Bishops and the path of the neighbour

2 Feb 2013 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria

The Synod on the New Evangelisation closed its doors three months ago. It had been a universal collegial experience from which to look at and face challenges that modernity poses to the witness and proclamation of the Gospel. The fruits of that Synod have been a great stimulus for the 32 Bishop Friends of the Focolare Movement who gathered in Rome on January 29-31. At the general audience of Thursday, January 30, they received the “special greeting” and encouragement of Benedict XVI. His words truly hit the soul of the bishops as he assured them of “my prayer” and best wishes “that the charism of unity that is especially dear to you may support and animate you in your apostolic ministry.” As in all family gatherings, this was followed by a personal greeting for each bishop and a joyful group photo as a greeting that Pope Benedict wished to extend to the bishops who will “take part in other such meetings that are to be organized in several areas of the world.” This year, in fact, the usual meeting at the beginning of the year will be taking place in other cities as well, including Melbourne (Australia), Beirut (Lebanon), Seoul (South Korea), Buea (Cameroon), Ambatondrazaca (Madagascar), New York (USA), San Paulo (Brazil) and Berlin (Germany). These are occasions to meet among bishops from neighbouring nations and respond to the needs of the local Churches. For this reason the bishops attending the meeting in Rome were primarily European, mostly from Italy, with representatives from Spain, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia and the Republic of Moldova. The presence of two bishops from the Middle East was very meaningful, expanding everyone’s hearts and bringing down prayers on that suffering region of the world. The three days were woven together by the spirituality of unity, reflection and testimonies embedded within the current life of the Focolare Movement in today’s Church. Topics included the Year of Faith and love for Jesus in our neighbours; the New Evangelisation and challenges of the European continent; the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the prophetic dimensions of the charism of unity. Significantly in this regard was the analysis of the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Archpbishop Nicola Eterovic, who deepened the awareness of the crisis in the Old Continent and the need of finding new paths for transmitting the faith. His remarks were echoed by the fruits of Gospel commitment in the community of the Movement in the heart of Europe.Another reflection that added to the mutual exchange was that of theologian Fr. Hubertus Blaumeiser, on the Church in its transition seen from the prospective of its duty of being “sacrament of unity” as the Second Vatican Council states. The bishops enjoyed the group of young people who brought a breath of hope and courage to the gathering, from what they had experienced at the Genfest in Budapest: “something unusual, because it is usually the youths who sit listening to bishops; but they wanted to hear what we had to say.” Another testimony that  the bishops listened to with great interest within this wave of the New Evangelisation was that of the Gen Rosso Musical Group and the impact they are having among children and young teenagers in many schools in several countries. One novelty of this year’s gathering were the many interviews performed by journalists from various news agencies. When asked about the meaning of the central meaning of the Focolare Movement’s  central theme for the year, on love for Jesus in each neighbour, Bishop Anton Cosa, Bishop of Chisinau in the Republic of Moldova spoke the following words into the microphones of the Vatican Radio: “I learnt that there is no other path for evangelising, for creating bridges, for offering hope. Living alonside the brother or sister that the Lord places beside us is a challenge, but every neighbour that you meet, that you listen to is a way of living the Gospel, [it’s] an act of faith. And this is also what this Year of Faith asks of us, that we allow our faith to grow – but without love there is no faith. First we must believe that He has loved us and then we need to take our step. I as a bishop would no longer be able to fuflill my minstry if not by taking this path: the path of the neighbour.”

Australia: the youth and God’s voice

29 Jan 2013 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria

Spontaneity is a trait that immediately stands out as a characteristic of the Australian youth.

It is this that makes the representatives of the new generations present at the Focolare meeting in Melbourne to welcome Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti in a dance circle, beating to the rhythm of their music. Two chairs on the carpet, at the centre of an imaginary circle, and that’s it. They want to move, and above all, to communicate. They are in T-shirts or sleeveless T-shirts (although we are in a cold “summer”), in black or in bright colours, barefoot, with the most original haircuts, piercings and tattoos.

