Page 108 – Movimento dei Focolari

Nairobi: Meeting of Bishop Friends of the Focolare

Jun 4, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

“An opportunity to live brotherhood among us bishops, to deepen relationships of true friendship: this is the reason for the meeting”. This is how Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mobasa, Kenya introduced the meeting. Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala, Uganda, echoed his words saying: “To rediscover our task at the service of society, let us try to understand together God’s design on us. During these days we can feel how much He calls us precisely to unity, which is the charism of Chiara Lubich.” The first thing the bishops did when they arrived at the Focolare little town “Piero”, was to make the commitment to practise “the art of Christian loving” among themselves in order to have the presence of the Risen One in their midst. “It will be the Risen Jesus who will enlighten and who will give us the gifts of the Spirit,” said Cardinal Miloslav Vlk, convenor of the meeting. This same lifestyle is shared by more than 1000 bishops throughout the world, which is inspired by the “spirituality of communion”. Bishop Salutaris Libena, auxilliary bishop of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, immediately affirms: “I’ve come to learn to serve, to love concretely. This is a way of life which fills the heart, which gives supernatural joy.” Bishop Salesius Mugambi, Bishop of Meru, Kenya remarks: “In a serene and joyful atmosphere, we reflected and delved more deeply into the spirituality of communion. We listened to updatings, shared joys and sorrows, but also enjoyed moments of relaxation.” These sentiments were shared by Archbishop Damiao Franklin of Luanda, Angola: “These were days spent in sincerity toward God and toward our brothers.” There were several moments for the sharing of experiences, both personal and pastoral, with a look at some of the challenges that the African continent must face: conflicts and violence, poverty, corruption; all challenges in which the members of the Movement are immersed, and which they want to respond to by living the spirituality of communion, which leads them to be workers of peace and unity in the environments in which they live. South African Bishop Patrick Mvemve of Klerksdorp, shared about his first contact with the Focolare during the period of the apartheid, as a young priest: “Having met two priests who truly lived the Gospel with facts, without giving a lot of speeches, I became curious. And so one day they spoke to me of Jesus crucified and abandoned. In that moment I was “healed” of my prejudices and became an apostle of unity. Another topic that was discussed was “the educational emergency”. The experiences of forming priests in the “spirituality of communion” was recognized by the bishops as “one of the valid contributions being made to the Church of today. At the conclusion of the meeting, the bishops wanted to formulate a “pact” of mutual love, declaring their desire to continue taking care of each other once they had returned to their diocese. Bishop Sithembele Sipuka of Umtata, South Africa, summarizes the experience they had: “I leave enthusiastic with a life programme. I pray the Holy Spirit will guide me to put it into practice in the daily reality of every day.” Meetings for Bishop Friends of the Focolare take place in various geographic locations around the world, which are inspired by the “spirituality of communion” proposed by John Paul II and practiced by the Focolare Movement since its began. Following the gathering in Kenya, similar events will take place in Madagascar and in Cameroon, in the Philippines, the Middle East and Europe. [nggallery id=49]

[:it]A Solingen, per non dimenticare e purificare la memoria[:de]Solinger Jugendliche: Nicht reden, handeln![:pt]Em Solingen, para não esquecer e purificar a memória

Jun 3, 2011 | Non categorizzato

This year, on this occasion, a group of young people decided to do something concrete for their city. Recently, they had taken part, in partnership with other youth groups of German and Italian schools, in a European project called “Heimat Europa” (Europe, Home to All). The project was begun in Germany in 2010 through the initiative of the German association Starkmacher, in collaboration with the Movement for Unity in Politics. It was a training course which lasted more than a year, where they worked and comparing their views on immigration in from the viewpoint of integration, the environment, the future of Europe, with particular reference to the development the Federal European Union which should be able to accomplish it. It was a compelling journey that left a mark in their hearts but also in their minds and, begun as a game, it gradually grew and became a true political experience. The Mayor of Solingen and other city authorities were enthusiastic about the project and immediately offered their support. Before the anniversary event even began, knowing that the memorial spot had to be cleaned, they offered to do it. In collaboration with their school, they got many other students involved. A working group assembled information on the tragedy of 1993 for the younger students. And, since the 20th of May occurred during “European Week”, they took the occasion to present the idea of Europe as home for all, including immigrants. The suggestions were many. After observing a minute of silence, a “tree of peace” was planted, and the young people present were invited to write on cards the values which they hold to be important (peace, brotherhood, unity, solidarity, responsibility …). Then the cards were symbolically placed in the hole in which the tree was planted. It was an apple tree. A young person: “The tree has many leaves, which symbolize Europe in its communion in diversity. The fruits, the apples, symbolize the new generations and new ideas.” And another: “The little apple stands for a great goal, peace in Europe but also in our city.” And what came out in the end, is something interior which confirms that “you can hope for a different world; the change depends on our personal sense of responsibility and our ability to work together.” “You could even become passionate about this kind of politics.”

