[:it]Messaggio di Maria Voce a Nichiko Niwano e alla Risshō Kōsei Kai
[:it]Giappone/5 [:de]Japan/5: Solidarität und Freundschaft mit der Rissho Kosei kai
Maria Voce in the USA
Here in Luminosa, the Focolare town for North America, the welcome was second to none. For the visit of Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti it was as if the unusually long winter had been prearranged, so that the snow on the ground would enhance the appearance of the buildings surrounded by woods and grassy banks. While the two important guests were visiting the offices of Living City and New City Press, a group of agile deer passed by just 10 meters away from the surprised visitors. “It never happened before’, the residents exclaimed. “Its the presence of the media” was the thought of others.
After Montreal, the president of the Focolare had arrived in Luminosa, the first step of her ‘discovery’ of the USA after a day’s journey by car, which included the usual border procedures of digital photos and electronic fingerprints. It is the first time that the President and the Co-President visit the USA. Their arrival in the Focolare town – located in the Hyde Park area, two hours by car from New York, where President Roosevelt used to spend Christmas – was met by scenes of celebration. At the entrance to the town, a colorful banner festooned with balloons began the festive welcome, below the US flag of stars and stripes and the focolare flag, a big golden star on a blue background, designed by Chiara when she was here in 1990.
The focolare founder, Chiara Lubich, had visited the town in 1990 and 1997, a sign of her closeness and participation in a project which was dear to her heart for this immense and important nation. Chiara’s first inspiration for this project goes back to October 1984. The search began for the most suitable location, and fund raising started, sustained by the generosity of many and by the arrival of Providence. At first some land in Pennsylvania was considered, then in other areas, until the discovery of this place. That was in May 1985, but it took six months for the contract to be signed, because the local authorities were initially not in favour of it.
The inauguration was on September 14, 1986, even though Chiara, at the last moment, could not come because of her health. But her absence added prophetic value to the message she sent for the occasion. “It will have its own beauty and its own vocation,” she said, and at the same time asked, “Will it be ecumenical and will people from other religions take part?” “Everything makes us think so, because above all it must represent these people, and just as the Americans knew how to put together people and ethnic groups coming from different countries and different continents, so the little town in the USA will be an exemplary model of the unity of peoples, the social aspect of what Jesus prayed for, “That All May Be One.”
Twenty five years later, the 33 hectares contain 22 buildings, an outdoor swimming pool and a sports field. There are 50 residents from different parts of the world, and during the summer many people come to live the experience of a cosmopolitan fraternity. There are houses for families, youth, priests, religious sisters side by side with the focolare houses. At the centre of the town is the church dedicated to Our Lady of the Light. The various halls have meeting space for 500 people, be they youth, families, or bishops. A lake and a little stream complete the landscape, which is home to a variety of animals, including friendly squirrels.
In this setting, Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti met for two days with those responsible for the Movement in Canada, USA, the Dominican Republic and Oceania. Then on Tuesday March 29th a retreat began, for 260 men and women from the focolares all over North America.
From our correspondent Paolo Loriga
Italy/2: A people born from the Gospel
“You are a people born from the Gospel, Chiara was born from the Word; she was that ‘Here I am’ of Mary; ‘Let it be done’ coloured her life. She let herself be led by God, the humble and willing key for penetrating the Gospel”. These were the words of the Archbishop of Cosenza, a town in the southern Italian region of Calabria, at a mass celebrated for Chiara’s third anniversary.
The region of Calabria paid homage to the Focolare Movement’s founder in 10 of its cities including Aiello, the hometown of the current Focolare President, Maria Voce. The Bishop of Vibo commented: “Chiara is a living Gospel, she penetrated its core: The New Commandment. She is a marriage between humanity and spirituality”.
In Teramo, Abruzzo, the provincial and town councils dedicated a garden to Chiara. At the conclusion of the event Bishop Mons. Michele Seccia celebrated mass in the city’s cathedral.
The southern Italian town of Foggia in Puglia wanted to dedicate two important events to Chiara. “With the naming of a kindergarten and a park after Chiara the city found a way to remember this important figure in the course of time”, underlined the Councillor for Public Education Morlino, “Lubich left an immense legacy of values based on love of neighbour and respect for each person.”
In Bari, another city in Puglia, an event for reflection on women’s dignity and mission, reviewing the female status throughout the centuries right up until John Paul II’s Encyclical Mulieris Dignitatem. The climax of the meeting was the viewing of a video where Chiara outlines the birth and development of the Marian Profile in the Church alongside the Petrine Profile.
Amongst the many and varied initiatives throughout Italy was the 4th “City of Benevento Fraternity Award” organised by the local Focolare communities of Campania, Puglia, Basilicata and Albania, by the City Administration, by the “La Pace” (“Peace”) centre and Focus Association, sponsored by the President of the Republic, the President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic and by UNESCO. There were various Forums in the program where people of various confessions, religions and cultures engaged in exchange on different topics including: “Dialogue and Fraternity: Chiara Lubich’s Legacy”.
