Non categorizzato - Movimento dei Focolari

Maria Voce: a network of families capable of love and support

8 Oct 2014 | Non categorizzato

MariaVoce_2014 The many answers to the questionnaire give a very clear picture of the real-life situation of the family in the world. Are there any signs of hope among the many problems aired? The first sign of hope is the Synod itself. Pope Francis wanted it, and this is a sign that the family is a priority even for the Pope. Trust in the Church as an institution has increased because people are discovering that the Church can be an anchor for the family. Another sign of hope is the great potential of families who live conjugal fidelity and openness to life, who support families marked by the problems of separation. These families are, so to say, a “resource”, because while caring and supporting others to carry their burdens,they help them not feel excluded from the Church, or worse still, from the love of God. Several extracts of the Instrumentum laboris emphasize the need of renewed mercy in addressing family difficulties. Will this be the prevailing attitude at the Synod? It seems illusory to expect extraordinary and universal solutions. We hope that the potential of the family, which I have spoken of, will emerge, and that it will not be just criticality. However, one cannot tone down the problem about the sacramental question. The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace. There may be others as well. Recently I received a letter from a Christian lady, who is civilly married to a divorced man. In spite of this fact, she has never felt excluded from the Church and at the distribution of the Eucharist she joins in the line, and the priest’s blessing strengthens the presence of Jesus in her. “I’m on a journey”, she said. It is a journey of faith, beyond the sacraments, that can lead to holiness. When answering the questionnaire, most of the local Churches insisted on the difficulty encountered to understand the Church’s message on marriage and family. Does this mean that the contents have to be revised or does it mean that the language has to be altered? Objections about the contents of the Magisterium documents may be made by those who want to bring to their own measure God’s plan for man and woman. However, some suggestions need to be made about the language of the documents, especially of those dealing with moral issues. More clarity, simplicity and conciseness are required. The average family lives a tight daily program, is pressed by various tasks and a lot of stress, and has no time to read. The Magisterium documents need to demonstrate agility, ability to comprehend the fatigue of those who, despite taking great pains, feel vulnerable. When dealing with young couples, the Church is faced with the problem of re-evangelization, which, at the same time, is an educational problem. What can be done about this? Recently, when the Focolare Movement was received in audience by Pope Francis, he reminded us of our duty “to educate” and to pass on the gifts we received to others. This suggestion is very dear to us. In fact, the Focolare Movement promotes an ongoing formation to all its members, from children to workers, from engaged couples to the elderly, from young people to separated persons, and so on. We are committed to give an ongoing formation that is always more appropriate. However, we have to admit that the media plays a great part – more negative than positive – in the field of the family and of young families. Some media programs introduce transgressive lifestyles and offer models of man and woman that lack reference to values. However, I am convinced there is a way we can plunge through! The dark evil that disorientates families in many parts of the world is a danger mix of individualism and crises, even the economical crisis. What are the initiatives of the Focolare Movement to combat this mentality? A very important initiative is the network of families, who are close to families in difficulty through their discreet support that encourages reconciliation. For couples passing through serious marital difficulties, we have held weekend encounters in the little towns of the Movement. Through relational techniques by experts, but mainly through the contact with the spirituality of unity, these couples manage to find themselves in the hope of a future together. Relationships and meetings for those separated or abandoned alleviate the burden of their loneliness and strengthen their commitment of fidelity to the sacrament. There are also initiatives for couples who have started a new union, sharing with them the educational experience of the children and the desire to feel embraced by the Church and, above all, by God’s love. Having in mind the objective to prevent marriage breakdown, we have recently intensified both our commitment to work for young families and also to instill back into our youth the enchantment of “forever”. Translated in English from the original article in Italian: http://www.avvenire.it/Cronaca/Pagine/Maria-Voce-in-rete-per-dire-no-a-individualismo.aspx

From Poland: “My first year at the Sophia University”

7 Oct 2014 | Non categorizzato

Małgorzata Szwarc (a sinistra) con due colleghe

Małgorzata Szwarc (left) with her university friends.