Jews and Christians Desiring Unity

Jun 2, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

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

كلمة حياة شهر يونيو 2011

Jun 1, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

(ومُرْضي وكامل”. (رومية 12، 2

نقرأ هذه الآية في الجزء الثاني من رسالة القدّيس بولس إلى أهل رومية. فيها يصف القدّيس بولس سلوك الإنسان المسيحي على أنه تعبير عن الحياة الجديدة، والمحبّة الحقيقيّة، والفرح الحقيقي، والحرية الحقيقيّة التي وهبنا إياها المسيح. إنها الحياة المسيحيّة، إنه

طريقة جديدة تجعلنا، بنور وقوّة الروح القدس، نواجه الواجبات والمشاكل المختلفة التي قد تعترضنا. في هذه الآية، المرتبطة بشكل وثيق بالآية السابقة، يعلن الرسول عن الهدف والسلوك الأصيل اللذَيْن يجب أن تتّسم بهما كل تصرّفاتنا، وهما أن نجعل من حياتنا تمجيداً لله، وفعل محبّة دائم على مرّ الزمن، باحثين باستمرار عن إرادته وعمّا هو مرضي ومقبول لديه. ولا تتشبّهوا بهذا الدهر بل تغيّروا بتجديد عقولكم، لكي تميّزوا ما هو مشيئة الله، أي ما هو صالح ومُرْضي وكامل”. من المؤكّد أنه علينا أن نعرف قبل كل شيء ما هي إرادة الله، لنتمكّن من تحقيقها. ولكن القدّيس بولس لا يخفي علينا صعوبة هذا الأمر، إذ لا نستطيع أن نعرف جيّداً مشيئة الله من دون نور خاص يساعدنا على تمييز ما يريده منّا الرب في كل موقف، فنتجنّب الأوهام والأخطاء التي قد نقع فيها بسهولة. إنها موهبة من مواهب الروح القدس، تُدعى “التمييز”، والتي لا بدّ منها لبناء عقليّة مسيحيّة حقيقيّة عند كل واحد منّا. ولا تتشبّهوا بهذا الدهر بل تغيّروا بتجديد عقولكم، لكي تميّزوا ما هو مشيئة الله، أي ما هو صالح ومُرْضي وكامل”. ولكن ما العمل لإكتساب هذه الموهبة المهمّة إلى هذا الحد وتنميتها؟ مطلوب منّا من دون شك معرفة جيّدة للعقيدة المسيحيّة. ولكنّها وحدها لا تكفي؟ كما يقترح علينا الرسول بولس، إنها مسألة حياة وسخاء وإندفاع لعيْش كلمة يسوع، تاركين جانباً مخاوفنا وشكوكنا وحساباتنا الضيّقة. إنها مسألة إستعداد وإسراع في إتمام مشيئة الله. إنها الدرب التي تسمح لنا باكتساب نور الروح القدس وببناء العقليّة الجديدة التي تطلبها منّا هذه الآية. ولا تتشبّهوا بهذا الدهر بل تغيّروا بتجديد عقولكم، لكي تميّزوا ما هو مشيئة الله، أي ما هو صالح ومُرْضي وكامل”. كيف نعيش إذًا كلمة الحياة لهذا الشهر؟ فلنسعَ لنستحق نحن أيضاً النور اللازم لإتمام مشيئة الله علينا بطريقة جيّدة. ولنقترح على أنفسنا أن نتعمّق بمعرفة أفضل لإرادته علينا، كما تعبّر عنها كلمته وتعاليم الكنيسة وواجبات كلٍّ منا وإلتزاماتنا إلخ… ولكن، سنركّز أكثر من ذلك كله على طريقة العيْش، لأنه كما سبق وقلنا، من الحياة والحب يشعّ النور الحقيقي. فيسوع يتجلّى للإنسان الذي يحبّه إذ يعيش عمليّاً وصاياه (يو21,14). هكذا بإتمام مشيئة الله، سوف ننجح في أن نقدّم له أجمل هدية. هديّة مرضيّة لديه ليس فقط بسبب المحبّة التي تحملها، بل أيضاً بفضل النور وثمار تجدُّد الحياة المسيحيّة، التي سوف تولد من حولنا.

كيارا لوبيك (أغسطس 1993)

June 2011

Jun 1, 2011 | Non categorizzato, Word of

“Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” It is clear, of course, that in order to carry out the will of God we need to know it. Saint Paul infers, however, that is not always easy. It is not possible to fully grasp the will of God without a special insight to help us discern what God wants from us and avoid the illusions and errors that we could easily fall into. This particular gift of the Holy Spirit is called “discernment.” It is indispensable to us if we want to acquire an authentic Christian mentality. “Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” How can we acquire and allow this important gift to mature in us? Undoubtedly we need to know the tenets of our faith well. But that is not enough. Saint Paul affirms that it is above all a matter of living in a certain way, that is, it is a question of generosity, of determination in living the Scriptures, because it implies setting aside one’s fears, uncertainties and mediocrity. It is a question of availability and readiness to carry out the will of God. This is the way to acquire the light of the Holy Spirit and achieve the new mentality asked of us here. “Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” How then can we live this month’s word of life? By trying to merit that light that is so necessary for carrying out the will of God well. Let us resolve, then, to know his will as it is expressed in his Word, in the teachings of the Church, in the duties required by our state of life and so on. Let us remember, however, the great importance of living our faith. As we have just seen, true light comes from living as we should and from loving. Jesus manifests himself to those who love him by putting his commandments into practice (cf Jn 14:21). We will then be able to do the will of God and, by doing so, offer him the most beautiful gift we can. It will be pleasing to him not only because of the love that it expresses, but also because it will spread around us much light and a spirit of Christian renewal. Chiara Lubich

