![Sweden, Bishop Åke Bonnier’s testimony]()
6 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato
“Just after I was nominated Bishop of the Diocese of Skara (Sweden) in 2012, we decided to hold an ecumenical meeting in the Bishopry on Pentecost day, which is also the anniversary of the 1,000 years of the founding of the Diocese. This event, inspired by Pope John Paul II and as oftentimes solicited also by the Catholic Bishop Anders, would reunite the representatives of the various churches and Christian movements in the diocese, following the example of other events the Catholic diocese had organised, precisely during the feast of the Pentecost. When I proposed the project, I was quite surprised to see that none of my new team members opposed the idea, but rather – all the directors felt that this experience would be an indispensable step to preparing our millennium celebrations. The reactions of the members of the various Churches, however, revealed to be a conquest. Many were busy and out of town. Furthermore, the celebration would have coincided with the National Swedish Day. I discovered that Pentecost day plays an important role in the Orthodox tradition, and is a sort of “All Souls Day.” This meant that a single Orthodox member alone could represent the entire family of his Church. We sent the invitations way ahead of time and publicised the event several times. The effort was decisively fruitful. So the meeting was held, and more than 300 Christians of different churches and movements attended, among which, the Focolare Movement. The theme was “Let them speak a thousand tongues” (referring to the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 2 and to our 1,000th anniversary). Two of the main speeches were given by Swedish theologians like Ylva Eggehorn and Magnus Malm. On Pentecost morning, when I arrived at the Cathedral before the start of the program, many people had already assembled in Church. To my great joy I had the chance to greet the people I knew and meet new friends, comrades in faith. After a brief introduction on the morning’s program, we divided into mixed groups to discuss and reflect about the importance of prayer. The afternoon groups were based according to the cities of origin. The day ended with a celebration in the Skara cathedral. Many were struck by the possibility to meet, regardless of their various faiths and discovered that really we all have a lot in common. We could say that we all needed to communicate more with one another. The communities present were: the Swedish Lutheran Church, the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and some free churches. It was of no importance what Church we belonged to, what mattered was to meet, be together and share our experiences on prayer, and more. It was fundamental to spend this day as brothers and sisters, and beyond all things, with Jesus in our midst. The day instilled in me a new driving force towards the future and we can say that we have taken a step forward in our journey towards unity and that we will continue to walk with the Crucified and Resurrected Lord! Let me underline once again the motto of this meeting, which is a way to reach unity of the Church, unity in our diversity: “Let them speak a thousand tongues.”
![Sweden, Bishop Åke Bonnier’s testimony]()
5 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato
The Holy Spirit. I’d like to take up the same subject again today; so that by getting to know this “Unknown God” better, we may love, honour, and obey him. The Holy Spirit can do incredible things! Just look at the Apostles! The Church had been founded by Jesus on the cross, yet they were dumbfounded, hesitant, scared, hiding behind locked doors. Then the Holy Spirit came down upon them, and they were filled with courage. They went out into the streets and squares, and spoke with such fire, that people thought they were drunk. Later, they bravely faced persecution and set out to bring the Good News to the whole world. This is just one important example of what the Holy Spirit can do – not to mention all that he has done in the Church throughout her twenty centuries of life: miraculous outpourings of light, grace, transformation, and renewal. Think of the Councils, and of the various spiritual movements he raised up, always at just the right moment. Isn’t something of this sort also happening with us, because of the fact that the Holy Spirit has bestowed one of his charisms on us? Before this happened to change our lives, weren’t we just like all those people who don’t see beyond their own neighbourhood, whose thoughts and affections are limited almost exclusively to the small circle of their family; who are bent solely – as we were – on acquiring a profession, or on owning a car or a house. Then the Holy Spirit intervened and gave us this wonderful new life. He helped us break out of our own self-centeredness, and start thinking about our neighbour. He gave us hope – and often proof – that, with his help, many of the problems that afflict the world could be resolved.He gave us the courage to speak in front of crowds, which we would never have imagined possible. He also gave us the strength to spiritually – and often literally – leave behind, not only our own neighbourhood, but our own country and our own culture, to bring the fire of his love to the ends of the earth. He gave us the strength, day after day, to overcome difficulty and misfortune; and often with joyful hearts. As a result, we have often experienced the Father’s extraordinary providence; and we have seen the fruits of our labour: many people all over the world, united in one big family. If, to a greater or lesser degree, things around us have changed for the better, this is the work of the Holy Spirit, who renews the face of the earth. Yes, for his task is to instil drive and motivation; to enable grace – the divine life Jesus has obtained for us – to operate in our lives; to give us strength and courage. Since we owe him so much, he should hold a much more prominent place in our spiritual lives. Last time we focused on the fact that the Holy Spirit lives in our souls; that we are his temples; and that each of us must listen to his voice speaking within us. He is also present in the soul of every neighbour we meet, who is also a temple of the Holy Spirit, or destined to be one. If this is so, don’t you think this is an added reason to love our neighbour even better? Just as we show the proper respect before a tabernacle where Jesus is present in the Eucharist; similarly, we must have proper respect for all our sisters and brothers, because they are tabernacles of the Holy Spirit. Here, then, is a thought to illuminate our path: Let’s honour the Holy Spirit, by loving, respecting, and serving every neighbour. Chiara Lubich (taken from Journey, Spiritual Insights, New City Press, New York 1984, pp.117-119.) Centro Chiara Lubich
![Sweden, Bishop Åke Bonnier’s testimony]()
3 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato
Minx and Alfred, live in Kalibo, a Philippine island in the Province of Western Visayas, particularly affected by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), on 8 November 2013. Ever since they met the Focolare Movement, 29 years ago, their life has changed: “We started to serve God in every neighbour,” they tell us. “The day before the arrival of the typhoon – they recall – we were warned by radio and TV but we listened to the news as if it was one of the many already suffered in the past. Our 4 children were home for the holidays at the end of the semester in school so we were all together when the strong winds and the rains began. It was the first time we experienced such a powerful storm: the windows shook, the roof began to peel off piece by piece and the big mango tree in our garden was uprooted and fell without, thankfully, hitting the house. The water from the rain began to come in everywhere and flooded the entire house. When the second floor began to shake, we thought everything would be destroyed.” 