Inauguration of the "Chiara Lubich School"
From South to North: On the 3rd June 2002 Chiara received an honorary citizenship in the North Italian province of Cuneo, Piemonte. This year a kindergarten in Bandito, one of the region’s most densely populated districts was named after her. To mark the occasion, a convention entitled “A city for brotherhood” was held in the school. “Chiara lives together with us” were the words with which the local mayor Bruna Sibille opened the festivities.
The last of this report’s list of events is the concert entitled “Festival of peace and brotherhood, a homage to Chiara Lubich” organised by the Cities for Brotherhood Association, by the town councils of Rocca di Papa and Castelgandolfo (Rome). There were 160 performers and assistants from three U.S. states and from four choirs from Rome and the near by area of Castelli Romani. The mayor of Castelgandolfo Maurizio Colacchi was present at the event along with Mayor of Rocca di Papa who reflected: “I ask myself, does Chiara need our tribute? It is perhaps we who still need a gift from Chiara and so I turn to her in asking that the social foundation of Brotherhood may develop more and more”
Ciudad de México
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Trentino
Amazonia: School of formation for young workers in politics
A group of well informed young people came together on a Saturday morning to discuss politics. 
This could seem a run of the mill event but it happened on Saturday 12th March, in Manaus, oneof the most important cities in North Brazil, the working capital of the Amazon State, on the River Amazon. This area has natural riches as well as a wealth of folklore, and is the starting point for the fabulous world of the Brazilian Amazonian region.
At 9am the ‘Hehoch Reis Forum’ held the opening lesson of the second cycle of the ‘Escola Civita’, a different way of giving formation held biannually and promoted by the Movement for Unity in Politics. This course is for young people aged between 19 and 29 to help them gain a better understanding of citizenship and an informed approach towards public life.
The students do not hold strong religious views or political interests. One student, Itagicara 
Jacauna, explains why this course is important to them: “This chance for formation gives the chance to get to know and understand local politics better” another student, Vitor Kaleb, “we want to understand the future political plans for the new generations and I really hope there will be a big change on what is currently happening”.
Ten teachers representing different topics, 4 tutors and 20 students: this is the make up the new learning community that started in Manaus. Amongst the teachers there were also some politicians, such as the State Member Jose Ricardo and Ambassador Socorro Guedes.
At this event apart from the national president of the Movement for Unity in Politics, Sergio Previdi, there was Bishop Mario, the vice rector of the Federal Amazonian University, Hedinaldo Lima, politicians, professionals, and some ex students from the previous cycle of the ‘Escola Civita’ ( begun in 2007, with a total of 25 students).
The ‘Escola Civita’ in Manaus is one of the 11 held in 10 Brazilian States, there are more than 100 participants. The programme includes formation modules, local action projects and seminars. Themes centred on the actual socio-political situation in Brazil and the geo-political position in Latin America are the focus for discussion. The course runs with weekly sessions in the Federal Amazonian University in Adrianopolis.
This school run by the Movement for Unity in Politics also happens in other nations (Argentina, Korea and Italy). In each place the socio-political-cultural context is respected but there is one common objective: to deepen and practise a politics as service of unity for humanity.
Youth for a United World Meeting
The annual meeting of the Youth for a United World (Y4UW) is eagerly awaited. Some days ago, a group of Y4UW met in Loppiano, 
International Movement Little City, near Florence, to prepare the program jointly.
It is a process that began in December 2010, and has been carried on with the Y4UW of various parts of the world via email or messages on social networks in a lively exchange of proposals so that this meeting would be the result of a communion of life and of different views.
Make visible change: after having explored “many ways for a United World” discussed last year, this time the main topic will unfold in three central themes: “today’s protagonists of a culture of brotherhood and peace,” “looking for authentic relationships,” “building bridges …”.
On April 29, the 14th edition of the “United World Week” will be open with a live video streaming (via Internet) where in the Genfest 2012 will be launched together with a range of initiatives to concretize daily the youth’s commitment for brotherhood. An inflamed message of Chiara Lubich will unite in one heart young people from all latitudes.
The Meeting will end on May 1st with the participation of the Youth for a United World in the beatification of John Paul II.
For info and reservations: sgmu@focolare.org
Focolare Medellin
Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Centro Mariapolis “Alegria”
Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Cundinamarca
Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Chocó
Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Atlántico
Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Nariño
Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Santander
Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Huila
Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Valle
Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.