The Grain of Wheat Gang

May 31, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

Tininha Cavalcanti

Throughout the world, but especially in Brazil where it was born, we are celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Economy of Communion. A project, which, already at that time was called “an explosion”, by those who intuited the capacity it had of its being able to say something new in the field of economic action, putting the person and, perhaps most importantly, those in need at the center of the economy itself. You are Brazilian, from Recife, among the first to come into contact with the spirituality of Chiara. What were those special days like for you? “At that time I was one of Chiara’s secretaries and I joined her on her trip to Brazil. They were truly extraordinary days, long awaited ones. . . I remember our conversations with vera Araújo, Heleno Oliveira and others who were as passionate as I was, among the first group of those who came to know this new life here in Brazil – at a time when the hopes of resovling the social problems which were so overwhelming our country, seemed to be waning. . . We decided to form the “Grain of Wheat Gang” (referring to the grain of wheat in the Gospel that dies in order to bear fruit), prepared to give our lives one for the other, so that one day a powerful solution could be found through this Ideal that had fascinated us so. And the Economy of Communion was the precise answer, and it was like a large explosion in our hearts, reaching far beyond our expectations. How did you feel when Chiara left Brazil in 1991 and what did you do?

Tininha with Chiara Lubich

I had already been a month in Recife, immersed within a portion of humanity that was suffering and thirsting for justice. But now it was different! The very painful situation that I found there didn’t take away my peace. The answer I had been looking for had now been found, on that day when I encountered the ideal of unity in 1958! I wouldn’t know what more to say. Each contact in my native land was fruitful and filled with hope. And to my great joy, I realized that I was no longer the same. I felt like a piece of shrapnel from that explosion. I can only say that in that moment I saw that it was worth putting all my energy into it. And now we see the positive results in the EoC throughout the world, recognized as a project which is able to respond tot he strong inequalities in Brazil and beyond, and now it has also been welcomed into academic circles as well.”

Gen4 Congresses in Philippines!

May 30, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

This year saw important novelties in the Gen4 world. There were two major events for the Philippine Gen4. The first was in Cebu – a Philippine island surrounded by 167 smaller islands – where sixty-eight Gen4 gathered with Gen4 from other islands. The second was in Tagaytay near Manila, where the Focolare’s little town in Asia stands. Seventy-five Gen4 gathered together there for their conferences with Christian Heisendorff from the World Gen Center in Rome, Italy. There was great attention to the main topic: The Golden Thread of God’s Love in the Old Testament, from Abraham to Moses. And then the life of Chiara Lubich – from whom the Gen4 were also born – as a loving response to the will of God. A fascinating story: her “great adventure”, as Chiara herself described it to the Gen4 in 1988, when at the Holy House of Loreto she understood her calling. It was a luminous discovery for all the children present: Doing the will of God truly makes life an adventure! The games, skits, songs and, especially the modern and traditional dances – in this atmosphere of mutual love helped to create a beautiful atmosphere. The children no longer wanted to leave! The Gen4 came from families of diverse social backgrounds, some in very difficult situations – but we are truly a family and seeing their need urged our hearts to search for new ways to provide them with at least the necessities of life, through the adoption at a distance programme and other projects developed by the Focolare Movement. The words of the children: “I was happy during this congress. I learned many things. I learned to love.” “A child struck me. It hurt very much and I cried, but then the child apologized and so I accepted and forgave. I was no longer angry and we are already friends again.” “Jesus, thank you for letting me go to Tagaytay. Thank you also for the blessings you gave to us, for my new friends. Thank you for my family and friends. Thanks also for the girl who lent me her slippers. And even if the other one bothered me so much, I love her just the same. . .”. Gen4 Centre

Economy of Communion: the future is here

May 30, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

Economy for the Future. Seventeen youths from different parts of the world read their in their own languages, their message to the world, which they had written together – “From San Paolo to the World” – a real work plan.: “May the economy of 2031 be one of communion, for all of us”. It shows what they believe in, what the dare to hope for, but it is also the result of the journey they have already taken up together. The seventeen hundred attendees at the meeting “The Prophecy Makes History. Twenty Years For the Economy of Communion” listened with deep attention and interest to the convictions and requests made by the youths who have lost patience with the capitalistic reasonings. “We youths of San Paolo in May 2011, with our roots in May 1991, but more than ever responsible for the economy and the world in 2031, believe that the EoC came on earth in this Brazilian land twenty years ago, also to increase and make our hope come true.” Their openly-proclaimed ideality was the seal on the reflections of the experts and the testimonies of entrepreneurs that marked this meeting, which was the closing act of the assembly, with 650 participants from 37 countries during the previous four days. What a happy choice it was to hold this great appointment of the EoC in Brazil. The assembly took place within the framework of Mariapolis Ginetta, 50 kilometres south of San Paolo, precisely in the place where Chiara Lubich shared her intuitions for the first time, intuitions which grew and increased in her after having seen the sorrowful circle of favelas encircling the great skyscrapers of the great metropolises of San Paolo. Not less significant was the decision to link the gathering of 29 May in the Simon Bolivar Auditorium in the America Latina Memorial, a centre, which was the idea of the great architect Niemeyer. It is meant to favor closer relationships between the peoples of the continent, through art. The EoC has “the potential to change economic life from within, not only of the businesses, but also the families, the finance instituties, and economic politics,” pointed out Maria Voce, president of the Focolare, during her closing address. Remember to keep an underlying condition in mind: “The EoC will have new momentum if it sets its horizons on a united world and it will be able to move the hearts, actions, and enthusiasm of those who are drawn to bet their lives on great ideals.” Then she had no doubt that “a new season of creativity will come, one in which everyone of you will be a protagonist in this great appointment with history.

