Fontem-Cameroon as a laboratory of human relationships – a sociological analysis
Fontem – Cameroon: A Laboratory of Human Relationships A sociological analysis of the political, anthropological and spiritual evolution of the Bangwa people: from near extinction to a model of progress Presentation of the first Italian translation of the classic volume “The ways and power of love” by Pitirim Sorokin published by Città Nuova Castelgandolfo (Rome, Italy) February 12, 2004
Africa – A forty-year experience lived out within the heart of a forest in Cameroon is the object of a particularly interesting sociological study presented at the First International Congress on Sociology, promoted by Social-One, the Focolare Movement’s expression in the sociological field. The above-mentioned theme was one of the most significant moments of the Congress, held at the Mariapolis Center of Castelgandolfo (Rome) on Feb. 11-13, under the title: “Social relationships and fraternity: a paradox or a sustainable model? From the perspective of the social sciences.” The study analyzes the political, anthropological and spiritual evolution of an African tribe, the Bangwa, from the stage of near-extinction to its present development. It points out that such a development has taken place under the influence of the Bangwa people’s encounter with a modern charism, that of unity, brought by the doctors, teachers, and young European focolarini who went to Fontem in the early 1960s to bring aid. The study also analyzes the effect of the encounter with the Bangwas on the Europeans. The theme was introduced by Belgian sociologist, Prof. Bennie Callebaut, and developed by scholars of Bangwa origin, such as Prof. Martin Nkafu, professor of Philosophy of Cultures at the Pontifical Urbanian and Lateran Universities, as well as by other university professors now resident in the United States and Great Britain. An essential part of the presentation were the experiences shared by the first focolarini who went to Fontem, such as Dr. Lucio Dal Soglio, as well as by those who are currently working there. A typically African celebration was held in the evening, with the participation of African youth from Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Angola, South Africa, Uganda, Congo, and of course, Cameroon. Another significant part of the Congress was the presentation of the first Italian translation, published by Città Nuova, of the book “The Ways and Power of Love,” written by Pitirim Sorokin, a Russian sociologist who emigrated to the United States. Considered a sociological classic, the volume analyzes the causes and effects, as well as the human and universal significance of the creative and therapeutic powers inherent in selfless love. Speakers on the subject included such distinguished sociologists as professors Raffaele Rauty, a specialist in American sociology; Arturo Parisi of the University of Bologna and Michele Colasanta, Director of the Faculty of Sociology of the Catholic University of Milan. The Congress opened on Feb. 11 with a message from Chiara Lubich. A presentation entitled “Challenges of a complex and globalized society” was then be offered by Prof. Vincenzo Zani, followed by experiences of life shared by a social worker from the Ministry of Social Politics of Argentina; a member of the La Pira International Cultural and Interreligious Center of Florence, Italy; a doctor working in an Italian drug rehabilitation community; and representatives of the families’ international center of the Focolare’s little town, Loppiano (Incisa-Valdarno, Florence). On the second day, Saturday, Brazilian sociologist, Vera Araujo, presented the main theme of the Congress: “Social relationships and fraternity: a paradox or a sustainable model?”. The theme on social relations is very timely – The growing interest in the relational aspect and the challenges of globalization call for a better understanding of the complex and multiple relationships existing in today’s world. Social scientists are at work to formulate a theoretical development in their discipline. There is a general demand for new models, new research strategies, new schemes of application, which would highlight not only conflictual realities but positive and constructive new phenomena as well. Congress objectives – From discussions and dialogue on the studies and achievements gained so far by the social sciences, the Congress aims to bring to light new perspectives by proposing fraternity as a conceptual category that could form the basis of a new scientific paradigm. The proposal of “Social One” –“Social One” brings together professionals and students involved in the field of social services throughout the world, and it is precisely towards verifying the above-mentioned proposal that their efforts are geared. Through the dynamics of dialogue and inspired by the cultural heritage which is drawn from the vital experience of universal brotherhood made by the Focolare Movement and its foundress, Chiara Lubich, Social One brings to light ideas, guidelines, research proposals, analyses and interpretations of social realities and social action projects which highlight the new concepts and new methodologies. For further information: Focolare Information Service – Carla Cotignoli – tel. 39-6-947989 – 348.856.33.47
A network of love to bring about social change in Latin America
Lia Brunet met Chiara Lubich in Trent, Italy in 1945. In 1958, together with Fiore Ungaro, a focolarina from Rome, and Marco Tecilla, the first focolarino, she made the first trip outside European boundaries. They were years of great social unrest throughout Latin America. During that trip the first knots were tied of a network of love that would produce spiritual and social renewal in those countries where Lia went on to spend 44 years of her life in limitless self-giving. On Christmas Day 2004 Lia turned 87. On the following February 5th she left for the next life.