Noumea
Focolare Oslo
Visit to North America
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The Focolare Movement’s president Maria Voce and co-president Giancarlo Faletti, pay an official month-long visit to North America. They will meet the various Focolare communities and friends of the Movement in different cities throughout three nations. |
| Recent posts on Maria Voce’s visit to North America | |
Program
- March 19-20, Toronto: Weekend of dialogue and celebration with Focolare members from all over Canada, and a solemn Mass celebrated by Bishop William McGrattan, marking the 3rd anniversary of Chiara Lubich’s death
- marzo – “Luminosa”, NY: Incontro con i giovani
- March 21-24, Montreal: Meeting with Canadian bishops. Evening of 23:with the community of Montreal
- April 2 Poughkeepsie, NY: Encounter with U.S. Focolare members
- April 3, New York: Solemn Mass of thanksgiving celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
- April 5, New York: Cultural event at Fordham University, with four panels: “The Spirituality of Unity—a Gift for Our Times”; “The Economy of Communion”; “Personal Fulfillment in a Communitarian Spirituality”; and “Love of Neighbor and the Law”
- April 7, Washington, D.C.: “E pluribus unum”, a program open to the public featuring a multiethnic, multireligious community coming together as one people in the service of unity, at Caldwell Hall, Catholic University of America
- April9 – Chicago Youth Event: Presentation on Chiara Luce Badano
- April 10, Chicago: Interreligious meeting
- April 11, Chicago: Evening theological presentation at DePaul University
- April 16, Santo Domingo: Celebrations with the Focolare communities in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
Chiara in New York 1964/65
From the Focolare archives: video clip showing Chiara Lubich’s first visits to New York (28 March-2 April 1964 and 22 April 1965)
Footage: Eli Folonari
Musical soundtrack: Gen Rosso.
Duration: 3′ 12″
Chiara Lubich’s first trip to the North America. Extract from diary
Direct link with Japan/4
Nichiko Niwano with Maria Voce
Dear friends in Religions for Peace International and international religious communities,
On behalf of Religions for Peace/WCRP Japan, I would like to offer my heartfelt expression of gratitude for your messages of condolence, concern, and support in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake we have experienced in Japan. The prayers, the sharing of our hardships and suffering, and the expressions of solidarity that have been generously offered by the religious leaders belonging to the international network of Religions for Peace are a source of great encouragement for us. I am truly grateful for these strong ties of friendship, which offer further proof that everything exists in a state of interrelation and codependence as part of one great source of life, and for that I am all the more profoundly grateful.
We still do not have a complete picture of the damage and loss of life, and the situation remains perilous, but Religions for Peace/WCRP Japan will continue to make every possible effort to offer relief to the victims. I have already called upon all members of Religions for Peace/WCRP Japan to contribute to emergency assistance efforts, and our religious youth leaders are now collecting relief funds in public places across the country.
I am inspired and encouraged by the world’s religious leaders, who have shown the way to overcome every kind of challenge, including armed conflicts and natural disasters. As the people of Japan work to overcome the recent tragedy, I humbly ask that you will continue to offer your insights and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Nichiko Niwano
President of the Buddhist Movement Risshō Kōsei Kai / Chairman, Religions for Peace/WCRP Japan
Chiara – New York 1964/65
Farewell to Canada, the land of generosity
Even those from Quebec were in no hurry to leave. They had 250 kilometres to go, it was getting late, and the temperature was already below zero. From Ottawa too, they still had 150 kilometres to travel; those from Montreal, of course, were on home ground. Broad smiles, excited conversations, little groups of people exchanging confidences, bursts of laughter, flashes of light from cameras eager to capture this unforgettable moment: that says it all.
Over three hundred people had grasped what a one-off occasion with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti this was to be. Among them were those who had met the very first focolarini to visit Montreal some 40 years ago, returning to meet the successor of the founder Chiara Lubich, in order to revive a bond that had never really been broken. Here on March 23, the warm and generous people of the province of Quebec gave of their very best.
Ten year-old Stephanie, with her long dark hair and slightly Asian look, had the honour of asking the first of ten questions prepared for Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti. She made everyone laugh with her direct and slightly mischievous question: “Chiara was the first to live the spirituality of unity, and brought the movement to life. She was an obvious choice as president. What did you do to become president after her?” Maria Voce, obviously amused, replied to the youngster directly in French.
Before answering the next question, Maria Voce explained that because of the need to translate the session for videos that would go all over the world, she would have to speak in Italian. Everyone approved, but without realising it she began to speak in French again. This drew gales of laughter, and she stopped for a moment, smiled, and decided not to switch continually from one language to another. To everyone’s delight, she chose French.
Their joy was complete when at the end of the evening the president gave her assessment of the visit. “I am grateful to God who enabled me to make this journey to Canada. He was the one who suggested it to me.” She went on, “In this country there is an acceptance, a generosity, a welcome for a whole variety of people who arrive in great need. I can imagine the difficulties, but you demonstrate how they are overcome.”
