Hundreds of Gen4 travel to Brazil
It was a sight to behold: from 7 August to 5 September, 470 Gen4 (children between the ages of 5 and 9) and their chaperones from more than 50 Brazilian cities travelled distances of over 2000 kilometers. Their destination was the Gen4 Congress in Recife (19-21 August), at Mariapolis Ginetta near São Paolo (26-28 August), and in the areas around Brasilia (2-4 September). With effort and imagination the Gen4 prepared themselves with acts of love and collecting money for their journey. Some sold their toys; others set up a puppet market; some started a small bakery and sold the bread to friends and neighbours. Others used their savings or found financial assistance from relatives and local community. They were welcomed into an environment that was colourfully decorated, with beautiful backdrops, dancing and clowns. The congress began with taking off on the greatest possible adventure: to discover the will of God! But how do you discover it? Beginning with the story of creation we examined how God manifested himself throughout history, always full of love and mercy, and we are also part of this story.
Then we examined many episodes from the life of Jesus, who is the Father’s greatest gift to us. The stories about Jesus showed us how he always did the will of his Father and how we can imitate him in every moment of our lives. Of course, to know what the will of God is in the present moment, you need to open your heart and “take a moment for silently listening to the correct voice,” one Gen4 noticed. Maria Voce sent a message that was immediately put into practice: Always say “yes” to God and carry the flame of Jesus’ love to the whole world. Everyone was actively involved in creating the congress, during games in the large park, participating in group activities, tidying the rooms and dining hall, and presenting scenes from the life of Chiara Lubich and the Gospel on stage. Also during the Mass – the moment to meet Jesus – the children were actively involved with their songs and skits, and with their acts of love which they presented at the moment of the Offertory. But now we let the Gen4 speak.”
From Recife:
- “Jesus, I love you to death. You can always count on me and I always want to be faithful to you. I promise, I will never betray you like Judas did. I’m eternally grateful, that you gave your life for us. Gabriel
- I liked when we spoke about the Word of God, because now I can remember to help my Mummy more, and the new man can live in my heart. Pedro
- Jesus is my treasure in life; he’s the true man of the earth and of all of us. Abraão
From San Paulo:
- I helped my friend Ragael to carry his luggage to the room, because he’s very small and couldn’t carry it. Eduardo
- I wish my whole family were here to witness this great moment in my life. Matheus
- I sold 50 packages of biscuits to help pay expenses for the Gen4 from my city. Pedro
From Brasilia:
- Dear Jesus, I’ll never forget you. I’ll spread joy in the world and have lots of friendship with those around me. André
- I gave up the swing for my friend. I shared my snack with a friend. I shared my things with others and lent my toys. . . I love you very much, Jesus. Paulo
- Lord, I ask you for a bit of money, so I can give it to the poor. Carlos
- I know that sometimes I’m not the boy who helps everyone, but I try to do my best. I hope you understand me, your dear Gen4, André.”
Matthias Bolkart – Gen4 Centre [nggallery id=69]
Spirituality of Unity
The spirituality of unity unfolds into 12 cardinal points, leading from one to another:
- God is Love
- The Will of God
- The Word
- Our Neighbour
- Mutual Love
- Jesus in the Eucharist
- Unity
- Jesus Forsaken
- Mary
- The Church
- The Holy Spirit
- Jesus in the Midst
In Chiara Lubich the points of the spirituality of unity were not developed through thought out plans, reflections or some theological points. Rather, this is a spirituality demanding an immediate adhesion, decisive and practical, something that brings life. In the splendid history of the Church, from its individual members, its saints and communities there has always been a clear line and result: it’s the individual that goes to God. This remains the case within the spirituality of unity, in the sense that the individual’s experience of God is unique and will never be repeated. However, the spirituality is drawn from the charism of unity, entrusted by the Holy Spirit to Chiara, and as well as this indispensible personal spiritual experience there is also a deep emphasis on the communitarian dimension of Christian life. It is not a complete novelty, the Gospel is eminently communitarian. There have been experiences in the past which have underlined the collective aspect of the journey towards God, above all in the spiritualities rising from those who had love at the base of their spiritual life. This can be seen in the example of St Basil and his community. Chiara Lubich brings her own spirituality, which is an original communitarian way of going to God: being one in Christ, according to the Gospel of John: “As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, so may they be in us.” (Jn 17,21). In Chiara this became a style of life. A “communitarian spirituality” was foretold for our epoch by contemporary theologians and is also mentioned by the Second Vatican Council. Karl Rahner, for example, speaking of the spirituality of the Church of the future, saw it as a “fraternal communion in which it is possible to make the same basic experience of the Spirit”. Vatican II, directed attention to the Church as the body of Christ and people assembled in the bond of love of the Trinity. If St Teresa of Avila, doctor of the Church, spoke of “an interior castle”, the spirituality of unity helps to build an “exterior castle”, where Christ will be present and illuminate every part of it.
Young people gather in Tonadico to study the “Arab Spring”
The “Arab Spring” and the complex scenario of political and juridical relationships in the medio-oriental quadrant, were at the centre of the study seminar recently concluded in the area of Trent, (27-30 August 2011), promoted by Sophia University, in collaboration with Mppu/Political Movement for unity and Ced/Communion and Law.
The initiative, that utilised the contribution of the Province of Trent and the collaboration of the local administration, represents the first edition of a more more articolated research project lasting several years directed towards young university students, to increment, within their formative courses, academics and professionals, towards a “culture of universal fraternity” between peoples and cultures.
