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Mar 7, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
The focolarini from Florianopolis write: “Last February 23, 2014 a simple ceremony was held in the presence of Archbishop Wilson Tadeu Jönck and members of the local Focolare community, during which we officially transferred the men’s focolare to the slum in Morro, favela Monte Serrat on the outskirts of the city.”
“For us who live the charism of unity,” says Lucival Silva, “we feel the importance of being there to offer our contribution, along with those from the local Church who are already working in Morro, seeking to build bridges that unite the people of the city who are often separated by walls of indifference among the middle class, the rich and the poor.”
There was joy in the eyes of the focolarini involved in this adventure, and in the local community of the Movement. It was like reliving a piece of the history of the Focolare when Chiara Lubich and the first group in Trent began by serving the poor, which led them to realise that “every person is a candidate for unity.”
Father Vilson Groh, a priest volunteer from the Movement has been living and working on a network of projects in Morro for many years: public administration and the business world; projects that open young people to new opportunities in life. One of the focolarini named Francisco Sebok works with him in a project that helps young teenagers and young adults to get out of drug trafficking, in one city quarter that is dominated by drug traffickers. Fabrizio Lucisano has already been working for some time as a doctor at the health unity in Morro; and Keles Lima has begun to teach at a school for children. The team also includes Lucival Silva, Miguel Becker and Arion Goes both married focolarini who live with their families.
The house they are renting blends in with the surrounding dwellings and has that touch of harmony which is a characteristic of focolares. “Everyone liked it,” says Francisco; “indeed, with just a few things we tried to arrange it with good taste. It has two rooms, a lounge, a kitchen and bathroom. The owners are building a second floor. In a few months it will also be rented so we can have a more reserved space for our small community and leave the downstairs for the use of the locals.”
Archbishop Wilson Tadeu Jönck blessed the new focolare and celebrated Mass in the local community chapel with Fr Vilson.. The archbishop expressed his hope that “the life of the focolarini would continue to give witness to holiness because God is holy.”
Everyone felt the joy of walking with the Church today, which through Pope Francis “continues to invite us to go out and meet humanity,” Keles added, “close to the people especially those who are most poor and in need.”
“We are well aware that we will never resolve Brazil’s social problem, not even of one city,” Lucival explained, “not even of this favela; but this experience can be a sign from our Movement to the Church and to society, to say that we want to walk with everyone, rich and poor, in order to contribute to the realization of Jesus’ testament: “that all may be one”.
Fabrizio recalled: “In 1993, Chiara Lubich had named the men’s focolare in Florianopolis “Emmaus” and she wrote: ‘Where Jesus was among the disciples. . . . Emmaus is the symbol of Jesus in the midst who illumined the scriptures. . .’ We’ve placed these words of Chiara at the entrance of our focolare so that we will always remember this.”
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Mar 6, 2014 | Senza categoria
It is two o’clock in the morning on the 5th of December, 2013. The inhabitants of Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic, are awoken by the detonation of heavy weapons. In the streets, there is an immediate general stampede in the hopes of saving oneself and one’s loved ones.
Ejovie and Amandine are two Gen3 (teens of the Focolare Movement who commit themselves to living the ideal of unity). They share about the confusion and bewilderment of those hours and in the days that followed, but also of the decision not to give in to fear inspite of their tender age.
“With the family we started to run towards the Major Seminary – Ejovie wrote – together with all those who were escaping in the same direction. In the crowd I saw a mother with her baby strapped to her back, her luggage on her head, and other small children; one of them coudn’t run and was crying, and even the mother was walking slowly because she was sick. No one was stopping to help them. A voice stopped me from going ahead. I took the small boy by the hand even if I was a bit worried because I had lost sight of my own family members”.
Ejovie’s actions didn’t go unnoticed: in fact other two youth stopped to help the woman and her small children to reach a religious institute where they found hospitality. Knowing that they were safe, Ejovie finally walked towards the Seminary where she was able to embrace her family.
Amandine too found refuge in the Seminary, together with her family. “We were all encamped in a hall with other families – the teen related. We had to sleep on the floor, on a piece of cloth, but I thought that, even in this situation, I could continue to help whoever was beside me. We are many but we share everything: food and other goods. One day I went out to wash the clothes of my family and I had already finished when an elderly lady asked me if I could also wash hers. I wanted to refuse as I was already tired. Then I listened for the answer in my heart: ‘This lady could be my mother, and if I refuse to wash her clothes, who will wash them for her?’ For love to be real it has to be concrete. I washed her clothes and I put them under the sun to dry with the others. She thanked me: ‘May God add a year to your life, my child!’. It was difficult to describe my joy!”
Ejovie and Amandine are involved in a campaign of sensibilization to hygiene, organized by the UNICEF and by other NGOs in the context of war. “We grasped this occasion to help people who have lost everything. We also shared the art of loving the neighbor. We can see that everyone is suffering very much because of the war: there is a lot of hatred, revenge is always sought. But we feel that we must help and love everyone, even our enemies. and it is only by forgiving that we can start to rebuild peace”.
