Focolare Mariapoli Ginetta
Centro Mariápolis “Ginetta”
Rua José Coelho Casas, 55 Vargem Grande Paulista, SP (11) 4158-3583
Centro Mariápolis “Glória”
Av. Augusto Meira Filho, 1000 Benevides, PA (91) 3724-1358
Centro Mariápolis “Arnold”
Av. Theodomiro da Fonseca, 3555 – 93020-080 São Leopoldo (RS) (51) 3592-7011
Centro Mariápolis “Marie Claire”
Mariápolis Santa Maria, Igarassu. PE, 53610-350, Brazil (81) 3543-0315
Centro Mariápolis “Maria de Loreto”
Rodovia AM 010, km 26 (Estrada Manaus – Itacoatiara), Manaus (AM) (92) 3245-1175
“..We came to know that the island was called Malta.”
The Republic of Malta is composed of three main islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Its strategic position in the Mediterranean between Europe and Africa has made it a perfect stronghold for many: Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Aragonese, the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, French and English…the remains of the first human settlements on the island date back to 5200 B.C. With a surface area of 316 sq kms, Malta is one of the smallest and most populated states in the world. The population has reached 400,000 inhabitants. Tourism is a fundamental element in Maltese economy. Malta was one of the first Roman colonies that embraced Christianity, brought around 60 B.C. by Saint Paul, as we read in the Acts of the Apostles. The Maltese are Catholic by overriding majority, and there are more than 360 churches in Malta, Gozo and Comino. Persons d’autres dénominations chrétiennes sont également présentes, dont les anglicans, les orthodoxes, les luthériens, l’Église d’Écosse, les méthodistes, et d’autres religions comme le Judaïsme et l’Islam.. From 2004 onwards, Malta forms part of the European Union. The first seeds of the spirituality of unity were sown in the sixties. In 1975 there were around 70 persons who adhered to it, the first community was formed, the first vocations to the focolare came about, and there was the desire was to have a Focolare on the island and to hold the Mariapoli in Malta. Then finally, in 1979, the first Mariapoli was held, with 1000 participants. And at the beginning of the 80’s two centres for the Focolari were established. 
This life continued to grow and put down roots: the year 1999 was a fundamental stage of this journey. Chiara Lubich came to Malta to receive from the University of Malta the degree Honoris Causa in “Literature (Psychology)”, motivated by the contribution given by her charism in “the cultivation of an integral vision of the human person in the field of psychology.” Within this perspective, “Psychology and Communion” was born on international plane. It is a network of operators with the task of delving into this original psychological approach. Ten years after the conferment of the degree on Chiara, a specialist seminar was held in Malta on the psychological significance of the relational paradigm that emerges from the spirituality of unity. The Focolare community continues to flourish unto today, and several thousand people have been touched by the spirituality: lively relationships have been built with the local Church, and with other Movements and ecclesial communities. The real effects can be seen in the work that is presently being carried out in the journey towards “Together for Europe 2012”. 
Work is carried out in close contact with people of other Christian denominations through the Malta Ecumenical Council, and with the local church in the diocesan ecumenical commission. Frequent and very friendly are the contacts with the Moslem community, particularly in events in which we have collaborated, working together with the children. One of the most recent developments is in the cultural sphere, particularly in the fields of medicine, pedagogy, sports, and also in the political-juridical field: members of the Focolari, who belong to the two main political parties, seek to give their witness to fraternity. Amongst the various Maltese initiatives in adherence to the Economy of Communion, the school of English “the Voice” was born in 1992. It is much appreciated by the Ministry of Education for its cordial and welcoming climate and the professional level of instruction. This welcome was experienced also by Saint Paul, who was shipwrecked on the island (Acts 27, 26) and who remained there for three months. He left –as recorded by Benedict XVI on his travel there in 2010-“an indelible mark on the history of your country”. On that occasion he recorded how, thanks to the presence of Paul amongst the Maltese, the Gospel of Jesus was rooted firmly and has borne “much fruit not only in the life of individuals, the families and the communities, but also in the formation of the national identity of Malta, and also of its vibrant and particular culture.” Link: www.thevoicelanguageschool.com
Info – PNG
Focolare in Italy: New Commitment for the Country
Paola Loriga writes: The cold that has gripped the whole of Italy from the end of last week could be a metaphor for the degree and complexity of the crisis gripping Italy. Aware of this crisis, a while ago an appointment was made by leaders of at every level of the Movement in Italy for a meeting in Castel Gandolfo on 3-5 February. Many people attended (about 400). There were two and a half days of analysis, dialogue and discussion, with a precise objective: what can best be done for Italy today?
The results show in the first place a renewed commitment at a community level to the county’s needs. This commitment has considered and shared priorities. Thus, in politics, Focolare members in Italy have decided to take up the Movement for Unity in Politics’ work for electoral reform. 
With regard to economy and work, the existing network of labour supply and demand across the country will be extended and made more effective. Looking to young people and the need of job creation, the Loppiano business park, near Florence, which stimulates enterprise at a regional level, will be given a national profile so that it can offer its services wherever jobs are being created. With regard to the educational emergency and to legality new projects will be started and those already existing will be strengthened and better coordinated with other initiatives, making these two themes central to Focolare activities in various parts of the country. On the front of immigration, integration and interreligious dialogue it is necessary to draw up an up-date-date national map of the various support activities for people arriving in Italy.
A similar map should be made of the current presence of Focolare members in the various projects set up by the Catholic Church. Renewed and greater commitment was manifested with tremendous passion on two significant fronts: the profound relationship with Islamic communities and the schools for young people of the Political Movement for Unity – since last November ten have been opened. These are extremely practical results of working for the future good of the country. Paolo Loriga Source: Città Nuova
A Focolare Logo: How would you like it?
For several years we have seen the yellow four pointed star against a blue background. It was also the basis of the graphics of www.focolare.org up to 22nd January 2011. All of us have seen the yellow four- pointed star on a blue background. But Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement had seen this symbol more as a flag for the Movement’s Mariapolis towns. In 2000 she clarified: “I’ve understood from within, that the logo of the Focolare Movement is not the star. It is that image of Our Lady whom you often see on the walls of medieval churches, with people of all callings gathered beneath her mantle. This is our logo. And so let’s look into it. Let’s find someone with some artistic talent who can design it for us.” Chiara refers to an image of the Mother of God that is sometimes portrayed in sacred art. She is wearing a mantle with a variety of people from various professions gathered beneath it. It is meant to represent Mary who continues to welcomes everyone into her arms. 