Typical of the experience was the possibility of communicating competencies and diverse disciplinary languages to examine a mutidimensional theme, in strict interaction between teachers and students of judiciary and politics areas; the majority of them were already linked together through participation in previous initiatives (such as the summer seminars promoted by CeD/Communion and law, and the “Schools of participation” by the Mppu/Political Movement for unity).
The programme required concentration and personal commitment from each of the participants-50 persons in all, of whom 38 were youths- and at the same time,it offered, in view of the extraordinary beauty of the natural environment in which it took place, the Dolomites of Primiero,adequate time for reciprocal knowl;edge and recreation.
But it was not only the splendid scenery and the mild temperature that brought the Summer School to those mountains. Acting as catalyst was, above all, the reference to the experience of Chiara Lubich and the first group of the newborn Movement of the Focolari that, in this same valley, during the years of the 50’s, found themselves living some stages that marked its development in an indelible way. It was then that they intuited with greater clarity the charismatic force of the idea of unity and its translation into a diverse model of human sociality, illuminated by universal fraternity.
How to give continuity to this initiative? At the end , to the enthusiasm of the youths were added the concretness and project capability of the president of the Valle Community, the mayor of Tonadico, and other administrators of the territory, with whom some plans have already been drawn. It is planned that there will be the possibility that Primiero will host an annual week of international studies, proposed by the Sophia team in collaboration with other networks of experts, highlighting every year a specific team tackled in an interdisciplinary manner.
Curitiba pays homage to Chiara Lubich
The “chilly” month of August was unforgettable for the members of the Focolare in the city of Curitiba: the three seats of political power – the Chamber of State Members of Parliament, the local council and the Chamber of Municipal Councillors, from the 20th to 24th of August, bade tribute to the person of Chiara Lubich. Inauguration of the Memorial to Chiara Lubich: Despite the brief interruption due to some rain, Mayor Luciano Ducci – as reported in the newspapers – inaugurated on the 20th August a new cultural centre, as a “monument of initiation” in the Workers Park, in the industrial zone of the city. The idea to “ place firmly at Curitiba the memory of this woman” by dedicating to her a way, a square, and a cultural centre, goes back to an initiative by local city councillor Tito Zeglin when, in 2009, the Paranese capital was chosen as the seat of the first “city forum”. At the Legistlative Assembly of the State, during the extraordinary session of the 23rd August, upon the proposal of parliamentarian Reinhold Stephanes Junior, and the unanimous approval of parliament, a Diploma to Chiara Lubich “in memoriam” was bestowed. On this occasion, there was a surprise: Areovaldo Figueiredo, the Director of Postal Services, of the state of Paraná made an announcement. He is a member of the local Political Movement for Unity and he presented a Brazilian postage stamp, dedicated to Chiara Lubich, personalised with her photo. Archbishop Mons. Moacir Jose` Vitti, who is at Madrid for the GMG, sends a message which, amongst other things, says: Chiara, with her courage and her unshakeable faith in God, has charmed the world with her way of living and her works that continue also today.” By way of conclusion, on 24th August, during a Special Session in tribute to Chiara Lubich, at the seat of the Comunal Council, a parchment is given on the proposal of the Councillor Tito Zeglin. During each of these events, the politicians and personalities present have confirmed their adherence to what Maria Voce, president of the Focolari – proposed with her message: “These events were favourable occasions to launch towards collectivity, with a new impulse, all those positive values, that emerge from adherence to the spirit of love and fraternity, important in everyday life and in political action: seeking first of all what unites and preferring the common good to personal interest. That is seeing our environment, private, social, and political in the wider view of the human family.”
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Ecumenical Meeting of Bishops: Launching out in unity through the Word
The meeting has drawn 31 bishops from 18 countries, representing 15 churches. It is the 30th ecumenical meeting of its kind sponsored by the Focolare Movement, the first of which was held in 1982. This year it’s taking place in Welwyn Garden City, a town about 40 km north of London. It is truly a garden city with tree-lined boulevards, parks and lakes. The city was founded by Sir Ebenezer Howard in 1920 and has about 40,000 inhabitants. The Focolare Centre for Unity began here after a visit to England by Chiara Lubich in 1983, when she felt the need for a “cradle”, a place where activities of the Focolare could take place. These annual ecumenical meetings of bishops take place in different places, allowing participants to get to know the ecclesial realities of the host country. This year their focus is the Church of England. In particular, the proposed “Anglican Covenant”, has been a subject of great interest. It proposes a pact to sustain the Anglican Communion, and it formulates an agreement, prepared by a group of Anglican theologians, binding churches of the Anglican Communion to commit the 44 autonomous Anglican churches into recognising principles held in common. It will be an important instrument for building communion which might even become a requisite among non-Anglican churches. Adherence to the pact will always be unrestricted and there are no legal sanctions envisaged for those who change their minds. The program of the conference includes visits to symbolic places of Anglicanism such as Lambeth Palace, the seat of the Primate of the Church of England, Dr Rowan Williams, who welcomed the participants, the visit to the shrine of St Albans, where the relics of St Alban, the first English martyr, are kept, and the meeting at Westminster Cathedral with the Catholic Archbishop, Msgr Vincent Nichols. The theme chosen for this year is “The Word of God and its Transforming Power”. Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement, gave an impassioned speech on the ecumenical spirituality of the Focolare Movement which came to life through living the Word. She recalled how the Focolare spirituality was born in a dark shelter, when Chiara Lubich and her first companions would read the Gospel by candlelight during the bombings of the Second World War.