The first trip to Latin America was a leap into the unknown. Visiting the poor districts of Trent together with Chiara, Lia had experienced the Gospel’s transforming and propelling force on society. During their first12 intense months in Latin America, Marco, Fiore and Lia visited Recife, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Montevideo, Uruguay; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Santiago, Chile. Lia described their strategy in her book “Diario di un Viaggio” (translated as “Diary of a Journey”) with these words: “Ours is also a revolution, which makes use of the most powerful weapon – the Love brought by Jesus on earth. As did St. Paul, we speak of putting on the “new man,” and doing away with our “former selves.” Ours too is a matter of life and death: its aim is: “that all may be one.”
[:it]E’ on-line il nuovo portale dei Giovani per un Mondo Unito!
Adoptions-at-a-distance in Tamil Nadu, Indonesia and Sri Lanka
The New Families Movement, an expression of the Focolare Movement at the service of the family, currently reaches out to about 14,200 children through 96 development projects being implemented in 45 countries. There are numerous requests and offers for adoption-at-a-distance, and new projects are underway to respond to the Southeast Asian Emergency. India – Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu,with its capital in Madras, is situated in the southeastern part of the Indian peninsula. It is one of India’s 32 states and is among the most densely populated. The coastal population, which suffered the devastating effects of the tidal wave, has poured into the interior region creating an urgent demand for aid centers all over the State. However, adequate assistance is impossible due to the poverty of the area, aggravated by the effects of the catastrophe. Hence, there is urgent need for immediate financial aid. – “Ilanthalir” Project ‘Ilanthalir’ is the name of an association created by Fr. Susai Alangaram, a Focolare priest with whom New Families has been collaborating since 1997. The Ilanthalir Association’s objective (see www.ilanthalir.org) is to offer education to poor or orphaned children in the villages. New Families is already supporting 600 minors with its support-at-a-distance program, and has offered to help 200 additional children who are victims of the tsunami. – “Bala Shanti” Project In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the Gandhi-inspired association called ‘Shanti Ashram’ has been operating since 1987, reaching out to the population of about 30 villages. Shanti Ashram aims to form people of peace in a pluralistic society like India, which is characterized by diversity of culture, religion and caste. It offers the children nutrition and health care. Shanti Ashram also took in the families and children who took refuge in Coimbatore from the damaged coastal villages. New Families has offered to help about 100 children, in addition to the 180 already being supported for several years now.
– “K. Gandhi Kanya Gurukulam” Project Also the ‘K. Gandhi Gurukulam’ Association has been operating in Tamil Naddu (particularly in Nagapattinam) since 1946, offering educational and social activities in favor of poverty-stricken and orphaned girls. The association assists 1,700 girls of different religions, by educating them in various trades that will enable them to earn a living. Since 2003, New Families has been collaborating with the association by giving support-at-a-distance to 49 beneficiaries. After the disaster, the association has requested ongoing support for an additional 200 needy children.
Projects in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands – In Indonesia, a project to offer continuing support to 600 minors is taking shape; it is being managed by one of the Focolare centers in Medan (Sumatra). – In Sri Lanka, 150 children, victims of the tsunami, are being helped through a partnership with the Apostolic Carmel Congregation (which has houses in various parts of the country and has been collaborating with New Families for infancy and childhood projects for many years now).