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Feb 25, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
While the crisis in the Ukraine, has reached the breaking point, keeping the world holding its breath; and the media spotlights are focused on many other parts of the planet such as Syria or Venezuela, we had the possibility of talking to some of our Focolare friends who are immersed in the tensions that Nigeria is going through, the most populated country of Africa with more than 160 million inhabitants. 
Nigeria is the largest Islamic-Christian co-existence in the world, according to you is this the cause of the serious acts of violence that happen in the Country?
“Unfortunately in these last few years Nigeria has been in the headlines often due to the frequent terrorist attacks and the destruction caused, both by Muslims and by Christians; just as the painful events of the past weeks have shown in the states of Borno and of Adamaza in the northeast of the Country. Seen from the outside, it may seem that what is happening is an expression of a religious conflict, but those living in the Country can testify that this is not the whole truth. The fact is, in a great part of Nigeria the cohabitation is peaceful and full of respect for one another”.
Are there pockets of violence…?
”In some regions, especially in the north, there are continuing tensions that have caused thousands of victims. There are many reasons for this: the lack of economic resources, the wounds inflicted upon the people in the past among the various ethnic groups but, above all the destructive activities of terrorist groups”.
How do you try to react in this situation?
“The members of the Focolare Movement, together with many men and women of good will, try to be builders of peace in our daily life: to recognize in every person we meet above all a brother and sister who must be respected, encouraged and helped. We strive to have this attitude wherever we are; in our families, in our place of work, on the street, at the market or in school; starting with small acts, such as a greeting, or showing interest in what the other has in his heart, etc…”.
In front of dangerous situations, wherein one must protect one’s life or that of the other…?
”We try not to stop in front of the different ethnic or religious factions, so as to be ready to help whoever is in need. We have seen how these actions, small or big, can help to slow down and, at times, to even stop the spiral of violence. Slowly they can promote a new mentality, which is to change the atmosphere of hate and revenge into an attitude of respect and fraternity”.
You have recently opened a new center in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria…
”Yes, exactly one month ago. It was a decision made together with the local Church so as to be close to the community in the north of the Country, which is more exposed to the conflicts. In this way we can support and encourage all those who are living for peace and fraternity, inspite of everything”.
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Feb 23, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
Contact between the Focolare and members of the Jewish community in various countries began in 1970’s.
In 1995 representatives from the Jewish community in Rome, Italy gave Chiara Lubich a symbolic olive tree in recognition of her efforts for peace between Christians and Jews. The tree was planted in the garden of the Focolare Movement’s headquarters in Rocca di Papa, Italy.
In 1996 the first international convention between Christians and Jews, promoted by the Movement was held in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. The convention focused on the topic, love of God and neighbour. It was a great surprise to discover the consonance between authentic rabbinic tradition and the spirituality of the Movement. The highpoint of the meeting was the pact of mercy, which had been proposed by Norma Lebitt, a Jew from New York, for reconciliation between Christians and Jews of different traditions.
But a more important event took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when Chiara Lubich visited the country in 1998. She presented the spirituality of unity highlighting common points with the spiritual patrimony of Judaism. One highpoint was when she referred to the Holocaust: “That unspeakable pain of the Holocaust as well as more recent bloody persecutions cannot but bear fruit. We would like to share them with you so that they will no longer be an abyss that separates us, but a bridge that unites us; that they might become a seed of unity.” From then on a Day of Peace has been celebrated at Mariapolis Lia in the province of Buenos Aires.
Another meaningful moment was the meeting with Jewish friends in Jerusalem, 1999. Chiara could not attend the event, but asked Natalia Dallapiccola and Enzo Fondi to go in her place and read the presentation she had prepared. At that time Natalia and Enzo were overseeing the interreligious dialogue of the Movement. The audience, which included rabbis, greatly appreciated her answer to a question regarding the reason for suffering. Chiara quoted a passage from the Talmud: “Whoever does not experience the hiding of God’s face, is not one of the Hebrew people” (see Talmud: Mas Chagigah 5,b).
Four international symposiums were held between 2005 and 2011: two in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, and the third in Jerusalem, 2009. The words that were used most often by Christians, Jews and members of the local Arab Focolare community to describe this event were: a miracle and hope. Everyone was eager to embrace the challenge of unity; the gathering was entitled Walking Together Towards Jerusalem. Particularly moving was the Pact of Mutual Love that was solemnly recited at the Steps on Mount Zion which, according to a tradition Jesus walked as he prayed for unity. The Pact was recited again at the Eastern Wall, known as the Wailing Wall.
In 2011 the symposium moved to Buenos Aires. Christians and Jews from various currents – orthodox, conservative and reformed – met at Mariapolis Lia to discuss Identity and Dialogue, a Continuing Journey. The programme was enriching with presentations in several academic fields including philosophy, anthropology, psychology, pedagogy, law and communications. These days together were important not only for the rich content, but also for the mutual listening and sharing of several experiences. One Jewish person commented: “During these days of respectful dialogue different currents in Judaism were able to come together in harmony.”
