Living the Gospel: bringing peace that transforms life
The Risen Jesus wants us to have the experience of new life and peace with Him that we can then share with others. For others Ever since we were young, inspired by our Christian convictions, my husband and I have always tried to live for others. We come from poor families: my parents worked in mining while Ramon’s parents were farmers, and we are well aware of the hardships and needs that result from financial poverty. Our dream came true when we were asked if we would manage a fund for children in an adoption at a distance project. Thanks to the contributions we have received we have been able to follow 23 children and buy a piece of land where we have built a centre that can accommodate about twenty children from poor families, enabling their parents to go to work. There is also a small sewing workshop for mothers. Through many people’s generosity, we will be able to develop this activity for the children’s benefit and for their families. (R. J. – Bolivia) My fourth pregnancy In the ninth week of my fourth pregnancy I discovered I had contracted rubella. The days that followed were the most difficult days we had ever had to face as a married couple. This was a problem that was bigger than both of us. The doctors warned us that there was only a 5% chance of having a healthy baby. Today’s mentality would say that “rejecting” the pregnancy was the right solution. My husband left me free to choose, but I wanted him to tell me he accepted this new creature. This was in fact what I had already done the very first moment I became a mother. I don’t think I’ve ever prayed so intensely in my life. One day my husband said to me: “What if our son has not been affected or has only been slightly affected by the rubella?” It was the sign I had been waiting for. We embraced one another and from that moment on we felt more united. After six months, a handsome, healthy boy was born. (J.O. – Switzerland) Thieves in our home One day, when we returned to the house that we had built with great effort, we discovered that everything in our house had been stolen: the thieves had even taken the sink and the toilet. We couldn’t afford to replace what was missing with new items, so we started looking around second-hand shops when we suddenly recognized some of our things in one of the shops. The shopkeepers said they had bought them from some boys in the neighbourhood whom we knew well because they were our neighbours. We went to their house with the intention of reclaiming what was ours, but also to make the boys understand their mistake. When presented with the facts, they did not deny anything and we went with them to recover our property. On the way, we talked openly about values that give meaning to our lives, while they might have expected a harder reaction. Perhaps this is how we have made our small contribution to peace. (B.O. – Venezuela)
by Chiara Favotti
You have been supporting an initiative called “FridaysForFuture” promoted by Greta Thunberg which is being taken up by many young people and parents in Ireland. What do you do every Friday? I have been very concerned about climate change now and for many years have worked hard to influence policies of governments. I was really touched by Greta Thunberg. There have been others like her before but now, with the power of social media, there is a chance for the words of one child to become a “fire” which can move everyone. She was calling on everyone to go out and protest on Fridays, in particular on 15th December 2018. Initially, I didn’t think this was directed at me but eventually I did protest outside our Parliament. And I returned every Friday. The number of people joining us each week started growing and similar groups started springing up all over Ireland. By 15 March 2019 the whole country was mobilised: 15,000 children and adults came out onto the streets of Dublin and 40 locations around the country. How do we make commitment to the planet change our way of life? We have to protest and act. Anyone can start a Friday protest in their local community and log it on the Fridaysforfuture.org global map but you can also do a positive action like planting trees. This would generate a double impact – protest and plant! The global protests will take place regularly now, like this one. Together witth the Global Catholic Climate Movement, which Focolare is part of, we are calling on people of all faiths and communities to join the students that day. How much has your encounter with the charism of the Focolare influenced your work and life choices? 