Looking around the hall, Maria Voce added, “Your testimony is enormous. You have become a real family, of people from different cultures and ethnic origins. This is your most important gift to the Movement. Canada is a place where unity can be experienced, and as with a trampoline you can launch it elsewhere.”
This observation was also, at the same time, a challenge. “Carry on as you are, in the joy of having received this great gift from God, and offer it to others.” The loud applause indicated general approval and helped to hide the tears of emotion of many. No one wanted to leave, and not a few were heard to say, “Please ask Maria and Giancarlo to come back, often.”
Paolo Lòriga
Direct from Japan/3
© Centro Santa Chiara
On 11th March at 2:46pm I was preparing break time snacks in the kindergarten where I work. When I felt the earth shake beneath me I gathered the children straight away and we took cover, waiting for the quake to end. Even though I’m used to earthquakes I started to feel frightened when the tremors didn’t cease. In this circumstance we all felt the desire to help each other face any possible outcome together.
It was evening when parents arrived to pick up their children. Many of them had been forced to come by foot and cried tears of joy when they saw their children safe and sound. When all the children had left for home I breathed a sigh of relief and turned on the kindergarten’s T.V. to watch the news. It was then that I heard about the tsunami. Amongst the areas hit was my home town Miyako.
For six days I tried calling my family without any response. The more news reports I heard, the more I realised just how serious the situation was and the more I felt the spiritual and physical pain of the victims. It was the first time that I felt such a stabbing pain.
But at the same time I felt a strong call from God from within: “Do you really love Me? Do you really believe in My love?” “Yes Lord”, I replied, “I believe on Your love. I believe in Your love. You know I do”. And I understood that the moment had arrived to live the virtues of faith, hope and love with courage; I had to love everyone, to live reciprocal love in its fullness.”
© Centro Santa Chiara
The deep faith that everything God allows is surely part of a plan of love was confirmed in me. So I entrusted Him with all my worries about my family and decided to do His Will moment by moment. I tried to create a peaceful atmosphere at work: by supporting for my colleague who always arrived tired after a 3 hour journey due to train delays; by lending warm clothes to colleagues who were cold because of energy saving; and above all by dedicating myself to the children who, due to risk of further quakes, weren’t allowed play outside. Once again I felt peace within!
Meanwhile, I kept trying to contact my family without success. “When the tsunami hit my brother-in-law would have been at work in the city’s big warehouse, my nephew would have been at school near the port”, I thought to myself, getting carried away with worry. But in moments of anxiety I always received an email or a phone call from friends that comforted me. My colleagues were also close to me in my suffering and this filled me with gratitude.
On 17th March the Gospel read: “Ask and you will receive”. It was the 250th anniversary of the end of the persecution of Christians in Nagasaki. I asked Our Lady to let me know where my family was and, after mass, with peace in my heart I went home. Shortly afterwards, the phone rang. It was my father. “We are all well and the house is intact”, he said with a calm voice.
This experience thought me so much. I learned above all to share and embrace other’s sufferings and to spread the love and light received by God to all around me”.
A Brief Interlude
“An hour’s delay!” my friend George exclaims. Unfortunately the message on the departure lounge’s screen was clear. Statistics boast 97% on-time arrivals but on this occasion we were part of the other 3%! Luckily we had calculated plenty of time for reaching Manchester, our final destination.
A queue of people start looking for seats. The children are the noisiest and tension starts to rise in the waiting area.
To maximise my time I take out my laptop to sort my mail. From behind I hear a child cry… not so much cry but scream, breaking my concentration. Unfortunately I don’t have ear plugs. How annoying! The wailing begins to get on my nerves.
But then it occurs to me: could this be my chance to live the Word of Life and see the Will of God in every situation, event and person? I can try not to get annoyed, to be patient and to love.
This thought gave me great peace and strangely enough the child’s waling stopped bothering me.
All of a sudden I see the whole scenario in a new way: my eyes are opened to people’s concerns about how to get home, to the stress and tiredness that caused the child to cry in the first place. Maybe I can do something to help.
I have an idea: I can turn off my laptop, take a pen and paper from my case and go over to the crying child.
The little boy was all worked up in his father’s arms.
“Can I draw you a picture?” I say and the wailing stops suddenly. Two big dark eyes look at me in surprise.
“Look, I’ll draw you an animal. As soon as you guess what animal it is, tell me.”
My pen moves slowly across the paper.
“Elephant!” I hear a voice shout from behind. It’s his four year-old sister. “Phant” echoes the little boy.
“Exactly! Let’s try the next one”.
“A butterfly!”; “A train!”
Then all of a sudden the two of them run off to look out the window.
I exchange a few words with the Moroccan father and return to my seat. “Mission accomplished”.
“You should have seen the faces on the people when you went over to the family,” replies George, “It was as if they were asking themselves: what will happen next!”