“In these times, the dark shelter can represent the world with all its challenges and its search for meaning,” explains Maria Voice. “The Truth is replaced by other truths, and what prevails is economic interest; the family seems to have no significance in the scheme of things. The dark shelter challenges us to have nothing but the Gospel. This is where we can start to re-evangelize ourselves and consequently humanity which surrounds us.” “We can start off by living the Word, moment by moment, and sharing our experiences, the fruits of living this life.” Even Martin Luther wrote: “The soul can do without anything, except the Word of God.” And, at this delicate time of transition,” Maria Voce says, “as we pass from the period of foundation of the Focolare Movement to the period of renewal and development, we need to go back to the basics, keeping in mind that the explosion of life within the Focolare came about through people living the Gospel”. It was in this way that communities centred on the Word were born, that the spirituality of communion was born, and the commitment to live the Word has even paved the way for ecumenical dialogue at all levels. “The faithful embracing of the one Gospel – written in the joint declaration “Road towards Communion” drawn up by the Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation – is an essential step towards full unity.” The unity to be pursued is not only between Christians of different churches “but also,” adds Maria Voice, “by widening the dialogue to people of other religions and by embracing those of other convictions.” From our correspondent Aurelius Molè [nggallery id=68]
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London: Meeting of Bishops of various Churches, friends of the Focolare
In the face of the difficulties in western society, and also in other parts of the world, the bishops of various churches, friends of the Focolare Movement, upon the invitation of Cardinal Miloslav Vlk, Archbishop Emeritus of Prague, will reflect on their mission and will interrogate themselves on the impact of their pastoral work in transmitting the Gospel message. They will focus on the light and strength that emerges from the Word of God, which is the origin of the Church of Christ, in its various expressions, and which can give the Church, even today, a new vigour and illuminating power. Significant meetings are expected to take place with the Primate of the Church of England, Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, with the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Msgr Vincent Nichols, and with representatives of the Methodist Church and other ecclesial realities present in England. The keynote address of Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement, will be of particular relevance. She will underline the effects of living the Word, at the origin of the Movement, and on its spirituality that is purely ecumenical. The apex of the meeting is the “Pact of reciprocal love” that commits those present to place mutual love above all past divisions, in accordance with Jesus’ invitation to remain in his love and to love one another as he has done. On Friday 9 September, at the “Open Day” to which the Focolare Movement in Great Britain invites the Church leaders of the various churches, they will present the experience of fraternal communion lived by Bishops of various Christian churches, together with the prospect of an ever more profound and amicable unity amongst those responsible, in the spirit of the prayer of Jesus who asks for the unity of all.
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A new springtime for the United Kingdom
“I found the answers for my life.” “It’s a privilege to see how the charism of unity transforms people.” “Everyone was so easy-going.” It was certainly an unforgettable day in the history of the Focolare Movement in Great Britain. 500 people from England, Scotland, Wales, as well as a delegation from Ireland, gathered around Focolare President, Maria Voce, and co-President, Giancarlo Faletti, in the Quaker’s Friends House in Euston. Some participants travelled for up to 10 hours so as not to miss out on the opportunity. Lesley, an Anglican focolarina, in her introduction to a video documentary illustrating Chiara Lubich’s visit to the United Kingdom, described the shock that was experienced due to the recent riots in London neighbourhoods; she spoke of the disturbing events within the framework of a secularised culture, where the focus is only on self, leading to disastrous consequences. She then underlined how Great Britain contains the seeds of a different culture planted over 40 years ago, the roots of which penetrate profoundly through the message of Chiara Lubich who came to Liverpool in 1965. This was the first of eight visits and it left its mark in the history of the entire Focolare Movement. I twas Canon Bernard Pawley who had invited her to speak of the spirituality of unity in the Anglican Cathedral in order to move the mountains of incomprehension and to promote ecumenical dialogue. The program continued with testimonies shared by Eddie from Scotland, Lucy and David from Wales, and Ann from England. While their stories varied because of the different situations they lived in – ecumenical dialogue, interreligious dialogue, pastoral work with the elderly – they were profound and down to earth. A couple from Congo, now living in England, spoke about their adventure in fleeing from a war zone, the difficulty of settling in a new country, and how their life as a couple was resolved through the discovery of mutual love proposed by the Gospel. The climax of the afternoon’s program was the dialogue session with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti who answered many questions put to them by the participants, touching on some sore points. Above all, they wanted to know to give a new push to ecumenism. “Perhaps, here we need to launch into action,” Maria Voce said, and she invited everyone to re-awaken in their own church, like a mouth-watering desire, “to experience the gift that God had given to us to reach universal brotherhood.” Throughout their trips around the world, Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti have found that the ecumenical movement usually goes ahead despite the differences that might exist. They recounted positive experiences in the area of ecumenism in Budapest, Chicago, and even in Tanzania, where representatives of various churches have expressed gratitude towards the Focolare for its support and commitment. The other hot topic were the riots and violence which shook London and which spread to other cities of England. After years of hard work in order to build unity in the community, to some it seemed as if all was lost, as if the violence had cancelled out all the positive that had been achieved. How is it possible to have hope in this situation? “And yet I continue to have hope,” Maria Voce responds confidently, “In my view, violence signifies a great void, a great need for love; it’s the ultimate need to be taken into consideration while resorting to the wrong means.” These episodes are challenging, “but if we respond with love, we can create a greater good”. This has happened to “people who have reacted, and who got together to transmit positive signs”. Giancarlo Faletti comments, “Society has to ask itself which values and cultural models it is putting forward. We can bring our own values. It’s an invitation to stretch the limits in our giving.”