My choices in life for sure have been influenced by the encounter with the Focolare. I have learned that Love conquers all. To solve climate change we need everyone to work together. We have technologies, ideas and even money. Yet all too often there is a lack of collaboration and genuine goodwill to work for the greater good. I believe the Focolare Movement has an important role to play in generating spaces where everyone else can be supported to work together in a spirit of genuine collaboration. Where did you get the idea of writing a book and why? What kind of commitment do you propose to protect the planet? The idea to write Climate Generation came from my deep concern that parents do not see what is happening to the climate or understand how it will affect their own children. I have worked on this issue for two decades. The situation is terrifying. Unless we change our societies radically in the next decade, our children will face runaway climate change of 4 or 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. Put simply, civilisation as we know it would not survive. The vast majority of species would be wiped out. Our children would face a burden which is impossible to bear. For me, as a mum, that is just not acceptable. There is huge interest in the book here in Ireland and it has just been published in the USA by New City Press. I am hopeful it will get published in other countries too. In terms of what we can do, I suggest three things: first we need to reconnect with the earth, God’s wonderful creation. We need to find ourselves again in the great communion-fellowship, not only with our fellow human beings but with the entire cosmos. Secondly, we need to change our own lifestyles to minimise our impact on the environment. This involves somewhat of an ‘ecological conversion’ as Pope Francis calls it. A good starting place is to do your own ecological footprint online – there are many tools available on the web – and you will see where you can make the most impact to reduce your footprint. None of the choices are easy – and some require some major changes. Finally, we need to join with others to build political pressure for the BIG changes we need. Individual actions are not enough. Divesting our public investments from fossil fuels is a key step in this direction. Campaigning is also essential until the pressure for change is so big, it is unstoppable. 
What makes the migrants suffer and what gives them hope? The people arriving in Peru have often used the cheapest form of transport possible to travel from Venezuela and have left behind everything they owned and the people they love. After the journey and the challenges of passing through migration controls, the experience which is sometimes called “from illusion to delusion” begins. These people have very little money but they want a better life for themselves: they want a home and a job so they can financially support family members who have remained in Venezuela. Unfortunately, these dreams soon begin to disappear and life becomes very difficult. They suffer a lot because they are separated from their relatives and probably receive very little news from them; the normal pattern of life is lost and they do not feel safe and secure anywhere. Sometimes they are worse off than they were in Venezuela. Adjustment is difficult and this can create difficulties between couples. These people are surrounded by a sea of uncertainty which saps away their spiritual and emotional energy. Only people with a very clear aim and a deep faith are able to overcome such challenges quickly. 
What are their greatest and most urgent needs? Their most immediate need is to earn enough to maintain themselves. They also need to work through the legal processes required to gain permanent residency and to acquire healthcare provision. They need to find ways to maintain contact with their families in Venezuela and they need help and support to handle their frustration, doubts and sadness. There are many children among the migrants: what traumas do they face and how can they be helped? Children and adolescents usually know that the reason why they are migrating is to find a better life, nonetheless, they are still emotionally shocked when it actually happens. They do not have the same capacity as adults to handle change. Through the workshops that I hold for them, I have come to realise that the decision to travel to Peru is always taken by the parents and the young people are never asked for their opinion. Although they understand that migration may lead to a better life, they do not all want to come. They see their parents less, they are anxious, they communicate less and don’t have friends. They do not all get a place at school in Peru and those who do are often called offensive names by the other students. Their sadness, anger and fear is often expressed in forms of behaviour that their parents don’t understand: they may be rebellious or cry a lot or become very isolated. It is really important to spend time with them, to find ways of communicating and to form groups with people of their own age so they feel supported Do you think there is any hope that these young people will have a better future? While there is life there is hope. We need to focus upon their resilience as a means of strengthening their mental and emotional capacity to deal with such great challenges in life. From a human rights perspective, the country in which they are now living must guarantee basic nourishment, healthcare and education. It is also essential to support them as they maintain communication with their family members and build new friendships. They also need opportunities to learn about their new environment and they have great need of spiritual support. These are all means to form people with sound values and a vision for the future and the capacity to make choices which will help them to fulfil their dreams. 