Chiara’s guidelines should also inspire the graphics of the official international website of the Focolare. However, we are aware that the task of searching for a logo that identifies the meaning of the Focolare on an international level may take a bit more time. For this reason, a competition has been launched for the realization of a logo for the Focolare Movement. A panel of seven professionals from different continents will judge the submissions. Everyone is invited to send their ideas or designs to: azzurro.co@focolare.org 
For further information:
A blanket of snow to say farewell to Marisa
On Monday, February 6th, in the locality of Cugy, 350 people took part in the funeral rite to give their last farewell to Marisa Baù on Swiss ground. The Holy Mass was celebrated by 8 priests. In their messages, the local bishop, Bishop Charles Morerod and Bishop Jean-Claude Périsset, the Apostolic Nuncio in Berlin, originally from Estavayer-le-Lac, near Montet, expressed their participation, closeness and support to the family members and focolarini of Montet. In a brief speech, Marithé Vuigner, who is co-responsible of the Focolare Centre of Montet, went over the 40 days, from the disappearance on December 20th to the finding of the dead body, and a brief profile of Marisa Baù. After the ceremony the corpse was transported to Italy, accompanied by some relatives who were present in Montet and a group of focolarini. 
The next day, Tuesday, February 7th, a huge crowd was waiting for Marisa at the Church of the Sasso di Asiago village to pay their final respects in the funeral services celebrated by the parish priest of Gallio, Fr. Lauderio Dal Bianco. On behalf of the family members, a niece expressed a farewell greeting to Marisa, highlighting her love for the family and for life. The reports on the autopsy which should verify the cause of death could arrive in a month’s time. “We find ourselves facing a tragic and painful situation, in which we see the Movement more than ever identified with the dramas of today’s humanity,” wrote Maria Voce in these days to the community of the Movement. She continued: “We are comforted by the witness of the generosity with which Marisa gave herself to God, the way she lived all these years, giving of herself completely to the other focolarine and to the work entrusted to her that she carried ahead with responsibility and commitment. Believing more than ever in God’s love for Marisa, we continue to pray for her and her entire family.” Read the whole article on Città Nuova (in Italian) – http://www.cittanuova.it/contenuto.php?TipoContenuto=web&idContenuto=333590 For info: press area – https://www.focolare.org/area-press-focus/en/news/2012/02/01/marisa-bau-1963-2011/
Acinsk
Novosibirsk
Krasnoyarsk
Chelyabinsk
San Jose, CA
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
San Francisco, CA
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Tucson, AZ
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Honolulu, HI
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Madera, CA
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
San Diego, CA
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
GB & W: Walter Kostner’s Comic Strips Online
They’ve been seen on television, bookshelves, bookstores and especially on notepads, calendars and greeting cards for young and old. Now they have come to the web. GB & W have opened a site on the web where we can all go to find a place to think serene thoughts thanks to the writings of the author, games and songs, letters and experiences of educators, teenagers and children. But the most important thing you will find there are the comic strips, windows into the innocent and humorous world of GB & W that allow us to walk along a wonderful path which is within the reach of all. 
GB & W were born in the mind of a teacher who was looking for a way to reach out to a young teenager who was going through a difficult moment in his life. How could he reach out to him without being paternalistic? Having a gift for drawing, the idea came to him that he could put down on paper a series of conversations and adventures of a pair of clowns. Through these characters he would be able to transmit hope and help the boy to find a meaning in life. The rest is history. 
Because of their educational value, GB & W became the main characters of several projects in Italian schools and in the schools of other countries. Thanks to Honegger Fresco, one of the most expert authors in the field of education, in 2006 GB & W were also published in her “Quaderni Montessori” (Montessori Journal). She states: “They are very effective. . . There is spirituality and entertainment in them, there is the joy of living. . . They are greatly enriching for people.” Just like the best cinematic films betray their age only because they are in black and white, so too these characters who have come out of the pen of Walter Kostner have grown over the years without ever growing up. They carry their years and their stories well, thanks to the wisdom they offer us, but also the healthy laughter that being in their company brings to those who have met them and know them through their comic strips. With a balanced dose of word and silence this pair of clowns can sometimes make us feel uncomfortable. With their blank sincerity and mild irony, GB & W overturn our quite lives and push us to draw close to our neighbor in concrete ways and to find the positive in all of life’s predicaments.
Benedict XVI: the light of Chiara Badano
It was on Sunday 5 February at the Angelus. Before beginning to pray, the Pope reflected upon that Sunday’s Gospel, which spoke about the Jesus healing the sick. He said, ‘Even in the face of death, faith can make possible what is humanly impossible. But faith in what? In the love of God. Here is the true response, the thing that radically overcomes evil.’ And he also said, ‘As Jesus faced evil with the power of love that comes from the Father, so we too can face and overcome the trial of sickness by keeping our hearts immersed in the love of God.’ 