What follows is the sharing of their stories, beautiful and not so beautiful, their search for happiness and a life worth living; they speak about friendships, which are sometimes deceiving, and sometimes fill the heart. In the same way, they ask some questions to their guests, which are sincere and demanding. They address various issues: on the sense of suffering, on the need to keep in touch with those who live the same spirit, on how different the adults’ views are from theirs.

In the background of all these issues, a question seems to arise: how can we listen to Jesus’ voice? Maria Voce explains: «I don’t know what Jesus is telling you, but I can assure you that listening to His voice is the most intelligent thing one can do». Burst of applause. «Jesus –she continues– wants something great for us. In the creation, God said a Word, and He created you. He could also do it now, but He wanted to be with us, to have His Son descend on Earth, so that all can cooperate with him. And this is how Jesus speaks with each one. But His voice is subtle, and is covered by different noises, noises that destroy us and leave us lifeless».

And here is the right path: «When we love, love becomes a loudspeaker for this voice. The more we love, the more clearly we can hear it. Maybe it will seem that it is asking things too great for us, but we need to have the courage, and He himself will help us to realize whatever He asks. And in the end our life will be wonderful ».

To a young boy who asked her what she thinks when she meets young people all around the world, she replied that she really feels glad, because «everywhere there are young people who live Chiara Lubich’s ideal. Even though their potential may not be entirely disclosed as yet, but still they have that strength, that hope and that life that will break forth sooner or later».

And she concluded: «Therefore, fortunate Australia, fortunate New Zealand, and fortunate Pacific Islands! And how can we allow all this potential to break forth? By loving, by loving you will do great things. And we will follow you! ».

By Michele Zanzucchi, correspondent

Syria and Cuba: We are with you

31 Dec 2012 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria

From Aleppo, Syria. “Gasoline continues to be lacking, and what little can be found is sold at exorbidant prices. The same is true for oven gas tanks (5,500 LS compared to 400 LS in March). The electricity has been cut for days and days, leaving the city in a threatening darkness after sunset. Bread is also scarce and it can only be purchased after spending long hours in line, in front of baker’s shops and paying 250 LS for one package (compared to the March price of 20 LS). The army is trying to provide bread, but isn’t able to keep up with the need of the people. School buildings that have not been transformed into havens for refugees are continuing to hold classes. But the lack of electricity makes studying toilsome and difficult (there aren’t even candles anymore). Some have begun to fall ill because of the cold and lack of medicines. Nearly 70% of the pharmacies are on the outskirts of the city and it is quite difficult to obtain medicines from other regions of the country beacuse of road blocks. It is feared that hospitals will soon be unable to continue providing care because oxygen begins to be lacking. Telephone communications are often interrupted. In spite of it all the population is giving quite a great witness of solidarity. The Focolare community and others are bringing ahead support activities: a small school for the deaf has begun to work again in a safer quarter, in some locations that hae been provided by the Franciscan Fathers. The families that we are visiting one by one, ask us before agreeing to receiving any assistance from us: ‘But isn’t there some other family that is more in need than we are?’ Rim, who has a two year old boy, was quite concerned that the boy’s cold would worsen, and he was very touched by the help that we were able to provide! It was exactly the same amount of money that her husband had given away a week earlier to a colleague who was in need. It had taken the couple a long time to save up that amount of money, but they had said to each other: ‘God will take care of us!’”