The questions seemed to go on forever. To the one relating to society’s negation of God, Maria Voce commented, “I have never found anybody who says they don’t want to be loved. God can only be given through love and we are called to live together this testimony which is for all people: for those belonging to the different religions and even for those who profess no belief in God. Those values that we deem valid can be offered to others to build the universal family.” Another important and relevant question dealt with the theme of sacrifice, the spirituality of unity’s concept of “knowing how to lose” which can have negative connotations in the Anglo-Saxon mentality. Maria Voce explains that in the Focolare spirituality “we speak of knowing how to lose, but we also speak of fulfilment. When you give something away, you lose it, but because you’ve shown love to somebody else, you are enriched. We give, but we also gain. It’s God’s arithmetic and God never lets us win in generosity.” The joy in the hall was tangible, so much so that Maria Voce wanted “the whole world to see this living cell of the Focolare in order to taste the fruits, the faithfulness and preciousness which has carried the whole Focolare Movement for over 40 years. The family of the Focolare family is alive through love, and through the presence of Jesus among us, we can take the love of God to the world.” Many gathered around Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti to greet them, to give them a hug, to have a photo taken with them. Here are some of their impressions: “It’s a new phase; the future is possible.” “The explanation of the meaning of personal sacrifice shed light on an incident which happened to me when I was young and which I never understood.” “At times I feel so pessimistic, but the optimism of Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti is catching!”; “It will be a new springtime.” from our correspondent Aurelio Molè [nggallery id=64] Press section: Focolare Information Service
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Youth meeting in London – a revolution which doesn’t pass
The view is breathtaking. From the fifth floor of the international headquarters of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), with a single glance one takes in the city of London’s financial district, with the Stock Exchange, the Bank of England and the distinctive “Gherkin” skyscraper. Looking from East to West, one can see the Dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, the masterpiece of architect Christopher Wren, and the “London Eye”, a giant ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames from which one can admire a spectacular panorama of the city, including the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the burial site of English monarchs, renowned for the celebration of Royal weddings. Yet it is not the view that strikes us, fascinating though it is, but the mix of ethnic cultures which composed the group of 85 young people, mostly Londoners, but also from other parts of Britain, who came together on the evening of Saturday, 3rd September, to discuss the theme “The Power of the Word” in the presence of Focolare President, Maria Voce, and co-president, Giancarlo Faletti. As the sun was setting on this warm day, its rays flooded the room lighting up the faces of the youth who, through games, songs and experiences, were able to amply discuss issues that were by no means simple or straightforward. The word referred to in the title of the meeting is the Word of God, which, Chris explains, “is capable of transforming our lives and the world itself”. The Gospel was proposed with courage and simplicity, without being watered down; the Word has generated life and light down the centuries, and it does so even today, in London, the city where riots recently erupted. The meeting exceeded all expectations, generating much interest and participation. “People seek the meaning of life and ask many questions,” says Joanna, a young English teacher, “but they don’t know where to get answers”. And Oliver adds, “It’s embarrassing at times to talk about religious matters with my friends because they’re so anti-religion.” But this is not so on the terrace of the CAFOD building. To hear these young people speak, and especially to see them so united, London can offer a hope for the future. There is depth, freshness and openness amongst this multi-ethnic group of young people who speak English in varying accents. “By reading the words of the Gospel in the morning and reciting prayers,” Ranjith says, “I am able to face my stressful job with more serenity and I’ve experienced a joy that I never knew before.” “Living the Gospel shaped my life without my even noticing it,” exclaims Carlos from Panama, “Some people criticise me because I give a lot of myself, but living the Gospel is not at all complicated. It is enough to love.” “I recently started a new job,” said Edel, a girl from Northern Ireland, “but I wasn’t happy. I started to live the art of loving, and after a few days the boss thanked me for being there.” Maria Voce freely shared some of her own experiences when as a young person she discovered that the words of the Gospel could be put into practice. It led her to change her life completely and she experienced joy, peace and freedom, even in difficult situations such as when she lived in Istanbul where the majority of the people were Muslims, and also in Lebanon during the war. “Living the Gospel,” she concluded, “not only changes your life, but sets in motion a revolution which was born 2000 years ago and which is not over yet. So many revolutions have taken place in history, but who remembers them? The Christian revolution is still alive because Jesus is alive, and his words are for everyone. We can embark on this wonderful adventure without fear or apprehension because Jesus is with us.” The young people then issued an invitation to the next Genfest to be held in Budapest on 2nd September 2012, and while sharing a pizza together on the balcony, they stuck several post it notes on the glass doors, some of which read: “I can always start again”, “Don’t be scared: you’re not alone” and “Think of the Gospel as a letter of love from God to you”. It is difficult to describe the joy, the warm atmosphere of unity amongst everyone and the desire to share with others the happiness experienced here. From our correspondent Aurelio Molè [nggallery id=63] Press section: Focolare Information Service
Living the Charism: Unity and Communications
