May 31, 2021 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare’s experience is to live in the joy of unity, effect of mutual love, which is God’s will for all of us. Dear everyone, I have recently come across a further confirmation of our collective spirituality in a little book that was recommended to me. It is a book by Blessed Baudouin, who lived in the XII century. A Cistercian Abbot, he had become a bishop, then Primate of England and later Papal Legate. In his writings[1] he says that monks must live well not only solitude, (“O blessed solitude, the only blessedness”), but also must put into practice “communion” with their brothers and sisters. He quotes: “Woe to one who is alone”[2] and says: “Love hates being alone.” … For Blessed Baudouin, there is the love of the one who loves and seeks communion which he calls “the love of communion”, and there is also the return of love from the one who is loved which brings about “the communion of love” between among them. Thus there is the love of communion and the communion of love. … According to him, “the communion of love” leads to blessedness as can be experienced on earth. It is our experience: it is the joy of unity, the effect of mutual love which is God’s will for us. … If we live our Christian life fully as our Ideal teaches, (which means in mutual love) we participate – as it is possible on earth – in the glory and praise that is in the Most Holy Trinity. We participate in it in our relationship with God (we are able to glorify Him in our turn and praise Him worthily) and we share in it in our mutual relationship. Blessed Baudouin says: “Every good, for the mere fact that it is good, needs to be praised.” “Every good”, every true love therefore including the love among us. This mutual praise and glory, inherent in mutual love, makes us rejoice with the simplicity of children, for all that is joyful in our life of communion. … So, let us always direct our efforts to mutual love, to the communion of love, so that we can let ourselves be enlightened and warmed by the radiance of His splendor of praise and glory, for the glory of God alone. In this way we will be ever more ready to take this love wherever there are people frozen by mutual indifference and dying from cold.
Chiara Lubich
(From a telephone conference call, Rocca di Papa, October 26, 1995) ———————————- [1] Baudouin of Ford: Perfect in Love [2] Eccl 4:10
May 27, 2021 | Non categorizzato
“Let us not forget the poor” (Chiara Lubich). In a time when there is much struggle to find a way to combine the economy with social justice and sustainability, Economy of Communion has been living and announcing a new economy for thirty years, carrying a message that is more relevant than ever. In May 1991, Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, having landed in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was struck by the contrast between the skyscrapers and the myriad of favelas, very poor houses, that surrounded them. She felt she had to do something, immediately: on 29 May 1991, she brought the Economy of Communion to life. Looking at our world today, the contrasts are even stronger and aggravated by the pandemic: there is more need for an Economy of Communion now than ever. On 29 May 2021, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the international event “30 YEARS OF ECONOMY OF COMMUNION ” will take place online, live from the Auditorium of the International Citadel of Loppiano (Florence, ITALY), in Italian, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Korean. Speakers will include the economist Stefano Zamagni, who has accompanied Economy of Communion from the beginning; Brazilian sociologist Vera Araujo; Jean Tonglet of ATD Quarto Mondo; Luca Crivelli from SUPSI University (Lugano-Switzerland); Alberto Ferrucci, entrepreneur and “pioneer” of the EoC; Isaias Hernando, president of the International Association for an Economy of Communion (AIEC); Geneviéve Sanze, from the General Council of the Focolare Movement; Benedetto Gui, Sophia University Institute; Margaret Karram and Jesús Morán, President and Co-President of the Focolare Movement, respectively; Luigino Bruni, economist, Coordinator of the Economy of Communion project. Economy of Communion means more than 1000 companies that adhere to the project or are inspired by it, 15 EoC-IIN business incubators for the development of new businesses in as many countries, 6 integral development projects currently underway and more than 400 degree theses. The programme will start by recounting the story of the historical and spiritual origins of the Economy of Communion. This will be followed by artistic performances. There will be a number of testimonies and the life of the Economy of Communion presented from Brazil, Argentina, the Philippines, the Arab Emirates, Portugal, the USA and Belgium as well as video-messages from all over the world: from New Zealand to Benin and Mexico. The event will feature the performances of the international group Gen Verde, with director Maria Amata Calò in charge. Local listening and participation hubs will be set up, in compliance with anti-Covid regulations. Luigino Bruni, Coordinator of the Economy of Communion: “We are looking forward to having many of you with us as we celebrate thirty years of communion, of sharing with the poor, of an economy of the five loaves given that become a thousand and feed the crowd. A celebration of gratitude, youth and the future. Because the Economy of Communion is a global common good, a gift for all”. How to participate: The event is open to all with no registration required. There is a YouTube playlist where all available languages can be found: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLseXirhCvXpFZxIHlHX721qP1QvE3ranQ The INTERNATIONAL channel: https://youtu.be/FdBZIz3mBkY PORTUGUESE: https://youtu.be/3joXe3qID1g ENGLISH: https://youtu.be/UEcaW9EN3k4 SPANISH: https://youtu.be/46KXJGo9aLc ITALIAN: https://youtu.be/BEIKv64Adl8 FRENCH: https://youtu.be/QzwQnIkaW3c For further information, visit the page dedicated to the event: https://www.edc-online.org/en/30-years-of-edc.html All materials to be shared are available here: https://www.edc-online.org/it/header-pubblicazioni/archivio-documenti/events-international/eventi-2021/30-anni-di-edc.html Photo Gallery of the Economy of Communion: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133391424@N02/albums Economy of Communion Press Office: Antonella Ferrucci – (+39) 349 5620268
