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The pain felt by Focolare due to a case of abuse in France

22 Oct 2020 | Non categorizzato

Maria Voce: “Immense suffering and unconditional collaboration by the Movement so as achieve clarity; the establishment of an independent inquiry after a meeting with some victims of a former consecrated member of Focolare”. “Faced with this immense suffering, we are convinced that the only path to follow is that of offering the victims full attention and recognition of the harm done. I wish here to reiterate the Movement’s full and unconditional collaboration, to shed full light on the facts and do justice to the victims.” This is what Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement, said in a press release dated 22nd October 2020 on the case of violence against minors by J.M.M. a former consecrated member of the Focolare, who lives in France. A victim has made his case public, which goes back to 1981 and 1982 when – aged 15 – he was sexually molested. An independent body is being established through which the Focolare Movement has decided to initiate a special inquiry, after the meeting with some victims on 18th September 2020. On that occasion Jesús Morán, Co-president of the Focolare Movement, expressed his pain and shame for the abuses suffered “and also for the silence or lack of initiative sustained for years on the part of various people in positions of responsibility”. The composition of the independent body will be made public shortly. Its task will be to listen to the victims and to gather further testimonies, as well as investigating whether there were any omissions, cover ups or silences on the part of those responsible for the Movement. At the end of the investigation, the independent Body will make its final report public. In the interests of the completeness of the investigation and to guarantee full transparency, the two people co-responsible for the Focolare in France and one of the people co-responsible for the Movement in Western Europe offered their resignation from their respective roles on 21st October 2020. These were accepted by the Focolare President.

Joachim Schwind

Press release

Courage! Danilo Zanzucchi’s hundredth birthday

21 Oct 2020 | Non categorizzato

On August 11th we celebrated Danilo Zanzucchi’s 100th birthday. He and his wife Anna Maria were responsible for the New Families Movement for over 40 years. Theirs is a very rich story, a story of love given, received and generated. We went to visit them at their home in Grottaferrata…

https://vimeo.com/465833515

Bartolomeo I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople visits the international Centre of the Focolare

Bartolomeo I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople visits the international Centre of the Focolare

20 Oct 2020 | Non categorizzato

This morning His Holiness Bartholomeo 1, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople paid a visit to the international centre of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa. He was welcomed by Focolare President Maria Voce, who escorted him to visit the house where founder Chiara Lubich lived. He then prayed at her tomb. Joined by Co-President Jesús Morán and a small Focolare delegation, there followed an exchange of greetings and gifts. The Patriarch was in Rome for the international Prayer for Peace meeting promoted by the Community of Sant’Egidio being held at the Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill) today. Tomorrow he will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from the Antonianum University. The Patriarch will also be meeting with Pope Francis.

©J. García – CSC Audiovisivi

 “Chiara committed herself to fraternity, unity and peace in all areas of human life, giving us a message through her life and her writings which we cannot ignore”.  With these words Patriarch Bartholomew 1 recalled Focolare founder, Chiara Lubich, during his visit to the International Centre of the Focolare Movement at Rocca di Papa this morning. His Holiness’ delegation included His Eminence Emmanuel, Metropolitan of France, His Excellency Cassianos, Igumeno of the Monastery of Chalki in Greece, Reverend Iakovos, Patriarchal Deacon. They were accompanied by Mons. Andrea Palmieri, Under Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPUC). “The Movement and all the works that exist today thanks to her charism,” he declared, “testify to a life lived for the Lord, passing through the Cross, but always directed to the Resurrection”. The Patriarch’s visit comes within the year of the Centenary of the Birth of Chiara Lubich: “How many other things our Chiara would have done if she were still among us!” continued His Holiness Bartholomew 1. “But it is not the years that give meaning to life, it is not the quantity, it is not the length. It is how we commit the talents that He has offered us. It is the quality of a life lived in witness to He who is the Life”.

©J. García – CSC Audiovisivi

The Patriarch arrived late morning at Rocca di Papa, to be welcomed by Focolare President Maria Voce and CoPresident Jesús Morán. With them he visited the house which had been Chiara Lubich’s home for many years, and the chapel at the International Centre which contains the founder’s tomb. Here, he wrote a long dedication in Greek in the visitors’ book. Hence to the Auditorium, where, respecting safety measures and norms, it was possible for a brief meeting with members of the Focolare’s General Council, some members of the Movement belonging to the Orthodox Church and a representative group of youth. The Patriarch expressed his affection and esteem for Maria Voce, calling her “dear sister”, “whose friendship with us and with our Ecumenical Patriarchate is long and steadfast, since the years when you lived in Constantinople where you truly left an indelible mark of the ministry of fraternity, unity and love for all”.  He continued, “Having reached the end of your mandate as President, we also want to thank you for your great contribution to the Movement. Our memory of you, like all of you, remains in our heart, and you will surely continue the charism where the Lord calls you to”.

