Foresi: “Mary of Nazareth”
Ave Cerquetti, ‘Bella Accoglienza’ – Rome, 1961
Montreal: Chiara Lubich’s New Humanity Movement at the 2016 World Social Forum
Courtesy Week at Yvonne’s school in Toronto, Canada, received a surprise visit from a Minister of the Canadian government who wanted to know more about how the students had used the Cube of Love to change the atmosphere in their classrooms, increase service and attention to others and alleviate bullying. That Peace Project received an award as one of the most exemplary practices in the school district and was adopted by other schools with the encouragement of the Minister of Education. In North Riverside, Illinois, USA, Carol began a social project called “The Art of Caring for Each Other”, which was adopted by the public administration and transformed foreigners and suspicious neighbours into a community marked by welcome and sharing. These are just a few of the best practices that the Focolare’s New Humanity Movement presented at the World Social Forum in Montreal, Canada during the second week of August. Projects, studies, social action and artistic performances helped to imagine that “Another world is necessary, together it becomes possible!”. It was the title chosen for this 12th edition of the worldwide workshop which originated in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 2001, as a response to the economic forum that was held by world economic leaders in Davos, Switzerland. The Social Forum provides an independent space to diverse expressions in civil society that are trying to bring change in the areas of human rights, economy, renewable energy and democracy. The Humanity Movement’s three public workshops at McGill University of Montreal and Quebec were an expo of best practices from the social, economic and political fields that have been influenced by Chiara Lubich’s charism of unity. Jean Charles Bitorirobe from Burundi, now a Canadian citizen, wanted to help heal the wound of ethnic conflict that still divides Hutu and Tutsi in his country and also in Quebec. “Our centre is meant as a cultural centre for all Burundians regardless of their ethnic roots. In February we gathered more than 420 people to share experiences, our sad baggage from the past and traditional customs that should no longer continue to divide our people. Our inspiration is the charism of unity.” Jean Claude also began a soccer team, a Kirundi language and dance class, a fundraiser for 150 mentally disable children from Burundi and a supper of typical dishes and traditional music. “Some people immediately thought we were thinking of starting a political party, but we only want to work for unity, and the ambassador expressed acknowledgement and appreciation of our work.” Cameroon politician and point of reference for the thousands of women Volunteers of the Focolare Movement, Patience Lobè, brought the workshop to a close. She had received death threats and was the target of several assassination attempts for having denounced corruption in the Public Works system in her country. “I felt I had to fight for justice. I don’t know if this is because it is part of my nature, but I do think that God uses us as his instruments.” As a civil engineer she earned a good salary, but the poverty all around her would not let her rest, and so this courageous woman created professional development centres that have led to jobs and cooperatives like the organic chicken farm that is now showpiece of the industrial edifice of the country. “Hunger and poverty are first of all a problem of values, but if we put ourselves together we can create the change and be people that do something new.” And that is totally in tune with the job description of the Social Forum.
Gen Rosso in Spain
Guitar, drums, acoustic bass, piano, saxophone and the voices of Gen Rosso. 
Twenty songs from 50 years of music-making: Un’altra umanità, Nascera, Costellazioni, and more. An acoustic and multi-cultural concert in three languages: Italian, Spanish and English. Below are the dates and locations of Gen Rosso’s tour in Spain: September 16, Teatro Jacinto Benavente de Galapagar, Madrid September 18, Teatro Fernández Baldor de Torrelodones, Madrid September 21, Auditorio Fundación Caja Rural de Granada September 23, Gran Teatro de Cáceres Sepember 24, Teatro Auditorio Riberas del Guadaíra, Alcalá de Guadaíra, Seville September 27, Vigil of Mercy at 20:30, Parish of San Pedro Poveda, Jaén September 29-30, Borja Hall, Valladolid October 2, Auditorio Colegio La Sagrada Familia, the Marists, Cartagena, Murcia Gen Rosso International Performing Arts Group is known for its internationality and the personal commitment of its members to spread a message of universal brotherhood and peace in favour of a more united world.
https://youtu.be/t5Cvfaz-e64
Elisa and Gabriele: Their day without end following the earthquake
Elisa with the entire family – a twin brother, an elder brother, daddy, and the grandmothers – just a few weeks earlier, had been to the Mariapolis – the Focolare’s summer gathering – with about a hundred other people. It had been an occasion to know each other, share life experiences, and take a step ahead together. Everyone remembers Elisa who before leaving, with her gay and contagious ways had shot a video of the impressions of her group with the help of her twin brother. “The Mariapolis is an experience that leaves its mark in one’s heart forever. I hope to go to the Mariapolis always,” she had texted her mother upon returning home. Instead, Gabriele, her little 8-year-old cousin, in mid-June had participated for the second consecutive year in the little “Gen4 congress.” It was an enchanting three-day event with the little kids who understand “the things of God” better than anyone else. A photo shows him in the role of an angel playing a trumpet upon the passage through the Door of Mercy, together with all the other boys. In the morning of 24 August the news of the earthquake arrived, and also the anguish: Elisa, Gabriele and their grandmothers were under the ruins and all feared the outcome for those who were missing. A chain of prayers immediately started like a tam-tam, but in the evening it was confirmed: they didn’t make it. 
Their families immediately gave an unwavering testimony: “Their faith in God’s love was such that even in this immense suffering, they enlightened us with renewed determination to live for that which does not pass”, wrote Maria Voce, President of the Focolare, to the stricken communities and families, the day after the earthquake. Meanwhile the Focolare communities throughout the world and Italy had launched the rescue system.
Elisa with her two brothers
Gabriele at the Mariapolis
Mother Teresa, a great teacher of the art of loving
“Mother Teresa is … a great teacher of the art of loving. She truly loved everyone. She didn’t ask her neighbour if he or she was Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, etc. … Undoubtedly, Mother Teresa was the first to love. She went out looking for those entrusted to her by God. Mother Teresa saw Jesus in every person, perhaps in a way no others did. Her motto was: “You did it for me.” Mother Teresa made herself one with everyone. She made herself poor with the poor and especially in the same way as the poor. … She didn’t accept anything that the poor couldn’t have as well. We know, for example, that she and her sisters do without having even a simple washing machine, something that many people do not understand. They say: “Nowadays!” But she did not want one because the poor don’t have them. She took upon herself and identified herself with the wretchedness of the poor, their grief, their sickness and death. Mother Teresa loved everyone as herself, to the point of offering others her own ideal. For example, she invited the volunteers who spent a period of time serving in her Work to seek out their own “Calcutta” when they went home to their countries. She said: it is because there are poor people everywhere. Mother Teresa certainly loved her enemies. She never stopped to dispute the absurd accusations they made against her, but she prayed for her enemies. Yes, in her we can see “the art of loving” lived to perfection. She was … a queen of charity.” Chiara Lubich Message during a Conference Call on 25th September 1997.
Reead more: The magnificat of Mother Theresa of Calcutta as received by Chiara Lubich – Press releases SIF– 1° Settembre 2016
Fontem (Camerun): Golden Jubilee Celebration 1966-2016
The diocese of Mamfe, the Focolare family and the Alumni Association of the school, “Our Lady Seat of Wisdom,” are extending an invitation to all for the 50th anniversary celebration (1966-2016) of the arrival of the Focolare Movement in Fontem (Camerun) and the opening of the school. The celebrations will be held at the “Mariapolis Mafua Ndem Chiara Lubich” (Fontem) from 14 to 17 December 2016. For information: info@focolare-fontem.org Web site: www.focolare-fontem.org