May 26, 2021 | Non categorizzato
An international online conference 28-29 May 2021 – 1.30 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Italian time) Sixty years of dialogue between members of many Churches contributed by the Focolare Movement to promote Christian unity and generate openness, justice and peace among communities and peoples. The “dialogue of life”, which springs from proximity and communion among Christians of different Churches will be discussed in depth during this conference. The main speakers will be: Card. Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity(Vatican); Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement; Rev. Prof. Dr. Ioan Sauca, Acting General of the World Council of Churches(Switzerland); Prof. Dr. Piero Coda, Sophia University Institute(Italy); Prof. Dr. Stefan Tobler, Sibiu University(Romania); Prof. Dr. Mervat Kelly, Pontifical Lateran University (Italy); Mons. Juan Usma, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (Vatican); Pastor Giovanni Traettino, Founder of the evangelical church of reconciliation (Italy); Pastor Joe Tosini, Founder of John 17 Movement (USA); Rev. Dr. Jesùs Moran, Copresident of the Focolare Movement. “Chiara Lubich’s focus on the spirituality of unity made a great impact on the ecumenical movement and contributed significantly to nourish authentic relationships between different Churches and Christian traditions”. Olaf Fykse Tveit, former Secretary General of the Ecumenical Council of Churches, expressed himself through these words. There are thousands of Christians who identify with Chiara Lubich’s charism and the supremacy of the gospel words”May they all be one”(Jn 17:21), Jesus’ prayer to the Father. “Unity” is the key word of the Focolare Charism and also of the path that leads to dialogue, a path that does not annul diversity, but acknowlegdes its richness. A conference, entitled “Love one another as I have loved you”(Jn 15:13), promoted by the Focolare Movement, will be held online on 28-29 May. This conference could not have come at a more propitious moment, when resurgent wars and conflicts and the scourge of social inequality aggravated by the pandemic, call for a personal and global contribution to heal the fractures and wounds that are making humanity suffer. The focus of the conference will be twofold: ‘dialogue of life’ – that extraordinary attitude on which Chiara Lubich based the path of communion with Christians of different Churches, which she started in 1961 – and exchange of ‘spiritual gifts’. The ‘dialogue of life’ or ‘dialogue of the people’, as Chiara Lubich also called it, does not go against the dialogue of Church leaders, but it accompanies and bears witness to it. Christians, who live and work together in everyday life and strive together through the challenges of history, nurture mutual trust, esteem and respect, and thus create an atmosphere that breaks down barriers and prejudices of centuries. There will be many witnesses that will enrich this conference, as the one that will be shared by Lina, a Catholic and Roberto, a member of the Pentecostal Church, who both come from Agrigento (Italy). While giving value to what unites and not what divides, they are engaged in a common project of social solidarity to support their town. There will also be those from the Philippines, where Christians from many Churches work together to help in emergency situations, and they discover how beneficial these occasions are to move, work and pray together. Nicole belongs to the Greek Catholic Church, while Garo is Armenian Orthodox. They are Lebanese and work with the World Federation of Christian Students (WSCF), which is present in all Middle East countries. Through their participation, a network of relationships that creates communion is being set up: something which “is much needed in our countries”, Nicole and Garo claim. This international conference marks the 60th anniversary of the “Uno” Centre for Christian Unity, a centre for dialogue between Christians of different Churches founded by Chiara Lubich on 26 May 1961. It will take place from 1.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. (Italian time) and it will be broadcast live, with translation in 20 different languages, from the Mariapolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo (Rome, Italy). The event can be followed on: http://live.focolare.org
Stefania Tanesini
Invitation in PDF
May 25, 2021 | Non categorizzato
This is the term used by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, in his message to the participants in the meeting of the Patriarch Athenagoras-Chiara Lubich International Ecumenical Chair, to define Pope Paul VI, Patriarch Athenagoras and Chiara Lubich, who are the focus of this third event, jointly organized by the Sophia University Institute and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on 25 and 26 May. 
