Focolare Movement

Jews and Christians Desiring Unity

Jun 2, 2011

A day meeting for a deeper examination of dialogue in the Focolare town of El Diamante (Acatzingo) in Mexico. The next event will be the Jewish Christian syposium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

On 22 May, the Focolare’s little town in Mexico – “El Diamante” – was awaiting the appointment with Christians and Jews united in a sign of living dialogue among people who desire to rediscover their common roots. They are our “big brothers”, said John Paul II using an expression which has now become famous. And “What might happen,” asked Chiara Lubich, “as we deepen the brotherly relationship between us, Jews and Christians, who share the patrimony of the Bible, in what we call the Old Testament?” Today the relationship continues to develop in the Focolare Movement, upon this basis and the dialogue between Christians and Jews continues. The day at Acatzingo is an example. Following a brief introduction, focused on the discovery of God Love as the basis of our brotherhood, along with moments from the history of the Focolare in its dialogue with the Jewish world, Liviu Bleier, president of the new B’nai B’rith of Mexico, stressed that “the best religion is the one that is the closest to God” and he expressed his appreciation and joy for this occasion of mutual exchange. The group, composed of 23 people belonging to the Jewish faith from Mexico City and friends of the Focolare, visited the workshops and the school linked to the Mariapolis Centre, located in a rural setting, with the aim of training people in loving and forgiving, a culture of life and of giving. The inhabitants of the Mariapolis, youths, adults and children, presented an overview of a Christian witness in daily life, which was much appreciated by the guests. The ceremony around the olive tree – a symbol of peace, and a symbol common to Christians and Jews alike – was a moment of importance which brought out dimensions of the brotherhood among all: “Thank you for the way in which you welcomed us – said one of the attendees – for the spirit of brotherhood, as if you knew us for a long time. It makes me realize that we must be humble and at the service of others, to change ourselves and the world. ” The next appointment is set for 21 – 24 August in Buenos Aires, for another Jewish-Christian symposium, following the one last year in Jerusalem.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

The Pre-Assembly Process

The Pre-Assembly Process

The ‘Pre-Assembly Process’ is currently underway in preparation for the General Assembly of the Focolare Movement, which will begin on the 1st of March 2026 in Castel Gandolfo (Italy) with the participation of representatives chosen from different geographical areas, branches and movements; the members by right (those who are part of the current government, the General Council and Zone Delegates in the geographical areas), and those invited by the President.

Being close to one another beyond distances

Being close to one another beyond distances

A friendship that links the two hemispheres and shows how goodness can set in motion a virtuous circle capable of reaching unexpected recipients and making them happy.

“One humanity, one planet: synodal leadership”

“One humanity, one planet: synodal leadership”

From 26 January to 1 February 2026, Rome will welcome 100 young political leaders for the conclusion of the first year of the “One Humanity, One Planet: Synodal Leadership” programme. The challenge is to explore a different style of governance starting from the paradigm of fraternity.