Direct line to the stricken areas
From Thailand “We volunteered to help in the hospitals by donating blood and by acting as interpreters to the many tourists caught in the disaster. Some of our people from Bangkok left for southern Thailand to bring the first load of aid provisions and to see what to do next. Bishop Prathan of southern Thailand underscored the importance of the spiritual aspect, aside from material aid, and the power of prayer for those who are suffering. We assured him that people all over the world were joined to us in concrete aid and prayerful support.” A youth member of the Movement from Madras (Tamil Nadu), India, writes: “The suffering is so great it overwhelms you. The situation in Sri Lanka is even worse. People have been transported in large numbers to Madras and are housed in public offices, churches and temples. And yet, in all this immense suffering, love transpires, love for God to whom we entrust everything, love among the people. Many families have opened their houses to welcome those who have lost everything, the youth are gathering the corpses to give them a simple but dignified funeral, the men and women religious work tirelessly and have become the reference point for all, regardless of religion, the women cook rice around the clock for everyone, the doctors lend their services non-stop, while the poorest try to help those who find themselves in even worse circumstances.” Another writes: “With my brother and a network of gasoline stations, we are preparing provision packages containing a kerosene stove, plates, water-purifying solutions, a sleeping mat made of dried leaves, rice and biscuits for children, and lentils. We collect the needed materials from people or buy them at discount prices from the stores. Our funds are running out, but we are counting on Divine Providence. We have a small car available for transport service, and organized an aid distribution program. I cannot move away from the city because at home we take in children and adults, the sick or wounded, whom I look after when I go home from work. Mine is a small contribution, but it reaches the families directly and promptly, and helps them survive. This is what counts most now… the big lesson is that only love remains.
El Alto: a symbol of revolt
Translated into Japanese specifically for this tour, the musical reached numerous audiences: over 17,000 people in 9 cities, from Tokyo to Nagasaki. A violent typhoon and earthquake at Niigata inspired the group to make the performance a sign of concrete solidarity.
The invitation of RKK is rooted in the dialogue with Chiara Lubich and the Focolare, which has been going on in Japan since 1979. The official motive for inviting Gen Verde was the commemoration of Nikkyo Niwano, founder of the Movement, 5 years after his death. Six million RKK followers were linked via satellite for the ceremonies. The tour signified – as Chiara Lubich wished in her message to the President of RKK, Nichiko Niwano – “a new commitment in living and working together, with dedication and trust, continually supporting one another, so as to build unity in the human family.”
Gen Verde’s contacts with Japanese culture, with Shintoism and traditional Buddhism were numerous, as they visited temples and spiritual masters, such as the Venerable Takeuchi, who is in contact with Focolare for many years now. Through the Koriukai, the meetings to exchange experiences and comments, Gen Verde met another 2,120 people. “These people have never stopped to surprise us” Paola Stradi of Gen Verde commented. “They are strong and delicate at the same time, determined and indomitable, very sensitive to the values of the spirit”.