The members of a small Focolare delegation, headed by Maria Voce, its president and Jesús Morán, its co-president, were returning to Beirut from a trip to the north of the country. There, they visited the Valley of the Saints, the spiritual centre of the Maronite Church, the largest Christian denomination in country. This area is also well known for the Cedars of Lebanon, a small forest at an altitude of 2000 metres where one can still find species that probably date back to the time of King Solomon, that is 3000 years ago. The members of the delegation were so impressed by the richness they discovered during this visit, that on their return journey to Beirut they affirmed the great capacity of this people, who can boast of 7000 years of history. The Lebanese managed to survive at the crossroads of three continents and three great religions and to safeguard their creativity in extremely difficult conditions. As they approached nearer to the capital city, they thought more of the country’s present situation, that leaves very little space for hope. In Lebanon, there are currently 18 religious communities. The state and public administrations function on “emergency” management. Ethnic, religious and political groups, big families, economic interests and foreign powers are deeply intertwined. Wounds, caused by the so called “civil” war, that took place between 1975 and 1990, have not yet healed. One of the bishops they met during these days said: “We haven’t had the courage to face the harm we have caused to one another, so no one has ever asked for forgiveness”. Comments show the fear of another outbreak of war. 
“It is time to build a new nation”, said the poster on the motorway. This provoked a very spontaneous question: how can this ever happen? Jesús Morán answered this question during a round table conference held at the faculty of Philosophy at the Holy Spirit University (USEK) near Beirut. His answer could be summed up in one word: dialogue. The Co-President of the Focolare Movement insisted: “Dialogue is part of man’s nature. Through dialogue man becomes more man; he fulfills himself by giving himself to others. It is not so much a matter of words or thoughts but of giving oneself. This requires silence and listening; it requires risking one’s own identity, even one’s own cultural and ecclesial identity. However, one’s own identity is not lost; it is enriched through one’s openness to others”. 
So, does dialogue build a new nation? Is this another one of those alluring theories that the Lebanese people have come across in recent years? The 150 Christians and Muslims gathered at the so-called “Yellow House” on May 13 can answer these questions. Located on the former demarcation line between East and West Beirut, the Yellow House was rebuilt as a historical symbol to remind people of the trauma of war. The testimonies shared by those gathered there were moving and convincing. They spoke of their friendship that began during the war when they were simply made welcome by the Focolare. A Muslim woman described how small gestures of closeness and attention, reciprocal visits and unbiased relationships transformed friendship into a real family. “Dialogue is possible only between people who are true. And it is only love that makes us true”, Jesús Morán said in his speech. The Christian and Muslim friends and their experiences are a proof of this. May be it is just a small seed, that will grow slowly, just like the cedars of Lebanon. But it is certainly a seed with overwhelming strength, from which a new nation can be born. 
These are the opening lines of a message that Pope Francis sent on Saturday 11 May to young economists and entrepreneurs committed to bringing change to global economics. He invited them to contribute to planning an international event entitled “The Economy of Francis” that will take place in Assisi from 26-28 March 2020. His aim is to begin a process of global change whereby economics now and in the future are more just, inclusive and sustainable and do not leave anyone behind. The event is being organised by a Committee made up of representatives from the diocese of Assisi, the council of Assisi, the Serafico Institute of Assisi and the Economy of Communion. The Pope is inviting everyone to join him – people of all faiths and nationalities – to discuss together the most challenging issues the world is facing today including care of the environment and justice for those living in poverty. They are issues which demand courage and commitment in order to rethink the current economic paradigms. Professor Luigino Bruni, scientific director of the Committee, said, “Pope Francis’ invitation to young economists is a historic event because it draws together topics about which the Pope feels very strongly – his preference for young people and his concern to create a new type of economy. Acting on his behalf, we are inviting the economists and entrepreneurs who have shown the greatest sensitivity to and understanding of the Economy of Francis (St Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis) so that the young people who will come will hear the very best speakers and learn about the best economic practice in the world today. The word “Oikonomia” (economy) has a complex background; its Greek root refers to our house