An interview with Małgorzata, in short, Gosia for her friends, at Loppiano, where “the culture of relationships” is being developed, as Pope Francis pointed out in his recent video message on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its foundation: “there is urgent need, in fact, for young people, men and women, who not only are suitably prepared in various disciplines, but are also full of that wisdom which surges from love of God.” What do you remember most of your arrival in the IUS, a year ago? “When I got here at Sophia I could only say ‘My name’s Gosia and I come from Poland.’ Learning Italian was no joke …. At night when the others would go to bed, I stayed up to study. I remember hearing words which in Polish had another meaning, and it was quite confusing. What aspect would you underline for a new arrival? “That part of my experience in Sophia which I feel is most important (and which I didn’t expect at all!). The intensity of life at the residence is the most enriching and concrete experience in terms of listening to others and establishing dialogue. It is the first step in learning how to forget yourself and making the other person feel at ease in order to make what we study in the courses a concrete reality. In the classroom we concentrate on the lessons, but in the residence this is a necessary choice we make to coexist together with our different customs, cultures and mentalities. For example? We do a lot of things like cooking meals, cleaning, conversing and studying. Then there are moments when we relax, hold gatherings, and watch films. Community life leads us to confront the others in all fields, and at times there are difficult situations, misunderstandings. But it is in these moments that we grow together, and learn to accept one another as we are.” What will you remember most, of this experience in another country? “The fact that Sophia is located in Italy, in Loppiano, helped me to seek my own identity abroad, outside of Poland. Comparing myself with others has lead me to ask myself if my characteristics are the fruit of my own choice or only the sum of traditions and convictions of the place where I was raised, and which transmitted to me, for example, my religious beliefs, of utmost importance in a very catholic country like Poland.. I still have not found the answer to all my queries, and it may take me a lifetime, but I still have a whole year ahead, here in Sophia!” What in your view were the most interesting courses and why? “Above all, the courses on theology, ethics and sociology (like “Anthropology and ethics of the person” and “Professional Ethics”). Along each of these pathways, something touched me deeply, and I felt I could make these concepts part of my own daily life. At the start I had no inkling as to what the IUS diploma would signify: “Fundaments and perspectives of a culture of unity,” but after a year I now see that these words were not written at random. Also the courses in Economy are important. For the first time I understood clearly that goods must not only be multiplied, purchased or sold, but shared, according to the logic of the Economy of Communion.” Do you think this educational path offers a qualified response to the demands of society? “It is not easy to answer this question since the demand changes continually. But Sophia opens your mindset. And with an open mentality I hope to understand society better, what lies at the core of relationships between people, so as to have an impact on these relationships. I think that a substantial result I will take with me is to always seek a point in common to share with others.” Source: interview with Małgorzata Szwarc, Poland – “My first year at the IUS”

7 ways to live a full life at 93

5 Oct 2014 | Non categorizzato

20141006-01 The world is moving faster and I’m moving slower. Every time I figure out how a thing works someone comes up with something better and, of course, faster. The eyes are failing and the hearing’s shot. The joints are creaking and the digestive system isn’t doing much better, but I’ve discovered lots of chances to be creative in problem solving. Let me share with you seven ways that I have learned to keep living a full life at 93.

1. Giving

The space one occupies as we grow older shrinks, and I’m constantly eliminating things once thought to be indispensable. It’s easier to do this, when one is in the habit of keeping only what one needs. Recently, I gave something away that afterward I realized I needed. Then I thought that the person would make good use of it, and God would take care of me. In fact, a few days later I received from someone else exactly the thing I had given away. So I’ve just decided that giving as a lifestyle never ages, and the hundredfold is always new.

2. New friendship

Everyone is concerned about children when they start school and have to make all new friends, but no one even thinks about a 90-year-old moving into an assisted-living facility and having to start from scratch. She too has to make new friends, because the ones she knew have all died, and she can’t even go home at the end of the day! I’ve had to learn to listen to people who may think very differently and figure out just how each one wants to be loved. I make many mistakes and want to give up at times, but I always try to remember to start again.

3. Prayer

Something that actually gets easier as one gets older is spending more time praying. I used to be very active, so now I try to be just as active praying for everyone. I try to find out everything that is going on, so my list of intentions is up to date. I pray one rosary for my family, another for the Church and the Focolare family here and around the globe, and finally one for all of the problems in the world. I miss going to Mass and feel blessed whenever someone comes to take me, or the priest is able to come where I live. You might think that by 93 I would have worked out the kinks in my life, but I find myself doing the same things I’ve been trying to correct my entire life. Thank God I have learned how to start again in the next moment. Maybe that’s what keeps me young.

