Focolare Movement
Prevention of Abuse
Media Area
Contacts
Silvana Veronesi in Argentina

Silvana Veronesi in Argentina

May 11, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

Silvana with Gustavo Clariá (Focolare Website)

What were your impressions of Argentinean society? I found myself in a continent where Christianity is very much alive; it’s the cultural root of this population. The Eucharistic celebrations, for example, were well attended and full of young people; Sunday is respected even on a civil level. Argentina is so vast that you could consider it a continent in itself; a young and new continent! There is a certain openness and freedom that facilitate the understanding of the Spirituality of Unity born from Chiara’s charism. We know that you’ve been often invited to Argentina by the numerous Focolare Communities there…

Mariapolis Lia

Yes, that’s true. The Focolare Movement in Argentina is widespread; each vocation within the Work of Mary is well developed and witness is given in various environments. For example in the little town “Mariapolis Lia”- which is in a certain sense the heart of the Movement in the so called ‘Southern Cone’ of America- many young people leave everything for a year to “have an experience”, as they themselves say. They spend a year there to receive formation in a ‘new life’ based on the Gospel. Whilst these young people are predominantly South American, there are also boys and girls from Europe and other parts of the world. The seriousness with which they take on this commitment is extremely admirable. Chiara Lubich underlined the central role of young people as one of the characteristics of Argentina’s Focolare little town. I visited the whole little town and I met the focolarini men and women, the schools for young people and the local Focolare community. I was struck by the relationships of unity and the harmony among everyone. The stamp of reciprocal love left by Lia Brunet and Vittorio Sabbione- pioneers of the movement in Argentina- is truly visible. Chiara, during her historical visit in 1998, underlined this reciprocal love as a characteristic of the little town. I can truly say that I experienced the spiritual presence of Our Lady. I spoke about her in a talk I gave to the whole community, describing how she manifested herself in the story of our movement as a model for living the Will of God. I also visited the “Solidaridad” Enterprise Centre where some businesses inspired by the Economy of Communion can be found. Theses businesses are still small but they are pure and coherent with Gospel values that assure them of a promising future. The ‘hidden associate’- as they themselves call Divine Providence- accompanies them and intervenes faithfully. You spent Easter in Argentina…! I spent it at the Mariapolis Centre in Jose C. Paz, near Buenos Aires. They were intense days of deep spirituality spent with the focolarine women. There were about 90 of them including those who are married. At a certain stage the focolarini men and all the members from the local Focolare community came: there were about 400 people in all. When I was with them I felt an inner push to underline how, at the dawn of the movement, along with Chiara, we understood the realities of Jesus in the Midst and Jesus Forsaken. I was moved by the love and gratitude that they expressed in so many ways and was really touched by the harmony that reigns between them all. Of course this can always improve and grow but I think Chiara from Heaven is happy.

Silvana Veronesi in Argentina

Ottmaring – Ecumenical Focolare Little Town

May 10, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

Ottmaring, where dialogue is vital
Today there are 140 inhabitants. 40 years of experience in dialogue, between Lutherans and Catholics of different nationalities, in the Citadel of the Focolare Movement, and the initiatives for the Week of Unity.
When she referred to ecumenical dialogue, Chiara Lubich used to talk of dialogue of life, of the people. Anyway, about something that is not born only from theological reflection, but from rubbing against each other, from visiting each other every day, and that during the trials of life puts into practice the teachings of the Gospel, common to all Christians, regarding the love of our neighbour; a love that knows no ecclesial confines of any type. Referring to the general consent that is born in such a context, Chiara Lubich had said: “We know how in history other ecumenical undertakings have failed, because this consent was missing, it is essential to unity.” When the Focolare Movement began to expand in Germany, the contacts with members other churches were immediate. And later, when it appeared possible to even build a citadel on the model of Loppiano, in Italy, but inhabited by Lutherans and Catholics, the idea seemed the answer to a dream that of living together a life based on Christian love. In 1968 this idea took concrete form at Ottmaring, in the vicinity of Ausburg. The citadel comprises 30 constructions and a centre for spirituality at the service of the many visitors that come to ascertain on the spot this original ecumenical living together. Characteristic of the life in the ecumenical centre is the unity in Christ and the ecclesial diversity of the members living in a spirit of reconciliation. Around 140 inhabitants live at Ottmaring; they belong to the Focolare Movement and the Fraternity of Communitarian Life (Bruderschaft  von gemeinsamen Leben) that has its origins in the evangelical world. In both groups there are youths, adults, families and communities. All come from profoundly diverse experiences of faith and ecclesial traditions. There are also numerous nationalities represented, a diversity that is enriching.  
Silvana Veronesi in Argentina

Msgr Stanislaw Dziwisz: Chiara and John Paul II

May 10, 2011 | Non categorizzato

14th March 2009 was Chiara Lubich’s first anniversary. With a live event entitled “With Chiara – a dialogue that continues” people around the globe retraced the steps of her life. One of the most significant experiences shared at the event was that of Mons. Dziwisz, who closely accompanied John Paul II. He was ordained priest by Wojtyla in 1963 and was by his side as secretary for 40 years. He is now Cardinal of Krakow, a role once held by his friend Karol. The following is a transcript of what he said in the video-taped interview.