An emblematic aspect of the Focolare Movement is communion, unity. This is the consequence of living the Word and sharing its effects. Chiara wrote: ‘There was a time when the Movement didn’t exist and then it did. We know what made it be born was the Holy Spirit, which worked in a very precise way. He put the first focolarine in an attitude of being able to take on, in a big way, I would say in a unique manner, the Gospel; He enlightened them through its Words and gave them the push to live them. ‘What was the effect? We know, unthinkable and marvellous: due to the Word lived radically, the Word taken seriously, a big community was quickly born, and spread rapidly throughout more than one hundred villages in the Trentino region: it was the Focolare Movement. These people used to ignore one another and then became family; Christians, previously indifferent to one another, became connected into one. Therefore the Word of God makes this miracle, can make this miracle: give life to a visible community’. “Unity” is the word which most distinguishes the Focolare Movement. Unity which is both communion and communication. Unity needs constant communication to keep up to date. The means of communication are also useful for unity. The 38 editions of the magazine ‘Citta Nuova’ which is published in 24 languages, together with other journals such as Gen’s – for those in priesthood, Unita e Carismi – for those in religious life, are helping to reach unity. As are the audiovisual productions made by the ‘Chiara Lubich Centres’. In 2000, Chiara Lubich addressed an assembly of communicators and offered them 4 ‘principles’ of communication: The first thought: ‘Communication is essential. The effort to live the Gospel in everyday life, the experience of the Word of Life, has always been indissolubly united with communicating it, describing the various steps and the results, since it is a law that we love others as ourselves. We believe that what is not communicated is lost. So life generates light, both for those speak and for those who listen, and it seems the experience is fixed in eternity. They have almost a vocation for communication. The second thought: ‘To communicate, we feel the need “to make ourselves one” as we say, with the one who is listening. So when we speak or address some topic, we do not stop at merely relating the content of our thoughts. First we feel the need to know we have before us, to know the listener or the audience, their needs, desires, problems. Likewise, we make ourselves known as well, explaining why we want to give this talk, what has led us to do it, its effects on ourselves, thereby creating a certain mutuality. In this way the message is received not only intellectually but is also shared in and taken to heart by all. A third thought: ‘Emphasize the positive. It has always been our way to put what is good into light, out of a conviction that it is infinitely more constructive to point out what is good, dwelling on the good and positive aspects, than to stop at the negative, even though whoever is in a position of responsibility has the duty at the proper moment to point out errors, shortcomings and failures. Finally: the person matters, not the media, which are merely an instrument. Bringing about unity first of all requires the indispensable means, which is the person, St. Paul’s new self, who has welcomed the mandate of Christ to be leaven, salt, light of the world.’
The Focolare Movement in the UK

(from left)Fr P. Foresi, Igino Giordani, Canon Bernard Pawley & Mrs Pawley, Chiara Lubich, Eli Folonari
In the 60s, when Beatlemania was taking Liverpool by storm, the Focolare Movement’s spirituality of unity was making inroads right there. It came about through Fr Green, a Benedictine monk, who asked Chiara Lubich and Fr Pasquale Foresi that the Focolare open a house in Liverpool. The Archbishop of Westminster, Msgr John Heenan, advised them to start off from this city where Catholics had reached 40% of the population, while in the rest of Great Britain they averaged 10%. “If you succeed in Liverpool, where it’s much easier, you’ll succeed everywhere else,” said the Archbishop.
And so it was that Mari Ponticaccia and Maria Egger became the first two Focolare members to establish themselves in England in November 1963. They rented a tiny apartment which was spartan in its furnishings. In fact, the only pieces of furniture were their suitcases! But little by little, things started to arrive and eventually they moved into a proper house. From its humble beginnings in Liverpool, the Focolare Movement spread to the rest of Great Britain.
However, even prior to this, contact had been made from overseas. Some of Chiara’s first companions, such as Eli Folonari, Valeria Ronchetti and Doriana Zamboni, had already been making trips to the UK from Belgium, Holland and France in order to meet with people who had got to know the Focolare. In 1961, by means of these personal relationships, the first group of people from England participated in a Mariapolis in Belgium. And turning over the photo-album, one notices that way back in 1959, at the Mariapolis of Fiera di Primierio (in the Italian Dolomites), there was already an English participant.
Once the Focolare was eventually established in Liverpool, Mari Ponticaccia found work as a teacher of French whilst Maria Egger worked in an old people’s home. In 1965, in that small apartment composed of just two rooms, Chiara Lubich came to visit. She was invited to speak in the Anglican Cathedral of Liverpool to 50 priests in an era when ecumenism was practically non-existent. The event raised eyebrows even more so because it was promoted by a woman.
The adventure that had begun had ecumenical characteristics and the Focolare community, right from the beginnings, presented itself composed of people belonging to different churches. They were small communities built on authentic personal relationships, true friendships, mutual love, and there were meetings and annual Mariapolis gatherings which gave them formation in the new spirituality.
In 1967, a Focolare centre was opened in the heart of London because a house was made available for a year. The Movement developed steadily, and by the late 70s there were Focolare centres established also in Scotland – in Glasgow in 1976 and in Edinburgh in 1982.
Chiara Lubich visited England eight times and she always regarded this country as having a leading role in ecumenical dialogue.
In 1977, quite unexpectedly, Chiara was awarded the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion at the Guildhall in London. There, Chiara shared her experience in front of various religious dignitaries and she had the profound sensation that all those present, even those of other faiths, were one family. The Focolare Movement subsequently embarked on promoting interreligious dialogue.