It was at this point that the Pope recalled the example of Chiara Luce Badano, the young girl from Sassello (Italy), a member of the Focolare Movement beatified on 25 September 2010. The Pope spoke of Chiara Luce among those ‘people who have borne up under terrible suffering because God gave them a deep serenity.’ The Pope has a real affection for Blessed Chiara Badano who was ‘struck down in the flower of her youth by an incurable illness. How many people went to see her and received light and encouragement! All the same, in sickness, we all need human warmth. To comfort someone who is sick, what counts more than words is having someone near who is serene and sincere.’ This is not the first time that Benedict XVI has offered the example of Chiara Luce as an example to the Christian community of trust in the love of God. He did it in Palermo where he urged young people to find out more about her. ‘Hers was a short life,’ he said, in which she managed to give ‘an amazing message…. She lived 19 years full of life and faith. Two years of these, the last two, were full of pain lived in faith and the joy that was born from a heart full of God.’ This was the light in the heart of Benedict XVI at the Angelus on 5 February when he recalled that next Saturday 11 February, the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Church will celebrate the World Day of the Sick
India: a country that is a continent
The Indian subcontinent has more than a billion, 170 million inhabitants. Its population could soon exceed China’s. It is a rapidly developing country with one of the biggest economies in the world. At the same time there is tremendous illiteracy, poverty and malnutrition. Its enormous religious variety includes the 80% Hindu majority and a 2.3% Christian minority. It is understandable that among the Focolare dialogues in process in this land, the most developed should be in the interreligious field, especially with Hindus. The Focolare Movement has been in India since 1980. Today there are centres in Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, New Delhi which promote various activities: Mariapolises, monthly meetings for adults, families, and young people. In various cities – Vasai, Pune, Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Trichy – there are groups actively following the Focolare spirit. Various small social projects are flourishing around the Focolare communities. These are engaged in educating children, improving conditions for women, supporting families in difficulty, with support also being given from people in other places. The best know are ‘Ilanthalir’ (Tamil for tender shoots) in the South of India and in Mumbai ‘Udisha’ – the sun ray that announces the new dawn. Set up to ‘offer a practical response to the poverty around us’ they now look after about 2400 children and their families. There is a particular emphasis upon spreading the values of universal fraternity in the world of adolescents, reaching out to young people of all religions with various events, included ones of an international nature. 
The 2009 Supercongress – a meeting run by Youth for Unity – was held in Coimbatore, drawing together teenagers from across the planet. Many small but significant concrete ventures were also spoken of in the recent New Humanity meeting in Mumbai (September 2011). Among the participants was a doctor from Goa who had set up the mobile Prabhu Prasad Clinic offering various medical services for people of all ages. Chiara Lubich visited India two times, especially for dialogue with her Hindu brothers and sisters. This was after she had got to know Dr Aram, the founder of Shanti Ashram, at the World Conference of Religions for Peace. In 2001 in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) she received the ‘Defender of Peace’ prize from the Shanti Ashram together with the Sarvodaya Movement. She came back in 2003 to the Mumbai’s Somaiya Vidyavihar College. She had been asked to speak about her particular vision of unity and universal fraternity, which she did. After that there have been numerous discussion meetings, conferences, exchange visits and symposia – the last being in December 2011. These were all occasions of dialogue, steps ahead in building relationships of real fraternity with the Hindu world, as witnessed, for instance, by Dr Vijaya Bhatia, a yoga teacher, who spoke at the Fourth Hindu-Chrisian Symposium on the theme: ‘Reading, interpreting and living the Scriptures to being about peace and universal brotherhood’. 
It is an ideal for life made concrete in the day to day, as in the case of one young woman from Mumbai who chose to give someone in greater need than her the money she had struggled to raise to pay a very high medical bill. It was a huge surprise when that very evening she received a phone call from the hospital. They had discovered an error in her favour and they owed her 300 rupees! It is the experience of living the Gospel that has an effect not only in the private and personal sphere, but also in the social. Statistics can be frightening, but striving the be ‘the change you would like to see in the world’, as Gandhi taught, the seeds of fraternity can continue to grow.
India, how I live the Golden Rule
I am Dr. Vijaya Bhatia, a Hindu associated with the Focolare Movement since 1988. Being in contact with Chiara Lubich I could understand my religion better. That has really made me more generous in sharing my thoughts, my material things, my life and whatever I have but to my surprise whenever I give something it comes back to me in a hundredfold. I have experienced this many times. Once I thought of helping somebody by giving her two of my new dresses and to my surprise the next day I got three dresses from my relatives. 
In 2005 my house was submerged in water because of the heavy rains. After I came back, I did not know what to do because I did not have enough money to buy a new house. A few stations away even my cousin’s house was submerged only for a few hours and the damage was not so much. I thought to myself I cannot do anything for my house but at least I can help her. So I rang up a few of my relatives telling them that I would contribute to help my cousin: we collected Rs.50,000. She could not believe her eyes… To my surprise after a few days I got double the amount of money from some unknown source for my house! One night during the winter season I was cozy in my bed ready to go to sleep when I realized that there were many daily wage workers who do up the road sleeping out in the cold. I could no longer get sleep. I thought of the golden rule: ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. The next day I went to buy blankets for these people. I chose to buy the soft good ones instead of the hard cheap ones. Then I saw that there were many babies and small children among these people. I went to the nearby shop from where they bought things and I asked the shop keeper whether they bought any milk. The owner told me that they did but only for the very little ones and not for the older children and even the adults had tea without milk. I gave the shop owner money so that he could give all these people the milk that they needed and it has been over 3 years that I continue to do this. One day a patient came to me. She was a Hindu lady suffering from depression, with high blood pressure, sleeplessness, swelling of the body, obesity, etc. Going through her detailed story I understood that all her problems started the day her daughter married a Muslim boy. Since then she started rejecting her daughter. I could understand the suffering of this lady. When I was a child we suffered the partition of India and Pakistan. I was born in Lahore and with the partition we lost everything. We had to leave our home and come to India…however we cannot go on with the hate in our heart that we experienced in the past. 
Therefore I explained to this lady that since she had sown the seed of hatred in her soul, the result was a tree of hatred which was the root cause of all her problems. She had to forgive and sow the seed of love in her heart if she truly wanted to be cured. I thought she had understood and gave her some medicine. When she came back she was still with all her problems and I understood that she had done nothing about it. I understood that I had to do her part. So I took the phone, made her speak to her daughter and invite her and her husband to her place for dinner the same evening. After two months, as the relationship with her daughter and with her son-in-law got better her health improved too. One day I had the great joy to see them altogether in my clinic: it was like seeing a living piece in the mosaic of ‘universal brotherhood’. Witness told during the 4th Symposium Hindu-Christian, Mumbai – 10/14 December 2011
Udisha, a new dawn
Mumbai is the economic heart of India and one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the country. But many of its 20 million inhabitants live on the streets or in slums found all over in the city. In one of these, about forty minutes by train from the centre of the city in the north west, live about 400 thousand people in conditions of extreme poverty. It is here that in 1997 several families in the slum decided to set up a social project in collaboration with ‘Support at a Distance’, a project run by New Families. In 2001, during her first visit to India, Chiara Lubich encouraged them to develop what they had begun as ‘a practical response to the poverty around us.’ From then on the project has grown. Today it cares for 115 young people from 4 to 22 years old. Its activities aim at supporting students in their schooling, nutrition and health, in order to raise the standard of life for them and their families. In 2004 the project took the name ‘Udisha’ which means ‘the sun ray that announces the new dawn’. Today Udisha participates in the Schoolmates project, which seeks to build up a network among school classes and groups of young people in various countries and to support projects that promote solidarity. 
