Dec 14, 2020 | Non categorizzato
Suffering, any kind of suffering, is a reality that people naturally reject and try to avoid at all costs. Yet it is part of human life. Integrating it into our existence is a pathway we must follow towards a life that is fulfilled. Chiara Lubich accepted suffering as a sign or like a “bell” calling her to an encounter with God. I have found you in so many places, Lord! I have felt you throbbing in the perfect stillness of a little Alpine church, in the shadow of the tabernacle of an empty cathedral, in the breathing as one soul of a crowd who loves you and who fills the arches of your church with songs and love. I have found you in joy. I have spoken to you beyond the starry firmament, when in the evening, in silence, I was returning home from work. I seek you and often I find you. But where I always find you is in suffering. A suffering, any sort of suffering, is like the sound of a bell that summons God’s bride to prayer. When the shadow of the cross appears the soul recollects itself in the tabernacle of its heart and forgetting the tinkling of the bell it “sees” you and speaks to you. It is you who come to visit me. It is I who answer you: “Here I am, Lord, I desire you, I have desired you.” And in this meeting my soul does not feel its suffering, but is as if inebriated with your love: suffused with you, imbued with you: I in you and you in me, that we may be one. And then I reopen my eyes to life, to the life less real, divinely drilled to wage your war.
Chiara Lubich
Chiara Lubich, “I have found you”, in Chiara Lubich: Essential Writings, New City Press, Hyde Park, New York 2007, pp 91-92.
Dec 12, 2020 | Non categorizzato
Stories of mutual aid from Central America. A communion of goods that generates hope Because of the pandemic for Covid-19 the countries of Central and South America are going through a moment of great economic fragility: many jobs have stopped, as well as school, social relations, personal affections. In spite of everything, the communion of the goods of the various Focolare communities has never stopped – as Pope Francis asks towards those in difficulty, to generate a culture of fraternity day after day. 
Carolina from Guatemala bears witness to this: “many people are losing their jobs. Among them is one of my cousins. In order to continue generating income he needed a laptop computer. So, without thinking about it, I decided to give him the one I use. He was very grateful to me and I was happy for helping him”. Zarita, a Gen3 (boys from the hearths) from Oaxaca, Mexico, in a zoom meeting learned that the “extraordinary communion Covid-19” had begun. The proposal was to make a piggy bank using recyclable material. Her aunt says: “When Zarita helps me with something she says: ‘give me a coin for my piggy bank’. She also lost two teeth and sent the prize she received for her courage”. In Mexico City, in one of the most marginalized areas, the Águilas Integral Social Centre has been carrying out its mission of promoting human rights and a culture of peace for over 30 years. Some of the Focolare community carries out assistance activities. With the lockdown, the Centre has had to close. Through the extraordinary communion of goods, however, it has continued to respond to the basic needs of the population of the neighbourhood, helping in particular 120 families and ensuring an orderly reopening of the facility in accordance with the hygienic and sanitary measures required by the authorities. In Guatemala, on the other hand, the Fiore Educational Centre, linked to the Focolare Movement, has for years welcomed students of different origins, language and culture, especially from the poorest and most vulnerable groups. The economic crisis generated by COVID 19 has hit the already weak economy of the country very hard. Many families have been left without work and have had to cut education costs in order to have what they need to live. This has forced the Educational Centre Fiore to close, thus putting at risk the education of many children from the most disadvantaged groups. However, thanks to the extraordinary communion of goods, both local and global, it has been possible to intervene to start a requalification project that will allow the reopening of the school. The Gen4 (children from the hearths) from all over the world will also donate to the Flower Centre the offerings collected from the action “They have evicted Jesus“. Moving to Honduras, Javier writes: “Cristina, my neighbour works in a public school but it is now closed. Her husband instead works as a private security agent in a shopping centre, closed for Covid. They can’t pay their rent and bills and have a 13-year-old son. I put myself in their shoes and it is really distressing”. Javier has involved them in small jobs in the neighbourhood and is constantly taking an interest in their situation, without ever failing to provide them with food. And Luis, from Costa Rica says: “some farmers from San Vito, 100 km from Buenos Aires, have donated their harvest to their community affected by the pandemic. Learning this experience, motivated by the great act of love of these people, I immediately organized the pineapple donation at the private company where I work. In response, some of these farmers gave us some of their vegetable, rice and corn seeds, thus being able to continue this experience, which has become a chain. Twelve officials of this company, in their spare time, sowed these seeds so that the harvested products would also be delivered to this area. Given the availability of pineapple that was available, when the European market (which buys them) was closed, we also dedicated ourselves to bartering”.