Luigino Bruni

In support of these passages the entrepreneur, Albert Ferrucci reviewed the fruitful work of the assembly; Rubens Ricupero, rector of the FAAPI University of San Paolo, listed the challenges and the hopes for the economy; the sociologist Vera Araujo brought out the foundations of the culture of giving, and the economist Stefano Zamagni spoke of the EoC as a “renaissance” for the global society. “We came to Brazil to understand Chiara’s inspiration again,” pointed out Luigino Bruni, coordinator of the international commission of the EoC. Listing the various proposals, he pointed out that “today there is a need for a jump into the future, a surge in each and everyone is we want to look with hope to 2031,” because “the EoC cures poverty and transforms persons, but now it is necessary to also change the economic institutions.”

Reversing the dominant formulation which puts the centre on capital, Bruni reminded everyone that “the primary and fundamental factor in any business or economy is the human person, and their creativity, their passion to make a difference.” Finally, “the EoC was born and is born each day from a charism: also for this reason there exists a profound link between the EoC and youths: the charisms and the youth have in common their hope, and their faith in the future, the great projects and ideals”. The new generations of the EoC are the precious fruit of these first twenty years, but also the guarantee for walking ahead with quick step into the future. Paolo Lòriga

Hungary- a home for everyone

May 29, 2011 | Non categorizzato

“What do you expect from the Focolare community in Hungary?” a Hungarian focolarina asked Chiara Lubich in 1985. The Focolare founder answered: “42 years ago there was nothing, or perhaps only one person who had this Ideal. Now we are spread all around the world. And so what do I expect from you? That the Movement, now present among a certain number of people and with a certain development, may spread through every city and town; that it may contribute to the renewal of the Church and of the whole society with its various instruments and movements in religious and social fields; and that it may, along with Our Lady’s other inventions, render the Immaculate Heart of Mary triumphant”. Who knows what Chiara would say today on seeing the development that has taken place on Hungarian soil since 1985. “We must give thanks to God because you are doing amazing work”, the current President Maria Voce stated at a gathering of the Hungarian Focolare family in Budapest on 28^th May. The meeting was a chance to share experiences about activities in every field. The event took place in a former Russian army barracks and some of the 650 participants remarked that this seemed symbolic of the force within the Charism of Unity to transform society. The programme started with an original reconstruction of Chiara’s trip to Budapest in 1961- her first visit to the then eastern bloc. She was deeply struck by the effect that the regime was having on the country and its people. Whilst this made Chiara suffer, the impression that “Our Lady was at work” was just as strong. The presentation that Hungary’s local communities gave at Saturday’s event demonstrated that this was not a mere impression. Hungarians prove to be a proud population, with a well defined identity. At the same time they are looking for a balance between nationalism and openness on a universal level between a deep desire for freedom and the ability to take on responsibility. Maria Voce’s wish for them was that they may manage to “overcome their mistrust of other populations” which often impedes reciprocity. “It is right to affirm national identity but it must create a symphony of nations”, the president underlined, “The challenge is to realise Hungary’s talents, offer them as a gift, welcome those of other populations and learn more and more how to collaborate”. Maria Voce went on to underline that every member of the Movement is called to do their part: The Volunteers, for example, have an innate vocation to transform humanity, conscious that, “doing our small part where we are, contributes to bringing ahead the Kingdom of God all around the world”. Those involved in New Humanity are called on to “bear witness to the Gospel in an often heroic way, without letting themselves be crushed by certain situations but transforming them with love. As Chiara said in a mediation, ‘What do we do when we have loved a lot? Love even more’.” The families in the Movement are called on to respond to the many difficulties that undermine solidity with “an ever greater and ever renewed love, with an openness without limits, finding the roots of this love in God”. The children asked the president where they can find God and were happy to hear that one of the places we find Him is in others. The teenagers shared that they risk marginalisation because they don’t conform to the flock and they left the meeting feeling fortified because “Jesus also felt misunderstood by everyone. Don’t worry about this, worry about what God wants. The simple fact that you manage to bring ahead your idea is an example and a provocation to others”, said Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti in encouragement.

Maria Voce's meeting with the Hungarian young people

The major youth event that will take place on 1^st and 2^nd of September 2012 and that the Focolare Movement’s young people chose to hold in Budapest was an inevitable topic. Both the previous day at an intimate meeting with 70 Gen and once again at the big meeting-hall on Saturday, the young people wanted to know what expectations people have for the important event. “It must be a celebration that will give great joy to those of us who prepare it and to those who come to participate. You must bear witness to the fact that there is nothing greater than a Gospel revolution- the only revolution capable of changing our lives. It’s a great opportunity, an example of what Hungary is able to give. You have lots of work ahead to prepare a ‘home’ for young people from all over the world. I can’t wait for this event”. Aurora Nicosia [nggallery id=46] [nggallery id=47]

