Nov 24, 2019 | Non categorizzato
“In a divided world, united in Christ” was the title of an annual meeting, which for the past 38 years has been bringing together bishops from various Churches. This ecumenical event, from 21st to 25th October, has been termed historic for the island of Ireland. “Powerful reflections across the ecclesial spectrum on witnessing hope in division. Prophetic … Holy Spirit breathe!” This tweet from Darren O’Reilly, co-leader of the Koinonia community based in Belfast, gets right to the heart of some exceptional days, between 21st and 25th October in Northern Ireland, for the 38th meeting of Bishops from different Churches, friends of the Focolare Movement. This year’s focus was on sharing reflections and testimonies on the challenge of unity in Christ, in a world as divided as it is today. 
These meetings, promoted by the Focolare Movement, offer bishops a space of dialogue and sharing on the spirituality of unity. This year 30 Bishops, belonging to 18 different Churches, from 14 different countries, were welcomed to the cities of Larne and Belfast. As every year, the location was selected for its symbolic meaning, this time for the “peace process”, an experience of commitment towards reconciliation within a divided society. The participants got to know something of the history and current state of the ecumenical journey in Ireland. They could not but be impressed by the constructive relationships and noteworthy fruits they saw. Bishop Trevor Williams of the Church of Ireland, delivered a well-received presentation of the history of Christianity in Ireland, and afterwards commented, “It was heartening to hear the Bishops’ concern for our ‘unfinished business’ of peace building and their joy at witnessing so many activities undertaken by Christians from different traditions to heal the divide”. The local Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor, Noel Treanor gave a significant contribution by outlining the ecclesial, social and political panorama. The Bishops visited significant places in the peace and reconciliation process, such as the East Belfast Methodist Mission, where they were welcomed by pastor Brian Anderson, currently President of the Irish Council of Churches. They participated in liturgical services in Presbyterian, Anglican and Catholic churches. In the Catholic church of St Patrick, in front of a congregation from different Churches, the Bishops witnessed to how they live the New Commandment of Jesus, renewing a “pact” among themselves: a solemn commitment to love the other’s Church as their own. This pact is always one of the highpoints of these meetings. But it was in the afternoon of 23rd October, that an open session at Larne touched the hearts of many and has been termed “historic”. The Catholic Bishop of Limerick, Brendan Leahy, described it as such, “It was like the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus who felt their hearts burning as Jesus was among them and explained and talks with them”. Over one hundred people participated from all over Ireland, from many different Churches (Apostolic Armenian, the Church of Ireland (Anglican), Orthodox – Patriarchate of Antioch, Presbyterian, Catholic, Methodist, Moravian, Lutheran and Syrian Orthodox). The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland was there and a representative of the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, representatives of the Irish Council of Churches, the Irish Interchurch Committee, the Dublin Council of Churches, as well as different movements and groups. The participation of Bishops from different Churches highlighted the fruits of the “dialogue of life” which was always encouraged by Chiara Lubich: a dialogue exercized by the people, including its pastors, a people united in Christ through the love lived by everyone. For example, the witness of true friendship in Christ and collaboration between the two Archbishops of Armagh, Eamon Martin (Catholic) and Richard Clarke (Anglican), both primates of all Ireland. This “dialogue of life” finds expression in the commitment to address, in the most varied of ways, the challenges, social and civil wounds of Ireland. Such as “Embrace Northern Ireland” – assisting refugees; the “Four Corners Festival” – promoting encounters and friendship across the geographical and sectarian divides which still affect Belfast; the Dublin Council of Churches involving 14 Churches. Rev Ken Newell, a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, described the meeting as a “new Pentecost, where Christians of different Churches from all over the world were one in the Spirit, where the unity of the Church was felt … for the well-being of the world”.
Stefania Tanesini
Nov 21, 2019 | Non categorizzato
“To love in a Christian way we must “make ourselves one” with every neighbour […] We can enter as far as possible into their hearts and minds in order to truly understand their needs and share their sufferings and joys. It means ‘bending towards’ others, somehow becoming them, making ourselves them. This is Christianity. Jesus became man, he became like us to make us like God. In this way, people feel understood and supported” . (Chiara Lubich) Pupil to be excluded One of my colleagues confided in me her concern about a particular pupil we both taught whom she felt should be excluded from school. I asked her if there were any subjects he was doing well in: “Shouldn’t we try to help and support him?” She started to change her viewpoint: “Well, he’s actually quite good in some subjects”. Together we discussed what we could do for him. We invited the pupil to have a chat with us and explained the situation. Within a few weeks, things changed in a way we could never have imagined. One day, when I was with that same colleague, she said to me: “This story has also done me good with my children. I was awfully angry with the eldest one who wastes time on his guitar and neglects everything else. After the effort we made with this pupil, I started encouraging my son and one day he sang me two poems that he had set to music. It was a complete surprise to me and my husband but his siblings, knew how talented he was. When you do something for someone, your heart dilates and you see things you didn’t see before. (C.A. – Poland) Wife and mother-in-law One of my friends shared with me how hard it was for him that his wife and mother-in-law didn’t get on: their quarrels and resentments were affecting the whole family and the children were suffering because of it too. I listened to him for a long time. All I managed to say was not to take sides but to listen to both of them. I also tried to stay close to the family by offering them cakes or other gifts. After some time my friend came to see me at work. Everything had been resolved in a most unexpected way. “It was the way you listened to me that gave me the strength to do the same”. (J.F. – Korea) Give and there will be gifts for you I had recently offered a homeless man the bottle of water that I used to fill every day and take with me in the car. One day, feeling thirsty, I stopped to take a drink at a fountain but it was proving very difficult: a bottle would have made things much easier but of course I had given mine away. Just as I was leaving, an elderly gentleman who was putting some bottles in his car asked me if I was thirsty. “Yes but as you can see, I can’t drink from this fountain”. At that moment, wanting to make me happy, he gave me one of the bottles he had just put in his car. This filled with joy because it reminded me of the phrase “give and there will be gifts for you”. (R.A. – Albania) The strength of a friendship One day as I speaking to a friend from the parish, I was surprised to hear her say I should give more time to my family. What would she know? She’s not even married was my first reaction but her words turned around in my mind. I started to think about my relationship with my four children. Everything seemed to be fine but… something wasn’t quite right with M. One day he was listening to music in his room, so I decided to go in with some excuse and asked him what he thought about a certain matter. After a while he just broke down in tears. It was so unusual because he was normally such a strong, confident lad but after a while he started to tell me what was wrong; how he had been badly let down by his girlfriend and had come close to committing suicide. I was completely shocked. My friend had opened my eyes, and I decided I needed to pay the same “attention” to my other children. I had always thought I was the perfect mother. I had always taken care of everything but something was missing: the love of the present moment; that love that is ready for the unexpected. (F.G. – Philippines)
by Stefania Tanesini (taken from Il Vangelo del Giorno, Città Nuova, year V, n.6,November-December 2019) _____________________
Nov 18, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare Movement’s contribution towards dialogue between Christian Churches. Maria Voce spoke at the Angelicum, in Rome, on the 25th anniversary of the Encyclical Ut unum sint “It all started from discovering that God is Love”. Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement indicated this as the starting point that led to the progressive intuition and definition of the spirituality of unity, that animates the Movement founded by Chiara Lubich. She was speaking at the St Thomas Aquinas University in Rome, where a monthly cycle of conferences is being held to mark the 25th anniversary of the Encyclical Ut unum sint. 
During her speech she highlighted the contribution towards unity among Christian Churches offered by the charism God gave to Chiara Lubich and the spirituality of communion derived from it. The key ideas of this spirituality indicate the steps that lead to the unity of the human family, to the realization of Jesus’ prayer “…that all may be one”, “the goal of the Focolare Movement”. The discovery of the Love of God, Father leads to the awareness that we are all brothers and sisters. And, therefore, as Chiara Lubich used to explain “loving God as children means loving our brothers and sisters”. So, love towards our neighbour is another key idea of the spirituality of unity – Maria Voce affirmed. In other words, this means that one is to follow the path of the Gospel. Quoting Chiara’s words, she said: “Immediately, we perceived that the charism of unity is […] a light to understand the Gospel better, to see it as a source of love and unity and a strength to live it with determination”. She related that soon they realised that Jesus’ new commandment, “… love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34), indicated the measure for their love. They had “to be ready to give their life for one another”, as Christ did. Thus, the first focolarini started to live mutual love, and they made a pact of unity among themselves. This was “the beginning of a particular lifestyle suggested by the Holy Spirit: it had a communitarian dimension”. Whilst putting mutual love into practice, Chiara and her companions experienced the presence of Jesus among them. The Focolari President quoted Lubich: “We saw our lives take a qualitative leap foward: we felt a new peace […] We realized what was happening, when we read the Gospel words: ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them’ (Mt 18:20). Mutual love united us […] Jesus present among us sealed our unity”. Maria Voce explained that seeking to have the presence of Jesus in the midst contributed to the name “Work of Mary” by which the Focolare Movement is also known. This name expresses the Movement’s commitment to imitate Mary; just as she gave birth to Jesus, the Focolare members live to give birth to the spiritual presence of Jesus in the midst through mutual love . It was soon realized that the spirituality of unity could be lived in various situations. Maria Voce related: “At the beginning of the 1960s, Chiara Lubich met brothers and sisters of the Lutheran Church; then she met Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Orthodox and members of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and it was discovered that this presence of Jesus in the midst could also be established among Christians of different Churches”. This discovery opened the path to dialogue, both on a theological level and on the level of “life”. It was supported by the experience of unity among Christians of different Churches , already a reality within the Movement. However, experiences of lack of unity may also occur. Focolare members consider these as an opportunity to “work” for unity and rebuild it. While quoting Chiara Lubich’s words, Maria Voce explained that the road to unity is Jesus foresaken: “Since Jesus covered himself with all our evils, we can discover his face behind every pain […], we can embrace him in all sufferings […] and say our yes as he did. […] and He will live in us, as the Risen Lord”. She continued: “Later, Chiara discovered the face of Jesus foresaken also in the divisions between the Christian Churches. Even here, ‘the main work of the Focolare Movement’ is to heal the divisions and work for unity”. Then, she highlighted the contribution that an experience of unity among theologians of various Churches “could offer to ecumenical dialogue”: “If theologians let themselves be guided by being one in Christ”, Jesus “will facilitate the understanding of the different theological points of view” and “together they will rediscover the truth”. The last part of her speech was dedicated to the charism of unity as a road to holiness. Maria Voce recalled that the diocesan phase in the cause of the beatification and canonization of Chiara Lubich has been completed, and the process now goes to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the Vatican.