D. R. (Denmark)
[:it]Egitto, la speranza di Piazza Tahrir[:de]Ägypten: die Hoffnung vom Platz Tahrir[:es]Egipto, la esperanza de la Plaza Tahir[:fr]Egypte, l’espérance de la Place Tahrir[:pt]Egito, a esperança da Praça Tahir[:zh]埃及：解放廣場的希望
International Economy of Communion Assembly
As previously announced on this website, the EoC International Assembly will be held in Mariapoli Ginetta in celebration of the Economy of Communion’s 20th anniversary. The project was launched by Chiara Lubich in Brazil in May 1991. Preparations for this much-awaited important event began in December 2007, when it was first announced at the end of the EoC International Congress in Castelgandolfo. program invitation EoC International Assembly The Assembly is open to people who are already involved in the project. This includes EoC protagonists, entrepreneurs, workers, researchers and students who are passionate about the EoC. For registration (by March 31, 2011), the form is available on the website: http://www.cmginetta.org.br. (see note below)1. The event will be both a celebration and a time for reflection. With the next 20 years in mind, it will be a 
chance to examine the necessary steps to continue believing in and living an Economy of Communion. It is an occasion to understand how the seeds that we sow today can grow and bear fruits for tomorrow. The four days of the Assembly will be characterized by a principal theme given each morning. Each theme will be presented by a different presentors. Among them are Alberto Ferrucci (Twenty years of EoC: A love story between heaven and earth), Vera Araujo (What idea of the person can be found at the roots of the EoC?), Genevieve Sanze (The challenges of development and poverty) and Luigino Bruni (On our way towards 2031). The talks will be followed by a panel to discuss the following topics: The entrepreneur and the enterprise, Poverty and development, Institutional aspects and Cultural dimensions. Experiences and best practices will be shared afterwards. The afternoon will be dedicated to working groups, dialogues, round-table discussions and a visit to Spartaco Business Park. Documents which will be presented and conferred in the Assembly are being prepared in these months. They include The EoC Identification Card, the new Guidelines to conducting an EoC Business and “For a new economic response of communion,” a document addressing civil society and politics. Parallel to the Assembly, an international group of scholars is organizing a research workshop entitled,“EoC Research Workshop – Economy of Communion: Towards a new economic culture. Recent Research. The last day for the electronic submission of the call for papers is April 4, 2011. 
The concluding day on May 29 will be open to the public. Those who would like to participate ONLY on this last day should register through this link: Open Day registration. A discounted rate will apply to registrations made by April 20, after which, the full registration price applies. 1-Important note for the Assembly registration. Attention! The only valid form to register for the whole period is the one protected by a password found on Mariapoli Ginetta’s website: http://www.cmginetta.org.br The reference people of the local EoC commissions have access to the reserved area where the password to access the registration form is available. The other form found in the link above, which can be accessed without a password is for those who intend to participate solely on the Open Day.
Zurich
Liguria
Montreal, Maria Voce meets Canadian bishops
“Islam is a challenge for the Church. What contacts does the Movement have with muslims?”, asked Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, archbishop of Montreal. “From which authors did your founder draw inspiration for the spirituality of communion?”, asked Mons Paul-André Durocher, bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall, a diocese on the border of Ontario and Quebec. These were two questions that began a lively conversation.
At the well-appointed Centre International in rue Grenet, in snowy Montreal, seven Canadian bishops met Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti. The chosen theme was the spirituality of communion, a fundamental aspect of Chiara Lubich’s charism.
A young person shares her experience
Maria Voce was introduced by Mons Luc Cyr, Bishop of Valleyfield, and she outlined key features of Focolare’s spirituality, emphasising that it is “a mature fruit of the charism of unity”, based on several important ideas: the discovery of God as Love,its initial spark; love for one’s brother or sister to the point of giving one’s life, its humus; mutual love, the heart of the Gospel, the principal commandment of the spirituality of communion; unity, something to be strived for always and everywhere; Jesus Forsaken, the model to be imitated in building up the one human family.
And the questions – on secularisation, on the younger generations – quickly followed. They provided an opportunity to hear about the fruits of the spirituality. Giancarlo Faletti, co president of the Focolare Movement, gave several examples, and spoke of the Year for Priests and about Maria Voce’s recent journey to the Holy Land. Testimonies included that of a local parish priest, a married couple, a teen girl, and the director of an Economy of Communion business. The influence of the spirituality of communion in each of these was loud and clear.
A married couple give their testimony
“An attitude of reciprocal welcome and humble acceptance enabled a deep encounter of communion between institution and charism to take place. The joy on the faces of those present underlined how successful this was”, Maria Voce commented later. On the previous day, before leaving Toronto, the Focolare president had paid a visit to Archbishop Thomas Collins. The archbishop repeatedly underlined the valuable contribution that the Movement is making to his very cosmopolitan diocese.