Trip to Hungary – May 2011

May 29, 2011 | Non categorizzato

The essence of the family

May 28, 2011 | Non categorizzato

At the opening, in the foreground: Blessed John Paul II whose pontificate gave “priority attention to the family.” Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, pointed out in his speech that “for the Pope of the new evangelization, the family, that small domestic church, was not just a saying. It signified an actual implementation of the real and specific Church. In fact, the spouses – as is written in Familiaris Consortio “not only relive the love of Christ and become a community of the saved, but they are also called to pass on to others the same love of Christ and become a saving community “(FC 49). In the afternoon, the long-awaited meeting with the president of the Focolare, Maria Voce, who forged with the more than one thousand participants from all over the world, a profound dialogue, expressing her joy at being with families who offer themselves as instruments of unity in the environments in which they live. The testimonies highlighted how faith in Love can transform and illuminate daily life, and be a support and guiding force in difficulties: illness, separation, and widowhood. In collaboration with the youth section of the Focolare Movement, two moments were devoted to bringing up children. Topics related to educating were discussed in work groups: educating for a sober lifestyle, emotional education, and the use of media in relation to different age groups. A significant amount of space was dedicated to young families. Many followed the program via internet from various listening stations around the world, during which time there were discussions about affectivity, communication, and spirituality. Messages of support arrived from: Canada, Venezuela, Israel, El Salvador, Brazil, etc. “Infinite thanks for this concrete love which allowed us to take part in the congress via internet,” they write from Panama, “re-affirming the value of the family and the faith that Jesus helps us to construct it. Society gives the idea that the family is out of style – but today, listening to you, we feel that the family is so modern and relevant.” “You’ve illuminated every aspect of our married life,” they write from Slovenia. “Living the spirituality of the Gospel brings us to the fulfillment of our happiness and freshens the love that we want to bring to as many families as we can.”

New entrepreneurship: from the street to the market

May 28, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

It is not situated in the main passageway used by the 650 people attending the Economy of Communion Assembly, but it is the most visited stand during work breaks. They sell women’s handbags, jackets, and women’s clothing. They are a mix of quality and modern design, with charming touches of originality, as is the source of raw materials: truck tarpaulins, scraps of leather, and old jeans – all environmentally friendly materials. But the striking thing about the business is the boys and girls, all of them minors except for a few who have recently become adults. They all come from difficult backgrounds. The product’s brand name “Dall Strada” (“From the Street”), is quite a good choice for the entrepreneurial project which opened in the Spartaco industrial park, five kilometres from Mariapolis Ginetta. Knowing the origins, it seems more like a challenge than a business production, but watching some ten young teenage boys and girls at work and hearing what motivates them, makes you understand the good results in production, which hold promise for the future of the business. The young workers come mostly from one of the poorest quarters, the Jardin Margaarida barrio, in Vargem Grande Paulista, 30 kilometres south of São Paolo. “This is more than a business. We help each other, because this is a group project, but tehre’s also a family atmosphere. We begin each day with the Word of Life which helps us to overcome the difficulties.” Divani is an eighteen year-old, who reached here after a year of professional training and a stay in the Northeast, in Recife, in the mother-business which began the Economy of Communion. Behind the business lies the meekness and determination of João Bosco Lima de Santana, an entrepreneur who went to Italy to specialize in producing handbags and then returned to the country to set up an acivity for profit. But something inside was urging him to do something greater. As a child, he had come to know the spirituality of the Focolare and was struck by the proposal of Chiara Lubich to “die for ones own people”. His life then went took another direction. But when he met Father Renato and his Home for Minors, which welcomes teens and children who live in the streets, it consolidated one of his desires: “To use my life and skills to provide youths with a profession.Work training is a form of development, and we’ve seen that living love for a great cause is capable of renewing things, ideas, and people who come from the streets.” From what he sees each day, João Bosco is able to credibly affirm that “here in the business, they are given the first place.” It is a paradox for entrepreneurial logic, but it bears fruit. A request arrived from the Ivory Coast to be trained in this production activity and to begin it there. And through the Youth for a United World, through the Equiverso Cooperative, handbags have begun to be imported in Italy. Tiny multi-nationals of the EoC are growing. By Paolo Lòriga