4. Health

I’ve found new ways to live the aspect of my life that deals with health and illness. Since it’s pretty clear that my holy journey is nearing its completion, it is still wonderful to be able to go to exercise class, to eat properly, to put in my eye drops and take all my medications as prescribed. I admit that I sometimes get a little downhearted when I see the cost of medications, but then I try to remember to trust in God. I have a pretty active relationship with those who have left for heaven. I entrust different things to different people and ask for strength when the going gets a little tough. I have also been helped by John Paul II’s Letter to the Elderly and by the example of his life. It takes a real act of faith to believe in the value of your life when many around you see things differently.

5. Harmony

I don’t need many clothes or much furniture, but I try to keep what I have in order. With my eyesight so poor, I’m not sure if the colors match, and I might be tempted to think, “Who cares anyway?” But then I remember that even at 93 I have to try to be an expression of the beauty of God in the way I dress and the harmony of my apartment. This gives so much meaning to the little things I’m still able to do.

6. Learning

I’ve always loved learning new things, so I study the documents of the Holy Father (when I can get them in big print) and watch DVDs on the catechism or other topics. I know I’ll never practice nursing again, but it’s part of my vocation to stay on top of the latest advances in my profession. So I keep up to date, and maybe something I read or hear might be useful for someone else. I love wisdom and pray often to the Holy Spirit to help me not say useless words.

7. Connections

I used to keep in touch with people by sending cards or by phone. Instead, times have changed, and, just as I needed to learn to drive at 50, I now have had to learn how to use email so I can get the news and stay in touch with everyone. It is slow going, since I only know how to move that mouse in one particular way. I almost gave up recently, but my family and friends helped me to keep up my courage. It almost seems like a miracle, but, notwithstanding my eyesight, I read every issue of Living City from cover to cover. I also watch the news every day to keep myself informed of what’s going on in the world. Reading about a world that tends toward unity helps me to be hopeful in the midst of so much tragedy. I really believe in a united world.

My conclusion? Yes, it is a little challenging to be 93, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a full and rewarding time.

Agatha O’Donnell

From Living City Magazine

The soul of Ethiopia

3 Oct 2014 | Non categorizzato

With its 98 million inhabitants, Ethiopia is the second most populated country of the African continent, after Nigeria. It has conquered peace for almost two decades now, after a terrible war with its neighbour, Eritrea, that lasted for 17 years and which brought the two nations to their knees. Today it is considered the centre of Africa, and hosts the Headquarters of the African Union, where the interests of entire nations are at play. There are also all the embassies of the continent which represent 115 extra-African countries. Liliane Mugombozi, Directress of New City Africa writes about the 10-23 August journey undertaken with two focolarini, upon the invitation of the Bishop of the diocese of Meki. «I have just returned from Ethiopia where I was invited together with Charles and Legesse, by Bishop Abram. For me now, the Horn of Africa no longer stands for terrorism in Somalia or the dictatorship in Eritrea; and neither is Ethiopia the only Airport of Addis Abeba where I stopover on my flights to Rome. 20141003-01 Addis now for me is the smile of that boy who helped me with my luggage, and the welcoming look of that nun who took me in at the centre where I was able to rest before continuing my journey the next day. I found the country alive and full of heart in that priest who took the trouble to introduce me to the situation of this nation, in that leper woman, outcast of society, in that young man who wanted so much to meet me, and again, in that suffering caused by the walls that still divide the Catholic and the Orthodox Churches. The meeting with four bishops, among whom the Archbishop of Addis Abeba, Bernhaneyesus Souraphiel, had a strong impact on me. They have great hopes in the contribution of the Focolari. In those days we were able to share, from within the life of the small Catholic community: it was a really enlightening experience! The evangelical testimonial of the small group of catholics, reached not only to the Christians of the old Orthodox Church and various Pentecostal churches developing everywhere, but also to others present who were of other religions of the country, like the Muslims. 20141003-02 We found a lively and committed Church that was able to imbue charity within the structure of society at all levels: in education, healthcare, farming… in a society that is changing and developing at a very fast pace. When walking through the streets, passing among the people, one has the impression of a country “vibrating” on all fronts: political, social, and in the field of communications, with enormous possibilities for development. The Bishops hope to “find the pass key to enter this world with the values of the Gospel. Politics does not suffice, we have to do our part. We have long heard of how the Church needs trained laypersons. And you are among these… the Focolari Movement has to take part in the education of laypersons…” I remembered the words John Paul II had said to Chiara Lubich a few years ago, inviting her to contribute to «giving Europe its soul». Also the words of the Bishops in Ethiopia echoed this, as if to say «also here we need to give a soul to this country. »