Chiara Lubich’s last trip to England was in 2004. She was welcomed warmly by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams. During every visit to England, in fact, she had the opportunity to meet with the Primate of the Church of England and to dialogue personally with ecumenical leaders and leaders of other faiths. This commitment to building universal brotherhood was also extended to the political arena. During her visit in 2004, Chiara met with a group of parliamentarians from both Houses.
Today, the Focolare Movement in the United Kingdom numbers 7,000 adherents, of which 1,700 belong to churches other than the Catholic Church.
Within this historical context we would like to mention Maria Voce’s first visit to England currently taking place. Maria Voce is the current President of the Focolare Movement and her program includes meeting with the local Focolare community in London on 3 September, and an “Open Day” with ecumenical and religious leaders.
By our correspondent Aurelio Molè
See also
From our archives – photos of Chiara Lubich in Great Britain
Below: Arrival of Maria Voce in London airport on 1 September 2011
[nggallery id=62]
Utrecht
From a Rebel to a Builder of Unity
I belong to the generation of “rebels”. I was raised in the Catholic faith without understanding or living it in a coherent way. From the time I was young, I questioned many things. Above all, it took a great effort to attend mass every Sunday. I found the solution: I gave up believing, but I continued to hold on to Jesus’ message of love as my point of reference.
I met M. Angels, my wife, and a long period of transformation began for the both of us. She is a believer and a member of the Focolare Movement. Actually, as time went by, I discovered that I had married an “activist” in the Movement.
We were immediately faced with the decision concerning the rite of matrimony. We married in the Church. Nevertheless, on my side, I didn’t give up any of my ideas. I not only accepted a religious ceremony, but I actively participated with great interest and respect.
The other important concerned the education of our children. Once again we followed a simple principle which has always worked well when it came to these difficult decisions: I told my wife “a Catholic education would be to our children’s advantage. It would make them sensitive, more complete, happier.” I said to my wife, “ You have the faith, I have emptiness.”
It wasn’t all as easy as it might seem. For example, I didn’t understand my wife’s enthusiasm about Focolare events. Was it a sect? I must admit that I was a bit jealous. Little by little, with effort from the both of us, we found our balance. I was a bit curious about the Movement and she found ways of discreetly telling me about it.
A significant event was when I attended a meeting. I recall the welcome I received and the atmosphere. I began to learn the spirituality of Chiara Lubich, which I tried to make match with my personal beliefs. One significant thing was how it led me to understand the word love in a new way. This word has lost its relevance in today’s world.
This was a spirituality that centres on the message of Jesus, in an explicit and radical way, and is concretised in the small events of everyday life. My interests in the spirituality grew, and also the desire to live it with my friends, acquaintances, colleagues at work and – in the most difficult setting – in my family.
One obstacle remained. It seemed to me that the Movement was reserved for Christian believers. I was truly surprised when I learnt that it also included persons who held no religious convictions, not only: I was even invited to be actively involved.
I’ve learnt to see my neighbour as a brother and to think and act accordingly. I’ve learnt that you don’t need to be a hero. I’ve experienced that it requires constant effort, but we are helped in this by a spirituality with a high communitarian component.
In recent years I’ve had the good fortune to direct a group of young musicians. It was fortunate, because being with them has given me the opportunity to share not only in their musical growth, but also their spiritual growth. This has required a lot of hard work and much patience in adapting myself to their requests, knowledge, age and their desire to play and live.
I now look back on my life as a trajectory that allowed me to grow on spiritual ground and to fill that emptiness that I seemed to carry with me, compared to my wife’s fullness of faith. This evolution has required me to move on from being a spectator to becoming an actor.
Jordi Illa
September 2011
“But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”
These are words of invitation that God addresses to you, and to all those who believe, to rejoice with him, to celebrate and to participate in his joy at the return of the sinner who was first lost and then found again. These words in the parable are addressed by the father to his elder son who shared fully in his life. When this elder son returns home from a hard day’s work, he refuses to enter his house where they are celebrating the return of his brother who had left them to squander his inheritance. The father goes out to his faithful son, just as he went out to his lost son, and tries to convince him to join them. The contrast between the father’s sentiments and those of his elder son is evident: on one side, the father with his immeasurable love and great joy that he wanted everyone to share; and, on the other, the son full of contempt and jealousy toward his brother whom he no longer recognizes as such. He refers to his younger brother, in fact, as “your son … who swallowed up your property with prostitutes” (Lk 15:30). The love of the father and his joy at the return of his prodigal son serve to emphasize still more the ill feelings felt by the other son who had remained with his father. These ill feelings reveal, however, a cold and — one could say — false relationship between this son and the father. We can deduce from the narrative that it is work and the fulfillment of his obligations that matter most to this son; he does not love his father as a son should. Rather, we feel that he obeys his father as a hired worker would obey his boss.
“But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”
With these words, Jesus points out a dangerous trap that you could fall into: that of a life lived for the sake of appearances, in search of personal perfection which can lead to judging others as less perfect than yourself. As a matter of fact, if you are “attached” to your own perfection, you concentrate on building yourself up to the point of being filled with self-admiration. You act like the son who remained at home, who enumerates his merits before his father: “Look, all these years I have served you, and not once did I disobey your orders” (Lk 15:29). <
strong>“But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”
With these words Jesus goes against the attitude of those who see their relationship with God as one based only on the observance of the commandments which is not enough. Jewish tradition is also very clear on this. In this parable Jesus puts the spotlight on divine Love illustrating the fact that God who is Love takes the first step without considering whether the person deserves it or not, but with the desire that the person be open to establishing an authentic relationship of communion. As one can imagine, the greatest obstacle to God who is Love is precisely the life of those who accumulate actions and deeds while God wants their hearts.