Main activities: 
ñ Schooling and education. In India the schools have 70-80 students per class. This makes it difficult to give individual tuition and, to pass their exams, the young people have to attend expensive private support lessons. The poorest among them, since they cannot afford this, are forced to give up their studies. Udisha, therefore, offers free support lessons in several subjects. In addition it tries to raise funds to pay for further schooling, educational equipment and school uniforms. Occasionally extra-curricular cultural and recreational activities are organized. ñ Intercultural awareness. There are various religions present at Udisha: Christian, Hindu and Muslim. One of the project’s objectives is to contribute to creating constructive integration, culturally, religiously, linguistically and also between the generations. It encourages exchanges of experience and activities, working together especially with the Shanti Ashram of Coimbatore. ñ Medical treatment. Many of the young people suffer from malnutrition. They are at risk from the seasonal epidemics that come with the rains or floods. For this reason during the year there are group medical visits involving both doctors in the area and other organizations. Help is also given to improve domestic diet with proteins and vitamins through the distribution of food stuffs and dietary supplements. For some time a counselling service for young people and parents has also been on offer. ñ Training in parenting. Meetings to raise understanding and to share good practice among families are organized periodically for parents. These are occasions for a rich exchange of experiences, advice and points of view. ñ Microcredit. A year ago Udisha began an small venture into microcredit which involves seventy of the young people’s mothers. Split into three groups that meet monthly, these mothers have been trained in microcredit in the kind of atmosphere of mutual trust absolutely necessary for such a venture to work. This year they will start to offer loans.
Kokomo, Indiana
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Genfest: A Work in Progress
“The Genfest’s main message will be: Unity. This is why we chose the title, “Let’s bridge,” recounts 23 year old, Philippino, Ark Tabin. The construction of a bridge is to be used as a metaphor for the construction of authentic relationships which is the main theme of the program that will take place in the Sport Arena of Budapest (with a seating capacity of 12,500) and on the bridges that cross the Danube River, from 31 August to 2 September 2012. Orgainizing the event is already an experience of unity which is based on the constant effort to welcome and listen to the other. This leads to true dialogue and deep relationships. A new phase of this experience will unfold this 11 and 12 February with seventy youths who will gather in Sassone, Italy to prepare the 10th edition of the program. 
“Although we’ve been awaiting them for a long time, we also feel that this shouldn’t be just another event, even if it’s a great event, but that it should mark another step on a journey, a point of arrival and a point of departure in the building of a United World. There is a need for this testimony of unity nowadays. We can’t turn back,” recalls 23 year old Brazilian, Thyrseane Tupinamba who is on the central organizing comittee of the Genfest, together with other youths and adults from a variety of countries – the United States, Hungnray, Argentina, italy, Brazil. . . Youths seventeen years old and older, from more than forty countries have already signed up to attend the event in Hungary. A preview of the program is available on the web page: www.genfest.org You can find the Genfest page on Facebook in English, Portugese, Polish, Spanish and Italian. Follow us there!
Young people with the Gospel in their pockets at the farthest ends of the earth
“Being Jesus 24 hours a day” was the title of the Australian youth congress which was held at the Mariapolis Centre of Melbourne, Australia. 115 teenagers were present, aged between 9 and 17 years. They came from various cities of the country, from New Zealand and New Caledonia. The meeting lasted 5 days, and was made possible through the communion of goods made throughout the past year by the young people together with families and friends. Even the shops and markets participated by donating fruit, vegetables, bread, meat and drinks. 
The programme provided for moments of study of the Gospel and how to put it into practice, space for dialogue and sharing of experiences from life. “The moments of communion were profound-says Madeline – and they helped us to understand that we are not alone in trying to be another Jesus in every moment of our life.” It was a solemn moment when a copy of the Gospel was given to each one. “I felt that Jesus was really present-said one of the youths-as though He in person gave us His Word.” The readings of the day, with the call of the apostles, put in the hearts of each one a purpose: to live the Gospel in their own environment, as today’s apostles, sent by God to evangelise these lands. 
The second event was framed within New Zealand, a marvellous archipelago, with high mountains and crystal clear sea. 60 youths of various ages took part in the “Teens4unity Camp” of Lower Hutt. The theme was: putting the Gospel into practice in our cities. Many of the youths, together with their families were refugees from other countries. Their experiences were strong, often painful, but lived in a “one to one” profound relationship with God. Together they examined the initiative “Colour the city with love” that the Youth for Unity are taking forward on a worldwide level, in order to help those persons in their cities who are alone or deprived. Many ideas emerged on how to take forward this initiative, as for instance those activities involving the youths of the aborigines population. 
The last stage was Perth. Characteristic of the meeting is that it was an itinerant day: the youths accompanied Nadia and Agostino across this magnificent city where natural beauty and very modern buildings trace a very harmonious landscape. Thus, between the banks of the river Swan and those of the Indian Ocean, the youths spoke of the history of the city, of the discord between the colonisers and the aborigines, of its characteristics and today’s problems. Then the dialogue opened up on the commitment of Christian life, and also on the responsibility and beauty of the response of each one to the call of God. While saluting each other, they expressed the desire to continue to meet to delve into the life of the Gospel, involving also their friends. They also bore in mind the world relay race “Run4Unity” of the 12th May when the youths of this region, at the extreme east of the world, will be amongst the first to begin the race.
Focolarina from Uruguay, consultant to PCCS
How did you react to the news?
With surprise and joy. The word that immediately came to mind was ‘service’, in the way Jesus teaches us. Now all I have to do is serve the Church, and through it, society.
What are your first impressions?
In the first place: that I have a chance to give my contribution as an aspect of communication in dialogue. Secondly, looking at the group of consultants, which is made up of priests, a nun, a lay woman and several lay men: that here you see the Church in its various vocations, its charisms and its intercultural dimension.