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Nov 15, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Pope Francis’ words to the university institute: “I leave you with three key ideas: wisdom, the pact you make together and going out to others. I ask you to continue your journey with joy, vision and decision.” “I am happy with the road you have covered in twelve years since your life began. Push on! The journey has just begun!” These were Pope Francis’ opening words when he greeted the academic community of the Sophia University Institute today in a private audience. “In the path that lies before you, there is no shortage of reference points: there is the charism of unity from which your University was born and there are also the points that I outlined in the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium which your academic and formative project wants to reflect. Your participation in the preparation and development of the Global Educational Pact is evidence of this.”
© Servizio Fotografico Vaticano
© Servizio Fotografico Vaticano
Tamara Pastorelli
Nov 13, 2019 | Non categorizzato
“Challenging the future: men and women in dialogue”. This was the title of a meeting held at Castel Gandolfo, (Italy) from 18 to 20 October 2019, organised by the Focolare Centre for Dialogue with People with non-religious beliefs. It was an opportunity to express hopes, needs and ideals from different cultural perspectives through a wide-ranging dialogue between people without a precise religious affiliation and Catholic Christians. Two young Muslims were also present at this meeting entitled “Challenging the Future: men and women in dialogue”, held at Castel Gandolfo (Rome, Italy) from 18 to 20 October, organised by the Focolare Movement. The choice of theme stemmed from the search to understand in depth today’s women and men, adults and young people, belonging to different faiths and non-religious affiliations. What holds us all together? What is the specific contribution of male-female collaboration for a peaceful future and effective work for the common good? When does education on male-female relationship start? “Everyone is different, but at times young people are excluded because of what they look like. Real heroes don’t do this, even if it’s not always easy”. These are the opening words of the short film “Real Heroes”, by Belgian director Erik Hendriks, which opened the conference. The documentary, filmed with a cast of students, was followed by a wide range of contributions which proved to be a source of enrichment for all those attending at the three day meeting. The focus of the meeting was the Focolare’s distinctive approach to work: working together and with co-responsibility between men and women. An important contribution was made by Piero Taiti, a medical doctor and pioneer of the Focolare’s dialogue with people of non-religious beliefs, on Chiara Lubich’s prophetic message. Moreno Orazi is an architect who describes himself as a ‘troubled Christian’, still searching, with many questions about faith. He presented examples of the masculine and feminine in the social environment. “We recognise the strong influence that the difference between the feminine body and the masculine body has from a psychological point of view. At the same time I also perceive a substantial reciprocity of feelings from the point of view of existence and affectivity, at the deepest level. For both men and women, solitude and a lack of recognition of the person, of their hopes and expectations, cause deep suffering. There is an inner voice emanating from the body of women, to which men have reacted ambiguously in the past, amplifying or ignoring it according to their own interests at the time, but never perceiving it as the key to ascertaining the essence of the feminine”. For psychiatrist Giuseppe Auriemma, reciprocity, which springs from the relationship between men and women, is a valuable resource for overcoming differences. “Reciprocity calls for effort and commitment. It involves overcoming the rigidity of opposing positions, resisting the temptation to resolve differences in victory by the strongest; overcoming a mentality of taking and possessing. In reality, it is a hard journey towards liberation. Men and women must be aware of their specific characteristics, which can be gifts and a source of enrichment as well as limitations. Only in this way can they live in a relationship, a true meeting, because each will have something to give and something to receive”. Donatella Abignente, lecturer in Moral Theology, outlined a perspective from the Catholic Church: “There is a lively debate going on now in the Catholic Church. At the Synod of Bishops on Amazonia, the Pope asked for women’s ministry of the Word to be officially recognized. This was met with resistance from those who place too much importance on individual rights and particularly on the rights of the strongest; so that women only become important when they acquire enough strength to make their own rights count. Rights should be acknowledged on the basis of fellowship. As regards reciprocity, it can only be built freely, which does not mean neglecting one’s own fulfilment, voluntarism based on mortification, or altruism which resembles the search for one’s own perfection through service. It is not about becoming women or men, but of becoming persons within the free giving of fellowship, committing ourselves in a transformation that will last our whole lives”. Valuable contributions were offered by people from beyond Europe. Vania Cheng spoke about the man-woman relationship in China; Ray Asprer gave a perspective from the Philippines; Mounir Farag, Haifa Alsakkaf and Giovanna Perucca reflected on women in Islamic societies. In her talk, “Interpretative keys to interpreting the history of man-woman relationships” sociologist Giulia Paola Di Nicola presented an overview of history, outlining some of the changes which have developed over the centuries, the division of roles, hierarchies and values which over thousands of years have characterized approaches to the ordering of society.
By the editorial team
Nov 11, 2019 | Non categorizzato
An interview with Brother Gino Alberati who has been a missionary in the Amazonian sub-continent since 1970. Now that the media spotlight upon the green lung of the earth has faded because the forest fires have been extinguished and the Catholic Church’s Synod on the Amazon has produced its final document, we feel it is important to continue to publicise news about the people who live in the Amazon and contribute to its development every day. There is a great risk that we could regard this piece of land as something from an exotic postcard and very distant from the life of our big cities. It is one of the most extensive multi-cultural workshops on the planet. This aspect of the area certainly makes less of a stir than the environmental issues with which it is associated but respect for this fact is equally central to the survival of its population. For this reason, taking up the cultural challenge in the Amazon and supporting human education and training is of vital importance.
© ACN Kirche in Not
Stefania Tanesini
Nov 10, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The diocesan phase of the Cause of Canonisation and Beatification of Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, ended on Sunday 10th November. Over 500 people filled the Cathedral in Frascati (Rome) where the last session of the diocesan inquiry took place. Participants included Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the President of the Focolare Maria Voce (Emmaus) and the Co-President Jesús Morán, some relatives of Chiara Lubich, two representatives of the Orthodox Church, several mayors of towns in the Lazio region, priests, lay people, men and women religious, as well as many friends who knew Chiara and the charism of unity of the Focolare.
The last 3 of the 75 boxes are sealed
Lorenzo Russo Focolare Movement Communication Office
Text: State with greeting by Maria Voce
Nov 7, 2019 | Non categorizzato
St Paul’s words “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15) invite us to “make ourselves one”, to put ourselves “in someone else’s shoes”, as an effective way of living real love. When we put this into practice, we notice things starting to change around us, beginning with our family relationships, our schools, places of work and our local communities. With gratitude we discover how our love, when given freely and sincerely, sooner or later will be returned and become reciprocal. Welcome A woman with a troubled past came to live in our locality. When we realised who she was, we did not want to have anything to do with her. In fact, we discovered she had murdered her own son, and had not been sent to prison because she was pregnant and suffering from depression. Our parish priest reminded us not to condemn her, but actually every time we saw her, it was extremely difficult not to think of what she had done. As time passed, helped by the parish priest, this woman became the measure of our capacity to welcome others. And with our sustained effort to “look at the other person through new eyes”, the whole quality of our community life improved. We reflected it was precisely through this woman in need and our mercy towards her that God was giving us an important lesson from the Gospel. And we received a real gift one day when, through her tears, she shared her story with us: all her sufferings and the violence she had herself endured. She thanked us because we had proved to her that love exists and that the world is not only evil as she had known it up to then. (M.P. – Germany) Supporting deaf and dumb children Our institute is funded partially by the State and partially by our own efforts, through selling our own hand-made craft items. But there are always so many in need. One day the parent of one of our pupils came to tell us they couldn’t find the money to solve a serious problem. I took the last money we had and give it to him. Later that same day a visitor came whom we had never met before. She told us, “I saw the statue of Mary in your garden and stopped to pray. I respect what you do here, it is admirable. I don’t know what I can do for you, but maybe this will help”. And she gave us two bank notes totalling exactly double what I had given away in the morning! (J. – Lebanon) On a cruise trip I’ve never known my mother to be healthy. She has always been unwell and for decades confined to bed. My father despite his brilliant and successful career, stayed close to her, ensuring she had everything she needed. One day I was invited on a cruise trip and I accepted immediately, making any number of excuses to myself. On that trip, while my colleague was talking about his family, I realised that I had very little to say about my own, it seemed I almost felt ashamed of the ongoing suffering in my family. However, when he asked about my parents and I started talking about my father’s dedication to my mother, I found I was actually so proud to have a father like this, and I began to understand that suffering is of value. When I returned home, I immediately went to ask forgiveness from my parents, not so much for having left them to go on holiday, but because I had not been able to recognize that they needed me. With that “cruise trip” my life changed. And the last days of my mother’s life became a gift for the whole family. (S.S. – Spain) Asking forgiveness Early one morning in the kitchen, my wife and I were agitated over unresolved problems. We could see no way out and, as on other occasions, a furious argument was about to explode. I paused just for a moment and asked myself if all the promises I had made to God to make a new start were valid or had they all gone up in smoke? I went to my wife and, even if I did not find it easy, I asked her for forgiveness. Immediately, she responded, saying that she was the one to blame … By the time the children arrived in the kitchen, they found not only the breakfast ready, but their parents who were growing with them, striving to transmit to the children the right key to living well. (R.H. – Slovacchia)
edited by Stefania Tanesini (from Il Vangelo del Giorno, Città Nuova, anno V, n.6,novembre-dicembre 2019)
Nov 5, 2019 | Non categorizzato
People of all ages, from East and West, had an important experience of openness, knowledge of different cultures and dialogue in Europe. https://vimeo.com/363570320
Nov 3, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare’s “culture lab” came to a close on October 27 at Castel Gandolfo, Italy. Its objective: create synergies between professions and disciplines in order to understand how to build a more united society in a world that is continually evolving. Try imagining tomorrow’s world. Try projecting yourself forward into the future and asking yourself what our planet will be like 20 years from now. Dare to have the most utopian ideas, and dream of changing the world today. There is an ancient African proverb that says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” It does well to express the challenge of managing the world’s complexity together, not as individuals, but by creating a network of singular talents. It is a challenge being taken up by an international, multicultural group of adults and young people, academics and professionals, who gathered at Castel Gandolfo, Italy. Coming from more than 40 countries, participants got into things straight away, taking in proposals from various experiences and reflections. By opening up a wide dialogue, each will sustain and develop tangible proposals in their own fields. “Change the changing world” was the title of the final day and a half, which was run by young people and aimed at their age group. A number of them signed up to the call to attend “The economy of Francesco” event in Assisi on March 26–28, where the pope will address young economists, entrepreneurs and change-makers. The idea is to make a pact together with them, beyond any differences in beliefs or nationality, to change the current economy and give a soul to tomorrow’s, so that it is more just, sustainable, and with those excluded playing more of a lead role. Speaking of taking a lead role, Adelard Kananira, a young Burundian, showed how the Together for a New Africa project (T4NA) is driving towards creating the foundations for a new ruling class and a new model of leadership in Africa. The first training sessions for this project were held in Kenya this year, with more than 150 participating – young people, educators and professors from East Africa. Their goal is to tear down the walls that exist between tribes, political parties, ethic groups and countries, in order to reach the common good of development and peace. Giada and Giorgia, instead, hope to bring change through their commitment to the reality where they work. Giada, 23, works in the film industry as an assistant director, which is extremely demanding work that she wouldn’t trade for anything else in the world. She hopes one day to make films that transmit harmony, which she works to create every day with her colleagues, sure that cinema can be a powerful means that can truly contribute to changing the world. Giorgia, 32, is a member of a local council in Italy with a mandate for youth, innovation, participation and the local economy in her district. Her dream has already become reality: in her town there are shared financial statements, the objectives of Agenda 2030 are front of mind, new development models are sought out, and projects to safeguard the environment such as urban gardens are progressing. Through their commitment, both young people and adults are already influencing the future by fulfilling their ideas and spreading and instituting best practices. They are already aiming to change, at this very moment, a changing world.