Video: Interview with Msgr Stanislao Dziwis (Italian soundtrack)

Mons. Stanislaw Dziwisz, Cardinal of Krakow: The Holy Father first met the focolarini here in Poland, also in this house; they used to come even in a hidden way. The Pope tried to read the signs of the times, and he saw that Chiara read them in the same way, the reading of the Church and also of the world. He always had great respect for her, also when speaking privately, and I saw a great understanding between them, spiritual understanding and also commitment to the Church. And a great unity grew between these two people. Few words were necessary, they understood each other very well. I think that the Holy Father found in her, and also in the Focolare Movement, the confirmation of all that he thought, how he saw the Church; its openness toward the world, also toward other Christians and the non-Christian religions. Chiara would come to the holy Father with her close collaborators, not only officially, but also privately, for so-called working lunches. They were family-like dinners, there was absolutely no formality, just like in a family. The Pope, as we know, had an artistic spirit, I think that Chiara also had that same spirit. They had this in common too. The Pope gave great importance to lay people because not everyone understood the importance of the Movements in the life of the Church – also of women. He would speak of the genius of women. Chiara was this genius of women. It’s incredible that she was able to do what I think the Holy Spirit did through her. Chiara did not give philosophical talks, but simple talks that were full of love, and this attracted people. Many people pray through Servants of God and obtain graces. I can confirm the same. I think the same thing happens for the focolarini, that when they have some problem, they ask or they seek inspiration through Chiara. Perhaps they also ask for her help, also for her protection, and maybe now it is even more effective than before. We will see this in the future. I think that the two of them are looking down on us, they follow us, they help us.

Silvana Veronesi in Argentina

Onward to Russia

May 10, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

Liliana Cosi

In the 1960’s Liliana Cosi was a young ballerina at the beginning of her career. This interview retraces the steps of that period in Moscow.

“An Italian swan conquered the USSR”, was how an Italian newspaper headlined after your debut in Moscow back in 1965. What was the story behind this headline?

I was in Moscow for my second year of apprenticeship at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy as part the historical cultural exchange between Milan’s La Scala and Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. My Ballet Mistress, Irina Tichomirnova, decided to teach me the role of prima ballerina for Swan Lake. It was a very new and very challenging experience for me. Ms. Tichomirnova was very demanding- she literally sculpted each of my movements, each of my gestures – but I was up for it!

As we draw closer to the debut (I think she was more nervous than I) she said to me, “Now forget everything I’ve told you and dance with your Italian soul!” Then in the changing room, a few minutes before going on stage, she took my head in her hands and made three signs of the cross on my forehead… she didn’t know that I was Christian; I didn’t have any outward signs.

Liliana Cosi and Rudolph Nureyev

I had just met Chiara’s Ideal and it had taught me that love of God was something to be lived out, not put on display. The next day the Soviet newspaper Isvietzia reviewed the performance and described my dancing as full of ‘spirituality’, an expression that had never before been used in that newspaper! That debut was the beginning of my career.

Did you go to Moscow alone?

Liliana with Valeria Ronchetti

No. Other than the small group of Italian ballerinas who lived in the Bolscioi School Residence and of whom I was group leader, there was also Vale: Valeria Ronchetti one of Chiara’s first companions who had come to Moscow to accompany me. It’s difficult to describe how important those months were for me: a phase of radical change of mentality that influenced (and continues to influence) my whole professional, spiritual and human life. Something that perhaps sums up that period is one of the things Vale said to me: “You don’t have to dance for Jesus; it has to be Jesus in you who dances”.

Did you go back to Russia afterwards?

I was invited back often by the Soviet government: right up until 1989 I went on tour not only around Russia but also in the various capitals of the Soviet Union. I did over 130 shows there and, as a jury member, I took part in three international ballet competitions in Moscow.

 

What did you take away from the experience in Russia?

From a strictly professional point of view it gave me a lot. At the time there were many dance masters and artists at a very high level. Right up until today they are models for me when I teach and coach at our dance school and ballet company. As a life experience it taught me that you can live the Gospel anywhere and that this Gospel based lifestyle fascinates even those who don’t know anything about it.