Hungary is bursting with vitality

May 27, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

The Hungarian leg of Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti’s Eastern European tour has brought them to the heart of a local community bursting with vitality. The first appointment on their busy schedule was a meeting with priests who know the Movement. Many of them are responsible for the diffusion of the Focolare in the area and their meeting with the president and co-president was a chance to share their countless experiences. Some told about their commitment to rebuild the Church; others about their service as parish priests, seminary directors and vicar generals; others about their role at university or diocesan levels or their simple, everyday relationships with people, building a sense of community and attracting young people and those without religious convictions. As well as concrete experiences they shared about the life of communion that sustains and nurtures everything. Next step: a meeting with the delegates of the various branches that make up the Focolare Movement in Hungary. The families spoke about their wide-ranging work with newly-wed and engaged couples, with divorced people and with families of all ages. The delegates of New Humanity- who coordinate the Focolare Movement’s work in the social arena- spoke about activities in the fields of economics, politics, health, education and sport. Lay people and priests told about renewal underway in parishes throughout the country’s 13 dioceses. The meeting was enriched by an open dialogue touching on many aspects. One of the concerns addressed was the balance between a local and universal dimension. “The ideal to fulfil Jesus’ last testament- ‘That all may be one’- was born in the small town of Trent and went on to assume a global dimension”, Maria Voce recalled, “This means that looking after smaller details is a school of love that opens our horizons. Opening our horizons to universal brotherhood does not mean, therefore, that we shouldn’t take care of the smaller details”. And later Voce underlined the other face of the coin: “We feel pushed to go beyond our boundaries. We can’t lose interest in the Movement’s big family spread throughout the world- let’s try to stayed linked with all means possible.” A Gen 2 girl asked a question about spiritual input, giving the president a chance to speak about one of the legacies that Chiara Lubich wished to leave her followers: “Leave the Gospel and only the Gospel to those who follow you”. All the other things are instruments that help us put that Gospel into practice and render it a concrete reality, Maria Voce explained but “the most important thing is to live the Word of God. We must always ask ourselves: ‘How Jesus would live?’”. Both during the meeting with the movement’s delegates and at the gathering the following day with the men and women focolarini who live in Hungary, questions arose about how to improve interpersonal relationships- an important subject for those who live a collective spirituality. An ever greater love became the leitmotif of the meetings: a love that demands our all; a love that’s free from perfectionism or the desire to reach a certain result; a love capable of going beyond differences between men and women, between big and small, between people with different roles; a love that generates, that puts your life at stake to the point of ‘allowing Jesus to live in you’. “I have been created as a gift for who is beside me and who is beside me has been created as a gift of God for me”, Chiara Lubich often repeated with conviction. Maria Voce underlined this to all present, reminding them of the model that always inspired Chiara: “The family of Nazareth or, even greater, the life of the Trinity”. This is the highest of relationships, the upmost love- a bold but inimitable model. From our correspondent Aurora Nicosia

Cardinal Scherer: “Speak out loudly about the Economy of Communion”

May 27, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

Streaming: http://live.focolare.org/EdC2011/ Flickr Photo Gallery

“Speak! Speak out loud! Have courage to speak about the Economy of Communion, even to the important economists of the world. Maybe they won’t give you credit right away, but since this project is tried and true, it will affirm itself in time.” The Archbishop of São Paulo, Cardinal Odilo Scherer couldn’t have expressed it in better terms to give encouragement to all participants of the International Assembly of the EoC, taking place in Mariapolis Ginetta, 50 kilometers outside the Brazilian metropolis. “I wanted to come here,” he confided to the 650 participants, representing 37 countries, “to get a feel for how this meeting is going, to see you all and to say something to motivate you and to encourage the work of this initiative.” He explained right away, saying, “Yours in an event that proposes something new for society. It isn’t new for you, because you’re involved in it, but for the wide public it is new.” one of the most listened to public figures in all of Latin America, and is increasingly recognized at a global level as well. He does not doubt the presence of a widespread question and the research underway. “Certainly, many people are interested in knowing what the expression ‘Economy of Communion’ means, what good it can bring to our times, for the economies of our countries, for our society, what it can say to help resolve the economic crisis that persists in many places.” He has no doubts about the foundation of the EoC. “I see that the EoC’s proposal is fully in line with what the Social Doctrine of the Church has been proposing for economy for some time.” He explains, “This proposal, elaborated at the beginning by the focolarini, gives a concrete experience that says that this is possible, that the issue of Social Doctrine of the Church is not utopian, not unfeasible, but can be translated into reality. That is why your experience, which is now present in many places, must be shared with society.” These are the considerations that led him to make his pre-emptory invitation: “Speak! Speak out loud!” The EoC certainly offers the possibility of a different way out of the world’s economic problems”, because “the economic system based on the binomial of socialism-capitalism will not bring about an economic solution, even more so if one considers population growth, diminishing natural resources, the development of scientific discoveries and technologies applied to production.” In fact, he commented that “If no new economic orientation emerges, one that is directed towards communion and solidarity, we – as Pope Benedict XVI warned in his encyclical ‘Caritas in Veritate’ – we’ll be walking decisively towards a disaster because the world does not offer goods in inexhaustible amounts. Wealth, if not shared, generates conflicts.” The core of his message seemed to be that, faced with a decidedly problematic picture, “the proposal of the Economy of Communion can certainly offer light for the economies of all the nations. This begins from something small, from the economy of families, from the economy of small local groups that, brought together, can truly give beginning to a great change. And that with the passing of time – maybe not in our time – it will bring a true transformation, even in the economy of the world.” In addition, the Cardinal recognizes that the EoC “is a proposal of the globalization of solidarity, as John Paul II called for many times and that the Church currently continues to call. The globalization of solidarity indicates a journey of solutions to problems, of the poverty of our time, and which also accounts for the environmental risks of an economy that does not consider the factor of solidarity or communion.” Referring to his eminent departure for Rome for a meeting of the Vatican’s Commission for New Evangelization, instituted recently, the Cardinal announced that he foresees in the EoC “a significantly suitable instrument for the new evangelization in the economic sphere.” The words of Cardinal Scherer, aside from instilling in the participants from all over the world a greater awareness of their task, also invested them with greater responsibility. “This is why I am very happy to greet you, to give stimulation, to encourage you. Keep going with much faith, with much hope in this journey, sharing these experiences throughout the world, until it can product an ever wider effect.” By correspondent Paolo Lòriga

The beginnings of the Economy of Communion

May 27, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

Chiara Lubich wrote in her diary:

“The “crown of thorns” is what Cardinal Arns (then Archbishop) of São Paulo calls the girdle of poverty and misery stretching around this city of skyscrapers. It is one of the main problems of the developing countries and one of the greatest problems of the world. Even though we feelwe can do very little about it, God, our Father can find an answer if we have faith in Him as his children. Nothing is impossible to God. This must be our hope and our prayer. The city of São Paulo, in 1900 was a small village. What was once a forest of trees has become a forest of skyscrapers. Wealth owned by a few can achieve such great things and at the same time continue to exploit others. Why is potential like this not used to resolve Brazil’s enormous problems? It’s because when brotherly love is missing, selfishness and calculation take over. We must apply ourselves until goodness re-asserts itself, as I hope – no, as I am sure, it will”. On May 29, 1991, at a meeting of 650 or so entrepreneurs, workers and youth from all over Brazil, at the little Focolare town of Araceli (since renamed Ginetta) Chiara launched an idea which had begun to take shape in her mind. “We should see businesses starting up here whose profits would be freely shared with the same aim as the early Christian communities. Above all to help those in need, creating jobs and ensuring that no-one is left in poverty. Some of the profits could be used to develop the businesses as well as the infrastructure of the little town which has the task of helping to shape a new way of thinking, ‘new men and women’. Unless there is a new way of thinking, there will be no new society! We should involve as many people as possible as shareholders no matter how small the investment. Young people should organize activities to raise capital and become shareholders in this venture to build an industrial park here. Here in Brazil with this great wound of division between rich and poor, a small town like this with an industrial dimension, would be a beacon of light, of hope”.

Hungary, Cradle of the Volunteers of God

May 27, 2011 | Non categorizzato

‘God! God! God! Ring out this ineffable name, source of all rights, justice and freedom, in Parliaments, in town squares, in houses and in offices!’ Wishing to answer this heartfelt plea contained in Pius XII’s radio message on 10 September 1956, which had been provoked by the repression in Hungary, Chiara Lubich wrote a letter that was to become the ‘founding charter’ for a new vocation in the Focolare Movement: the ‘volunteers of God’. Men and women, committed to bringing God, with their own lives, into society, into all the places where they are active. ‘There has come to be,’ Chiara wrote on 15 January 1957, ‘a society capable of excluding the name of God… taking the love of God from human hearts. There must be a society capable of putting Him back in His place. (…) ‘May there be those who hallow Him with all their strength and who gather together with those who feel the very same call to form a bloc under the orders of that Eternal Word which no one can ever cancel from the earth. ‘There need to be people who follow Jesus exactly as he wants to be followed: denying themselves and taking up their cross. People who believe in this weapon: the cross, more powerful than the most powerful of bombs because the cross is a breach in the soul by which God can enter into hearts … Creating a bloc of people of every age or condition, linked by the strongest bond that exists: that mutual love left to us by the dying God become human as his last will and testament … Mutual love that forges Christians into a divine unity … which alone can oppose the unity that comes from selfish interests, from reasons of this earth, from hatred. ‘Mutual love which means: practical action, giving all our love to our brothers and sisters out of love for God. ‘In summary, there need to be disciples of Jesus, genuine disciples in the world not just in the religious houses. Disciples who voluntarily follow Him, motivated only by an illuminated love towards Him, in this hour of darkness… ‘An army of volunteers, because love is free….‘There needs to be … the building of a new society, renewed by the Good News, where justice and virtue shine out with love….(…)‘A society that bears witness to a single name: God.’

Kenya: A Meeting of the Bishop Friends of the Focolare

May 26, 2011 | Non categorizzato

From May 23 to 28 a large meeting of Bishop Friends of the Focolare took place at Mariapolis Piero, the “little city” of witness of the Focolare Movement in Kenya. The 21 Bishops came from South Africa, Angola, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Kenya. Their desire was to “Rediscover God’s Plan in the Present Time”. The meeting was rich in its theological reflections and its updatings on the present situation of the Church. There was a presentation of concrete experiences of Gospel life. Interspersed throughout the event were times set aside for meditation, celebrations, and prayers in common. For a number of years, in the various geographical areas of the African continent, meetings of Bishops have taken place. These meetings have taken their inspiration from the “spirituality of communion” proposed by recent Popes and highlighted by the experience of the Focolare Movement. As a followup to the meeting in Kenya, two additional meetings will take place, one at Moramanga (Madagascar) and the other at Bamenda/Fontem (Cameroon).