Patrizia Mazzola
Nov 1, 2019 | Non categorizzato
A serious illness and unexpected hospitalization in a foreign country led to a deep bond of friendship and sharing between two Focolare communities in Colombia and Venezuela. We never envisaged that a telephone call we received one evening would lead to an unthinkable chapter in our lives. We were informed that a relative of a Focolare member in Venezuela was admitted to one of the hospitals in the city of Bogotá (Colombia). This Venezuelan, who arrived in Colombia as a migrant, in precarious conditions, worked as a bricklayer. He had to be hospitalized because he was seriously ill. The next day, two Focolare members, who both felt God’s call to show love to this brother, who was a stranger to them, met at hospital when they went to visit him. They introduced themselves to him and assured him that he could count not only on the two of them, but also on the larger family of the Bogotá Focolare community. He told them that he was in Bogotá with his son, who was now replacing him at work. The doctors warned that his condition was very serious. When we contacted his son, we found out that they were living in a poor hut. Through an appeal to our community, we managed to provide clothes and shoes for them. Later, the son had to stop working to dedicate more time to his father. So, some of us started to see to his breakfast, his lunch, his need to rest; we wanted him to feel the warmth of a family. Others took turns to visit the father in hospital, so that the son could be relieved. Meanwhile we continued to see to their basic needs. The time came when the father expressed his wish to return to Venezuela. He shared with us that his experience in Colombia made him feel God’s love and brought a true conversion in his life. He wanted to see his little daughter again, to be with his wife and die in peace. He could not travel by land, so money was needed for the necessary documents and for the flight. The doctors and nurses were also greatly touched by this situation, so they helped in various ways and collected a large sum of money. In the meantime, he needed specialized care and despite difficulties, after some time he was admitted to a specialized medical centre. Here, the doctors realized that there was nothing more they could do. He should have been discharged out hospital, but considering his situation, they decided to keep him there until his departure for Venezuela. We asked a priest to visit him, and he was able to confess and receive the anointing of the sick. On the day of their departure from Bogotá, there was a blackout in Caracas (Venezuela) so the plane could not leave. They had to wait for three more days; they stayed in a hotel near the airport, until finally they were able to depart. When the son contacted us, he expressed a lot of gratitude for the love received; he told us that his father managed to arrive home and passed away very peacefully after some time.
The Bogotá Community(Colombia)
Oct 29, 2019 | Non categorizzato
How are things in Fontem? Many people are asking for the latest news from this the first Focolare small town in Africa, in South East Cameroon, an area afflicted by an ongoing armed conflict. Here is a recent letter from Etiènne Kenfack and Margarit Long, the Focolare coordinators for Fontem, who are currently living about 300km south, in Douala. Dearest friends of Fontem all around the world! Our thanks for expressing such concern about our situation. Your participation gives us joy, comfort and the courage to carry on. The socio-political crisis of this region, which has led to acts of violence, remains unresolved. The sound of gunfire has ceased at present, but the situation remains tense. Life goes on. People are still arriving at our hospital looking for help, even though now we are only able to offer a much reduced service. Over the past few months 1,894 people have come for a consultation. 644 of these were admitted for treatment, including 36 pregnant women who have since given birth. It’s now the rainy season, so we’re trying our best to keep up with essential maintenance on the electricity sub-station which supplies power to all the main infrastructure in Fontem. A small group has remained looking after the Mariapolis Centre, and together with others they’ve formed an amazing team taking care of the grounds in order to prevent the tropical forest from taking over the land. Recently, to everyone’s great joy, Bishop Nkea sent a priest to Fontem once again. This is an unequivocal and tangible sign of the Bishop’s care for the Bangwa people. The new priest is in close contact with the local leaders of our Focolare community there, and of course his presence has facilitated participation in the sacraments, especially Sunday and daily Mass. Also in this most recent period, the anniversaries of two Fontem pioneers – Pia Fatica and Fides Maciel, both buried in our cemetery – were solemnly commemorated. We are very concerned about the exploitation of the media for political gain. All too often we’ve noticed news being circulated which is most definitely incorrect. So we’re appealing to you to regard any news about Fontem, including on personal social media platforms, with the greatest responsibility and prudence. Please try to verify the original source of any such news before sharing. Our own “strategy” in this crisis is to increase the communion and collaboration between everyone who has remained in the little town, in order to achieve joint decision-making. As you can imagine, this is not always easy! It can take time and effort, again and again, to listen to one another really well. However, it’s clear to all concerned that this is the only way to go ahead together and continue witnessing to the life Chiara Lubich brought to this land. Aracelis and Charles are responsible for the Focolare community in the first little town in Africa. They tell us about the current situation and explain how life is going on in Fontem today. https://vimeo.com/363570844
Oct 27, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The story of Dorotka and her family “An eXtra Something” is a film telling the story of Dorotka, a teen from Bratislava, Slovakia. She has Down syndrome, a genetic anomaly. Despite the difficulties this brings, it soon proves to be an “added value” for those around her. Her mother Viera explains what happens at the heart of a family when they learn they are expecting a child with Down syndrome. 
“It was a shock! We didn’t expect it that and we had never even seen someone with Down syndrome before. But Dorotka looked just like our other four children. We knew that panicking about an unknown situation doesn’t help, although keeping a cool head does. “Yet secretly, somewhere in my soul, I was afraid we would not be able to love her. In the time that followed, extraordinary things began to happen. Many precious people came into our lives, they helped us a lot, and they still help today. And our relationships in the family have become stronger. Our four older children have become more sensitive, loving, and the whole family is united as never before.” How does feeling surprised change to feeling gifted? The name Dorota means God’s gift. She already had this name during the pregnancy, and we believed that God never gives bad gifts. We just received something we don’t understand yet, and we felt it was a little test of our trust in God. At the time we began to hear many ideas and reflections, in which we sought God’s will in the present moment. It helped us a lot, as we clearly felt that this was God’s will for us. A friend of ours sent us a note that read, “This is true happiness, because it is built on pain”. How did you decide to share your experience with other families? Early on a doctor introduced us to other families who had children with Down syndrome. Together we did different therapies, we shared our experiences and eventually established an association called “Up-Down Syndrome”. We longed for the children to grow together, so that they were not only attached to their own family, and prepare them so that they can continue together on the road to some independence. We then founded the “Dúhadlo“ theatre, which opens new horizons for children through drama therapy. How did the collaboration with the University of Bratislava begin? A friend of ours teaches medical ethics at the Faculty of Medicine. Nine years ago she invited me to tell our story to students and get them more acquainted with the Down syndrome diagnosis. I am very grateful to have had this possibility. We felt that young doctors could still be influenced positively, and over the years we have always had positive feedback from students. “An eXtra Something” is the name of a documentary film that tells the story of Dorotka in her daily life, her joys and struggles. Why this title? Our original intention was to make a short video for World Down Syndrome Day. Pavol Kadlečík had no experience with Down syndrome and was so amazed that he decided to make a longer film. None of us knew that such a beautiful documentary would eventually be produced. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in which the 21st chromosome does not form a pair, instead it forms a triplet. Therefore, this diagnosis can also be called Trisomy 21. This means that these people have one extra chromosome, and often it is called the chromosome of love. There’s something extra in them, and they have this special ability of unconditional love. There is no fiction in this film. It shows the daily life of the main character and her family, classmates, friends from theatre and music, and includes the struggles, joys, successes and disappointments. It bears witness to the love in this family and their “yes” to life. Dorotka, did you enjoy shooting a movie about you? When I was standing in front of the camera, sometimes I was a little anxious, and I had stage-fright. It was hard not to look directly into the camera. But the cameraman was great, and I enjoyed it. Palko made everyone happy with the idea of this film, and I would like to continue with a new one. What would you say to people reading this interview? I became an actress to make you happy. Try to love others.