©J. García – CSC Audiovisivi

There followed a presentation of some of the events celebrating the centenary of Chiara Lubich and some Focolare youth spoke of the “United World Project”, which this year, with the motto #daretocare is focussing on care for the environment and the most fragile parts of society around the world. The Patriarch commented, “Ideas and action, theory and practice. I hope that some Orthodox youth will be included in this project to collaborate with you for the good of humanity”. An exchange of gifts concluded the encounter. President Maria Voce offered a sculpture of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus which came from the house where Chiara Lubich stayed when she was in Switzerland, and the Patriarch gave a wonderful icon.

Stefania Tanesini

To read the homily of His Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, click here   https://vimeo.com/470297305

Rome becomes the “capital of peace”

20 Oct 2020 | Non categorizzato

On Tuesday 20 October in Rome the International Prayer Meeting for Peace will take place:  participants will include representatives of world religions.  The initiative is being promoted by the Sant’Egidio Community. Maria Voce, president of the Focolare Movement will also be present.  The event can be followed via streaming. “We are very happy that this meeting can take place because we need words of peace, words of hope, words that indicate a future for humanity that is overwhelmed by this pandemic.” This is how Marco Impagliazzo, president of the Sant’Egidio Community, presented the 2020 International Prayer Meeting for Peace.  The event will be inspired by the spirit of Assisi and will be attended by representatives of the great world religions.  It is entitled “Nobody is Saved Alone – Peace and Fraternity” and will take place today, 20 October, in Rome, Italy in Piazza del Campidoglio.  It will gather together members of  different faiths and representatives of many different institutions for a solemn moment of reflection that aims to offer a message of hope for the future. During this event there will be time for prayer, each according to his or her own tradition.  A number of speakers will also offer interventions highlighting the contribution of religions in building a better future of peace and fraternity, especially now that the pandemic is causing widespread social and economic suffering. The president of the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce, will be among the participants. The event is scheduled to begin at 4.30 p.m. (utc+2) when the religious representatives will gather in different locations for prayer. Christians will meet for ecumenical prayer in the Basilica of St. Mary in Aracoeli (click here for the programme). At approximately 5.20 p.m. (utc+2) the meeting will take place in Piazza di Campidoglio. During the ceremony, keynote addresses will be given by Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Italian Republic, Andrea Riccardi, the founder of the Sant’Egidio Community and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission who has recorded a video message.  Interventions will also be made by the Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, the Chief Rabbi of France, Rav Haim Korsia, the Secretary General of the Superior Committee of the Human Fraternity, Dr. Mohamed Abdelsalam Abdellatif, from the Ven. Shoten Minegishi (Soto Zen Buddhism), Dr. Karmaljit Singh Dillon (Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak National Committee) and Mrs. Divya Punchayil Prashoban (Hinduist representative).  Pope Francis will conclude this part of the meeting. The ceremony will then continue with a minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the pandemic and of all wars, the reading of the 2020 Appeal for Peace which will be delivered by a group of children to the ambassadors and representatives of national and international politics and the lighting of the peace candle by Pope Francis. The “Prayer Meeting for Peace” will be broadcast in full live streaming on the event website and on the social channels of the Sant’Egidio Community.

Lorenzo Russo

A Youth Movement, Chiara’s masterpiece

A Youth Movement, Chiara’s masterpiece

20 Oct 2020 | Non categorizzato

A webinar to retrace the story of the Gen Movement, one of the most revolutionary youth movements founded in the last century that still continues its work in the 21st century.