Silvana Veronesi in Argentina

United World Week 2011: weighing up visible change

May 9, 2011 | Non categorizzato

And yet it was much more than a simple series of events around the globe: the thousands of young people from the most varied of cultures and traditions who took part in the week’s activities and projects were a visible demonstration of that united world that YPUW World (Young People for a United) live for. Even though taking an overview of each of the week’s events would be like going on a fascinating trip around the world, it would be too long to fit into one article! For now we’ll just take a quick glace at some of the activities. We’ll start from the Middle-East, a zone that’s experiencing a historical moment of change initiated by young people. The video that the YPUW from Egypt prepared (using the same title as the Meeting in Rome that kick started United World Week) was full of meaning: “Make visible change”. (link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYr664g4b6g&feature=player_embedded#at=63) The YPUW from Lebanon held an ‘interreligious movie night’, a sports day, an ecological project and a social development day. The social arena was also a focus point in Latin America. In Cuba, for example, the YPUW visited children who live in a shantytown in Havana that sprouted up under one of the city’s bridges. In Guatemala, a series of events coloured each day of World Unity Week in a different shade: Giving, Being the first to love, Dying for your People, Forgiveness, Ecology, Weaving Relationships were the various titles of the 6 days of events. Our last stop in Latin America brings us to Rosario, Argentina where two groups of 25 young people did a variety of mimes- on the footpaths at traffic lights- about building a united world! In various countries events were held for Japan in the light of the country’s natural disaster last month. In Los Angels a “Hike a thon” was held to raise funds for the population of Fukushima. In Florence there was a dance marathon and the main square of Frascati (Rome) was livened up by an open workshop on Japanese culture. In Goa, India, a day was dedicated to Chiara Luce Badano. The local YPUW presented the life of this young member of the Focolare- who was beatified on 25th September last- through songs, choreographies, traditional Indian dance, experiences and videos. In Chiara Luce’s home town of Sassello, with 1200 young people present and others following via internet, United World Week had its official closure. A musical called ‘Living the dream’ was preformed by a group of young people from Genoa: fruit of an exciting workshop with Gen Rosso. The musical was inspired by the life of two boys from Genoa who are also on the road to beatification: Alberto Michelotti and Carlo Grisolia. Then there was a special tour of the Badano house with Chiara Luce’s parents Ruggero and Maria Teresa. The replay of the event is available on: http://media.focolare.org/ClSMU2011.wmv. To top the day off there was an exciting announcement: Genfest 2012 will take place on 1st and 2nd of September in Budapest. Watch this space for further news on this! Detailed articles on World Unity Week can be found in Italian and Spanish on the blog: www.mondounito.net.

Silvana Veronesi in Argentina

Cardinal Wojtyla and the Focolare Movement in Poland

May 5, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide

(from left) Anna Fratta and Barbara Schejbal with Pope John Paul II

“I remember our first meeting in the ‘70s with the then Cardinal Wojtyla when we went to introduce ourselves to him. The Focolare movement was just beginning in Poland. I was struck by his humanity, his capacity to listen, his respect for each person; we were immediately put at ease. He listened to us with great interest, rapt in deep silence. We intuited that he was struck by the greatness of the charism at the base of the Movement. He encouraged us to go ahead: “You have the grace to bring ahead the Movement, the charism was given to you; you do not need to be guided by a priest. We could ruin everything. Act, live and then let me know how you’re getting on…” To fully understand the significance of these words we must bear in mind that in Poland at the time everything was led by the institutional Church, there was always a priest at the head of every Christian group. And this trust was never lacking. He accompanied us with great esteem, respect and love.” Our last meeting with him, in September 1978, shortly before his election to the Pontificate, is still vivid in my memory. He came to visit us late one evening, just after a meeting we had had in a convent with some families. Poland was still under communist regime and we were forced to move with great caution and secret. The Cardinal was visibly tired but he wanted to be among us. He was struck by the atmosphere and by the experiences that some couples told. At a certain point he said, “You have put the human person with all his dignity at the centre. Your charism is deep rooted in the Gospel. The Holy Spirit’s work here is tangible…” Before his election to Pontificate, Karol Wojtyla only knew Chiara through her writings. As soon as he became Pope he wanted to meet her. I was visiting Rome in that period and I received a phone call from the Pope’s secretary Stanislaw Dziwisc who I knew very well. He told me that the Holy Father wanted to invite Chiara and I to his mass the next day at 7. Chiara, Eli Folonari and I left very early in the morning. As you can imagine we were very excited. When we arrived we saw that the platforms for the Conclave were still in place and so we had to take a longer path to get to the Pope’s apartment. That mass in the Pope’s private chapel is still vivid in my soul. There was such a special atmosphere of recollection, a presence of God. Along with the Pope, don Stanislaw and the three of us there were only 2 or 3 Polish sisters. After Mass the Holy Father greeted Chiara. I still remember with what high regard and great love he addressed her. He asked if he could have a map showing the different places where the Movement was present: “So that I can know where to lean on!” he said. It was the beginning of a special friendship, of an ever stronger unity between two people called on by God to do great works, two people to whom God gave two gifts for the Church and for all of humanity”. By Anna Fratta