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Oct 25, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Youth for Unity from Oceania went to Lake Mungo to find out about the life and culture of the aboriginal people. It was a unique experience that opened hearts and minds. https://vimeo.com/362748693
Oct 23, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Beating an addiction to gambling is possible, but not alone. Here’s the story of Christian Rigor from the Philippines, who found God at Fazenda da Esperança, as well as his life’s deepest meaning. The idea of “aiming high brings to mind various things: work objectives, personal projects, dreams worth fighting for. They are often all-embracing challenges that we dedicate a good part of our lives to. Yet there are goals and then there are goals; some have a more subjective value than collective. To reach loftier goals you have to follow a path of growth, put yourself in question, develop a sense of responsibility for the collective and open your horizons to faraway worlds. Then there are lesser goals that turn us inwards, that close a person within their own self-interest, isolate them and eventually become destructive. The objectives we choose guide our way of life. Although you can always change which path you’re on. Christian Rigor, a 30-something from the Philippines, knows this well. A peaceful childhood in a well-off family allowed him to study and specialise in Europe. As a teen he had a full social life, but he wanted to make “easy money”, without working for it. His taking things lightly was fatal from the first moment he entered a casino. Thus began his road to gambling addiction, caught in his need to recover his inevitable losses. It was a dark chapter of his life, aiming for misplaced goals. Along the way he lost friends, work, a fiancé, and the trust of his relatives. He also lost his personal wellbeing, which from the edge of the 24th floor of a building, reached its lowest point. The turning point came when, encouraged by his mother, he decided to move to Fazenda da Esperança, a project with houses set up throughout a number of countries around the world. In its DNA is the Focolare’s spirituality of unity., which inspired its founders. The rehab programme there is dedicated to people who suffer from various forms of dependency. “During the programme I learned to look beyond myself, beyond my egotistical and superficial worldly desires, and live for a greater goal. I learned to aim high and found God. That’s how I learned how to love God and those around me, in everything that I do in the present moment, even when it is painful or difficult.” At Fazenda da Esperança, life is organised in three dimensions: spiritual, collective, and work. Each provides an opportunity to grow personally. “As a Catholic, I learned to go deeper in my personal relationship with God, to listen to his word and live it, to look for unity with him at Mass and to pray as if speaking with a friend.” Collective life taught him that to “love God fully, I need to love those around me, to see the presence of Jesus in them.” It trained him to go beyond differences to serve each neighbour – sharing food, listening to friends who were down, taking care of things at home. At work, whether particularly heavy or just normal, Christian learned to give the best of himself. “I didn’t care how difficult, physically taxing, boring, dirty or gross it was.” Along his road to recovery, he was called upon to be a coordinator for his group. “It was difficult for me to be both gentle and firm, especially during arguments. One time I was unjustly accused of stealing, and I did not feel appreciated. I wanted to give up, but then I decided to stay because I wanted to heal my addiction and be a new person. I dove into loving in each moment, despite others’ judgement. I asked God for help and I felt closer to him.” Today Christian takes on the challenge of his life beyond the protected space of the Fazenda, and when faced with the temptation of gambling, he finds refuge in God. In reality he’s discovered that true happiness lies in aiming for other goals. “I realised that I find happiness when I love God, when I feel his presence during prayer, in the people that I meet, in my activities, and when I love in the present moment. To aim high, you don’t need to accomplish who knows what; you just need to do everything with love. Today, this is my lifestyle.”
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Oct 21, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Ana Clara Giovani is a Brazilian journalist who made a video-blog of the event. https://vimeo.com/363569902
Oct 20, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Ten days of protests with hundreds of people arrested and five victims. An appeal for dialogue by the Ecuadorian Bishops’ Conference and the United Nations finally bears fruit. The Focolare Movement’s commitment to contribute towards peace. On October 2 Ecuador’s President, Lenin Moreno announced a package of austerity measures. The decision to end fuel subsidies caused a rise in the price of a number of necessary commodities that triggerred immediate protests, and a state of emergency was declared. Ecuador, a Latin American country with more than 17 million inhabitants (71.9% mestizos, 7.4% montubio population, 7.8% afro-Ecuadorian, 7.1% indigenous Ecuadorians and 7% white Ecuadorians), found itself forced into peaceful protests, that did not need much to become violent and provoke repressive action by law enforcement agencies. “Peace is over” wrote a young Ecuadorian, who also sent me a video showing anti-riot tanks in the square. A friend who wrote to me a few days later, related: “I heard xenophobic expressions and stories about mestizos and indigenous people, who were betrayed and then attacked. It is so painful to hear about women and children who lost their lives. It has been said that five were killed during unexpected bombings at dawn. Despite all this suffering, people are peaceful and the weapons used during their protests were large bucketfuls of water to extinguish the fires caused by bombs, bicarbonate, vinegar, masks against gases and eucalyptus branches. On the front line there were youth, aged between twenty and thirty, who were not afraid to die. At the square, there were no indigenous people in the evening, but there were about 30 thousand others, people of all ages and colours, all feeling let down because the government was not doing anything about the situation. The National Assembly declared to be on vacation leave, and so there is no channel for dialogue”. In this delicate situation, the first to come forward were the bishops who together with the UN/Ecuador proposed dialogue, in particular between the indigenous people and the Government. After meeting the parties, they convened a meeting on Sunday October 13. They wrote: “We rely on everyone’s good will to establish a dialogue in good faith and find a prompt solution for the country’s complex situation”. Even the Focolare Movement expressed its commitment towards peace. “We are living this painful present situation by being generous, overcoming fear and putting aside our convictions, while we try to understand the others and put ourselves in their shoes. We feel a sense of helplessness when we see brothers fighting against one another. We would like our actions to be a compendium of heart, mind and hands, while we ask ourselves: is what I feel, think and do an expression of true love for the other, whoever he may be? Do my actions contribute towards dialogue, towards peace? We believe that every citizen has the right to demonstrate in favour of justice and democracy, while we reject all forms of violence from wherever they may come. We would like to highlight our preference for the less privileged, as the Pope teaches us. We want to be more radical in living the Gospel by our love for Jesus forsaken, who is presently revealing himself in the suffering faces of our indigenous brothers, in injured policemen, in young men’s faces smeared with blood, in those who mourn their loved ones killed unjustly, in journalists who have been assaulted, in those who attack others because of different opinions, in the ones who prefer to ignore what is happening, in those who spread false news and in stigmatized immigrants”. Promoting dialogue among the many different cultures present Ecuador is a primary commitment for the Focolare Movement in this country. Today, this dialogue seems to be compromised. Theysaid: “This difficult situation could lead us to think that all our arduous efforts in favour of intercultural dialogue and unity have been in vain. But no, they aren’t! Maybe God is calling each one of us to intensify our Christian living and act as builders of peace wherever we are”. And they concluded: “Let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us all on how to proceed in these difficult times”. The “time-out” for peace is a daily appointment. As I write (while there have been more than 700 arrests and 5 victims), an agreement has been reached. The directives issued by the Government on October 3 have been revoked and both parties will be involved in drafting new ones. We hope that all protests will stop and that social peace will be restored.
Gustavo E. Clariá
Oct 18, 2019 | Non categorizzato
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One priceless treasure that Jesus himself left us is his word, the word of God. This gift “involves a great responsibility on our part… God gave us his word so we might bear fruit, and he wants to see it carried out in our lives and actions to bring about that deep transformation in the world that he can do.” Renewed faith Our financial situation had become quite insecure. One Sunday we were disappointed at having to give up going on a trip, not even having enough money for petrol. We walked to church, and during the Mass the readings seemed to be particularly for us, especially the words, “The jar of meal was not spent, neither did the cruse of oil fail”. We returned home full of renewed faith. That afternoon, by chance we met someone who just a few months before we had not been able to sell a plot of land to. Discussing it right then and there, we reached an agreement in just a few minutes. (L. and S. – Italy) It taught me what consistency means After my father died there were some dark years, really negative experiences and serious disappointment at not being accepted to flight school, which was so important to me. Around then I met someone, a true Christian, who was quite committed at home, work, in the union and with neighbours. His example taught me what it means to be consistent with Christian ideals: being one with God and at the same time available for each neighbour. (Ettore – Italy) A gift at every birth When we were married, I was working the night shifts on my own and my wife was a physiotherapist. We lived off a small amount of money, but it didn’t seem to us a good enough reason to not welcome life. Each birth of a child (now we have four) coincided with a new career step, almost like a gift that each newborn brought with them. Still today we experience tangible love from on high each day. It is so abundant that we manage to put some money in common with others. (Michele – Italy) The postman I had ordered an iron and ironing board that were supposed to arrive in the mail. The postman had only delivered the first, saying that the board did not fit in his car, and telling me that I could pick it up directly at the post office. When I went to the office, an employee there became really angry, telling me that the postman was required to deliver the board as well, perhaps by loading it at the end of his route. The day after, the postman told me that he had received a good telling off and apologised. “No need to mention it further,” I told him, “we can stay friends like before!” The next Sunday, during a small party, I received a gift of a paper tree with the Word of Life that month: “Rejoice in the Lord always”. Straight away I thought, what if I give it to the postman? I did just that, and the next day I placed it above the letter slot. When I returned home I found a card with a heart on it and the word “Thanks”. (Monica – Switzerland)
edited by Chiara Favotti
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Oct 17, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Ecuador was hit by a terrible earthquake in 2016. The Esmeraldas Province, which was already fragile, suffered serious damage. The survivors found themselves in a very difficult situation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ykobg_KQys
Oct 15, 2019 | Non categorizzato
On 10 November, the diocesan phase of the process of beatification of the founder of the Focolare Movement will end in Frascati (Italy). It will continue in the Vatican, at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The Diocesan phase of the cause of beatification and canonisation of Chiara Lubich will end at St Peter’s Cathedral, Frascati, at 4.30 pm on Sunday 10th November, with the holding of the last session of the Diocesan Inquiry presided over by the Bishop of Frascati, Most Rev. Raffaello Martinelli. With the definitive closure of this phase, all the documents of the inquiry will be sealed and sent to the Vatican. This follows almost five years of investigations and research into Chiara Lubich’s life, virtues, reputation for holiness and signs thereof. After this stage, the study of the documents will continue at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The process initiating the cause started on 7th December 2013 – five years after Chiara Lubich’s death – with the presentation of the official request to the Bishop of Frascati by the Focolare Movement. On 27th January 2015, Bishop Martinelli responded to the request by solemnly opening the cause. On that occasion Pope Francis sent a message in which he recalled the shining example of life of the founder of the Focolare Movement to those who “preserve her precious spiritual heritage.” He also urged the Focolare “to make known to the people of God the life and works of the one who, by accepting the invitation of the Lord, lit up for the Church a new light on the path to unity.”