“But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”
With these words, Jesus invites you to extend the same measureless love that the Father has toward those who stray. Jesus calls you not to judge according to your own standards the love that the Father has for each and every person. In inviting his elder son to share his joy for the return of his long-lost son, the Father also asks from you a change of heart: you should welcome as brothers and sisters even those people for whom you nurture sentiments of superiority and even of scorn. This will work in you a true conversion because it will purge you of your conviction that you are “better.” It will save you from religious narrow-mindedness and allows you to welcome the salvation won by Jesus as a pure gift of God’s love. Chiara Lubich
Living the Charism: Wisdom and Study
In 1940, Chiara Lubich in a letter wrote a striking passage: ‘I am a person passing through this world. I have seen many beautiful and good things and I have always been attracted only by them. One day (one indefinable day). I saw a light. It seemed to me to be more beautiful than other beautiful things, and I followed it. I realised that it was the Truth.’ Her ambitions at the time, as a recently qualified teacher, were to go to the Catholic University in Milan. Her thinking was: ’It’s Catholic, they’ll speak about God there, they’ll teach me a lot about God’. There was an entrance test which resulted in funded places for 33 candidates. Chiara came 34th. She felt she had missed a great opportunity. “Between the tears, a voice rang clearly in her troubled heart: ‘I will be your teacher!” Her understanding of study lies in the answer Jesus gave. Later, in 1980, Chiara explains further: ‘Already in ’44 Jesus had asked me to leave my studies behind and put my books in the attic (…) Thirsting for truth, I saw the absurdity of looking for it in the study of philosophy when I could find it in Jesus, the Truth Incarnate. I left my studies to follow Jesus (…) There was, in that episode, a prelude of what would come to be in time the Focolare Movement. We saw a splendid light, but this in our soul, a fruit of our life (..) Following that choice which God asked of me, the light came to us in abundance. It gave light to the spirituality that God wanted from us, it shaped day by day the Movement as it developed. We called this light ‘wisdom’. (…) We understood that wisdom was fundamentally our new way of studying, the studying of the whole Movement (…) Having left studying behind in ’43-’44, by 1950 I felt it was necessary to pick up the books again and study theology. I felt a need to base all the intuitions of that period upon a solid foundation.’ Now the Movement has many places where the culture of unity is developed for example, the ‘Abba School’, which explores the doctrine that pours out from the ‘charism of unity’, and is at the source of many initiatives permeating various fields of thought and life; the Marian University which aims to provide basic theological courses for the members of the Movement; various schools and courses based on the specific aims of the Movement; through the publishing house Citta Nuova with numerous publications in many languages, and the cultural magazine Umanita Nuova, and finally in 2008, the Sophia University Institute based in Loppiano (Incisa V. – Florence).
Conclusion IV Jewish Christian Symposium
“…We had to wait for the appearance of three stars in the sky, the sign that Saturday had ended. Only then could we start. The appointment was in front of a large hotel in the centre of Buenos Aires, where some of the Jewish friends who came over from the United States, Europe and Israel were staying. After three hours travelling, we arrived at the Mariapoli Lia, in deep night.
“The first day of the Jewish-Christian symposium. The participants are around eighty from various parts of the world. The atmosphere is very high, with reciprocal listening, and friendly relationships. Several of us have met in previous symposiums, especially that of Jerusalem. The chosen theme is that of identity and dialogue, two realities that enter into each other: identity is the fruit of relationship. There are very profound presentations from the philosophical, anthropological, and psychological point of view, with names that are remembered: Martin Buber, Emmanuel Lévinas, Victor Frankl, Paul Ricoeur…”
“… I realise increasingly that interreligious dialogue cannot be improvised; preparation and refineness of soul are required. It is participation in the work of mediation done by Jesus between heaven and earth, and between the divisions of human beings. So as to fill every divergence and bring unity, he became that “nothing” of love that allowed unification without there being anymore any diaphragm.
“… If night in the Argentine Pampas is silent, with stars that shine mutely, the day is full of the singing of a thousand birds. Nature seems to participate in the feast among us in this symposium. We become aware of an increase compared to the previous three: a profound knowledge, more trust, and a love which is more sincere. It seems a dream. Today, next to the usual conferences, the dialogue meetings for different ambiance: the world of Justice, of communication, of education…
“… the strong affirmation of one’s identity can generate conflict. Only the reciprocal “non-being” in front of the other, as expression of love, makes “being” the other and makes one find oneself fully in the most profound religious identity: being love. Another intense day. It seems almost superfluous to speak of dialogue amongst us, so profound is the unity achieved. When the Rabbis speak one feels the wisdom of centuries.
“… I delivered my talk: the Crucified, Icon of Extreme Love. The greatest love, Jesus said, is that when one gives one’s life for one’s friends (Jn 15, 13). Thanks to this extreme love, every person becomes his friend. He gives his life also for those who are his enemies. It is the new view required to build universal brotherhood: see all as brothers and sisters for whom one is ready to give one’s life: see a friend in every person one contacts. Chiara Lubich has translated this extreme love of Jesus with a simple and demanding expression: “make oneself one” with the other, or rather understand him deeply, enter in his world, share his sentiments. It is the preamble for every dialogue. Chiara has applied this teaching of hers in the field of interreligious dialogue, placing herself in the disposition of listening to members of different religions, so as to understand them from within their culture.