The title of the third meeting of the international ecumenical chair was “Pope Paul VI, Patriarch Athenagoras, Chiara Lubich – Prophecy of unity between the sister Churches ”. The “Chair” was jointly established by the Sophia University Institute and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It is named after the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Athenagoras I and the founder of the Focolare, Chiara Lubich, two giants of dialogue between the “sister Churches”. Speakers included: His Eminence Metropolitan Polycarp, Orthodox Archbishop of Italy and Exarch of Southern Europe, His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Selvyria, Co-holder of the Chair with Prof. Mons. Piero Coda, theologian, Prof. Giuseppe Argiolas, Rector of IUS, Fr. Giuliano Savina, Director of the National Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Prof. Augustinos Bairactaris, Professor of Ecumenical Dialogue and Orthodox Theology at the Patriarchal University Ecclesiastical Academy of Crete, Prof. Dimitrios Keramidas, Professor at the Faculty of Missiology of the Gregorian University, Dr. Sandra Ferreira, Co-director of “Centro Uno”, the Focolare Movement’s Centre for the unity of Christians. In proposing the study of three personalities of such high ecumenical profile, such as Pope Paul VI, Patriarch Athenagoras I and Chiara Lubich, the promoters chose to present a profound and far-sighted path, which offers many more opportunities for exploration. It brings together theological dialogue and the “dialogue of life” that the founder of the Focolare promoted and encouraged. On 25th July 1967, during one of Paul VI’s historic visits to Istanbul, Patriarch Athenagoras I stressed that their main objective, as heads of their respective Churches, was “to unite what is divided, with mutual ecclesiastical actions, wherever this is possible, affirming the common points of faith and government. In this way, theological dialogue will be directed towards the beginning of a healthy community, built on the foundations of faith and freedom of theological thought inspired by our Common fathers and present in the different local traditions”[1] . These were historic encounters which marked a change of pace in the modern history of dialogue between the two “sister Churches”. The first meeting between Paul VI and Athenagoras I took place in 1964; a meeting which in his message, the current Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I defined as “prophetic”: “The two Primates perceived that the West and the East could not live in isolation and self-sufficiency, as this damages the unity and catholicity of the Body of Christ and that a dialogue of love and truth could lead to unity, founded on the solid ground of the first millennium”. These words are extremely pertinent today and offer a clear indication and a horizon for what humanity is experiencing in this time, divided by a world pandemic and the rekindling of conflicts in many parts of the globe: only dialogue and a common path in which everything is shared will save humanity. Bartholomew I’s speech was very courageous. He took up an expression of the theologian Florovsky who defined the two Churches of the West and the East as ‘Siamese sisters’, which cannot be separated from one another”. In his message, Bartholomew I continued: “This two-day Congress is a reminder and a renewal of the call to this blessed path, pionered by Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras. Chiara Lubich supported this journey with her sensitivity, her immediacy in communication and her certainty that the dynamic relationship between the two Churches, symbolised by the embrace of the two Primates in Jerusalem, which demolished the millennial wall between Rome and Constantinople”, should not be weakened. Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, echoed his words in her opening greeting, saying that Chiara Lubich represents “an evangelical bridge between two giants in the prophecy of unity”. “My hope is that this Ecumenical Chair may continue, with all the Work of Mary, to act as a bridge with love, through mutual knowledge and study, between our two sister Churches, walking together in the light of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life (Jn. 14: 6). Professor Piero Coda explained the importance and the need to continue to use the expression “Sister Churches” because, “It means recognizing the equal dignity of two great traditions of ecclesial families”. And, recalling the expression of Pope Francis who agrees that “Unity is a journey” 2, he offered a horizon of dialogue between Christian churches which rediscovers the engine of unity in love: “It is not enough to discover the precious treasure that can remain buried in the conflictual field of interpretations. Nor is it enough to simply aim at a “reconciled diversity” as at the mutual recognition of diversities placed side by side. No: it is necessary to grasp – where it is present – the sap of the Holy Spirit that flows and blooms and bears fruit in the different branches of the one vine which is Christ, and of which the diligent and merciful winemaker is the Father (cf. Jn.15). To walk together, therefore, as the People of the Risen One: where there is division there is still death; where there is love, among the disciples of Jesus, there is the Risen One and, in Him, there is already unity with and in God, at the service of all”.
