Nov 27, 2017 | Focolare Worldwide
For the first time after 36 years, Poland was the host country of the annual ecumenical convention of the Bishop-friends of the Focolare Movement. After Jerusalem, Istanbul, London, Augsburg and other “symbolic” cities of the ecumenical commitment, Katowice, capital of Slesia, an ancient city of almost 300,000 inhabitant, welcomed, from 15 to 18 November, 35 bishops of different Churches: Orthodox, Syriac-Orthodox, Evangelical-Lutherans, Anglican, Methodists and Catholics from Germany, Austria, England, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, but also Brazil, Cyprus, India, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thailand and the USA. Along with around thirty lay people the bishops gathered in Katowice represented a cross section of various social and ecclesial communities, driven by the desire to make an experience of fraternal communion. “Together we confess, together we go forth” was the title of the Convention, which was organized not only by the Focolare Movement, but also by the local Catholic Archdiocese and the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Augustinian Confession, the Orthodox Church of Sosnowiec, the Faculty of Theology of the Slesia University and the city of Katowice itself, represented by mayor Marcin Krupa. 
The convention opened with the reflection of Lesley Ellison, an Anglican, on “The Spirituality of unity: an ecumenical spirituality,” and had as its central theme “Mary, the Mother of Jesus,” with the theological studies in the various Catholic, Evangelic, Anglican and Orthodox perspectives. There were many encounters, celebrations and moments of prayer according to the various traditions, sealed by a “pact of mutual love” to live fraternal communion and to “love the Church of the other as one’s own Brendan Leahly is the Catholic bishop of Limerick (Irelanda), expert and counselor of ecumenical dialogue in his country. Interviewed on the phone, he said: “I want to underline the warm welcome received in Katowice, which I had already visited in 1991, on the occasion of Chiara Lubich’s encounter with the Focolare centers of Western and Eastern Europe. It is a highly developed city, which valorizes diversity and hospitality. Just as what we experienced in these days, the hospitality of the Faculty of Theology which hosted us, but also of the Catholic, Lutheran and Orthodox Churches.” The convention was the occasion to get to know one another better, and acquire a deeper knowledge of the different ecclesial and socio-cultural realities we live in, especially in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. We realize that we cannot offer solutions for the problems of those countries (especially regarding the Middle East), but we can at least carry one another’s burdens. Feeling the suffering of others has enlarged my heart. Now I no longer feel only like an Irish bishop, I carry within also the situations and problems of the other bishops. But with a new hope. In every country there are signs of hope, and the steps taken at ecumenical level go to prove this fact. For example in the Czech Republic a process of mutual forgiveness is underway for the errors committed. Ecumenism – he continued– is a reality that started its path many years ago, and will meet ever new situations and give new testimonials. It is, after all, an experience of giving and receiving. What strikes me is the strong Catholic faith which is deeply rooted here in Poland, but also the openness to dialogue with the representatives of the other communities.” 
Åke Bonnier, Lutheran bishop of the diocese of Skara, in Sweden, said he was happy about the convention: «We were not bishops but brothers. What we shared in the convention was a reality, both during the breaks and intervals, and also during the celebrations. This was very important for me, it gave me new strength and enthusiasm. I now look forward to next year, when, I hope all of them and also others can come to Sweden. If they ask me if this meeting was important as a path for the unity of Christians, my answer is yes. Unity is not something that will come about only in the future, it is already a reality among us.”