– Emergency aid is being sent to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through the Bishop of Port Blair, a friend of the Focolare, who is housing about a thousand people in the parish courtyard, until a support-at-a-distance project can be implemented.
Those who are interested in supporting the projects could send a contribution of €216. The sum may be sent, preferably in its entirety, to the following bank account: – Postal Account n� 48075873; or – Bank Account n� 1000/2497 –Bank of SAN PAOLO – IMI – Grottaferrata branch (Rome) – ABI 01025 – CAB 39140. – beneficiary: Associazione AZIONE PER FAMIGLIE NUOVE Onlus – Via Isonzo 64 – 00046 Grottaferrata (RM), Italy Famiglie Nuove Please specify the motive for the money order.
Chiara Lubich's commentary on the Word of life of February 2005
During Lent, the Church reminds us that our life is a journey towards Easter, towards the time when Jesus, through his death and resurrection, will lead us into the true life, into our encounter with God. It is a journey filled with difficulties and trials, much like crossing the desert.
It was in the desert that the Israelites, while traveling towards the promised land, forgot for a time about their God and began to adore the golden calf.
Jesus too crossed the desert, and he too was tempted by Satan to adore power and success. Jesus, however, decisively refused every evil enticement and turned resolutely towards the only real Good:
«The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve»
What happened to the Israelites and to Jesus, happens to us. In our daily lives we too are tempted to choose an easier option. These temptations promise us happiness and invite us to value what is most efficient, what is beautiful, and what is enjoyable, and to want to own things and have power. These things in themselves may be positive, but they can also be made into absolutes and often are turned into real idols by our society.
When we do not recognize and do not adore God, other “gods” inevitably enter into the picture, and cults such as astrology and witchcraft then begin to reappear .
Jesus reminds us that we should seek our fulfillment not in things that will ultimately pass away, but in placing ourselves in front of God, from whom all things come, and recognizing him for who he really is: the Creator, the Lord of history, our Everything, God!
If we will praise him continuously in heaven, a place we all aim to reach, shouldn’t we start to praise him right here and now?
We sometimes feel a deep desire to adore him by praising him in the depths of our hearts, in his silent presence in the tabernacle, and in the liturgical celebrations of the Eucharist.
«The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve»
But what does it mean to “adore” God?
It is an attitude we can allow ourselves to have towards him alone. To adore means to say to God, “You are everything,” that is, “You are what you are,” and I have been given the gift, the privilege of life in order to acknowledge what you are.
To adore also means to say: “I am nothing.” And we should not just say it with words. To adore God, we need to set ourselves aside and allow his presence to triumph in us and in the world. This implies a constant battle against those false idols that we are tempted to construct in our lives.
The surest way to become a living example that we are nothing and that God is everything, is an eminently positive one. Do we want to set aside our own thoughts? We need only think of God and live according to his thoughts which are revealed in the Gospel. Do we want to die to our own will? We need only embrace his will which is shown to us in each present moment. Do we want to renounce disorderly desires? We need to fill our hearts with love for God and to love our neighbors by sharing in their worries, sufferings, problems, and joys.
If we love always self-effacement occurs almost without our realizing it. By living the nothingness of ourselves, our lives affirm the greatness of God and show that he is everything. This leads us naturally to true adoration of God.
«The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve»
Many years ago, when we discovered that to adore God meant to proclaim his greatness on the nothingness of ourselves, we composed this song:
If the stars die out in the heavens,
If every day comes to an end,
If the wave rolls out of the sea, never to return,
All this is for your glory.
Let all creation sing to You:
“You are everything!”
Let all that lives acknowledge:
“I am nothing!”
The result of our becoming nothing out of love was that our nothingness was then filled by the One who is Everything, by God, who took possession of our hearts.
Chiara Lubich