“…the symposium was concluded at the seat of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, at Buenos Aires. There were present Jewish and Christian civil and religious dignitaries. It was thus highly represented. We part feeling called in person to accomplish a work of mediation between tendencies, positions and experiences that are sometimes contrasting in between themselves. The way- we have understood in these days – is to be only a presence of love, without any pretences, or judgements, being of service, until we become that “nothingness of love” that allows us to come together.”
From the diary of Fr Fabio Ciardi (OMI)
The new Schoolmates website is online
Schoolmates is a project conceived and implemented in 2002 by Teens for Unity, a branch of the Focolare Movement, in collaboration with Action for a United World and New Humanity, which involved hundreds of schools over the past ten year period. Its objective is to allow boys and girls of various countries to get in touch and to know each other, as the name suggests, from one part of the world to the other . The one who participates in it contributes afterwards, through various activities, to increase a solidarity fund which allows to distribute various scholarships every year. In the last 12 months 376 scholarships were given out in 25 nations. The revamp of the website www.school-mates.org aims at improving communication, participation and interaction among classes and groups which adhere to the three phases of the project. One begins by committing himself or herself to live the “Golden Rule” which invites to “ do to others what we would like them to do to us”, a rule which is present in the sacred books of many religions. The second phase allows students to get to know each other by connecting classes and groups of boys and girls of different countries through the website. The project wants to offer a possibility of knowing other cultures creating a dialogue in which the differences may be source of enrichment for one another. In this phase we find one of the novelties of the website: the possibility of managing their own space in the website, for those who will have completed all the three phases of the project. In it boys and girls will be able to introduce their classes or groups, making their own country known to others historically, geographically, culturally and sharing their experiences and witness of their commitment in living the Golden rule. If the class or the group wants to get into contact with other classes or groups, that will be made possible through a reserved area. The third phase is characterised by sharing: in fact the classes and groups which adhere to the project commit themselves to contribute to the solidarity fund in order to support, every year, some micro projects of solidarity. The objective is to allow boys and girls to be able to go to school and to complete secondary school or professional formation, by giving them scholarships. Among the novelties of the new website there is also a section dedicated to teachers, educators and tutors, in order to allow them to share materials and pedagogical experiences made in various Countries and schools of different order and grade.
Together for Mexico
Next Saturday 27th August 2011, the first meeting will be held of “Juntos por México”, (Together for Mexico), the fruit of many years of rapport woven with movements and associations. 500 leaders will be reunited representing around 8 million lay catholics in the whole country. A little history: in 2007, the assembly of the Episcopal Conference of Latin America (CELAM), reunited in Brazil, indicated an important stage for all the Latin American church, launching in the whole continent the so called “continental mission”. In answer to this challenge, in Mexico, a a start was made, by organizing the first meeting of all movements, at a national level. From the beginning, the event is seen as a festive meeting, that is at the same time, a witness to the lived Gospel, both on a personal level and in the various surroundings of society. At the end of 2009, a Central Commission was formed, currently composed of 8 movements together forming “The Episcopal Dimension for the Laity”. The group, that is the expression of over 30 of the main Mexican movements and associations, has worked actively to prepare the event with great enthusiasm and a spirit of communion.
The subject chosen for this first edition is the family, studying in particular three large themes: Formation, Sociality, and Communication. It will be followed by an open dialogue with the aim of defining concrete actions to be undertaken together. Moments for youths and Holy Mass presided by Mons. Javier Navarro, President of the “Laity Dimension” will conclude the works. Many see in this meeting the possibility that new avenues will be opened among the movements and new associations. This is a novelty in the Mexican church, that can, without doubt, blossom into a greater protagonism of the laity in the various surroundings of society. From our correspondents in Mexico
Argentina: XV Day for Peace
Around one hundred persons belonging to different Jewish communities in Argentina and the Focolare Movement, met, on the 15th August, to celebrate the XV Day of Peace, as is done every year in this month, at Mariapolis Lia, the little town of the Focolare in Argentina, situated 250 kms from Buenos Aires, deep in the Pampas. The initiative has the aim of strengthening the reciprocal commitment for Jewish–Christian dialogue in this country. Every year they share reflections, and most of all experiences, as well as the most awaited moment of all – meeting around the olive tree brought from Israel and planted in the citadel around 15 years ago. This tree has become the symbol of the friendship and commitment to building peace together, Jews and Christians. In a brief summary of the path followed in these years, the thrust given by Chiara Lubich was recalled when she spoke in 1998 at the seat of the International Jewish Institute B’nai B’rith. On that occasion Chiara underlined the common points existing in the spirituality of the Focolari and in the Jewish tradition.
Concurrently, around 180 youths participated in three round tables about tolerance, peace and freedom, and subsequently communicated to all the participants the conclusions and the commitments that were undertaken. Many messages of adherence were received for the occasion, amongst which that of encouragement and applause for the initiative from the archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who highlighted the work of the focolari in interreligious dialogue in all the world. This edition of the Day for Peace was characterised by its internationality, by the presence of the participants of the IV Jewish–Christian symposium, programmed for the 22nd-25th August, also at Cittadella Lia. In fact, participants were present from Israel, Switzerland, Italy, United States, Messico, Perù,Uruguay, apart from those who came from different cities in Argentina.