Nov 25, 2017 | Non categorizzato
If one day all people, not as individuals, but as peoples, learned to put themselves aside, to put aside the ideas they have about their own countries, their kingdoms, and offer them as incense to the Lord, the king of a kingdom that is not of this world, the guide of history, and if all were to do this as the expression of the mutual love between states that God asks for, just as he asks for mutual love among individuals, that day would be the beginning of a new era. For on that day, just as Jesus is present among two who love each other in Christ, Jesus will be alive and present among peoples, given finally his true place as the one king, not only of individual hearts but also of nations: he will be Christ the King. Christian peoples, or their representatives, must learn how to sacrifice their “collective” egos. This is the price. Nothing less is asked of each of us in order for our souls to be consumed in unity. Now is the time for every people to go beyond their own borders, to look further. Now is the time to love other countries as our own, to acquire a new purity of vision. To be Christians it is not enough to be detached from ourselves. The times we live in demand something more from the followers of Christ: the awareness of Christianity’s social dimension, which not only builds up one’s own land according to the law of Christ, but also enables other lands to be built up as well, through the universal action of the Church, and through the supernatural vision given to us by God the Father, who sees things quite differently from the way we do. We need to live as the Mystical Body of Christ in such an excellent way as to translate it into the mystical body of society […] May the Lord have mercy on this divided and confused world, on these peoples closed within their shells, contemplating their own beauty — the only beauty that exists for them – that is both limiting and unsatisfying) They strain to hold onto their treasures against all odds, the very treasures that could help other peoples who are dying of hunger. May the Lord cause all barriers to fall, and allow love to flow uninterruptedly among all lands, bringing with it torrents of spiritual and material goods. Let’s hope that the Lord will bring about a new order in the world. He alone can make humanity one family and cultivate the unique characteristics of each people so that the splendour of each, put at the service of others, may shine out with the one light of life. This light will make each earthly homeland more beautiful, so it becomes a prelude to the eternal Homeland. See also: Chiara Lubich , “Mary Transparency of God”, New City Press, 2003 p 102
Nov 25, 2017 | Non categorizzato
The “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” was established by the UN in 1999. It occurs every year on November 25 and governments, international organizations and NGOs are committed to raising awareness about the issue and thus creating public opinion. 18 years have passed since its establishment. Much has been done but it’s far from enough. There’s no need to look further afield where violence against women is concerned. It can happen right next door to us and go undetected.. . The words of St John Paul II resound very strongly in his Apostolic Letter Mulieris dignitatem (MD, August 15, 1988), underlining that “God created man and woman in his image, not just as individuals but, in their commonality as the as ‘unity of the two’. The man and woman, therefore, are essentially the same, both persons called as such to participate in the intimate life of God and to live in mutual communion with one another, in love, on the model of God who is Love, who is unity in the Trinity, and to mirror in the world the communion of love that exists in God (MD 7). ” It is a milestone which needs to be faced daily as individuals and as a society.
Nov 24, 2017 | Non categorizzato
“Have I really been transferred here?” Francesca asked with a pounding heart as the jail doors –a series of about ten big iron gates – opened out for her. Someone had described it as “a descent into hell.” After attending a course for jail teachers, Francesca entered the classroom for the first time. “I thought I would be assisted by a jail policeman, instead the only agent on shift had to monitor around ten classrooms and also perform other tasks at the same time. On the second day I said to myself: “It can’t go on like this! If I am afraid, it is useless that God has sent me here!” From that moment on I felt I was free to love.” In trying to see in the jailees only persons inhabited by Jesus, a journey began for Francesca. It was not so much the going to and returning from a place without limits to a place of reclusion, it was the going to the heart of many stories imbued with real humanity, errors, fear, and anguish, and also to the decision to take one’s life again into one’s hands. It was the start of a deep dialogue, with each side respecting the role of the other. “I tried to prepare the lessons very well, to make them attractive. I knew that Jesus came with me even in jail. During science lessons I started to explain about anatomy and the relations between organs and systems. Subsequently some jailees started to cut down on cigarettes, gradually abolished the use of tranquillizers, and sunbathed during out-of-cell time.” “Besides the difficulty of teaching students with different educational backgrounds – Francesca says – there other types of problems, the clanging of the gates, the irregular attendance