Lorenzo Russo
If you want to make your contribution to help those suffering from the effects of the global Covid crisis, go to this link
Dec 11, 2020 | Non categorizzato
The new Gen Verde single to support concrete and collective projects to protect Creation Turn Around, Gen Verde’s new single, grew out of a desire to reflect and stimulate concrete action to safeguard the earth, being inspired by contemplating the earth’s beauty. It is a song that is both a prayer and a cry in chorus, a reflection and action, one that instills hope and the desire for change. From young Greta Thunberg’s speech at the UN to Pope Francis’ words in “Laudato Si'”, from the astronaut James Buchli to Chiara Lubich… these were the main inspirations for the new song written by Nancy Uelmen which speaks openly about climate problems and calls for a change of direction giving a voice to what young people are demanding: “It really impresses me to see these young people trying to do something because their future is at risk. As Gen Verde we wondered what we could do and, since we love expressing ourselves through music, we had the idea of writing a song to show the earth’s beauty and put at the centre of our attention Creation as a gift we have received to be protected and taken care of.” . The words are even more powerful when sung by young people from different parts of the world as a choir: from the United States of America to India, from Ireland to Nigeria, New Caledonia and many other countries. “It was a really strong experience,” says Colomba, “when, in spite of the pandemic and not being able to meet physically in a recording studio, we asked lots of young people to give us a hand by recording their contribution to this song. When we put the different voices together we were deeply moved because this song is already carrying the regenerative strength of a group that really wants to reverse this negative trend and who have experienced this, even if at a distance”. And while keeping a compelling style of music for a young audience, this song has also a genuine prayer: “We turn to the “Creator Spirit” (which reminds us a bit of the Schola Gregoriana’s “Veni Creator Spiritus”)” – continues Nancy – “because we feel we need God’s help to have the light to understand how to heal our common home and, more importantly, to change our hearts… not just my heart or someone else’s but the hearts of the whole community”. And of course the lyrics are infused with a hope that is typical of Gen Verde’s songs and a firm belief in the strength of commitment of many to the common good. The song is written in a mainly electronic pop style. It maintains elements of continuity with Gen Verde’s latest albums but at certain points, the music style deviates slightly to encourage personal and collective reflection, inviting people to make a commitment to save the earth. It is a strong commitment which is why the new Turn Around video clip was performed live for the first time at the international meeting entitled The Economy of Francesco. Link YouTube Turn Around.
Tiziana Nicastro
Dec 10, 2020 | Non categorizzato
Three exemplary figures, witnesses that dialogue among religions is possible, all died on 1 December. Men for fraternity. Passionate about the adventure of dialogue among believers of different religions. United by a desire to live in unity, whilst mindful of faith, culture and sensitivity. Imam Nedal Abu Tabaq, muftī of the Muslim League in Poland, the Theravada Buddhist monk Phra Ajahn Eiam, and Henri Teissier, Catholic bishop of Oran, in the north of Algeria, and archbishop of Algiers all died on the same day – December 1st. For their friends on the road of inter-religious dialogue, there remains the the task of taking up their inheritance and renewing their commitment to universal fraternity. Roberto Catalano who is co-responsible for inter-religious dialogue for the Focolare Movement recalls that the Mufti Nedal Abu Tabaq encouraged the start of a path of dialogue among Muslims, Christians and Jews in Poland. Working with believers of the three religions, he promoted numerous events including concerts, symposia and gatherings on the occasion of religious festivals. The latter were always opportunities to share beliefs, values and traditions and a time to create mutual understanding. He worked with the local authorities in the production of a “Calendar of the Three Religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam”. In 2013 he established the “Day of Christianity among Muslims in Poland” on 29th May and the following year the “Day of Judaism among Muslims in Poland” on the 16th of the month. In 2014 the Mufti participated in an Interreligious Conference dedicated to Chiara Lubich, on the fifth anniversary of her death. He died a victim of the coronavirus pandemic. Phra Ajahn Eiam, a Thai Theravada Buddhist monk, is remembered for his encouraging smile, which always lit up his discreet, silent, meditative presence. He was committed to Buddhist-Christian dialogue. Suffering from a tumour, his condition deteriorated with the onset of Covid-19 infection. Bishop Henri Teissier, was born in Lyon and ordained a priest in Algiers in 1955. He was archbishop of the Algerian capital for twenty years. He was a man of dialogue, committed to understanding, respect and esteem among believers in Islam and Christianity. “A lover of Algeria, its people, its language and its culture,” the press agency of the Italian Episcopal Conference reminds us. “He led the Church in Algeria during the tumult of the 1990s, when nineteen nuns and priests and Bishop Pierre Claverie were all assassinated between 1994 and 1996.” Even during the difficult years of the civil war Archbishop Teissier “served the Church and fostered its very vocation of friendship and fraternity with the Algerian people.”. Following his retirement, he devoted his time to writing and participated in conferences all over the world. He died after suffering a stroke. Three exemplary figures, witnesses that dialogue is possible.
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Dec 9, 2020 | Non categorizzato
As in previous years the Gen4, children in the Focolare Movement, are once again getting involved in this project to remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. 