“In the midst of the disaster – Minx remembers – in my heart I said: ‘It is You, Lord, this tragedy is a face of your abandonment and I want to love you. Please, spare us all … ‘. That night, in the midst of darkness because of the black out, in bed, I thought about what surely must have happened to those who live in wooden houses. As the tears flowed, I prayed for them. Early in the morning, after seeing that we were all right, I went looking for our neighbours. There was only destruction and frightened faces everywhere. I tried to put aside my pain to welcome every suffering person I saw. A little girl, a friend of the family, weeping, told me: ‘Auntie Minx, we no longer have a home … paano na kami?’. Her innocent words broke my heart. I hugged her and I said, ‘Let’s not lose our love and faith in Jesus, let us pray and continue to love Him in others … Jesus will help us.’ Our prayer has been heard, because the next day aid started to arrive, first from family and friends and then from many parts of the world, through the Focolare. Now we even have a generator so we can carry on a small family business, given that the electricity has failed for many months. I tried to be always available at any time to give help. One of my sons said, ‘Mom, do you prefer to help others when we have nothing to repair our own house?’, because the water continued to come in when it rained. I reassured him: ‘Jesus will remember our kindness.’ After a few months we were surprised and happy because our house was included in the project of repair and reconstruction for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. It has now been repaired and even if other typhoons continue to arrive we feel more safe and secure. We are so grateful to God and to the Focolare, which has supported the project.” 
A reconstruction project for the victims of the typhoon. The Focolare Movement in the Philippines, with the support of Action for New Families (AFN) and the Association for a United World (AMU), is conducting a reconstruction project for 60 families. In Tacloban, 6 houses have been built and documents and permits are being prepared to begin construction of another 5; furthermore, a substantial contribution has been given to 7 families who had already begun work. In Baybay, a piece of new ground is being purchased on which to build. In Panay Island, in addition to the 5 houses already completed, another 7 are under construction, while negotiations are underway for the purchase of land on which twenty terraced houses will be built for families who did not own land. The houses are built with solid materials: concrete roofs with eaves, foundations and masonry walls, one or two floors (according to need), each one about 50 square metres in size. WHERE TO SEND YOUR DONATIONS: FOCOLARE MOVEMENT IN CEBU – see also Emergency Aid poster Payable to : Emergency Typhoon Haiyan Philippines METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST COMPANY Cebu – Guadalupe Branch 6000 Cebu City – Cebu, Philippines Tel: 
0063-32-2533728 Bank Account name: WORK OF MARY/FOCOLARE MOVEMENT FOR WOMEN Euro Bank Account no.: 398-2-39860031-7 SWIFT Code: MBTCPHMM Payable to: “Help Philippines– Typhoon Haiyan“ Email: focolaremovementcebf@gmail.com Tel. 0063 (032) 345 1563 – 2537883 – 2536407 New Families Movement (AZIONE per FAMIGLIE NUOVE Onlus) c/c bancario n° 1000/1060 BANCA PROSSIMA IBAN: IT 55 K 03359 01600 100000001060 Swift: BCITITMX
![Sweden, Bishop Åke Bonnier’s testimony]()
2 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato
In audience with Pope Francis
After a song performed by the Argentinean actress and singer Tini Stoessel, well known for her role as Violetta in a Disney production of that name, the competition got underway with 52 athletes, some of whom are real stars of the ball. There was the legendary Diego Armando Maradona, still able to remain on the field for 90 minutes at 53; the always-exciting touch of Roberto Baggio, who hasn’t played since May 2004, but agreed to come back for the occasion and put on his boots. On the field also Shevchenko, Trezeguet and Del Piero, unforgotten champions of Milan, first, and Juventus, as well as other players currently playing, from every corner of the globe. Also there was wide media coverage: 12 foreign TV stations present, in addition to RAI. For the record, the match ended with the result of 6-3 for the PUPI team but the real winner was the message of peace that from the Stadio Olimpico was sent all over the world: a hard game, that has just started, but that is possible to win.