of the students, and continuous transfers to and from other jailhouses. That is why whoever stood before me in that moment became even more precious. I might not have seen him again.” Ermal, is Albanese and a remarkably intelligent boy to whom Francesca had given the article of Pope Francis’s interview with prisoners. From that day on, a deep dialogue started about God and prayer. In a short time, Ermal reached brilliant results in school. “Professor, excuse me, I can’t write anything, I’ve got too many problems!” A young Tunisian held his head in his hands in front of a blank sheet for a class exercise. “I received the permit to bring him earphones for the PC and watch a film in his language. Slowly he relaxed, started to practice sports, made an appeal and is now hoping for a reduction of his term. Now when I see him, he greets me with a smile from behind bars.” «At Christmas –Francesca continues her story – we were invited to participate in the Christmas Eve mass. I was the only one since the other teachers had gone to the one celebrated for the “protected” jailees. We had not decided together. There were also Muslims among those present, others without any religious creed, and some jailees who had committed serious crimes. The Bishop started by saying: “You are not the crime you have committed, you are human beings. The crime regards the past; now let us look ahead with hope.” «In January Ermal obtained house arrest. But in that period he was approached by the gang which was the cause of all his problems. We could not keep contact with him, and couldn’t even get his address. Every day I entrusted him to Mary, asking her to let him return to school. After two months, due to evasion from house arrest, Ermal returned to jail! For us it was “good news” and the occasion for him to continue his studies. In a short time he brilliantly passed the High School exam. The President of the Commission told him: “Do you realise that you’ve got brains? What are you planning for the future?” “I want to study,” he said – “to prepare for University.” «After a year in school, I must say that I have come to know another world, almost like a parallel universe. My heart has expanded, and my way of thinking has changed. Many things that seem necessary “outside” are no longer so when you live a life of privation, where they are seen in the right perspective.” But the change God operates in people’s hearts goes beyond the bars or limits.
Nov 23, 2017 | Non categorizzato
The Sophia University Institute is pleased to invite you to the Inauguration of the Athenagoras- Chiara Lubich Ecumenical Professorship that will be chaired by His Eminence Gennadios Zervos, Orthodox Archbishop of Italy and Malta entitled: The Partriach Athenagoras and Chiara Lubich, protagonist of unity. Maria Stella Giannetti: Communication – External Relations Istituto Universitario Sophia Via san Vito 28, Loppiano – 50064 Figline e Incisa Valdarno (FI) Tel. +39.055.9051521 – Cell. +39.349 62 72 045
Nov 23, 2017 | Non categorizzato
From 26 November to 2 December, Pope Francis will embark on an apostolic voyage to Asia, stopping in Myanmar from 27 to 30 November and in Bangladesh from November 30 till December 2. It will be the first visit of a Pontiff to Myanmar, while in 1986, John Paul II visited Bangladesh, one of the most densely populated and poorest countries of the world. Pope Francis will travel to Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. During his stay, he will meet with prominent political and civil authorities, as well as young Muslim and Hindu religious leaders in order to address major issues such as climate change, migration, the refugee crisis, the future of young people, all in view of renewed hope. The members of the Focolare Movement will be accompanying this intense week long schedule in Asia with prayer for harmony and peace. A video message recorded by Pope Francis in view of the apostolic visit to Myanmar
Nov 23, 2017 | Focolare Worldwide
Paolo Balduzzi, TV journalist, presents the “Youth for a united World” during the live worldwide transmission.
It’s that great idea that was launched by Chiara Lubich in 1987, the idea she bequeathed to the new generations. That year, the Focolare foundress stood in front of a vast crowd of young people and explained to them the reason for the Genfest: “An explosion of fires, not artificial fireworks, but real fires, the fire of God’s love. The goal of ut omnes (“Father, may they all be one” [Jn 17:20-23]) draws near. Jesus wins over and draws people along, leaving behind everything that doesn’t move, like a stream of fresh water that leaves to the sides all the things that can’t be carried ahead in its limpid waters.” Chiara added: “You’ll see the miracles of God’s grace, because God is with us, God is in our midst. He’s the only Powerful One.” Standing among the young people was the current president of the Focolare, Maria Voce. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the young people.” They’ve made a great act of courage “which seems like the answer of today to the appeal Chiara has launched ever since 1960: ‘Young people of the world unite!’ This appeal still resounds right now, not only for you, but for everyone. The goal of a united world has not yet been reached. The first generation couldn’t do it alone. The second won’t do it alone either, because its purpose is so vast. The idea of a united world has to be passed on from one generation to the next, and all of them united together can hope to bring it to fulfilment.” 
