not be afraid! Choose to have Christ in your lives and to possess the precious pearl of the Gospel for which it is worthwhile giving everything! Dear young people! The 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid has begun! Once again I say to you: welcome to you all to Madrid!

Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko

President, Pontifical Council for the Laity

Plaza Cibeles, 16 August 2011

Photo Gallery Press Area

Project Ratan in Brazil

Aug 15, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

“My name is Sandra, I’ve been an entrepreneur for thirty years. At present I’m the owner and director of some handicraft companies. I work in designing with tropical fabrics from Amazonia, and I do research in that region.   I’ve always been sensitive to the needs of those who are less favoured. I’d say that it’s part of my nature to dedicate myself to those who are most in need of help and solidarity. As a young woman I worked with prisoners in a jail. Then I became the director of a business. I’ve always tried to use my knowledge to promote others by offering vocational training and job opportunities.   In 1999 a family tragedy changed my life completely. In a single moment that marvellous “island” I was living on completely crumbled. The earth was taken from beneath my feet. I was desperate.   During this dramatic period, this painful period, I deepened my relationship with some friends in the focolare, whom I had met three years earlier. I found much support in them and gradually I was able to lift myself up again. Coming to know the experience of Chiara Lubich, it was as if a reflection of her light was giving me the hope of finding a way out at the end of the tunnel. I realized that her example was contagious towards me. Thus I had the strength to begin again.   In 2009 I attended the Congress on Dialogue for people with no religious conviction at Mariapolis Ginetta, the Focolare town near San Paolo. It made me feel motivated and I entered into concrete collaboration with them. A possibility was found for opening a course on making handicrafts with coconut fibre and “buriti” palms, which are native to Brazil. Coming from a family of specialists in using vegetable fibres, I create a job that not only increased the workforce, but also secured the conservation of the environment. And Project Ratan was born.   At present our workshop is active three times a week and is frequented by a group of eight youths who work there. They are followed by a worker from one of my factories, and I provide the supervision and targeting of designs. The products are useful for decorations, like vases, decorated boxes, with woven designs. At the end of last year, we had a cultural afternoon during which we presented our work and sold some pieces.   Quest’anno è già iniziata una seconda tappa del corso, con l’ampliamento dei lavori. Essendo un corso professionale, i giovani potranno essere inseriti poi nel mercato del lavoro. Le iscrizioni sono in crescita.This year the second phase has already begun with the expansion of the work. Since it is a professional course, the youths will be equipped to insert themselves into the work market. Enrolment is on the rise.   This project has been a gift for me. I realize that I also receive so much and, at times, much more than they. I feel such enormous joy at being able to collaborate in some way. From the moment I dedicated myself to this project, I felt reborn. And for as long as I live, I hope to continue working for this cause.”   S.G.    

Fourth International Symposium on Jewish-Christian Dialogue

Aug 11, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

The symposium’s promoters say: “It is an honour for us that Argentina, and particularly Mariapolis Lia Brunet were chosen to organise this symposium.” This year the symposium will be preceded by a series of events that will begin with the “World  Day of Peace” which will take place on 15 August in the small Focolare town. These day meetings have taken place since 1997 with growing participation on the part of members of the Jewish and Christian communities of Argentina and Uruguay. Each year a new topic is examined by Jews and Christians, with moments of reflection, testimony, dialogue and recreation. These day meetings are an expression of the link that has been formed between the Focolare Movement and members of the Jewish community in Argentina. A second event, which is geared toward the youth and run parallel to the World day of Peace, is entitled: “I met people who want a united world. . . come and meet them too.” This event is organised by the Teens and Youth for a United World from the Focolare Movement and by the Ann Frank Center of Argentina. Teenagers and youths from each of these centres have been actively involved in putting together this event. The dynamic programme will include laboratories, games, debates, presentations and sharing. The objective of the programme is to promote the integration of respect for the social, political and religious culture of the other, with all that this implies, and to face various problems facing youths, like violence, discrimination and exclusion. This event is geared toward teens and youths who come from Argentina and other lands such as Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, the United States, Italy and Jerusalem. This series of events will culminate in the Fourth International Symposium for Jewish-Christian Dialogue, on 21-25 August under the auspices of the Minister of Cult & Worship of Argentina. There will be presentations by Jewish and Christian scholars from around the world who will delve into the topic chosen for this year: “Identity and Dialogue: an experience that continues” The Argentinian Minister of Foreign Affairs will preside at the closing events.