![Sweden, Bishop Åke Bonnier’s testimony]()
2 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato
«I officially declare the Assembly open.” With these words Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement, gave the start signal on 1 September for the morning working session of the long awaited appointment in which the participants will discuss some fundamental issues of the life of the Movement and elect the President, the Co-president and general councilors for the next six years. The word of life of the month cites a phrase of Paul to the Romans: “Accept one another, just as Christ has accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Rm 15,7) and Maria Voce invited all those present to assume this attitude. It is a commitment which should not to be taken for granted, since many of those attending have arrived from every corner of the world, bringing with them the tragedies of populations at war, struck by natural disasters, and put to the test economically. Some messages were read, like that of the Evangelical Gerhard Pross, of the YMCA of Esslingen, who wrote: “I send you my warmest greetings on the occasion of your General Assembly. I am most aware of the importance of this moment for all of you: singly and all together as the Focolare Movement. I shall be with you in these days with a special prayer, and pray that the Holy Spirit be in your midst to guide you. » 
«Encouragement and support» also arrived from the Fon of Fonjumetaw (Camerun) «also on behalf of the “Fon-Friends” of the Focolare Movement». In his message he prayed that all would accept his best wishes «for the outcomes of this important spiritual meeting, aimed at bringing ahead Chiara’s heritage of mutual love for the achievement of universal brotherhood. » Dr. Walter Baier, Secretary General of the network of Leftist Europe intellectuals “Transform!europe,” wrote: “What unites us is the objective for a just, solid and fraternal humanity, in which differences are not considered divisions, but enrichment. […] I wish you would possess wisdom: so that you may translate your specific ideals into society today, and I ensure you that I am with you. » The participants were called to focus their attention on the “heritage” of the foundress, Chiara Lubich, who on many occasions, upon answering the question on the future of the Movement after her death, had answered, saying that she was absolutely sure that the presence of Jesus among those who loved one another in His name (Mt 18,20), would guide and bring ahead the Movement itself. On this premise, the first “operations” started off from the approval of the regulations of the Assembly. The spiritual retreat will take place from 2 to 4 September.
![Sweden, Bishop Åke Bonnier’s testimony]()
1 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato
“I work as a guard in a Church in Montevideo, and sometime ago, upon opening the door every morning I would always find a boy dressed in rags, who would enter the church with the typical beverage we drink here. My first reaction was one of suspicion and distrust, due to his appearance. I thought: “I hope he is not here to steal!” After some time, however, I remembered the Word of Life … so I started to greet him and speak to him. He told me that he was homeless. One morning, seeing that he was all neat and dressed with new clothes, I asked him if he had found a place to stay. “No,” he answered, “I wash myself in the square with soap the Ministry for Social Development distributes. I don’t like to be dirty.” Then he recounted that he was a Catholic and went to Church ”to speak with God.” He had received his First Communion as a child. So I said, “Why don’t you come to Mass and then speak to the priest.” From then on he started attending Mass every day. Since I had gained a bit of weight, I had many clothes that no longer fitted me. “Perhaps they would fit him” I thought. So I filled a bag and brought it to him. “Oh no, that’s too much!”he exclaimed on seeing the bag. “I need so little, since I live on the streets.” From then on also other people of the community started to help him, convinced that every man is “Christ in person.” It was then that this man, who was now a friend, managed to find a good job (he works really hard) and rent a room.”
J. B. (Montevideo – Uruguay)
«A few days ago, on my way to the market, I saw a woman rummaging through the garbage bins and selecting the things inside. I stopped for a moment to look at her. She then said “The rich people throw away so much… but these things are still useful.” She simultaneously showed me a pan, saying: “This is made of good material.” “You’re right!” – I answered, really surprised at what she had found. It was a good pan, you could see that it had been used, but it’s one of those things that last forever. So we continued our conversation. “… this could serve to make pudding, and that other thing to drain…” and we went on and on. She then showed me a holy picture of Our Lady which she had found in the garbage, together with a statue of Our Lady of the Valley, one of those tiny and really old lead statues of Our Lady. “Do you know what this means for me?” – I said – “It means Our Lady is with you.” “Yes!” she said. “God and Our Lady are always with me. They are always by my side.” Then on seeing that among the objects, there were plants that I liked, she shared them with me and asked me to choose a branch, and still another… On arriving home I put them in water so they would germinate and be transplanted. In my heart I prayed: “Thank you Jesus for allowing me to meet you out in the streets. Thank you for coming to see me. Please do not tire of looking for me, if I do not search for You in the outskirts of life.” T.S. (Cordoba – Argentina)
0063-32-2533728 Bank Account name: WORK OF MARY/FOCOLARE MOVEMENT FOR WOMEN Euro Bank Account no.: 398-2-39860031-7 SWIFT Code: MBTCPHMM Payable to: “Help Philippines– Typhoon Haiyan“ Email: 