She went on to say: “The Genfest isn’t something that only regards the young, but everyone. That’s why I want to go, and I hope there will be many of us.” Everyone can do something. “Some may say: but I’m sick, I can’t… Offer your pain! Let’s all of us step up. You can help by offering hospitality; you can help the young people to prepare their programmes; you can give financial support for the young people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend. Let’s do all we can, whatever it takes. The Genfest is mine, it’s ours!” Before signing off, young person from the Philippines leaves everyone with a triple task: “First: organize a local Genfest. Second: do a concrete project to help at least one young person go to Manila. Third: Buy the T-shirt with our logo.” Find all the details at: Youth for a United World website, and remember this acronym Y4UW. See also: www.focolare.org/en/genfest-2018/
Nov 22, 2017 | Non categorizzato
“What will my future be as a young person in my land?” This cry of Nasreen, a young Palestinian, penetrates the hearts of the other young people who listen in deep silence wanting to put balsam on her wounds, still open after years of war and social instability. Emina was seven years old when war broke out in Sarajevo. Her life changed in an instant, but her desire to mature and counter react has been stronger. And Albert from Spain: “My life changed ever since I had an experience of living in a refugee camp in Jordan. I’m no longer the same.” They are young people who are determined to revive the challenges of building the social fabric of peace starting from their own lives. 
Thirty-two participants took part in the “Host Spot” project, held from 28 October to 2 November 2017 in Alexandria, Egypt. It was promoted by several NGOs and Associations, including New Humanity, “Non dalla guerra”, Caritas in Jordan, Igino Giordani Foundation (Spain), B-Net, Jesuit Culture Center (Alexandria), Ireland Focolare Trust, VACA (Palestine) and Starkmacher (Germany). Starting off from their experience of meeting at a refugee camp in Jordan in August 2016, the young people pursued their initiative by holding two follow-up events in Germany, where they dealt with some of communication techniques, and as a final stage they met in Egypt. Young people from Hungary, Bosnia, Palestine, Egypt, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Jordan spent ten days together in the accomplishment of this innovative project, promoted by the European Community, in order to create connections and to build bridges between youth associations which which have as their aim the quest for peace. Through workshops, in-depth sessions on issues in the Middle East, dialogue between cultures and the importance of the media in communicating migration problems, in a world where one in two refugees is a child, the protagonists of this edition of Host Spot have embarked on a steadfast mission to spread a culture of peace, first and foremost through a training course on current affairs and information seminars on the systems which regulate the media. It was an experience which has allowed the youth protagonists to draw conclusions regarding the activities already undertaken and to plan together how to pursue this valuable collaboration between associations by developing projects and putting new synergies in place.