From the capital of Ontario (mainly English speaking) to Montreal, Quebec (French speaking) was a journey north westwards of 540 kilometers, on a motorway that passed through mist shrouded forests. In Montreal the mist had gone, and it began to snow just as Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti arrived. A better welcome could not have been organised.
Paolo Lòriga
[nggallery id=21]
Montreal, Maria Voce meets Canadian bishops
Abruzzo
Umbria
Emilia Romagna
The World in My Arms
Commemorations held in every language and by representatives of every religious creed. Tributes paid by Christians, Jews and Muslims, from Venezuela to Burundi, from Australia to Vietnam. All around the world people from different backgrounds- from Apostolic Nuncios to children, young people and families- gave thanks for the charism passed on by Chiara. In a family atmosphere they all renewed their commitment to bringing her dream ahead, to witnessing the fulfilment of Jesus’ prayer to the Father: “Mat they all be one”. In Caracas the Apostolic Nuncio commented, “The song, this hymn of joy and gratitude in Chiara’s heart on her lips since that 14th March 2008, will last for all of eternity”. During the mass concelebrated by 4 bishops and 12 priests, attended by members of various ecclesial movements, the Nuncio indicated the path to follow. “If in a city like Caracas, the fire that Jesus brought to earth was lit and if, thanks to the good will of all citizens, it resisted the world’s chill, in a short time our city would be set ablaze by the love of God.” Peru, San Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua- just some of the Latin American countries that held commemoration events. “The homilies at all the masses spoke of ‘sainthood’ and of ‘a charism for the whole Church’- a sign that by now the spirituality is well-known and appreciated”, remarked Martita and Gustavo from San Salvador. This need to celebrate Chiara’s life went beyond the boundaries of the Catholic Church. In Tucuman, northern Argentina, Christians from various churches met with Jews and Muslims for an interreligious meeting dedicated to Chiara. “I didn’t meet her in person but I’ve seen the fruits of her work”, said Rabbi Salomon Nusbaumm referring to the Focolare’s founder, “And good fruit is a sign of a good tree. May God welcome Chiara with all the righteous”. The Focolare’s local community in Quito (Ecuador) wrote, “The tragedy in Japan and the risk of a tsunami here were like reminders from the Eternal Father to focus on the essential”. In San José (Costa Rica) the local community organised a “town fair” with stalls exhibiting the ‘fruits’ of Chiara’s charism with music and performance to attract passers-by. There were open days held all around Brazil for Chiara’s anniversary: from Mariapolis Ginetta (near San Paolo) to Porto Alegre and Mariapolis Santa Maria (near Recife). “In 35 cities with the participation of a total of 4,273 people, we commemorated the third year of Chiara’s arrival in Paradise”, they wrote. Across the ocean in Cebu (Philippians) Archbishop José Palma participated at the commemoration event, attending the daylong program in its entirety. Referring to Chiara Luce Badano’s recent beatification, he expressed his wish that in two years time a beatification process for Chiara Lubich may begin. Chiara’s life was also celebrated in Bangkok, Vietnam and Myanmar. In India there were events in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Goa. “The Nuncio began the mass at his residence by asking for a grace for everyone: to be like Chiara, witnesses of love, with strength and courage, so as to give light to everyone as she did”, wrote the local Focolare directors from Mumbai. News arrived from as far away as Medan (Indonesia): “The atmosphere was beautiful; you could feel that Chiara was alive. The joy experienced by everyone was tangible- there was a true sense of gratitude for being her sons and daughters, part of this extraordinary family.” From New Caledonia to New Zealand, in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, Chiara’s anniversary was a “moment of God”, they wrote from the Focolare Centre in Australia. Concluding this worldwide tour, we arrive in Africa. The message that arrived from Bujumbura in Burundi reads, “Chiara was with us, she was at the centre of the celebration. It was touching to see such a large number of people present, many of whom had known Chiara but lost touch with the Movement through the years. The 800 participants at the event in Mariapolis Piero (Kenya) were above all young people. The words on everyone’s lips were “joy, renewal, a sainthood open to everyone”. They wrote, “We want to continue to bring ahead Chiara’s mission: that in our arms we can bring this piece of the world to God”. Across Congo, Chiara’s 3rd anniversary was celebrated by many: Kinshasa (700), Kikwit (2000), Lubumbashi, (400), Goma (200) e Bukavu (100). The common characteristic of these events was Chiara’s strong presence and a true desire to change and sanctify everyday environments. The mayor of Nzinda expressed his gratitude for the invitation to the event held there: “I discovered a treasure in the life and work of the Movement. It’s essential to the fulfilment of universal brotherhood which can eliminate injustice and anti-values present in Congolese society”.
Paris: “The Court of the Gentiles” is launched
Franz Kronreif and Claretta Dal Rì are in Paris representing the Focolare Movement a week before another much awaited event: “Humanism, dialogue, fraternity– Chiara Lubich’s legacy”.