Further progress was made in 2013, in Castelgandolfo, Italy, at an international gathering where everyone tried to more deeply understand the tradition of the other.
However, the main characteristic of this fruitful dialogue is not the many meetings, but life together and the ongoing exchange of vision and experience, which has been unfolding in many cities across Europe, Israel and the Americas.
On March 20, 2014, there will be an event at the Urbania University of Rome, dedicated to Chiara Lubich and Religions: Together for the Unity of the Human Family. The gathering will highlight her efforts for interreligious dialogue, six years after her death. The event also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions, Nostra Aetate. Leaders from the Muslim world are also expected to attend.
read: Buenos Aires, 20 April 1998. Chiara Lubich to the members of B’nai B’rith and other members of the Jewish community
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Feb 22, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
“Move for something greater” is the title of a project of Gen Rosso that began on January 30, 2014 and will end on March 1, 2014. The project engages students from several Philippine cities in concrete gestures of sharing and solidarity, following the hurricane of last November. The arrival of the international music group has been in preparation stages for months, involving several public and private schools. 
Gen Rosso was met at its arrival in Manila, by the Philippine Minister of Education who expressed his great esteem for the project as well as his wish for future collaboration. The international performing arts group held several workshops in Manila (February 1-2, 2014) in which 210 teenagers took part and were enthusiastic to express their talents. Music, dance, choreography and lines from the musical Streetlight were channels for creating tuning in and communicating with the youths. Several of them came from marginalised regions of the metropolis. “They especially,” the band artists write, “were won over by the force of the project. They left with huge smiles on their faces and a singular sense of satisfaction.” 
Work in the workshops resulted in a presentation of two concerts in the Ynares Palasport of Manila; local young people performed together with band artists in performing the musical. Each show drew a crowd of 2,200 people, among these a group of forty Muslim youths. One of them commented on the “conviction, courage and inspiration” that was conveyed by the performance. Some impressions from the students who performed: “You’ve healed the wounds in our heart. How beautiful to return home and be able to live for others!” “Thank you for making us feel like part of a family!” “With this concert I found the desire to live again.” “I learned to be surer of myself and to have trust.” “Thank you for these days together with Gen Rosso. I have found a relationship with my father again.” Second stop: Masbate, an island to the southeast of Manila, nestled amidst tropical nature (February 7-8, 2014). “This tour,” they confide “is giving us unforgettable emotions. We’re on an island that lives on fishing and rice fields. The Fazenda, where we shall be staying, is located in the midst of the fields an hour away from the city, and the road is swarming with sidecars (tricycles). Even amidst a thousand difficulties, the people live happily. . . .” The project in Masbate was held in collaboration with the Fazenda da Esperanca, along with students from several schools on the island. Enthusiasm among the 200 students who took part in the workshop during the week really reached the stars! These teenagers have firsthand experience of many of the situations presented in the Streetlight musical. . . . It was necessary to schedule a third performance because of the many requests, with an audience of 1600 young people.”
With tears in their eyes they admit: “We leave tears of joy and deep friendships in Masbate. . . . Once again we’ve experienced that in places such as these that are so far and difficult to reach, we receive much more than we give.” The adventure continued in Davos (February 14-15, 2014) and will conclude in Manila on March 5, 2014. Ver video 1 Vedi video 2
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Feb 19, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria
“Cultivating and caring for creation is an instruction of God which he gave not only at the beginning of history, but has also given to each one of us; it is part of his plan; it means taking responsibility to make the world increase, transforming it so that it may be a garden, an inhabitable place for us all (. . .) Human and environmental ecology go hand in hand.” These words from Pope Francis on June 5, 2013 bear witness to very current environmental issues.
These are not far-off concepts at the Am Spiegeln Centre in Vienna – . In fact, the centre of the Focolare Movement in Austria was originally planned around the human person and the natural environment. Located at the foothills of the Vienna woods, ten minutes away from the Schonbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Hasburgs and surrounded by greenery, the Mariapolis Centre is a favourite destination for conferences and conventions. But it is also much sought after as a place of rest, summer holidays and tourism, thanks to its proximity to the splendid capital. Thousands of visitors (families, children, young adults and groups) have been welcomed by the centre over the years.
The award was conferred on the Mariapolis Centre on January 16, 2014, by the Austrian Minister of the Environment, and the Chamber of Commerce. The Austrian Seal for Respect of the Environment recognizes efforts to modify physical infrastructures in order to preserve water and energy by installing appropriate systems, and sorting waste for the purpose of reuse. By using a new logistic for the collection of waste, a substantial amount of it can be recycled. In addition, there is modest use of detergents, a reduction in packaging materials and ongoing employee training. The award also recognizes using food and other resources from the local region.
The centre administrators added: “It is also important to involve our guests by providing them with good information about using the structure. This is in contrast with a throw-away culture of waste, and favours the wellbeing of both our guests and the local environment.”
In conclusion: “For us, this award highlights the witness of Gospel living that we try to offer here each day. And this translates into living in harmony with and protecting God’s creation. If you’d like to try it for yourselves, we’re waiting for you at Am Spiegeln!”
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