What is your background and experience in the field of social communication?
My degree was in Social Communication, Social Science and Catholic Social Teaching. My first studies were in the field of education, at Montevideo, my home town. Later on I studied Formation in Popular Communication and Analysis of Social Communication at Buenos Aires. After that I got a degree in Sociology at the Gregorian University, Rome, and a Master’s in Catholic Social Teaching at the Lateran University. Last of all, again at the Gregorian, I obtained a doctorate in Social Sciences, specializing in communication. My work has been in the field of communication, not just as theory but as social practice within the constructive interplay of theory and praxis.
What is your current experience of the Latin American Episcopal Conference?
I have been part of it for 6 years as a communications consultant, and in that role I was present at the Fifth General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate held in Aparecida (Brazil). Experiences like that have touched me deeply, seeing at first hand the social relations that make up Latin American people. The Latin American Episcopal Conference, CELAM, since it began in 1955 has had a real and lasting commitment to dialogue and communion with the universal Church, which comes from its very being as Latin American. In relation to Vatican II, the General Conferences of the Episcopate at Medellín, Puebla, Santo Domingo and Aparecida give witness to this powerful desire. I believe that being a consultant to PCCS while being a member of CELAM, I will be able to be a bridge, even though there is already a high degree of communion between these two parts of the Church.
What influence does the spirituality of Chiara Lubich have on what you do?
The Spirituality of Unity is where my core vocation is rooted: to share Jesus’ dream, ‘May they all be one.’ I got know Focolare spirituality in the 70s when, like all Latin American young people, I was looking for something to change the world. In Chiara’s spirituality I found a Jesus who was alive, and with other young people I learnt how to put the Gospel into action, forming a community open to everyone, and building a little town – the Mariapolis Lia – which proclaimed to society that Jesus’ New Commandment can be put into practice and that the presence of Jesus among people united in his name is a visible reality capable of transforming society. As time went by I carried on living that same experience in the various Focolare communities where I have been. I have done this until now, when I am here in Bogotá with the wonderful Columbian people.
I begin my new service with joy because of the love for the Church that Chiara Lubich, with her own life, communicated to us.
Mariapolis Center – Dallas, Texas
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Mariapolis Center – Chicago, Il
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Louisville, Kentucky
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Columbus, Ohio
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Lexington, Kentucky
Muncie, Indiana
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Marisa has left us
In these moments of pain and dismay, we would like to assure our heartfelt closeness to the relatives and all those who, in these years, experienced Marisa’s friendship and the warm welcoming attitude she always had for everyone. Marisa Baù, born on May 12th, 1963 in Asiago (Vicenza/Italy), second-last child of eight siblings, lost her mother at 15 years of age and she did her utmost to look after her siblings who were still at home. She was hard-working and creative and after two years of working in a factory, together with two ex-colleagues, she started up a small garment industry. She met the spirituality of the Focolare Movement in 1980, adhering to it with readiness and generosity. She felt her vocation to consecrate herself to God as a focolarina and left her family in 1991, going first to the focolare of Padua, where she concluded her studies in accounting, and in 1992 to the international little town of Loppiano (Florence/Italy), always maintaining a close bond with all her relatives. After the period of formation Marisa went to the Focolare Centre of Montet (Broye), Switzerland, where she worked in the atelier of children’s clothes. She was in charge of the production section since 1994. In 1998, because of her human and spiritual gifts, she assumed the task of educator of the Focolare Centre. Marisa had a creative and strong personality and was esteemed by everyone for the quality of her relationships, her sense of responsibility and her altruism. During these years, Marisa met and was fond of many people. This is proven by the shower of messages which have arrived from all over the world on the social networks: “She has also left us, she who gave so much to others and will continue to give from Up there!”; “So much sadness… we can only pray for her, her family and all those in Montet… I knew Marisa and what I will always remember is her smile!”; “Marisa is very special to me. She is a part of my story!”. The mother of a focolarina writes: “I anxiously followed the whole story, identifying myself with Marisa’s family… I will always pray for her and for all the focolarine of the world.” And a person who worked with her: “I am with you in this suffering, I pray especially for her family, feel me close to all of you. I worked for three years with her in Montet and I thank God for every minute we spent together”. We want to remember her as «A marvellous person – these are the words of Marithé Vuigner who is co-responsible of the Focolare Centre of Montet –, always ready to welcome the other(s). A person you could always count on, pleasant and delicate. She had very strong ties with her wonderful and numerous family.» For more information: (link to the press section)
Ilanthalir
Ilanthalir is a philanthropic organization started in 1997 to serve humanity with an option for the poor. Having inspired by Chiara Lubich and her Focolare Movement, Fr. Susai Alangaram with two other priests of the diocese of Tiruchirappalli pioneered this noble task with a ready support form AFN Azione per Famiglie Nuove, Rome who support ilanthalir through the programme of support at a distance. The relevance and need India is a country known for its plurality in religion, language, culture and tradition. The people of India take pride in its cultural heritage, traditions and unity. It is also a country taking prominence in the world, by its rapid growth and development in its economy. Yet it remains an eye sore to see the growing gap between the rich and the poor, as the wide between them increases day by day, in spite of the progress the country achieves. The rich become richer and the poor become poorer as equal opportunities are denied to the poor in the society. Ultimately the nation suffers even though it can present itself as growing and its rich men compete with the world’s greatest businessmen and industrialists. What India needs is a uniform growth and the empowerment of the poor and their youth. There are many voluntary organizations both in India and abroad, deeply involved and committed to alleviate this alarming reality of the Indian society. One such organization is Ilanthalir, working in the southern most part of India. The etymology of “Ilanthalir” Ilanthalir in Tamil language means “Tender Shoots” of a crop. It also stands for the young children in a society. As tender shoots of a crop need proper manure and care to have a rich yield, so also the tender shoots of the society need attention and support to realize their full potentials. The name suits well to the organization, as Ilanthalir commits to promise the young buds of the society their prosperous future. Description of the Project area Most of the villages in our service area consist of dry agricultural lands solely depending on monsoon for cultivation. The people living in these areas are most backward in all respects i.e. socially, economically and culturally. Most of the people are agricultural coolies. Due to frequent monsoon failure the agricultural operation often comes to a stand still and the people are thrown out of employment. There are no major industries in this area. Most people live below the poverty line. The parents because of their poverty prefer their children to feed cattle or work as domestic helpers instead of sending them to schools, resulting in illiteracy and child labour. In order to alleviate this social evil and help children and their families, Ilanthalir selects such children from these villages and educates them till they complete their university and technical training so that they are employed and settle down for a respectful life. What we do
- Identification of deserving children and creating centres of education
- Finding funds for the education of such children.