© CSC Audiovisivi – Archivio

In the year dedicated to Chiara Lubich’s centenary, one could not fail to take up the story of the Gen Movement, that was founded in 1967 and attracted hundreds of thousands of youth from all over the world to engage in its goal of a united world. A webinar, held on October 18 and moderated by the RAI journalist Gianni Bianco, aimed at retracing its story. Inspite of its ups and downs, this youth movement formed men and women, not through forced actions or unbridled ambitions, but through the evangelical ideal of giving oneself to others. Those who still participate in the life of the Movement  and even those who no longer form part of it, continue to “live” Lubich’s charismatic intuitions, each in his or her own spiritual and professional sphere. Among those who  participated in the Webinar, there was Franz Coriasco, the author of the book Generazione nuova. La storia del Movimento Gen raccontata da un testimone,(New Generation. The story of the Gen Movement told by a witness), published by the New City Press. In this book, Coriasco deals with  his own personal view of the Movement, while he also presents a collective view that comes from his passionate and extensive research and also from the hundreds of interventions that support the narration. Luigino De Zottis was also present. In 1966, De Zottis and Virgo Folonari were entrusted with the setting up of the Gen Movement. It was Chiara Lubich herself who entrusted this venture to them, and while remembering those who made it possible, Luigino said: «Chiara’s inspiration surprised us, but we set out to do it in an extremely radical way. My life and that of so many other youth improved remarkably in an unexpected manner. I still remember Chiara’s words to us, adults, who had to give life to the Gen Movement; she said: “You adults don’t have to do anything to give birth to the youth movement. You must be like guardian angels”».  This “rule” for intergenerational relationships made history and continues to be innovative. Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Consecrated Life, who was one of the first “Gens”, the Gen seminarians, also participated in the webinar. He focused his attention on the central point of Lubich’s charism: «Jesus forsaken is not something small; it is the recognition of a truth, that enables one to move forward even when difficulties seem insurmountable». Using very strong words, he invited the Movement to rediscover its original spirit of communion. Among the interventions of people who are still active within the Movement, there were the significant words of Margherita Karram, who comes from the Holy Land. Summarizing her adventure with Chiara, she said: «Revolution, the evangelical revolution of that love that loves even one’s enemies. Identity, my country marked me with the conviction that my true identity is that of Jesus of Nazareth. Finally, heart, because we must live the Gospel radically with a heart of flesh, not a heart of stone, without building walls». «Are we at the beginning of the end or at the end of the beginning?”, Franz Coriasco asked in his speech. Jesus Moran, the current co-President of the Focolare Movement, replied: “Today, we are no longer in the utopian phase of  unity; humanity’s awareness of unity is tragic. We either become one or we destroy ourselves. Today’s Gen have many possibilities, because there is a clearer idea of what unity is. I am convinced that we are at the beginning of new developments, that reveal an incarnated charism».

Laura Salerno

Conlet Burns

The webinar’s conclusion was entrusted to today’s Gen – represented by Laura Salerno, Conlet Burns and Anna Aleotti – and it could not be otherwise, because the adventure continues. The Gen Movement started when young people were living the turbulent years of 1967-1968, and the Gen of that time were endowed with a revolutionary grip. They still have it today, and the young Lebanese Gen, for example, bear witness to this. On October 17, 2019, just a year ago, these Gen took to the streets to show their support in favour of a society, that is less corrupt, but more fraternal, just and inclusive. Makran, Salim, Mia and their friends show that the 1967 revolutionary spirit continues to be valid in 2020.

Michele Zanzucchi

The shortest and quickest way

19 Oct 2020 | Non categorizzato

Christians know the exam they will face at the end of their lives. Jesus, in fact, revealed the questions he will ask us when we come before him. They are more relevant than ever – as Chiara Lubich explained. We urgently need to transform all our relationships into Christian relationships: with our siblings, parents, relatives, colleagues, acquaintances, and people all over the world. Encouraged and enlightened by love, we need to create both individual and social works. Let’s remember that if a glass of water will be rewarded, then a hospital, a school, an orphanage, a place to help young people in trouble, and much else, established as a way of expressing our charity, will prepare us for a brilliant final exam. Then God will say to us: “I was hungry in the members of your family just as I was hungry in the people of India.  Seeing me in them, you gave me food. “I was thirsty. I needed clothing, in your little children and in your brothers and sisters in many nations where people live in inhuman conditions. And you, seeing me in all of them, clothed me with what you had. “I was orphaned, hungry and sick in your own neighbourhood just as I was in the people of Pakistan who are overwhelmed by disasters, and you made every effort to help me. “You put up with your father in law, or your highly strung wife, or your difficult employees, or an unfriendly manager, because you were convinced that perfect social justice will only flourish through social charity; and you did this because you saw me in everyone”. “You visited a relative in prison, you prayed and brought aid to those who live oppressed and abused in the depths of their spirit…”. We will be astonished and just one word will come to our lips: “thank you!” Thank you, my God, for having opened up a way for us here on earth, the shortest and quickest way to reach our heavenly destination.

Chiara Lubich