Focolare Movement Communications Office
Oct 14, 2019 | Non categorizzato
195 young people from 67 countries, between 17 and 35 year of age, represented all Focolare youth as they met to get to know each other, discuss together and plan for a more united world. https://vimeo.com/363570137
Oct 13, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Don Mario Bodega was a priest from northern Italy and spent thirty years in the diocese of Milan ministering as parish priest, spiritual director of a college and chaplain in the Niguarda Hospital. He also lived at the Focolare Centre in Grottaferrata, Rome, and for the last ten years of his life was parish priest of the parish church of Loppiano, one of the Focolare Movement’s “little towns.” Thinking about Don Mario Bodega makes you recall Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” for a variety of different reasons. Firstly, joy really was a distinctive characteristic of his, secondly, this piece of music was one of his favourites and thirdly, he often played it on his harmonica. He had learned to play in the seminary and music had been important to him during many phases of his life. As a young hospital chaplain, at Christmas time, he used to go from room to room playing his harmonica. As soon as they heard his first notes, people in the hospital used to say, “Now it really is Christmas.” A prisoner in Bollate, near Milan, wrote, “When you played the ‘Ode to Joy’ for me, I realised that not everyone here comes to make judgements about me – some people just come to love. Thank you for helping me to find God again because I thought he had abandoned me.” Mario Delpini, Archbishop of Milan, also spoke of joy when he announced the news of his death, “Let us accompany this man of God, a priest and friend, to the joy of his meeting with God. A beautiful smile, indicative of deep, personal happiness has been his characteristic throughout life – during the days of his youth and in old age and sickness; when he had many pastoral commitments and during the time when lack of health meant that activity was greatly reduced.” Don Mario was born on 15 September 1942, during the Second World War, in Lecco, in northern Italy. After finishing primary school, he entered the seminary and, through the rector, he got to know the spirituality of the Focolare Movement. He was ordained priest in 1968 and carried out many different ministries during the thirty years he spent in the diocese of Milan. Then, when invited by Cardinal Archbishop Martini, he began to work with the Focolare Movement. During the eleven years he spent in Grottaferrata, Rome, he deepened his relationship with Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Movement. In the course of his life, he wrote 135 letters to her. In one of her answers, she indicated a Word of Scripture that he could particularly focus on living. It was, “Following his mercy, they have abandoned the vain and false realities.” (cf Jonah 2:9) “I Believe in Mercy” is the title of the book he produced. It contains many of his experiences. Bishop Meini of Fiesole gave a copy to all the priests of the diocese on Holy Thursday 2018. In 2009, Don Mario came to Loppiano as parish priest. There, in addition to creating a deeper communion among the inhabitants, he was a sure guide on the spiritual journey for many people. He played an important role in the “Paths of Light” programme for couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. He also contributed to the development of the Sophia University Institute. The dean, Professor Piero Coda, wrote, “His house and the San Vito parish church in Loppiano are a stone’s throw from our Institute. They became our home and Don Mario’s presence and guidance have been a source of light and balm – a school of life. Our Institute also became his home. So much so that , among the most moving reactions to his death, were those those shared by our Muslim friends who are part of the ‘Wings of Unity’ project.” In 2018 he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Shortly before as Loppiano was preparing for Pope Francis’ visit, Don Mario said that, given his very poor health, he did not think it was appropriate to be introduced to the Holy Father. With great paternal love, the bishop convinced him to change his mind. Don Mario told Pope Francis that he was a parish priest who was sick and walked with difficulty. He said he felt he could no longer work. “If you can’t work standing up, work sitting down” was the Pope’s response. And that is exactly what he continued to do, with great tenacity and joy, for his remaining 365 days of life. In fact, he died exactly one year later, on 10 May 2019.
Anna Lisa Innocenti
Oct 11, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Every Christian has a “mission” in his or her community. It may be to create a united family, to educate young people, to engage in politics and work, to care for vulnerable people, to bring the light and wisdom of the Gospel to culture or to live a life consecrated to God for the service of others. Holidays My husband and I have different ways of relaxing. I like sports and swimming but he likes to visit new places and museums. This year, as the holidays approached, I felt more than ever the need to rest and recover my strength, but a voice inside me kept telling me not to express and impose my preferences, but rather to adapt to what my husband would like. But he also tried to do the same with me. This meant that both of us were detached from our personal projects and this made our holidays more beautiful and restful than ever before. (B.S. – USA) Setting an example A young migrant man who was trying to sell socks knocked on my door. We were talking and I was trying to get to know him a little when a neighbour of mine passed by. I knew this neighbour had a negative attitude towards migrants but, to my surprise, she invited him to come to her house too because she had something for him. The next day I heard that she had given him shoes and medicine, and she had also promised to provide further support. I really wouldn’t have expected that! (C.V. – Italy) Serving others Our son suffered from depression. We couldn’t help him no matter how we tried and eventually he ran away. One summer afternoon he decided to end his own life. I felt a deep sense of guilt and thought I was being punished. However, slowly, with the support of the parish community, I began to pray and I made myself available to people in need. Sometimes, I offered practical help, a word shared or a smile. One day a mother came to me. She had lost a child just as I had. I told her how I was trying to fill that void by putting myself at the service of others. Although she was not a believer, she too found a certain serenity by doing the same. (G.F. – Italy) From enemy to sister One of my nursing colleagues did everything possible to make my life difficult. Her actions made me suffer. One day, I went to work with a bouquet of flowers and offered them to her with a smile. I will never forget her expression of amazement. It was the beginning of a new phase in our relationship. Now we have become like sisters. (Annamaria – Italy)
Edited by Chiara Favotti
Oct 9, 2019 | Non categorizzato
As Peru continues to welcome thousands of refugees, mostly Venezuelan, Gustavo Clarià reflects on the Focolare’s response. I was familiar with the content of Pope Francis’ ‘Message for the 105th Word Day of Migrants and Refugees 2019’. But listening to it being read to a hundred or so migrants, mainly from Venezuela, was something else! The words resonated in a new way, some paragraphs in particular, and it touched me deeply. 
I was meeting many of these people for the first time, as they arrived at the Focolare’s “Fiore Centre” in Lima, Peru, which is active in receiving migrants during the current situation. I listened to them explain why they had left their own country, with what suffering, often going through the anguish of leaving a spouse, children or elderly parents behind, their efforts – often futile – to help those relatives by sending money back. They spoke of their loneliness, their experiences of rejection and discrimination, of being condemned by local people for ‘stealing our jobs’, of continually being regarded with distrust and suspicion. They helped me understand the Pope’s message from a new perspective and to recognise its importance more clearly. I started to see what lies behind the so-called migrant phenomenon. According to statistics, 70.8 million people have been forced to flee their countries around the world, of these nearly 26 million are refugees. It’s a shocking number. Pope Francis concentrates the response to the migrant challenge into four verbs: welcome, protect, promote and integrate. They do not apply only to migrants and refugees. They apply to everyone, as the Pope goes on to explain, “the Church’s mission( is) to all those living in the existential peripheries” including “migrants, especially those who are most vulnerable”. The Pope’s full message was read to our group by Silvano Roggero, who is the Venezuelan son of Italian immigrants and a member of the Focolare’s International Commission for Migrants . Koromoto, from Venezuela, expressed his reaction, “We got here through the Lutheran Church. At first we were so frightened about what would happen to us and what we would find. But they gave us such a generous welcome, we were made to feel like family, like we do today among you here with the Focolare”. I saw such gratitude to the county which has welcomed them in, a sincere desire to integrate themselves, while still keeping strong ties with their roots. I’ve understood their anxiety to help the loved ones they have left behind in their home country and to repay the help they have received. Our day together continued in a family atmosphere with a celebratory lunch, accompanied by some of them singing songs from their homelands. We all got to know each other better and hope to meet up again, Peruvians and Venezuelans (and others) , as we continue to vitalize the four verbs proposed by Pope Francis.
Gustavo E. Clariá
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/it/messages/migration/documents/papa-francesco_20190527_world-migrants-day-2019.html
Oct 8, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Tonadico in the Dolomite mountains: “Aim high” – voices and faces from the European Mariapolis. People of all ages, from East and West, had an important experience of openness, knowledge of different cultures and dialogue in Europe.
https://vimeo.com/363570650
Oct 6, 2019 | Non categorizzato
300 telephone conversations made by Chiara Lubich during conference calls with Focolare communities worldwide have been edited into one volume. Maria Caterina Atzori, one of the steering committee members entrusted with the “Works of Chiara Lubich”, at the Chiara Lubich Centre in Rocca di Papa (Rome), is interviewed about this book. Conversations is the second volume in the series “Works of Chiara Lubich”. The first volume, “Words of Life”, was published by the New City Press, in collaboration with the Chiara Lubich Centre, in 2017. Can you tell us more about this second volume? In the book “Conversations” there are 285 spiritual thoughts, which Chiara Lubich wrote between 1981 and 2004. She shared them personally with Focolare communities in various parts of the world during telephone conference calls made from time to time. These rich thoughts speak about life and delineate a spiritual journey in its various stages, lived in the light of the charism of unity. Chiara traces a path to collective holiness, one that opens a new road marked by its communitarian dimension and that leads us to God “together” with our neighbour. She was the first one to embark on this journey, but at the same time she was joined by those, who were led by her example and guided by her “telephone calls”. They accepted her invitation to set out together on this “Holy Journey” of life, an expression Chiara used to define this journey which recalls Psalm 83. Has Chiara Lubich created a “new literary genre”? Chiara had no intention of creating a new literary genre. In fact, the texts in this volume were not meant for a written publication. This came later on. Initially, New City Press published them in small booklets, as they were widely requested not only by Focolare members, but also by others who met the Charism of Unity. These texts were written one at a time; they were written to be “spoken”, to be transmitted through the use of the telephone set. The novum of their “literary genre” lies in the fact that during each telephone call the speaker managed to create an immediate dialogue with her listeners; she formed a family worldwide, a family united in its commitment to walk the “Holy Journey” of life together. Later on, these same texts were put together for publication. So, in this sense, one can say that “Conversations” brought to life a new literary genre: a genre that combines word, communicative methodology and life, and establishes an intimate and profound dialogue between the author and her interlocutors, in a broader sense between broadcaster and listener, writer and reader. What are the characteristics of these texts? The text of each telephone call is presented in the book as a letter. Although each one is contextualized in time and space, yet it is still aims at establishing direct contact with its new readers, who are addressed with the opening words: “Dear all”. These “conversations” are still happening, not through the telephone set but through the pages of a book. Chiara uses a language rich in warmth and colour; that goes well with both young and old, people from different social backgrounds. From time to time, she engages in contemporary reality, interprets man’s life in the light of the Charism of Unity, recounts her experience about the thought she wants to transmit, interacts with her interlocutors, proposes a motto to be lived till the next telephone appointment (in the book: till the next letter). She expresses her spiritual thought through concrete daily images, familiar to her interlocutors. Frequently, she uses similarities, metaphors and slogans that are lively and easy to remember. Thus, her message is clear, engaging and “easy” to live. And each of these texts continues to invite the reader to live the message. We have been told that the “Opera omnia” (the complete work) of the Focolari foundress is to be published in a series of volumes. The first one was “Words of Life”, and now we have the second one. May we know what are the next scheduled publications? We prefer to speak about “Opere” (works) rather than about “Opera omnia”. In fact, the documentary material signed by Chiara Lubich is very substantial and there might be further acquisitions. This material needs to be sorted out and catalogued, a process that takes quite a long time. However, we already have the possibility of editing a corpus of works, drawn from both published and unpublished material, that offer the legacy of her thought in a systematic way. The series “Works of Chiara Lubich” is to meant to achieve this. It will consist of 14 volumes, organized into three main thematic areas:1.The Person; 2. Spirituality (the first two volumes published by New City Press, Words of Life and Conversations, are part of this second section); 3. Work (the next volume, which will contain speeches in the civil and ecclesial spheres, falls under this third section. It is work in progress, expected to be finished within the next year). Are these texts only published in Italian? Are there any publications in other languages? The volume Words of Life is currently being translated into English. We hope that Words of Life and Conversations will soon be translated into several languages. Both the individual spiritual thoughts and the comments on the Words of Life have already been translated into various languages for immediate communication with non-Italians; so we hope that the volumes of the series “Works of Chiara Lubich” will soon be in bookshops in a wide range of languages.