- Additional coaching for children through appointed tutors.
- Helping them with educational materials and text books.
- Providing them with uniforms and other clothes.
- Taking care of food and other nourishment for the children.
- Giving medical aid to individuals and arranging periodical medical camps at the centres.
- Mediating between the children and the adopting parents by mails and letters.
- Annual educational tours to places of Historical importance, places of worship and tourist spots.
- Arranging monthly meeting of children and parents to review their progress in education and formation.
- Celebrations on festive occasions and cultural events and competitions to exhibit and promote different talents among children.
- Annual gatherings and regional meetings for more interaction and exposure.
- Conducting specific courses like computer training and awareness programmes.
- Encouraging them to go for small savings for higher education and managing the fund.
- Creating and managing self help groups for parents.
Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Swiss police already certain that the body found is that of Marisa Baù
The official identification is still to be done, but the Swiss police is by now certain that the body found two days ago at Cugy is that of Marisa Baù. This is confirmed by a meeting which was held today by the case attorney with Marisa’s relatives and those responsible of the Focolare Centre of Montet. Marisa Baù had disappeared from the Centre of the Focolare Movement in Montet (Broye), Switzerland, on December 20th, 2011. The search since then did not produce any evidence (see info). Instead, Monday, January 30th, the police informed that they had found the body of a woman in an agricultural warehouse, in the close by locality of Cugy, in a place used to keep bales of hay. The farmer who looks after the farm reported that he frequently goes to that place, but only when he had to move part of the hay did he realize there was a body. The police, with the relatives, have considered to do further verifications to verify the cause of death. Now they will proceed with the autopsy and other related examinations, which could last a few weeks. The investigations will be closed if the results exclude an external involvement.
Detroit, Michigan
Please note: The geolocalization feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centers are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Nigeria: saved at the last minute
“My name is F., and I am from Jos, in Nigeria. In my city, from 2001 up to today, there is a political, ethnic, and religious crisis. Many thousands of lives and many properties have been lost, and today there is a profound division between Christians and Moslems, to the point of seeing each other as enemies and looking at each other with suspicion. 
We live constantly in fear, without knowing what will be our lot in the next moment. One of my colleagues was involved in an incident, and we were asked to go and seek him. As he is a Moslem, nobody offered to go, precisely because we are in Jos, and Christians do not go to the Moslem zones, just as Moslems do not visit the Christian ones. I offered to go to him, even if at first I was a bit hesitant, but a voice inside me continued to tell me to go. I succeeded- with a bit of insistence-in convincing a female friend to come with me. We arrived with great fear at the house of my colleague. When we entered, however, we were warmly greeted by him and his family. They were really happy to see us! 
Sometime later, I was returning home from work, late in the evening, together with the same female friend, when all of a sudden, her car broke down, not far from a Moslem post. Both of us were without credit on our mobile phone to ask for help. In those parts, in the dark, there were some gangsters carrying out their affairs. Our prayer at that moment was: “Lord, send us help as soon as possible!” We were so scared that we did not know whether it was better to remain in the car or jump out and stop the first car that passed by. At a certain point we noticed someone approaching us, and we started shivering. I said my last prayer, because I felt we had reached the end. 
When they were a few metres away, suddenly a car parked in front of us, and whom do I see? The colleague we had visited a few days previously….the head of the gangsters asked him whether we were one of them “Moslems”, to know whether to let us go, and he answered in the affirmative. This is how we were saved… He himself then put the car in a secure place and accompanied us home. Moreover, the following day, after having repaired the car, he brought it to my friend.”
February 2012
When the word of God is accepted and lived, it brings about a complete change of mentality (and that means ‘conversion’). It instils in the hearts of all – Europeans, Asians, Australians, Americans, Africans – Christ’s feelings in relation to circumstances, individuals and society. But how can the gospel work the miracle of a profound conversion, of a new and light-giving faith? The secret lies in the mystery contained in the words of Jesus. They are not simply exhortations, suggestions, indications, directives, orders, or commands. In his words Jesus himself is present as he speaks, as he speaks to us. His Words are himself; they are Jesus. And so in the Word, we meet him. By welcoming the Word into our hearts, as he wants it to be welcomed (that is, being ready to translate it into life), we are one with him and he is born or grows in us. This is why each one of us can and must welcome Jesus’ urgent and demanding invitation. Repent, and believe in the Gospel Some people might consider the words of the gospel to be too high and difficult, too distant from the normal way of living and thinking. They might feel tempted not to listen and to be discouraged. But this happens if they think that they have to move the mountain of their disbelief on their own. Instead it would be enough to try and live just one Word of the gospel to find in it unexpected help, special strength, a light for their path (see Psalm 119:105). Since that Word is a presence of God, communicating with it makes people free; it purifies, converts, brings comfort and joy, and gives wisdom. Repent, and believe in the Gospel How often this Word of Life can give light to us each day! Every time we come up against our own weakness or that of others, every time following Jesus seems to be impossible or absurd, every time problems threaten to overwhelm us, this Word can give us wings, be like a breath of fresh air, an encouragement to start again. It would be enough to make a small, quick ‘conversion’ of our route to come out from the confines of our ego and open ourselves to God, and so experience another life, the true one. And if it is possible for us to share this experience with friends who have also taken the gospel as their code of life, then we will see the Christian community bud or blossom again around us. For when the Word of God is lived out and shared, it works this miracle too. It gives rise to a visible community, which becomes yeast and salt for society, witnessing to Christ in every corner of the earth. Chiara Lubich
Cinema At The Bar
Punta Alta is a vibrant city in southern Argentina, whose citizens are known for their initiative. It is the location of the Puerto Belgrano Naval Base, the largest port in the country, which saw its moment of glory a century ago as thousands of youths did their military service there while in the navy. Here in this city of 60,000 open and generous people, there is now a group for “dialogue among people of diverse convictions, friends of the Focolare. In order to open the experience of communication and dialogue to others, a cineforum series has been organized. 