Nov 21, 2017 | Non categorizzato
The news that was announced on June 13th by Pope Francis, who wished there to be an international day dedicated to the poor, appeared totally in line with his pontificate that is so attentive to the needs of the vulnerable and discarded by society. The response from associations, movements and institutions, as well single individuals and groups, was surprising. The Focolare Movement in Italy embraced the invitation to “create moments of encounter and friendship, solidarity and concrete help,” to love “not only with words, but with deeds.” “Although we can learn from the poor,” say Rosalba Poli and Andrea Goller who are responsible for the Focolare in Italy, “nonetheless those who have more are called to give.” Not alms, not symbolic gesture to put ones conscience at peace; the invitation is to step out of our comfort zone and our certainties,” as the Pope says, “to go out to meet the thousands of faces of poverty.” In Italy also the phenomenon is a cause of concern. According to a recent government report, nearly 5 million people are living in “absolute poverty.” Eight million and a half suffer “relative poverty.” It is a poverty of a thousand faces: marginalization, unemployment, violence, lack of aid. And mostly isolation, because being poor first of all means being excluded. “The Day of the Poor takes us back to a primary aspect of the Focolare’s spirituality, the communion of goods,” Poli and Goller explain. “It’s a practice that has led to many social projects over the years, inspired by the desire to imitate the custom in the early Christian communities where no one was needy among them. Some of our projects include Arcobaleno Association, which has been active in Milan for more than 30 years; the La Pira Center for you foreigners in Florence; the Sempre Persona Project that helps prisoners to become reinserted into society and offers assistance to their families. Then, the Apriamoci Project from the Trentino More cultural association, such as Facciamo Casa Insieme. Others distribute food, like the l’Associazione Solidarietà in Reggio Emilia, B&F in Ascoli, Associazione Città Fraterna and Comitato Umanità Nuova in Genoa. RomAmor is involved in helping the homeless around the Ostiense Train Stations, whereas other projects welcome refugees in Lampedusa and Ventimiglia. In Pomigliano d’Arco, the Legami di Solidarietà work in an area that is strongly marked by unemployment where mutuality and sharing has made a comeback. Following the earthquake in central Italy, several Solidarity Buying Groups were instituted by the RImPRESA Project to provide on site support for local economic activities that had been damaged in the earthquake. Alongside the consolidated projects, other projects have begun in the north and south of the country, often networking with institutions or associations that work in the social field. The intent is to become stable supporters of those living in poverty. From Milan to Sicily, from Messina to Udine, there are food banks, listening centres, soup kitchens, recycling projects. There is also a home for separated parents, at the city gate of Cagliari. Meanwhile, just a few days from its activation, the App Fag-8 project already has thousands of subscriptions. It’s a technological evolution of the custom of putting ones possessions in common, material things and also talents, ideas. By downloading the app it is possible for someone to share (also in someone else’s account), a material object, a project or one’s own time. It is a tool connected to total local a national networks, that allows one to find out in a short time whether what I’m looking for is available, or if I can answer someone else’s need.
Nov 20, 2017 | Focolare Worldwide
Patrizia Mazzola
y background was in the Scouts, so I couldn’t believe that I could take part in this new experience. The invitation was extended to many other students at my school, and finally, together with my sisters, we made up our minds to attend, even though I remember that at the last minute I was tempted to stay back as I had to undertake an exam. The others encouraged me to go and so we left Palermo on a number of buses. With me I took my inseparable guitar, songbooks and tape-recorder, which at that time was rather cumbersome. During the trip, I was favourably impressed by some of the girls, the Gen, who were already living the spirituality of unity. I was struck by their attitude, the attention they were giving to everyone, the climate of harmony and serenity that they created among us, despite our exuberance, the moments of reflection that followed when we listened to the songs of Gen Rosso and Gen Verde, which I learnt to play straightaway with great enthusiasm 
It was March 1st, 1975. The Sports Palace in Rome which had gathered 20,000 young people from five continents, made a powerful impact on me. I immediately experienced the power of the Gospel when it is lived. For example, it was the first time that I found myself sharing deeply with someone who was sitting next to me, thus having the experience of living as brothers and sisters. My dream, to see a world of peace, a united world, came true, right there. I was amazed and awestruck by the personal testimonies so much so that I almost had to pinch myself to believe that all this was happening. I listened attentively as they shared their stories from the stage: the two young people from South Africa where apartheid had not yet been defeated, the group from Belfast where there was conflict due to religious and political division. They were tangible signs that, if we really commit ourselves, we can achieve peace there where we live.
The next day, we all gathered at the Vatican, in St Peter’s Basilica, where Chiara Lubich presented us to the Holy Father. During the offertory, twelve young people, representing us, walked up with Chiara on the altar. I remember there was an endless applause. Consequently, during the Angelus (midday prayer) in St Peter’s Square, the Pope greeted us with words encouraging us to go on: “This morning, around the altar, we had twenty thousand faithful, the young Gen – New Generation – who came from all over the world. The beauty of it was something moving. We thank God and take courage. A new world is born: the Christian world of faith and charity.”
It was truly the beginning of a new world. For me it marked the beginning of a new life.
Patrizia Mazzola