by Anna Lisa Innocenti
Oct 4, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare Movement rejoices with Chiara Amirante and the New Horizons Community she founded, at Pope Francis’ surprise visit to their ‘Sky Citadel’ (‘Cittadella Cielo’) near Frosinone, Italy. “If I start answering your questions, it will be words, words, words… which I think would risk spoiling the sacredness of what you have just said. Because what you’ve spoken are not words but lives, your own lives. Your stories. Your journeys. Quests, yes, but quests of the whole person, flesh and spirit together”. This was Pope Francis’ spontaneous response to five young members of the New Horizons Community who had presented their own powerful testimonies of suffering and rebirth during the Pope’s private visit to the Community’s centre in Frosinone province, Italy on 24 September. “Each of your stories speaks of a ‘glance’, a ‘look’,” continued the Pope. “At a certain moment, you felt a glance, unlike any other: a look gazing on you with love. I too know that glance. With that glance, Someone takes you by the hand and lets you go, without taking away your freedom”. The Pope arrived in the ‘Sky Citadel’ at 9.30 in the morning to an emotional and joyful welcome. It is the headquarters of New Horizons, which offers a Gospel-based approach to healing and self-knowledge that has succeeded in allowing many young people to escape from the infernal tunnel of suffering and dependency and in their own turn become witnesses of hope for other troubled youth. This “fruitful witness” was highlighted by the Pope in his talk. “Your witnessing is sowing, and what you are sowing is not an idea but fact: the fact that God is love, that God loves us, that God is always seeking us out every moment, that God is close to us, that God takes us by the hand to save us. (…) We are women and men of the Magnificat, of Mary’s song, proclaiming how God has looked upon me, has gently touched me, has spoken to me, has won. And He is with me. He has taken me by the hand and brought me out of hell”. The Pope spent time greeting Community members and Centre leaders from Italy and abroad who were gathering for their annual central Assembly. He celebrated Mass with them, shared lunch and planted an olive tree in the garden. There were representatives from all five ‘citadels’ of the New Horizons Community, founded by Chiara Amirante. Chiara got to know the Focolare spirituality as a child, and knew Focolare foundress Chiara Lubich personally. As a young person, Chiara Amirante was struck by the sufferings of the young people she met on the streets and listened to their cries for help to escape from the hell of all they were living through. In response, she felt called to create a community which could welcome them. And New Horizons Community was born. This recent visit by the Pope follows his telephone call and video message in June this year to congratulate the community on its 25 years of life. In her welcome to Pope Francis, Chiara recalled the beginnings of her adventure, when, in contact with ‘people of the night’, she was guided by the certainty that encountering “the Risen Christ would bring life once more to where I could only see death”. In 1994 the first community was formed in Trigoria, Rome. In 1997 a community offering welcome and formation was established in Piglio, Frosinone province, Italy. Today there are 228 centres of reception, formation and re-integration, and many initiatives promoting solidarity, human and social development in different countries. In 2006 Chiara launched “Knights of the Light” (“Cavalieri della Luce”) for people who commit to living the Gospel to renew the world with the revolution of love, and in particular to witness the joy of the Risen Christ to the most desperate in our societies. So far, more than 700,000 have accepted this challenge. As Chiara explained to Pope Francis, “There are new forms of poverty which constitute a real emergency, causing millions of ‘invisible’ deaths ignored by the majority” … the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs, anorexia, bulimia, depression, compulsive gaming and gambling, internet-addiction, bullying, sexual addiction and abuses. “Now more than ever,” concluded Chiara, “we feel the urgent need to do everything possible to respond to the unanswered cry of so many”.
Anna Lisa Innocenti
Oct 2, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Only weeks before the Pan-Amazon Synod, Gustavo E. Clariá traveled to a Peruvian village in the Amazon rainforest. He tells the story—not of fires, deforestation, oil companies, or precious-metal seekers—but of Jenny and Javier, who chose to live in the South American Amazon with the desire to bring, as a family, the light of the Gospel to “poorest of the poor.” 
“From Argentina, we decided to move to Lámud, Peru,” said Javier, “the town where Jenny was born, in what is called ‘Ceja de Selva’ (half jungle, half mountain). It’s located near to where the great Marañón and Amazon rivers begin. We wanted to be close to her parents, who are now elderly and in delicate health.” Javier is Argentinian. He met Jenny while she was studying in Rosario, Argentina. They have three daughters, aged 2, 4, and 17. They sold “what little they had” and left for the Amazonas, Peru’s poorest region, 1,600 kilometers from Lima and 14 hours from the nearest Focolare house. Moving from a big city like Rosario to a town with 2,500 residents at 2,300 meters elevation was a big change for the family. “We knew we wouldn’t be making a return trip,” he said. Moving from a big city like Rosario to a town with 2,500 residents, at 2,300 meters elevation, was a big change for the family, and it was especially challenging for Javier. At a young age, both Javier and Jenny met the Focolare’s spirituality of unity; they now wanted to live the Gospel as a family. That’s why “their biggest concern” was to get to a place where they “would be alone,” with no one with whom to share this ideal of unity. They decided to do everything they could to bear witness and proclaim the Gospel with their lives, so that even in the Amazon, a seed of the spirituality of unity would be planted. They decided to live the commandment of reciprocal love so that Jesus would always be spiritually present in their family, according to his promise: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst” (Mt 18:20). With the conviction that, as Chiara Lubich once said, “one of the fruits of Jesus in the midst is giving birth to a community,” they left for Peru. A few days after arriving, the local bishop visited their town. They introduced themselves as a “Focolare family.” The bishop blessed them and encouraged them to continue in their commitment. They began by touring the periphery of the village by visiting “the poorest of the poor.” They went to people’s houses—if you want to call them that—where they found elderly people who “didn’t even have a decent bed to die in, such was their poverty!” They met many families and children who could afford to eat only once a day. “We would bring them something to eat, hug them, look them in the eye, and give them a word of encouragement,” said Jenny. Sometimes, they would stay two or three days with them, “sharing their pain, their poverty, their brief joys and hopes.” 
Hopeful that they could help bring to life a small community in their town, they began to organize meetings of the “Word of Life,” but with no success. They changed tactics several times. “We never got discouraged,” said Javier. “We knew that Jesus has his time and the important thing was to stay in the game.” They invited their neighbors again to meet about the Word of God, and gradually some people joined, including some of the mothers of the children in kindergarten with their daughters. They also organized a children’s program. This felt like the beginning to them, a small calling. Then the parish priest asked them to take on the family catechesis of the village and ten other surrounding villages, including some located two hours away. Recently welcomed their first visit from the Focolare community of Talara, a city located 650 kilometers and 12 hours by car from Lámud. It was a visit that marked them in a special way, “a before and after in the life of our community.” Jenny and Javier share in the joy of those who have found their place in the world. “We are few, but something was born!” they say. “We don’t want to set expectations, but we believe that Jesus has a soft spot in his heart for the Amazon, for the poorest of the poor. This is so perhaps because he was also born among the poor, and he stayed with them. We don’t know the roads he wants to take us, but they’re the only ones on which we want to travel! Like Him, we want to give our lives for our people.”
Gustavo E. Clariá
Sep 30, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The annual meeting of the delegates of the Focolare Movement concluded in Rocca di Papa. Among the priorities for 2020 is a new commitment in the field of human rights and justice, the centenary of Chiara Lubich and the next General Assembly of the Focolare Movement. 
Finally we made it! An extended communion among the participants of the annual meeting between the delegates of the Focolare Movement worldwide and the General Council, was held from September 14th to 28th 2019 in Rocca di Papa. It highlighted the principle that had got the conference underway and that will be the guiding principle for the entire Movement in the coming year: everything that is done in the name of the Movement in the ecclesial, social or cultural fields, as an activity for children or adults, families or those engaged in politics, makes sense only if it is characterized and guided by the presence of Jesus in the midst of those who love one other as He taught. This does not mean that the Focolare is becoming entirely spiritual. In fact, the first part of the meeting was dedicated to gathering the life of the Movement. With the distinctiveness of the different ecclesial, political and cultural environments in which the Movement is located, social and educational projects were presented, as well as the commitment to refugees in areas receiving little media coverage, artistic initiatives and actions promoting human dignity. 
During this exchange it was clear that the reform, which has been underway for some years under the title “New Set Up”, is bearing its first fruits. In many parts of the world, leaner structures seem to release new creative energy. New forms of proclamation and evangelization have developed, synergies between the various branches of the Movement and with other ecclesial and lay realities. There is also a new balance being achieved in the relationship between central government and geographical areas, that is, between global sensitivities and local action. While respecting the diversity present within the Movement – such as those of cultures, confessions, strengths and resources- in this balance it has been possible to identify together the priorities to be addressed in the coming year 2019/2020. 
