Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti have had many meetings over these past two weeks: the meeting with the Focolare community of the Middle East, noteworthy people of various Christian Churches, a Muslim-Christian interreligious gathering, an audience with King Abdullah II in which he declared the Focolare president a “Friend of Jordan.” Finally, to conclude the visit, there was an evening with the family both Jordanian and Iraqi.

It was a moment of deep sharing between the members of the Focolare in Amman and the large delegation that arrived from Iraq. The evening was enriched by sharing that revealed a profound life, often a conquest due to the suffering especially in Iraq. Father Eimad from Bassora recounted how in spite of the small number of Christians in the mostly Muslim environment, it was possible to build friendly relationships with leaders of the Muslim community, a relationship is founded on mutual appreciation and respect.

Maria Voce expressed words of gratitude to the people from Iraq: “Meeting you for the first time at the airport gave me so much joy. I want to thank you, knowing all that you’ve been through because of the war and also because of the painful decision you’ve had to take – whether to move or to stay on in your homeland. I’d like to thank you for your choice and for all that you do to support the Church and its Christians.”

Omar, who is Muslim, underscored the primary importance of one’s relationship with God. If you want dialogue, then it’s necessary to build it on a solid foundation he said: “We must begin from ourselves. From when I’ve known the Focolare, I’ve begun to pray better and more. This is what has helped me to go forward in my relationships with everyone I meet.”

Particularly touching was the testimony of Bishop Salomone Warduni, Chaldean Auxiliary Bishop of Baghdad: “It’s such a great pleasure to be here with you. We’ve seen how the Movement has grown and how it is today in Jordan and in Iraq. Without it I would never have been able to do what I’ve done in the seminary nor as bishop.”

The description of the encounter with the King, the Princess Alia and the Prince El Hassan bin Talal was a proud and happy moment for all.

Recalling Chiara Lubich’s dream, which Chiara defined as a “crazy” dream – to bring the world to God in her arms – Voce concluded: Well, then, bring Iraq and Jordan to God. This is where man was born, where civilization was born. We could say that humanity began here and Chiara’s dream has global dimensions, the dimensions of humanity. And what you achieve through your mutual love will have consequences for humanity. Near to Amman is Mount Nebo where Moses stood and peered into the Promised Land. Well, now we’re here to build this Promised Land together!”

Giancarlo Faletti also offered some final words: “These have been such beautiful days, so I urge you to guard and protect this life, but always looking beyond to the people out there. Until there will not be one person who doesn’t know God’s love. We are not here to dream sweet dreams. We have received, so now let us give.”

By Roberto Catalano