Sorbonne University, the Academie Française and UNESCO are hosts of the international convention that officially inaugurates “The Court of the Gentiles”. The idea for this permanent centre for exchange between members of the world’s religions and those with no religious affiliation came directly from Benedict XVI.
Dialogue between believers and non-believers was launched by the Vatican within the Pontifical Council for Culture.
The centre’s name took it’s inspiration from the space in the ancient Temple of Jerusalem where non-Jews, members of other religions and agnostics gathered.
The new centre is already up and running and has had its first meeting organised by the University of Bologna for dialogue among lay people. The “Court of Gentiles” is not a place for institutional debates, nor is it an attempt to create a common doctrine: it’s a space for dialogue.
Paris, emblem of secularisation, hosts the event. This new Vatican initiative aims at fostering an open exchange between believers and non-believers on issues relating to faith. “Dialogue implies exchange on rigorous issues; it must respect identity and avoid syncretism and vague corcordisms”, Mons. Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, explains.
Many well-known intellectuals and public figures have already shown support for this project characterised by respect, openness to everyone and a spirit of full freedom. Representing the Focolare for the inauguration in Paris are Claretta Dal Rì and Franz Kronreif, directors at the Movement’s international centre for dialogue with people of no religious affiliation.
This Parisian event takes place in the midst of preparations for another important meeting for believers and non-believers united by the ideal of universal brotherhood: “Humanism, dialogue, fraternity– Chiara Lubich’s legacy” will take place in Castel Gandolfo from 1st– 3rd April with international participation.
For further information: www.incamminodialogando.blogspot.com
http://incamminodialogando.blogspot.com/2011/03/evitare-il-fondamentalismo-e-il.html
Trip to Canada 2011
16 March 2011 – 18 April 2011
Toronto 2011: meeting with the young people
An unforgettable day for the whole of Canada
In Canada, one of the biggest countries in the world, distances are measured in flying hours. Vancouver and Toronto are five hours apart, the same as from Rome to Mecca. That’s one reason why the meeting on Sunday March 20 will be remembered for a long time. It was a gathering of representatives of Focolare communities from all over Canada, coming from the great metropolises as well as cities like Whitehorse, in the sparsely populated territories close to the glaciers of Alaska.
That explains the air of excitement at Michael Power High School, where people from the community in West Coast Vancouver were meeting those from Toronto and Montreal in the East for the first time. This was a first for everyone, ever since the movement first came to Canada, and the reason was the presence of Maria Voce the president.
An inspiring parade of what each city had to offer was evidence of the mature fruits of the movement here over several decades, and helped to demonstrate just how rooted it is in this country. It brings people together – something very clear from the afternoon’s musical interludes – from very diverse backgrounds and from many fields of activity.
Many immigrants courageously starting again from scratch have discovered a wider family, the spiritual family of Focolare. At the same time a remarkable solidarity has developed (also through French as a common language) with the distant Caribbean island of Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world. Many social projects on the island are supported by the movement’s communities in Canada.
The central part of the day was the meeting with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti. Eighty minutes of questions and answers, touching many themes: interfaith dialogue, our relationship with young people, the life of the movement after the founder, the communion of goods. And all of this against a background of a society profoundly influenced by a secular culture.
“Even though the movement was born in a context with a strong religious tradition, it was sent by the Holy Spirit as a response for our times”, copresident Giancarlo Faletti reminded us. “Secularism has made us feel less secure, but that is an invitation to respond to it, to become active heralds of the Gospel, as bearers of something new and revolutionary.”
The mass, celebrated for the third anniversary of Chiara Lubich’s death, and presided by Bishop William McGrattan, was the grand finale for the day. “In this commemoration of Chiara,” Maria Voce reminded everyone, “we are celebrating the steps towards a united world taken here today in Canada.”
from our correspondent Paolo Lòriga
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Women in Religious Life, adherents of the Focolare: 40 years of history
Participants will come from all over the world to celebrate 40 years since the first recognition by Pope Paul VI for this section of the Focolare Movement.
“Deepen your acquaintance and unity with your respective founders in an atmosphere of fraternal charity” was the path that Paul VI indicated at a public audience on 14th April 1971, naming them “Religious adherents to the Focolare Movement”.
Since then numerous women from around the world and from different religious congregations and secular institutes met every year for formation and updating. These moments together allow for an ever profounder communion and deeper acquaintance with the points of the Spirituality of Unity.
“Present since the beginning of the Movement, the women religious, whose various spiritualities became ever 
more harmonious and glowing in the light of a common brotherhood, gave us the possibility to contemplate religious families, orders, and congregations as flower beds in the magnificent garden of the Church where all virtues have blossomed and flourish”, stated Chiara in her acceptance speech for an Honorary Degree in Theology of Consecrated Life.