Under the motto “In time for Peace” the Movement will commit itself in the fields of human rights, peace, legality and justice following a pathway proposed by young people. Efforts will be made to try and involve other people and institutions to take concrete and important steps in these fields. The centenary of the birth of Chiara Lubich will take centre stage in the coming months. The activities that begin on December 7th , 2019 with the title “Celebrate to meet” want to offer the possibility of a living encounter with the foundress and her charism. Finally, 2020 will also be marked by the General Assembly of the Movement , which takes place every six years, offering new perspectives. “But everything we do has a single purpose” – said Maria Voce, President of the Focolare, at the end of this meeting. “We want to transform the world, giving visibility to the presence of Christ in it, through the mutual love among us”. This is – so to speak – the typical “soft skill” of the Focolare, its “transversal expertise” . It is not produced with methodologies and programming, but it is the foundation of everything , the starting and finishing line.
Joachim Schwind
Sep 29, 2019 | Non categorizzato
This year once again the Focolare Movement all over the world invited men and women, young and old, people of every background to experience the Mariapolis – whereby a temporary ‘city’ is created which is built on fraternity. 
While the settings may be different, the experience is the same: the Mariapolis is the typical expression of the Focolare Movement where those who participate in these gatherings – usually held in the summer – are invited to experience a few days of utopia: a society based on living the reciprocal love of the Gospel. A very big European Mariapolis was held in Fiera di Primiero this summer where the very first Mariapolis took place sixty years earlier. It ran in four stages, each lasting a week. In many other parts of the world the Mariapoli attracted people from very different backgrounds. This year there were 235 Mariapoli around the world with bringing together around 46,000 people. Our editorial team has received letters and reports from Wales, Vietnam, Peru, Canada, Finland, Italy, Bulgaria and Brazil. 
In Turkey the Mariapolis took place in Şile, a little town on the Black Sea near Istanbul, a resort that provided a holiday atmosphere which everyone appreciated. The 70 participants came from Ankara, Iskenderun, Izmir as well as other countries. The main theme – personal and collective sanctity – was developed by presenting some of Turkey’s best-known saints: St. John Chrysostom, St. Ephrem, St. Helena and St. Thecla whose lives have had a great influence on the Church of the early times. In Kerrville, Texas (USA), the theme of the Holy Spirit and the Church was explored which has guided the life of the Focolare Movement all over the world this year. Out of the 350 people present, 100 were participating for the first time in a Mariapolis perhaps because studying the Church was particularly attractive to people at a time that has been marked by so many scandals and sufferings. The same subject, presented with an focus on ecumenism, was at the heart of the Mariapolis in Sweden held in Marielund-Stockholm with Lutherans and Catholics taking part. Two Buddhists as well as those who do not profess a 
specific faith were also present. The participants came from different cities in Sweden and a good representation from Norway. Despite the diversity it was possible to deepen the idea of “the Holy Spirit as the one who is the Church’s vital energy and who gives each person the particular grace to realize their own calling through the unity of all the members of the mystical body of Christ”, in their own words. The participation of newer generations to the program gave the Mariapolis in Lviv, Ukraine, a joyful touch. Young adults, teenagers and children were entrusted with the preparation and running of an entire day which they did in a lively and engaging way. At the start of each day it was the children who “taught” the adults by telling them how they had lived the words of the Gospel of the previous day. The Mariapolis in Penang, Malaysia, was characterized by the diversity of languages, cultures, ethnic backgrounds and people travelling great distances with participants from Singapore, for example, travelling 700 km. “The effort made to keep mutual love alive among us” – they wrote – “and thus give space to the presence of Jesus in our midst, the commitment to face and overcome difficulties and the willingness to give up one’s own ideas, made this undertaking possible”. The Mariapolis of Boconó in the west of Venezuela was intended to offer participants the opportunity to rest, in view of the difficulties of daily life which is exhausting because of extended periods without electricity, interminable queues for fuel and economic hardship. At least twice as many people as were expected responded to this attractive offer – both physically and financially. However, on the first night, a hurricane with hail, rain, trees being uprooted and strong winds caused a power cut that lasted until the end of the Mariapolis which meant that everything collapsed: no water in the bathrooms, no facilities for cooking or no way to keep the food cool. However, through the deepening of spirituality, the invincible love of God became a real, existential experience: they found a way to cook with wood, a neighbour offered the participants their generator and everyone’s attention for the needs of others grew. “God is never outdone in generosity,” they wrote at the conclusion of this wonderful experience.
Joachim Schwind
Sep 27, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Twelve songs which are part of the history of this music group become a collection, taken from their world tour “Life”, a tour that will continue in the coming months. Among their plans for the future Gen Rosso will also be involved with delivering courses, educational projects, co-productions and the third edition of “Gen Rosso Music and Arts Village”. 
After more than fifty years of life theirs is an artistic proposition capable of continuous renewal. At the same time, they keep the compass fixed on some key points: a life lived under the banner of fraternity, a collaborative production between artists of various nationalities that speaks of unity between peoples and nations, a message that proposes a culture of giving and sharing – attentive to the challenges of our planet. This is Gen Rosso an international music group, made up of musicians and technicians of different vocations from Europe, Asia and Latin America. Recently their “Life” tour became an album with eighteen tracks chosen from the songs recorded by Gen Rosso over the years. We talk about it with one of the group, Michele Sole. – On July 1st your live album from the “LIFE” Tour was released. How was this new album conceived and what are its characteristics? From the autumn of 2018 until today we have had some beautiful concerts all over Italy with our production “LIFE” and since the audiences were enthusiastic, like we were ourselves, from there we had the desire to create a cd ‘Life – live’. Once the recordings made on stage were re-created, we mixed them trying to keep all the energy and emotion that we breathe in our concerts. You can hear the audience singing with us, their applause and their voices, giving the listener the feeling of being right there with us on stage. In short, a real live recording! – 
Recently you have created, in the international little town of Loppiano where you are based the “Gen Rosso Music and Arts Village”. What is this and what are the objectives? The “Gen Rosso Music and Arts Village” will be held this year from December 27th 2019 until January 5th 2020, this will be the third edition. It is an artistic experience, the sharing of values from the perspective of the charism of unity. It involves young professionals and students, aged 18 and above, from different disciplines such as music, dance, singing, theatre. The teaching methodology is designed by Gen Rosso tutors together with teachers who have recognized artistic skills and experience. The program includes an in-depth study of specific themes from the art world, the exchange of experiences, creative spaces and practical workshops that will converge in a final performance. You can register at village@genrosso.com. The programme will start on December 27th 2019 and will end on January 5th 2020. 
– In your travels, you participate in events that promote peace and friendship between peoples and universal fraternity. Is there a recent one that you remember in particular and why? Yes, in the spring we had the joy of being in Jordan, thanks to “Caritas Jordan”, to carry out the project “Be the change” . We worked with hundreds of students from different social classes, different religions and different nationalities, It is a project to foster dialogue and promote a culture of peace and friendship, with the participants themselves being the promoters of a change in their lives and in their cities for a better future. – What are your plans and future appointments? First of all, we will resume the world tour with the concert “Life” along with educational projects and the inclusion on stage of young people prepared during various workshops. The tour will begin in Italy (September 28th in Venosa; October 12th in Piacenza; October 23rd and 24th in Acerra; October 26th in Prato, November 1st in Teano). Then an Asian tour in Indonesia for almost the entire month of November 2019. 
Meanwhile, we will continue with courses in the little town of Loppiano, sharing experiences, training and art. From October 15th to 17th we will examine in depth light design, a course intended for people interested in expanding their knowledge of the use of light and colour. In addition, to support young emerging artists, we have started co-productions. The first is Stabat in Silentium, the staging of a play by the young writer Francesco Bertolini. This play is the result of a profound experience of solidarity that emerged after the earthquake in Amatrice (Italy). “How can one still believe in God after an earthquake?” is the “uncomfortable” question which is the starting point of this work. The protagonists are the young victims, but also the volunteers who leave their quiet life to go where tragedy has occurred.
Anna Lisa Innocenti
Sep 25, 2019 | Non categorizzato
At the Mariapolis in Arny, 35km south of Paris, the first “Ambassadors of a United World” course was held from 2–7 September. There were 16 young people from 14 countries who participated. 
“Better Together” was the catchphrase that guided them. The programme was sponsored by New Humanity, an international non-profit organisation, which is an offshoot of the Focolare Movement and takes its inspiration from the spirit and values behind it. The goal was to strengthen the expertise of a group of young change makers, peace builders and community leaders, training them in the culture of unity, peace and fraternity, in order for them to become true “ambassadors” of a united world, capable of being spokespeople for the NGO nationally and internationally. The 16 who participated were from Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, South Korea, Ecuador, the Philippines, Kenya, Iraq, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain and the U.S. “This was New Humanity’s first training course,” said Chantal Grevin, New Humanity’s main delegate at UNESCO in Paris. “It was an effective experience that allowed us, in just one week, to give them the necessary skills to become active workers in our NGO.” 
“We talked about what we mean by a ‘united world’, what peace, human rights are, and as a result what we mean by ‘person’”, explained Marco Desalvo, the NGO’s president. “We made an effort to translate all the best practices that our young people promote each day in the world, into a language that can inspire the international institutions, to spread the spirit of universal fraternity in every area of society at every level, just as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims.” The young ambassadors were welcomed by UNESCO officials from the humanities and social sciences (youth branch) and the education sector (global citizenship and culture of peace). “An open and free dialogue sprang up, allowing these delegates to discover New Humanity’s activities in a better way, through experiences from the young ambassadors, who were able to act as one, seeing all they had learned in recent days and their positive experiences of global citizenship,” added Grevin. Each young person was given the possibility of personally meeting the UNESCO delegate from their country and express their vision regarding the huge challenges of peace, the environment and fraternity. 