Stefania Tanesini
Text of the message of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I in PDF Message of the President of the Focolare Movement, Margaret Karram in PDF Conference program in PDF ———————————— [1]From the intervention of HH Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople “Uniting what is divided”, July 24, 1917 http://www.vatican.va/content/ Osservatore-romano/it/comments/2017/documents/piccoli-passi-ma-balzi-da-gigante.html 2 Common ecumenical prayer at the Lutheran cathedral of Lund (Sweden), Homily His Holiness Pope Francis https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2016/documents/papa-francesco_20161031_omelia-svezia-lund.html
May 24, 2021 | Non categorizzato
Chiara Lubich explains the role of the Focolare Movement in the dialogue leading towards unity. It is as though we are on a ship that is sailing under the power of the Holy Spirit. Dearest all, Once during an audience with the Holy Father, I asked him this question: “How do you see our Movement?” He answered: “I see it as an ecumenical Movement.” It’s true: ours is an ecumenical Movement. Its aim, in fact, is the accomplishment of Jesus’ Testament: “May they all be one” (Jn. 17:21). The charism that brought it to life and animates it is the charism of unity. Thus ours is not a Movement born from the will of a man or woman, but from the will of the Holy Spirit, the distributor of charisms. … Certainly, we too are part of the great phenomenon of ecumenism that has developed in Christianity in recent years. But in order to do what? To make a contribution. What contribution? Is it something big or small, is it decisive, basic or indirect? We don’t know. However, one thing is certain: God does know. … Among the questions addressed to me, often there are those on ecumenism. I am asked how things are going in this field in the world generally, and in our Movement. I’m asked what prospects are in view; how much longer will we have to wait and what must we do to achieve unity sooner. What must we do – this is what they want to know. God has placed us in this Movement which is like a ship sailing on the waters of time towards a port unknown to us. We are not the ones propelling the ship. It is the Holy Spirit who, with a divine breeze shows us the different stages to be reached along our journey. First He manifested the spirit we must have … and the horizons we had to look to and work for: a stronger unity in the Catholic Church, unity with other Christians, and so on. … It’s our duty to stay on the ship, in the place designated to us by Providence, securely anchored to our posts so that the ocean waves of the world do not swallow us up. We must stay still and be fully engaged in doing whatever God, from all eternity, has thought of for us. In this way, the ship will not roll, but will sail ahead safely towards a future we do not know about but in which we believe, one that is infinitely beautiful and hugely useful for the spreading of the Kingdom of unity on earth. We must stay put, even though we might not ever see that hour … because – after us – others will take our place. Then, one day, together with them we will thank God for having allowed us to take part, here on earth, in the building of a Work that is His, and because it is His, it is extremely beneficial to universal ecumenism. So then? … We must follow God, quickly, the ship is sailing on. We stand firm, holding on to the present moment. …
Chiara Lubich
(Taken from a telephone conference call, Rocca di Papa 28th September 1995)
May 22, 2021 | Non categorizzato
On May 23rd 2021 Gen Rosso will give a solidarity concert to promote a forthcoming tour, with migrants on the Balkan Route., in a refugee camp in Bosnia-Herzegovina 
In Bosnia-Herzegovina in south-eastern Europe some migrants are experiencing a dramatic situation. On the so-called Balkan route, beaten by the cold and with the risk of Covid, these refugees are living in extremely poor sanitary conditions. Various organisations on site are helping them in different ways, especially against the cold and hunger. One of the many initiatives is a project by the international group Gen Rosso to bring a sense of solidarity, relief, humanitarian support and basic training through the performing arts to the migrants stranded in Bosnia. The idea is to carry out a ‘concert project’ right there in the refugee camp in the town of Bihać. The event will be organised in cooperation with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), an international organisation with the mission to accompany, serve and support refugees and other displaced persons so that they can determine their own future. This is precisely the reason for the idea of the HIGHER concert that Gen Rosso will present on Sunday May 23rd 2021 at 9:00 p.m. (Italian time), in live streaming directly from the Gen Rosso Studios in Loppiano (Italy). At this link you can register to follow the event. The proceeds of the tickets – according to the formula of free and spontaneous donation – will be used for the organizational expenses for the Life concert in Bihać and to involve as much as possible – in compliance with Covid rules – the migrants who are there, with three days of workshops and a concert on stage alongside Gen Rosso. Refugees will therefore be the real protagonists of the event. They will be able to convey the message: ‘No’ to a culture of violence and human exploitation, and ‘Yes’ to integration and dialogue for a culture of universal brotherhood. The HIGHER concert will unfold in four narrative passages through which we want to lead the audience to reflect and to search for truth. Therefore, an artistic event made up of various moments where each section deals with a particular theme: God Love, we are loved and therefore we love; making an important change that passes through pain; dying for one’s own people – mutual love – being there for one another and finally light and joy – Easter. A number of artists will participate in the concert – Emanuele Conte, an Italian singer-songwriter, Karine Aguiar, a singer from Amazonia, Albert Illa, a Spanish singer-songwriter and musician – sharing their music with Gen Rosso.
Lorenzo Russo