The theme of the meeting in Castel Gandolfo will be the Will of God. Theological, spiritual and social elaboration will be followed by a rich exchange of life experiences by representatives of different vocations in the Movement.
As a response to present day challenges in society, special attention will be given to interreligious dialogue.
The focus point of the event will be a solemn thanksgiving celebration followed by a series of experiences about the beginnings of the movement.
There will be a special artistic moment inviting everyone to walk together towards “sainthood”.
Liverpool
Leeds
Glasgow
Welwyn Garden City
London
With the young people in Toronto
It was fascinating to see the surprise on the faces of the young people of the Movement. Most of the fifty or so of their peers who had come for their first encounter with the spirituality of unity had formed an orderly line so they could speak with Maria Voce. They sought her out after hearing her responses to their questions. This was not just a show of good manners, they were moved by the desire to say something personal to this white haired lady, of the same generation of their grandmothers, about the things she had touched inside them.
“Thank you for having given me the meaning of suffering,” said a student of Philippine origin. And Cheryl, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, added: “You explained in such a simple way how I can overcome suffering with love, that I had to say, “I can do it.” “The life you challenged us to live is radical, but we feel greatly encouraged”, said an African Canadian girl. Alma and Len expressed their surprise at these affirmations, “We have never seen anything like this. It’s not part of Canadian culture to go and speak about personal feelings like that.”
About one hundred young people came to St Joseph’s College Hall, from as far away as Vancouver on the Pacific coast and from Calgary, a four hour flight away. But it was worth it. The theme of the meeting was a presentation of the life of Chiara Luce Badano, recently proclaimed blessed. Its title was uncompromising: “Heroes of today, saints of tomorrow. Can you do it?” A demanding challenge for anywhere in the world, but here in Canada a particularly strong one, a struggle against the odds.
Secularisation here has caused a drop in church going from 80 per cent to 10 per cent in a matter of decades. Here a woman can obtain an abortion at any stage of pregnancy; in 2005 same sex marriage became legal; religion and its external symbols are increasingly disappearing from the public arena; in the media there is intolerance towards religion and believers; the fundamental rights of religious freedom and even of conscience are questioned in court.
Nevertheless Maria Voce, when asked whether it is possible to change the world, did not hold back. “If you do not change the world, no one else will,” she said plainly, “Society would have us think that happiness lies in having more. I have the impression that young people have a lot of things, but they are not happy because they haven’t discovered that what brings happiness is love.”
The president had lit a fire. “At today’s gathering you have experienced the gospel of love. Never by satisfied with anything less. Don’t turn back. Don’t risk closing the door on God.” She went on, “He trusts you. You have had this experience today. Take it to others. The future of Canada depends on you. And never feel alone, because the young people of other countries are your supporters. Together it is possible to change the world.”
The message had been delivered. And those standing in line wanted to express their adherence to it, to this woman that they had only met an hour ago. With an embrace or a kiss on both cheeks, this was an unforgettable moment. And the group photo with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti, co-president was an opportunity for a cosmopolitan explosion of joy.
Our correspondent – Paolo Lòriga
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Italy: with the warmth of its people
Brotherhood, the importance of dialogue, care for the least fortunate, the urgent need of legality. Chiara’s third anniversary, was the chance for the Italian Focolare communities to approach topics close to all Italian’s hearts in the light of the Spirituality of Communion. 
In Brescia, for example, the founder of the Focolare Movement was commemorated with a round table discussion entitled “Chiara Lubich, a life for unity. The challenge of brotherhood”. In Milan, Archbishop Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi celebrated mass in the Basilica of Sant’Amrogio. All of the major cities in the Lombardy region remembered Chiara in this third anniversary of her departure for Heaven. Rome paid tribute to Lubich by highlighting the pathways to dialogue opened by her Charism. “Chiara Lubich, a woman in dialogue. Inspiration for dialogue between religions and within the arena of contemporary culture”- this was the title of a meeting held in the prestigious “Palazzo della Cancelleria”, or Palace of the Chancellery. Two female speakers gave talks at the event: Lisa Palmieri form the American Jewish Committee and Shahrzad Houshmand professor of Islamic Studies at the Gregorian University. Concerts, masses, book launches, thematic meetings, even a guided tour to discover “Chiara’s Rome” given by Oreste Paliotti. The Italian capital thus paid tribute to Chiara with a full programme in venues throughout the city. “This programme of events marking three years of Chiara’s passing”; the promoters of the events explained, “aims at underlining and highlighting the life of the Focolare’s Roman community, widespread in the most diverse environments of each municipality and neighbourhood in the city” (romaamor.it). In the central Italian regions of Abruzzo and Sardinia the events organised for the occasion were numerous and widespread. In Lazio there were 18 events in remembrance of Chiara: from Poggio Mirteto and Tuscania right up to the Roman coast there were masses, community meetings, book launches, thematic roundtable discussions throughout the provinces as well as in its town centres.