They did not opt for a theater or for the dark silence of a cinema theater. . . they went to Bar Centrale, the most famous bar in Punta Alta, which has been around for nearly 100 years with its typical little tables and grand lounge, pool tables and a small stage where, in the 1930’s small orchestras and dancers performed. The admission fee is one non-perishable food item that is donated to a local Community Center. “Invitations are made personally by email or by not so large but very visible posters, which have been prepared by the bar owner and hung in the windows of neighboring shops. Group size varies between 30 and 50 people,” explains Hector Correa, the passionate cinema expert of the group.
Among the participants were students, adults, some young women Marine recruits in uniform, and also the regular clients of the bar were there willingly joining in with the gathering. When all was ready, the projection was preceded by a brief introduction which explained the meaning of the gathering and the motivation of the group that had organized the event. “Then,” Hector explains, “ my brother Luis and I” presented the film. And at the end we ran the debate, which always has a lot of participation and turns out to be very interesting for everyone. We don’t delve so much into the technical or aesthetic details of the film, but try to offer details about the thoughts and ideas of the film author, the presenation of characters and the historical context of the story. This makes the participants be more interested in the film’s content.” 
“ “Putting the emphasis on reality and stories that have concepts and conceptions of the world within them, which often do not correspond to our ideas,” explains Sisi Deramo, “is an exercize that obliges you to first of all listen attentively to what the other is trying to express, and then to try to make yourself understood within the framework of a cordial and fruitful dialogue, so that the coming together of diverse opinions can enrich everyone and nourish the common understanding.” I asked Kiki Deramo which films had been chosen. “We chose films which we could then discuss: Cinema Paradiso, The Postman, The Truman Show, The Wall, directed by Alan Parker and Dead Poets Society. I don’t think we made the wrong choices.” “It was a very interesting and useful experience for everyone. Let’s hope we can do it again this year,” says Sisi. By Carlos Mana
The body of a woman corresponding to Marisa has been found
It is feared that with the facts of January 30, the Marisa Baù incident has concluded differently to how everyone hoped after the last sightings in Como and Locarno.
In fact, during that evening the Swiss police had informed those responsible of the Focolare Centre in Montet, who in turn let the family know, that they had found the body of a woman similar to that of Marisa Baù. They had found it inside an agricultural warehouse situated in Cugy, a locality close by, one and a half kilometres from the Focolare Centre. The causes of death are still to be clarified and we are waiting for official identification. The circumstances of death have to be clarified by the medical-legal
Youth Meeting in Portugal 28/1/2012
In Portugal: What Makes the Difference
Do you want to know what makes the difference in life? Basing it on living the Word. This is what the gathering was all about, which brought together 700 youths, many of them very young, from all over Portugal, at Our Lady of Boa Nova, a few kilometers outside Lisbon. 
Some arrived the day before from the Azores Islands and Madeira. The faces of those who got off the buses coming from the north were weary and sun-burnt following the four or five hour-long journey. But at eleven o’clock when the doors of the auditorium were opened, the meeting hall was quickly filled with a very lively and attentive audience. Everyone was “in sync” as the opening song proclaimed. Those who had invited them and had prepared the program filled with singing, choreography, testimonies and reflections, had worked for months on end, during one of the busiest periods at most universities her in Portugal when exams are in full swing. And here is another reason why this auditorium of 700 youths was rather extraordinary. Some of them would have to face exams in the coming days, and some had postponed their exams in order to attend at the event. 
Along with the band, there was also a large sign on stage with the letters: ID GEN. In an era of text messages and twitter, only a few letters are required in order to be understood. These five letters tell of a whole program, and not only that of one day: “ID GEN” (Identity Gen) that is, the life and the ideals of the Gen, the youths of the Focolare Movement who were the animators of the day’s event. The sharings of Joao, Adrian, Tiago, Rita, Violeta, Antonio, Ana, Ricardo and Joana give a taste of what it is like to live the Gospel in the different situations of life. One of them was able to go beyond injustice at the university. One tried to not let himself be swept away by the competition of the work world. One realized that changes in relationships had to begin with giving up some of one’s own comforts. And these were all effects of love. Violeta told of the time she spent studying in Barcelona where she was living an experience with 18 young women of different nationalities. One of the young women was from Egypt and she was Muslim. Her customs were not always understood by the others in the group, but for Violet loving meant not only respecting such customs. “This was the least I could do. I remembered that Gospel passage which says to do to others as we would want them to do to us,” and so she did not leave her friend by herself in certain situations as the others were doing. And these did not remain isolated gestures for very long. Soon, two, three and then other classmates were doing the same. A more united and fraternal world could begin even from here. 
The love they were talking about was a love that meant getting your hands dirty. And this was literally the case for Tiago who was invited by a priest to volunteer in helping people who were living in the streets. It was difficult at first to shake their smelly hands, to wash the silverware they had used, to clean the washrooms at the center where they took turns bathing. Here again it was the Gospel that helped: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.” And not only did it improve the situation of the people who had rediscovered their human dignity, but also Tiago could affirm that after five months with them: “I could look at them as ‘professors’ who had taught me how to love, to enlarge my heart.” Love even when suffering comes knocking Ana Filipa explains while telling of her experience with two brothers with muscular dystrophy. Her experience was shared by other Gen from her city up until the death of one of her brothers. Ricardo attests to the truth of Ana’s experience using the words of Chiara Lubich in 2000: “Once embraced, even the greatest suffering leaves nothing but love in our heart.” 