Myanmar, Thailand,Vietnam: Young people give hope

1 Oct 2014 | Non categorizzato

The young people in Yangon

Love for freedom is one of the strongest messages coming from the Burmese people, also through the figure of their pacifist leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, 1991 Nobel Prize for peace, which made known to the entire world the vicissitudes of a nation that has just recently emerged from isolation. In a more silent but likewise forceful way is the action of the Youth for a United world that organised in spring, a mini-Genfest in Yangon, ex-capital of the country, following the steps of the world meeting held in Budapest in 2012 that had gathered 12,000 young people. Drawing inspiration from the motto “Let’s Bridge” they presented, with the image of bridges the various phases in creating relationships between people, nations and cultures. The stories narrated were the fruit of the youth’s commitment for ecology, peace, the culture of living, and family relationships. There were also moments of anxiety for the faulty power supply, which blew up the technical equipment. But the message passed: make the first step to launch a bridge towards the others. After the Genfest of Yangon, the Myanmar youth went to the north, to give their response to a group of 80 students in Mandalay, to hold another local Genfest. Fourteen of them left Yangon and after a whole night’s journey reached the others. “We lived such beautiful moments with the young people of Mandalay,” they said. “Thanks to their friendship and simplicity, we were like brothers and sisters. With this atmosphere, they easily understood what we wanted to transmit.” And the building of ”bridges” with everyone became a reality: three times in a row they visited orphanages or homes for the aged to share their love and support. They organized Genfest follow-ups at both Yangon and Mandalay to promote brotherhood and peace. There were also other activities like a tam-tam, which involved other friends.

“Sport for Peace”(Vietnam)

In Vietnam, room was given to sports, with a “Sport for Peace” meet. The plea for peace – against the backdrop of the serious world situation – was deeply heeded. Also the very young ones adhered to Pope Francis’ invitation to love and care for the elderly and children, and set a date to visit a home for the aged and an orphanage. In Bangkok, Thailand, “Connect” is the initiative promoted by the youth, with the aim of linking up with others and with the specific tools for which were the workshops: in art, singing, dance and cooking. «Not only the youth came, but also some families with their children – they said – about 60 people in all, also of other nationalities: Pakistan, Myanmar, China and a big group from East Timor ». Then followed the visits to the children of the slums of Bangkok, involving a group of university students, and fund gathering campaigns for the victims of natural calamities: the spirit that governed all was the creativity of the youth on one hand, and on the other, the spirit of solidarity in the certainty that God’s love overcomes all. And then they moved on to the north.

Thailand: the welcome centre for youth from different tribes

After a journey of 5-6 hours from Chiang Mai city they arrived in a place in the middle of nowhere, where a welcome centre is being established for the youth of the tribal villages. “We went to visit the 18 boys and girls who offer “home schooling” services and who created this centre together with their very own hands. The purpose of the trip was to see how an educational program is set up, based on the Word of Life. This is how we started working with a new “mainstream” – the youth of the tribes– which the local Church in a special way takes to heart”.

The blessing of a long life

30 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato

20140930-01 On 28^th September, in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis met with elderly people and grandparents in the first international day dedicated to senior citizens, sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Family. The meeting entitled: “The blessing of a long life”, coincided with the Day of Prayer for the Synod on the Family, inspired by many of the Pope’s speeches when he several times recalled the tragedy of the “culture of waste” typical of “a people who does not look after its elderly,” discarding them “with attitudes that thinly hide euthanasia.” «We Christians, – the Pope said – together with all people of good will, are called to patiently build a more diverse, more welcoming, more humane, more inclusive society, that does not need to discard the weak in body and mind. On the contrary we need a society which measures its success on how the weak are cared for». The meeting was an opportunity to reaffirm that – as Monsignor Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, said “Old age is not a shipwreck but a vocation: our years of life have been lengthened, but an adequate reflection on this issue has not been carried out neither in politics nor economy, nor society and not even culturally.” 20140930-02 “Old age should be re-thought and also the involvement of the elderly in the world must be reconsidered and the Church’s attitude towards them. In addition to all the civil aspects, there is a culture that the elderly can convey – not to see the weakening of life as the final tragedy but as a witness of hope in the next life.” The event of 28th September is part of the Day of Prayer for the Synod on the Family, “the fundamental and primary place where an elderly person can live within a web of relationships that sustain them” – continues Mgr Paglia – “and which in turn they are called to enliven and enrich. The elderly are not only the object of attention and care, but are also subjects of a new vision of life.”