From Santiago, Cuba. “The destruction caused by hurricane Sandy has caused much damage especially in Santiago. Reconstruction has not yet begun because the Government had also been taken by surprise. Indeed because of the geographical landscape of Santiago which is encircled by mountains, hurricanes usually arrive from the sea and, blocked by the natural barrier formed by the mountains, generally move away without leaving any damage. In this case the hurricane managed to enter and remained inside for three hours (a great length of time), spinning like a kitchen blending machine. The damages suffered by sixteen families who are near to us amount to some 42,000 Euros. The monies gathered through the United World Project, though insufficient, have been handed over to them. The timing for the reconstruction is difficult to estimate because it is linked to finding the matarials and the embargo that has afflicted the island for many years. They are usually available for short periods only and not all at once. Only some cement, some wood or some iron has arrived. When the required materials do arrive, it is necessary to have the required funds on hand in order to be able to purchase them before the supply runs out. We are grateful for the assistance we’ve already received as we continue to hope in everyone’s future support.” To know more or to support the project:  

Associazione Azione per un Mondo Unito

presso Banca Popolare Etica, filiale di Roma.

Codice IBAN: IT16G0501803200000000120434

Codice SWIFT/BIC CCRTIT2184D

Causale: Progetto: La mia casa è la tua casa

Causale: Emergenza Siria

Mexico: young people against violence

12 Dec 2012 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria

Willie, speaking to 12,000 young people at Genfest 2012 in Budapest, said: ‘Violence has taken hold of Mexico because of drug trafficking. Fear, hatred and lack of trust have spread over many of our cities. Families have been threatened and had to hide or flee to other cities. There is gang warfare among groups wanting to control areas of the city. Many innocent young people die in bars and clubs and in other public places. ‘One of the young people killed was my cousin Mauricio. He was on his way back from the opening of a new bar when he and other young people were killed by a group of “druggies” who shot into the crowd. ‘It was a terrible shock for me and I was dismayed and angry. Two days later, in a family reunion, a relative came in telling us he was pleased justice had been done. The bodies of 10 young people had been found – thought to be those guilty of the shootings. I felt even worse about this because, however bad the provocation had been, it was obvious that revenge and hatred could not put things right. ‘I could choose between starting to hate or breaking the cycle of violence by forgiving. I chose to forgive. Even though I would never see my cousin again, I could go on building relationships of fraternity with everyone around me. ‘I was part of a group of Youth for a United World, who supported me in this tough moment, and with even greater focus and commitment we carried on doing what we were doing to spread a culture of non-violence. We are sure that together we can stop the hatred and bring our country back to the atmosphere of peace, harmony and hospitality that has always been characteristic of the Mexican people. ‘Our first appointment was “the celebration of friendship”, a party aimed at kindling new and positive relationships. With the funds we raised, we helped a young guy who had been paralysed after an accident. Another thing we did was to go to the football stadium and distribute stickers and posters with the message: “Peace comes from Love.” ‘But apart from all these initiatives, we believe most of all that the little acts of peace in our daily life create, in silence, an atmosphere of fraternity even Torreón.’  Genfest 2012

We thank our sponsors

Argentina: Mariapolis Lia internet relaunch

10 Dec 2012 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria

With interactive presentations and designed to be fast, the new website of Mariapolis Lia, the Focolare little town in the midst of the Argentine Pampas, looks completely fresh.

The new layout allows anyone browsing the site to find out about what is happening in the little town, its programmes and its various activities. The photo galleries are constantly updated and allow a virtual visit everywhere in the Mariapolis.

The menus open up to show the little town’s origins, its various schools where people come to experience gospel life 24 hours a day, its workplaces, resistances and the Economy of Communion project in the industrial area at beginning of the town called ‘Solidaridad’.

Part of the website is dedicated to the numerous groups who visit during the year. It has photos, accounts of people’s impressions and testimonies of what they have experienced, during their time at the Mariapolis, of the law of mutual love.

Last April, a Focolare audio-visual group (Centro Santa Chiara) made a video documentary about the little town, its development and numerous activities. It has interviews with the people who live in the Mariapolis, among whom are many young people from various countries who come to spend shorter or longer periods at there. The documentary is accompanied by a photo brochure and leaflet explaining in greater depth this ‘miracle occurring the midst of the Argentine Pampas’.