Economy of Communion: starting again from Brazil

May 26, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

Live streaming: http://live.focolare.org/EdC2011/

Luigino Bruni outlines the history of the Economy of Communion

It was here, fifty years ago, and fifty kilometres from San Paolo, in the auditorium of the Ginetta Calliari Mariapolis, that Chiara Lubich felt strongly urged by the Holy Spirit to share her intuition: the charism of unity had something to offer in contributing to the renewal of an apparently unbreakable international economic and production system. Six-hundred-fifty people (many of them young people) came to Brazil from 37 countries. They represent 800 businesses involved in the EoC, from eight industiral parks around the world, scholars and students from the economic fields invovled in scientific research and cultural development. There was already much joy and gratitude at the opening of the assembly – 25 to 28 May – for these two decades of moving ahead, but also much emotion when they returned to the words of the founder of the Focolare, which, when they were first spoken, had the “effect of a ‘bomb’ in the field of economics.” The president of the Focolare, Maria Voce, recalled these words in a video message that does not dwell however on the logs of the comemorations and celebrations. “We must recognize that the EoC project still has to succeed,” she reminded everyone, congratulating the organizers for their choice of a detail, revealing however the underlying approach: “It seems very significant to me that in the festivity logs, you desired to make the date of 2031 appear indicating a future that we can only imagine and will be defined thanks to the contributions that you will continue to give. ” The president, Maria Voce, stated the challenges of the EoC, which has the “potential to transform from within the economic experience not only of companies, but of families, financial institutions, and economic policies.” But we must bear in mind one basic condition: “The EoC will have momentum if it has the united world as its horizon and it will be capable of moving the hearts, the actions, and the enthusiasm of those who need to bet their lives on great ideals.” “I wish you a new season of creativity in which each one of you will be protagonists, and we will respond to our great appointment with history.” Luigino Bruni, coordinator of the international commission of the EoC also spoke about history, as he opened the proceedings of the assembly, underscoring the prophetic task of Chiara in the economic field. He focused on four words in his speech: festivity, for the twenty years of the EoC; responsibility, for its task during this period of crisis; memory, so as not to forget the founding questions asked by Chiara in this very hall in 1991; hope, in the power of the project entrusted to them and in the new generations of entrepreneurs and researchers of the EoC.

Alberto Ferrucci

Historical reference was made by entrepreneur Alberto Ferrucci, who has been in the EoC since day one. He recalled the organized way in which Chiara and her companions at the beginning in Trent, met the needs of the poor of that city, connecting to this the “secular vocation to holiness” of those who supported the EoC, those who sold small properties; offered their few savings to help buy land for the production sites; those who left good jobs and their cities to bring to life Chiara’s inspired intuition. This all involved heroism which later allowed Benedict XVI to mention the EoC in his first social encyclical. Ferrucci delivered a challenge to the assembly: “We must develop theories based on the paradigm of this new economy, which able to show industrial and production plants and businesses that implement these principles, and schools and universities that offer training in them.” By Paolo Lòriga

In Prague: Priests in communion

May 26, 2011 | Non categorizzato

“ “We are few priests in the Czech Republic and it nearly impossible for two of us to live togerher, but when the priest who had married my parents became old I suggested that he come and live with me so that I could take care of him. The presence of an elderly person had an influence on the architecture of the vicarage and the church, in order to be more adapted to his needs. Shortly afterward he had a stroke and was in need of even more care. But if I had to say what was the most beautiful experience of my priesthood, it wouldn’t be so much the number of persons I saw convert, as much as this deep sharing of life.” “After ten years of hard work as a priest I suffered a nervous breakdown. Then I was offered the possibility of living with one of my confreres. This was my salvation. I was able to continue helping in the parish and, little by little, I regained myself.” These are two of the testimonies that were offered during a group meeting for priests affliated with the Focolare Movement, on 24 May, during the conclusion of Maria Voce’s visit to Prague. Life is not easy for priests in the Czech Republic. In a land which is 25% Catholic and 14 % practicing Catholics the number of priests is also very low and they normally have to care for more than one parish at the same time. The priests gathered at the Mariapolis Centre, most of whom have been living the spirituality of comunion since Communist times, never fail to underscore how sharing the joys and sufferings, fatigue and successes of their confreres was such a source of strength for them, even their salvation, as some remarked. We do not fail to mention the Nuncio of Prague Archbishop Diego Causero, who visited and greeted the group: “I thank the priests who spoke. Two things pleased me in particular: the willingness to live with an elderly priest and the fervour with which you shared your life. Many of us are lacking this fervour; maybe we know many things, but we need to be passionate. This still happens among the focolarini and it gives energy, creativity, and provides an expansive force. The focolarini played an important role during the Communist years: I hope they will have that same force again now, because the Czech people are in need of leaders with a wealth of humanity, a capacity to enter into relationship. Let’s get working! The discussion with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti involved various topics such as: the novelty of the collective spirituality which the charism of unity brings; involvement in the local church; the inner-workings of the Movement; youth vocations. One priest asked: “In lands with a higher standard of living the number of vocation drops; vice versa, in places that are less rich, there are more vocations. Do you think there is a spiritual or social motivation for this?” “There are certainly social reasons, because in places where you find more economic opportunity, there are more distractions that can suffocate the voice of God. I don’t believe that there are less vocations, because God continues to call; but there are certainly fewer positive responses. However, even though youths are able to have all kinds of experiences, at times, it is precisely because of such experiences that they feel even deeper disatisfaction. Everything can be an occasion for God to make us feel something more. So I think that the spirtual side needs to receive more attention than the social side. Let’s be occupied with showing a powerful spirituality and that we are happy. The contribution of priests turns out to be a determinant factor in the field of youth: it’s natural that they should be the reference point for youths. And great attention is being given by the Church to the new generations, everywhere in this country. There are active “Youth Centres” in the new diocese of the Republic, where a priest lives and works full-time, a family, and some youths. These are spiritual centres for organised groups and for travelers, the baptized, the unbaptized, and non-believers. Some three-thousand Czech youths will attend the upcoming WYD in Madrid. (They are) a hope or the Church and for the country. By Aurora Nicosia