rules or how we behave in our homes but, at the same time, OIKOS also refers to the care of our common home. The Fathers of the Church understood Oikonomia from a theological perspective, as a category of universal salvation. Assisi as a setting is very important: it is a town with a message that speaks of a different type of economy. The programme will take place in different parts of the town and will focus upon the three main pillars of the Economy of Francis: young people, the environment and the poor.” The two- day programme, from 26 -28 March, will include a range of talks on topics such as the rights of future generations, respect for life, social equality, the dignity of workers and care for our planet. The Economy of Francis will also be expressed in workshops, artistic presentations, seminars and plenary sessions. Well known economists and experts in sustainable development and other disciplines will reflect and work alongside the young people present. Applications to attend can be made from June onwards. The full text of Pope Francis’ letter and further details of the event can be found on 
This year’s edition, which happened at the Focolare’s international headquarters in Italy, had the theme “World peace starts from us: now is the time to step forward”. “The world is divided in many places,” explained the Rissho Kosei-kai youth. “Refugees, poverty, economic difficulties, etc, and not just at a national level, but throughout the small world where we live. On one hand, with the spread of the internet, you can create close links with the entire world, but on the other hand, poor relationships exist where conversations with next-door neighbours never happen.” There were many moments to share everyday experiences of peace: changes of lifestyle and actions that involve others and change reality positively. “We want to move forward and always look to each other and the challenges we see in the world,” said Rita and Henrique of the Focolare to their Japanese friends, “contributing to reaching a world that is more united, fraternal, where we can have more peace. But it is a peace that does not exclude people who are outcast, but that makes other people’s needs our own in order to one day arrive at the goal of ‘No one in need.’ This is how the catchphrase that young people in the Focolare have chosen this year reads for the Week of World Unity and for the course Pathways for a United World.” There was also real action in the symposium schedule: preparing and distributing hot meals at Rome’s Ostiense Station together with the RomAmoR ONLUS Association, which helps the homeless, elderly and immigrants. The Japanese delegation then participated in an audience with Pope Francis and experienced a day of sharing and in-depth study at the international centre of Loppiano, with young people at the school of formation and Sophia University Institute. 
Maria Voce and Jesús Morán, president and co-president of the Focolare, who came to celebrate with the Lebanese community, were not satisfied with a jubilee that started with the past and arrived at the present. In their answers to questions, they challenged the Lebanese Focolare community to look to the future and to never tire of announcing the Gospel in the style that’s typical of the charism of unity – which means, like Christ, to make themselves one with everyone. They encouraged them not to avoid the differences and conflicts that could challenge their own cultural classifications, but to reach a new evangelical mentality. They encouraged them not to live a superficial witness to ecumenism, but to live a true unity in the diversity of rites and denominations and before ecclesial authorities. They asked them to live inter religious dialogue – especially with Muslims – the way that Chiara Lubich lived it. In this way the prophecy inherent within inter religious dialogue would become manifest. 
A large number of people took part in the events. The liturgy took place in the square where rallies used to be held by a regime that had harshly persecuted the Church. In fact, the sacristy was in the former Party Headquarters! Fifteen thousand people gathered there, and in other parts of the city they watched the event on large screens, which was unusual for Bulgaria as it is an overwhelmingly Orthodox country. The Pope managed to speak to the hearts of the Bulgarian people, despite the language problems, but through what he did, his very being and his extraordinary capacity to communicate with everyone. An example of this occurred the next day, in Rakovski, a small town which is predominantly Catholic. During the Mass, the Pope, in a surprise change of programme, gave First Communion to all 245 children who were to receive it, not just the 10 who had been chosen. He engaged in a spontaneous dialogue with them, underlining the main points of the faith and the sacredness of what was happening. Then, in the afternoon, at the meeting with the Catholic community, where there were many spontaneous gestures and greetings, Pope Francis delighted the 700 people present in a small church. After experiences from a nun, a priest, a family and the young people, the Pope gave his talk, interrupting it several times to speak off-the-cuff, generating a spontaneous and lively reaction on the part of those present.