With the pandemic currently forcing us to avoid personal contact, the Gen4 – boys and girls aged 4-8 in the Focolare Movement – were really wondering how they could prepare for Christmas. “How are we going to do the “they have evicted Jesus” project this year? Will we be able to get together to make the plaster figures of Baby Jesus? Will we be able to go out into the streets to give Jesus to people?” Founded in 1997 this gen4 project goes far beyond the literal meaning of the words: it is about not allowing ourselves to be conditioned by consumerism, but putting real values at the heart of Christmas. The idea came from a reflection by Chiara Lubich who was in Switzerland in the period before Christmas. Walking through the illuminated streets of a big city, Chiara was struck by the lights, the graceful decorations, by so much wealth but above all by the absence of any reference to the meaning of the first Christmas. She wrote: “this rich world has “taken” Christmas and all its trappings but has evicted Jesus! (…) The world focuses on Christmas for the best earnings of the year but it does not think about Jesus”. Since 1997 thousands of Gen4 all over the world have responded to Chiara’s invitation to put Jesus back at the centre of Christmas. In previous years, before we had Covid, the Gen4 offered plaster figures of Baby Jesus or all kinds of nativity scenes they had made themselves in the streets and squares, in the markets, at local institutions and in schools together with a copy of Chiara Lubich’s writing entitled “they have evicted Jesus”. Inherent in this project is the dimension of “gift”, of being aware of others: every year the gen4 think of initiatives to support children their own age in other parts of the world who, like Baby Jesus, lack basic necessities. The people who receive the “Little Baby” often make a spontaneous donation to the particular cause. Last Christmas using the money raised Gen4 centres around the world were able to help the “Centro Social Unidad” (Unity Social Centre) in Bogotá, Colombia, a centre which welcomes children who have emigrated from Venezuela and the Institut de Réducation Audio Phonétique (IRAP) which is the Institute for Deaf Children in the Lebanon. This year everything will be a bit different because the pandemic has taken away some of our freedom. Nevertheless, ideas and creativity for putting Jesus back at the heart of Christmas have not been lacking. How did they manage to make and offer the little plaster figures? In the family, in small groups, in their neighbourhoods and in parishes whilst still respecting all the restrictions and rules in places for this pandemic. This year they also decided to help the “Collegio Fiore” (Flower College) in Guatemala. The project’s financial situation has got worse because of the pandemic which has meant having to temporarily suspend all school activities. They really need the support of the “Jesus is missing” activity so that children can return to school as soon as possible under improved conditions. For more information visit the sito dei e delle Gen4.
Lorenzo Russo
Dec 8, 2020 | Non categorizzato
God does not let himself be outdone in generosity and He surprises us with His providence. This is confirmed by the experience of Urs, from Switzerland: a gesture made out of love can have many positive effects. I was invited to celebrate Christmas Eve with my two brothers and their wives. I wanted to give each of them a present, but there was no money. So, I placed my wish into God’s hands. 
A few days ago, our friend Peter, a pastor in the Reformed Church, invited us to his parish community to make candles out of beeswax. It is a tradition in many places here, but I had never been involved. I went with the others to make my candle and, to my surprise, I saw that it was beautiful. I remembered that my younger brother’s wife is a candle enthusiast. The first gift was ready! 
Every now and then I go and help out in a small company run by my friends, especially when they have to prepare a shipment and are under pressure. The last time I helped, a couple of weeks ago, during a break, I looked in the warehouse among the items they sell and I found a nice box full of notebooks: one a phone book, another a diary, etc … They were very beautiful. I asked the price, but it was beyond what I could afford. So, I continued preparing the shipment. It was an intense day of work. In the end I was tired, but happy to have lent a hand. When I was leaving, the person in charge gave me a bag thanking me for the help I had given during the year. I opened the bag and I was almost in tears: it was the box with those notepads. The gift for my older brother was ready! A few days ago, a friend gave me an envelope with money: He said: “It’s for you – for your personal needs”. Since it was the day of the Christmas market in our village, I went to have a look, but the prices seemed exaggerated. Before I left, I discovered the stand of a farmer who produced organic vinegar enriched with ginger, just what my older brother’s wife likes. It was packaged in a nice little bottle and the money I received was just enough to buy it. Another little gift was ready! When I got home, a friend tells me that he has received a leather briefcase, which he doesn’t need because he already has one and asks me if I could use it. So, I thought about my younger brother, it could be useful as he deals in consultations and estimates. Then I heard from him that, a few days before, his own had broken, so mine arrived just at the right moment! In the end the presents were ready. A personal note was added to the gift, thanking each person for what they meant to me. It was nice, they were very happy! I thought I would go to the Christmas party empty-handed, but Someone thought to find me a gift for each one.
collected by Gustavo E. Clariá