And so what has been called “a futureless generation,” faced today with so many uncertainties, can find a way out through this greater love. Although a more united world is still a distant goal for many, it is within the reach of those who love. Ask Joana, who ever since she was a child wanted to change the world, and now she does it by living the Gospel as she does her work in Parliament. The president of the Focolare, Maria Voce, did not want to be absent from the event and so she delivered a video message to the group: “Today you heard talk of a dream, a great dream,” she said, “a united world. And you were presented with a way for achieving this, a lifestyle based on a revolution, the revolution of Gospel love. […] Now you clearly see the way to follow, the way to be taken with courage, without hesitation.” If “the dream is great,” then the way will not be easy nor without obstacles. Nevertheless, it will be “thrilling,” Maria Voce assures the young people, “and it guarantees a happiness that no other human experience, no matter how beautiful, no matter how rich, no matter how great, can match.” And besides, this revolution is “guaranteed to succeed” because it is founded not on us, it is founded on the Word of God.” This is what makes the difference in the life of a Gen, of a youth. And not only! The day concluded with a telephonic link-up, via internet, between the youths and Maria Voce in which she made an appointment with them for the upcoming Genfest in Budapest, on 20 August – 2 September 2011.
by Aurora Nicosia
Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Land Open to Promise
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in Central Africa. It has 60 million inhabitants living in a territory five times bigger than France. This is a country that has the potential to be quite rich, but in reality it is very poor.
The country recently celebrated its second democratic elections following a dictatorship that endured for more than thirty years and had very negative economic, social and political consequences for the people.
It is also a land where the Gospel message is welcomed with joy.
Focolarina Marisa, recounts: “I was visiting a very distant province in Équateur. The Bishop, a Bishop Friend of the Focolare, had invited us several times, since it had been thirty years since anyone from the Focolare was able to return to the area because of the great distance. When we arrived, we discovered to our great surprise that in a nearby diocese where we thought there was only a small community of ten people, there was a large community of people who were living on the other side of the Congo River.
Despite their change of fortune due to war and the departure of the missionaries they had remained united. We went to visit them, travelling across the river in a dugout canoe. We found a very vibrant community that meets together every week and shares the life of the Word. And they had many experiences to tell. For example, they walked kilometers to visit a sick person and care for him; together with other communities, they take turns caring for orphans. . . Their example has drawn others and brought about conversions. They know the story of Chiara Lubich which was told to them many years ago and which they continue to hand on orally. A few vaguely remember how the Focolare began, and when they discovered that it has spread to so many other places they were very amazed. Here, as in many other places, they have experienced that living the Word creates a community, producing radical conversions and experiences of reconciliation and forgiveness. The community has grown over the years and there are many youths. It is difficult in these places to keep stable contact because there are not even telephones. And so we write and try to stay in contact by sending letters with people as they travel from place to place, since there is no postal service in these remote regions.”
A bit of history. The Focolare’s ideal of unity reached the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 1960’s and despite the vast territorial expanses it has spread to nearly every province, thanks to the men and women missionaries like Father Quintard in the East, Father Enrico Casali in the Eastern Province, Sister Roseline a Kikwit, Father Giovanni Santonlini in Kinshasa, Father Angelo Pozzi in Lubumbashi, Father Arther Duvernay from the Scheut Fathers of Belgium, and many others. Ever since the 1970’s the focolarini and focolarine from Cameroon and from Italy have made frequent visits and held formation courses, Mariapolises, meetings for families and congresses for youths.
The first women’s focolare was opened in Kinshasa in 1991 and the first men’s focolare in 2004. In 2011 a women’s focolare was opened in Lubumbashi as a point of irradiation for the Movement in the province of Katanga.
With the transfer of two focolare families to Kikwit for the province of Bandundu, and to Goma for the Northern province and Sudkivu, it was possible to respond to the needs of the great family of Chiara in this vast region.
Today members of the Movement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo promote many projects including social ones, to meet the extreme nutritional and educational needs of children especially. Among these, the social project “Petite Flamme” has a presence in several places in the region, and also the Medical Center “Moyi Mwa Ntongo” (The Morning Dawn). This is a land open to hope.
Petite Flamme: The Fire of Charity in Action
With its project Petite Flamme, the Focolare Movement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is making its contribution to resolving one of the most serious problems of the country: the extreme need for medical care, education and wholesome nutrition for countless children. Petite Fiamme officially began three years later in N’dolo, one of the quarters of Kinshasa where there is a military camp for 750 families in need. Two kindergartens were begun, and then a third one in the Masina quarter. Many of the children were the sons and daughters of military families. 
The first objective was to offer academic instruction, but it immediately became obvious that the children were suffering malnutrition. They began to provide one meal a day and medical care. In the years that followed, Petite Flamme opened new centers, expanded the school year and extended its services to pre-teens, teens and to families. In 2002 they began “after school under the tree,” sixteen classes beneath sixteen different trees, since there was no school building. The project is supported by various entities and NGO’s, and especially by “Support at a distance” from the Action for New Families (AFN). All of the children receive an educational program, daily food and regular medical care. Once they are enrolled in secondary school, the teens become part of a support program. 
They are located in the very populated quarters or on the outskirts of Kinshasa where there is extreme poverty. Recently two new schools opened: in Idiofa, Bandundu, 750 km from Kinshasa; and in Kisantu, in Bas-Kongo, 160 km from Kinshasa. In Bandundu, Petite Flamme also operates in a poor rural environment. Due to the lack of water, a large cistern and two water tanks were built to collect rain water for the preparation of food each day. The project is supported by various entities and NGO’s, and especially by “Support at a distance” from the Action for New Families (AFN). All of the children receive an educational program, daily food and regular medical care. Once they are enrolled in secondary school, the teens become part of a support program. 2005. “Moyi Mwa Ntongo” Medical Center was opened for AIDS prevention, a malady which is widespread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Moyi Mwa Ntongo,” which in the local language means “The Morning Dawn,” was opened in 2005 in Limete, a downtown quarter of Kinshasa. It is sustained by Action for a United World (AMU). It offers quality service at accessible prices, not only for the children of “Petite Flamme,” but for anyone suffering with sickness, and it cooperates with local entities. 
Aside from medical research, the center is also equipped with an analysis laboratory, a pharmacy and a day hospital with fifteen beds. One of its strong points is the ophthalmology surgery, the most advanced in the region, important in the treatment and prevention of blindness, which is very prevalent in this region. There are many other projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for spreading the values of universal brotherhood through concrete action, like the ones carried out by members of the Focolare Movement in Goma (the province of North-Kivu) in the field of agriculture, in micro-credit and in education. [nggallery id=85]