During the training course, the young people also had the opportunity to meet and speak with Monsignor Follo, a permanent observer to the Holy See, and Marie Claude Machon, Philippe Beaussant and Patrick Gallaud, who are the president, vice president and ex-president respectively of the liaison committee between NGOs and UNESCO. “Thanks to this course I learned so much about the United Nations system and NGO activities worldwide”, said Luciana, an Italian lawyer, at the conclusion of the experience. “Yet above all I rediscovered the true motivators that drove me towards this world. As an ambassador of New Humanity, I would like to promote the idea that supporting each other can make a great difference in creating a more united world. I understood that small 
gestures can have a great impact on people’s wellbeing. This is why I feel so privileged to be a part of this fantastic project!” Pascal, who is Lebanese, shared: “When I first arrived, I was discouraged at not being able to find solutions for my own country. Then I found courage and hope, and I understood that we can persevere, we can truly work to reach a united world. I know it will happen! I am quite happy to be going back to my country and start working.” And Noè, from Mexico, said: “I arrived here with my friend Josef from the U.S. We live just a few kilometres from the border separating our countries. We are already working together on projects to help migrants. When we go back, we’ll be able to put into practice what we learned here.”
Tamara Pastorelli
Sep 23, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Communication and Evangelization Today – a seminar promoted on 1 October in Rome by the Pontifical Salesian University of Rome and its Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, the Chiara Lubich Centre of the Focolare Movement and the Editorial Group Città Nuova. Speakers: Mauro Mantovani, Rector of the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome; Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Holy See Dicastery for Communications; Fabio Pasqualetti, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication; Giulia Paola Di Nicola, Sociologist, Leonardo da Vinci University, Chieti; Cesare Borin, IT manager – Focolare Movement; Michel Vandeleene, editor of the book “Conversazioni. In collegamento telefonico”; Cristiana Freni, professor of the philosophy of language at the Salesian University; Marco Aleotti, RAI television director. Moderator: Alessandro De Carolis, Vatican Radio. Throughout its history, the Church has always felt the urgent need to spread the message of faith and the Word of God, and this commitment led to the use of its oral and written tradition, various expressions of art, the liturgy, and also the modern means of mass media. How does this commitment change when the modern means of communication are constantly changing? This question will be dealt with during the Seminar; and the “world-wide” experience and spiritual doctrine in the book Conversazioni. In collegamento telefonico by Chiara Lubich, published by Città Nuova, in 2019, will provide some source of inspiration. In this book, one finds the text of telephone conference calls made by Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement, who availed herself of this advanced technology in communication to dialogue, share, encourage and inspire thousands of people to do good. It was clear to her that a concrete and positive response to the urgent questions of our times can only be given by people who come “together” and have a strong relationship between them, and whose commitment to change the world starts with “changing themselves”, and not “for themselves”. On the occasion of the publication of this book Works by Chiara Lubich “CONVERSAZIONI in collegamento telefonico” (Conversations during telephone conference calls) Vol. 8.1 – by Michel Vandeleene (Città Nuova, 2019) Chiara Lubich made use of the modern means of communication, and since the early eighties, she started a monthly or bimonthly telephone conference call. The most important centres of the Focolare Movement in the five continents were connected for the conference call through a service provider in Switzerland, hence the name Collegamento CH. During the conference call she shared a spiritual thought, fruit of her life and her charism. Thus, a very original experience of Christian community life on a global level was born. It helped people walk together and support one another on the road to holiness. The book contains 300 spiritual thoughts that Chiara Lubich shared between 1981 and 2004 and some other unpublished ones.
Focolare Communication Office
Sep 23, 2019 | Non categorizzato
In order to commemorate the centenary of Chiara Lubich’s birth, students have been offered an initial opportunity to deepen her thought in the light of national and international events which characterized the history of the twentieth century. 
The Ministry of Education, University and Research (Italy) announced the national competition, open to Junior and Senior High Schools, on their website https://www.miur.gov.it/competizioni-e-concorsi-per-studenti highlighting the theme: “One city is not enough”. Chiara Lubich, Citizen of the World To discover her illustrious figure, her commitment and life witness on the occasion of the CENTENARY OF HER BIRTH with the aim of building Unity and Fraternity among peoples The competition is being promoted by the Chiara Lubich/New Humanity Centre and by the Trentino Historical Museum Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, University Studies & Research, as part of the centenary celebrations of Chiara Lubich’s birth. Who is it for? It is aimed at students of all Italian junior and senior high schools whose participation consists of writing a paper (in the form of written text or a multimedia presentation) on one of the following topics: – Chiara Lubich in the context of the Second World War – Chiara Lubich and the collapse of the Berlin Wall – Chiara Lubich “Citizen of the World”, in dialogue with peoples and cultures In addition – and this is the fourth thematic area – students can narrate positive experiences they have personally lived, thus documenting chronicles that are of a positive nature, inspired by the message conveyed by Lubich’s writings. What are the aims of the competition? The competition aims to develop a spirit of initiative by creating situations of didactic conflict by writers still unexplored by standard textbooks; it aims to make Chiara Lubich known as a significant protagonist of the twentieth century through a profound understanding of her vision of “a united world”; it also aims to accompany new generations in their active pursuit of paths of peace and brotherhood between different cultures, languages, religions and peoples. 
What resources are available to discuss the proposed topics? Chiara Lubich is quite a well-known figure, however, both teachers and students are free to contact the Chiara Lubich Centre by leaving a message on their website or by writing to: concorso.studenti@centrochiaralubich.org The Trentino Historical Museum Foundation will also inaugurate an international multimedia exhibition entitled “Chiara Lubich World City” (opening from 7 December 2019 until November 2020), which will include specific tours for schools. What are the terms and conditions for participating in the competition? Works that are strictly unpublished must be received by 31 March 2020. The competition announcement gives precise indications on the way the projects may be transmitted. The evaluation commission will be composed of members of the Ministry of Education, University Studies & Research, the Chiara Lubich/New Humanity Centre and the Trentino Historical Museum Foundation. How will the awards be conferred? Awards will be presented to the winning schools during an official ceremony to be held by the end of the 2019-2020 school year, most probably in Rome.
Maria Caterina Atzori (Project Lecturer – Chiara Lubich/New Humanity Centre)
Sep 20, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Koen Vanreusel, a Belgian businessman who works for the Economy of Communion says: “We need collaboration between different generations in the business world.” 
“We need young people to open up new ways of working; we older people are happy to support them through our work and by sharing what we have and what we know.” This is what Koen Vanreusel said when he spoke about his commitment to young business men and women all over the world. Koen has 4 children and 9 grandchildren and is the managing director of “Easykit”, a Belgian company which employs 100 people. His views stem from the fact he follows the principles of the Economy of Communion (EoC) and are the reason why he will be visiting Assisi, Italy, from March 26-28 2020 for “The Economy of Francis” gathering. This event was initiated by Pope Francis for young economists and business men and women from all over the world. Koen, how do the principles of the Economy of Communion inspire your work? The Economy of Communion is the fruit of the “culture of giving” which began within the Focolare Movement. Its roots lie within the Gospel, where it says “Give and it will be given to you” (Lk 6:36-38). This gives rise to a new economy – more specifically, an economy of communion. Practically, as regards my company, this means putting the person at the centre of the work and respecting each person’s dignity: with our employees we try to create a family, a community. We have nine stores in different places and we are always careful to create a good relationship with all the employees. In addition, joining the EoC means donating a part of the company’s profits each year to those in need and thus making a contribution to combating world poverty. What difficulties do you encounter in living the Economy of Communion at work and how do you overcome them? We are a company the same as any other on the market and we face the same difficulties. But when we have problems, we try to create an atmosphere in which we can talk to colleagues and management about the situation. I also find that it is important to share these experiences with other entrepreneurs who are followers of the EoC. When we meet, there is always a great sense of trust and so we talk about the difficulties and together we try to see what opportunities there are. How do you try to involve your employees in living the “culture of giving”? Our employees know that we share the company’s profits with the poor: we provide them with information about the support that the company is giving to others so that they too can feel involved. In addition, at the end of the year, when calculating profits to be shared with those in need, the employees receive a percentage and can decide to what they will donate this money. In this way, they participate in the allocation of the company’s profits. We also try to be role models and set an example by contributing something extra at work beyond the call of duty, by doing something free for a colleague or supplier and by showing that this also gives great joy. How did you come up with the idea of supporting businesses that have been started by young people both in European countries and on other continents? 
During one of the annual meetings of European EoC managers, we met young people from Serbia and Hungary who showed great appreciation for our business model and so we decided to share it with them. We supported them when they started a company in one of their own countries and continued to do so as the enterprise developed: we are very happy that this involvement means that we can share knowledge and our way of working. Then, during the EoC international meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, we met a group of young Congolese entrepreneurs who were determined not to abandon their war torn country but to stay and help people in need by starting a company. We felt we wanted to remain in contact with these young people and accompany them in their experience by offering them our skills. We want new generations of business men and women to join the Economy of Communion. What effects could the EoC paradigm have if applied on a large scale? It can help to build a fairer society with a smaller gap between rich and poor and a lower rate of poverty. By working together we can discover that a better world is possible. We will tell you about it in October, in Brussels, on a day dedicated to this very topic.
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Sep 18, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Gospel makes the seed of goodness that God placed in every human heart sprout. It is a seed a hope that grows with each personal daily encounter with God’s love, flourishing with the love we have for each other. It spurs us to fight against the bad seeds of individualism and indifference, which cause isolation and conflict, and to carry each other’s burdens and encourage each other. Inheritance After our parents died, my sister and I – we’re both married – began to have misunderstandings about our inheritance, which we felt was not distributed correctly. It got to the point that we became enemies. It seemed so absurd to me, yet that’s the way it was. I gathered the courage and went to visit her. She was surprised, and happy enough to hug me. After each of us asked each other’s forgiveness, we decided to take our mother’s jewels that we had received and donate them to a charity. After that we felt free: generosity towards others had brought us closer to each other, and we also felt closer to our parents in paradise. (F., France) Whatever I have extra isn’t mine Some time ago, when we used to spend the night at a migrant centre, early one morning Gabriele and I, after spending the night there, accompanied a priest and some teens who had been guests to the door. They were leaving to get their documentation. It was cold, and we were dressed for it, but one of the teens only had a light T-shirt on. I asked him if he was cold but realised from the look he gave me that he could not understand my question. So I took off my coat (I had a heavy jumper underneath) and gave it to him. Gabriele gave him some money to buy something during the day. I got back home with a great joy in my heart. At home, my wife told me that for a while her sister wanted to give me a gift, and she had chosen a coat. (Rosario, Italy) Children of God Like most mornings, getting on the subway full of all kinds of people, who as usual were planning on reading or busy with their smartphones, I felt a sense of pain and sadness. Do they know what to live for? Do they have an ideal in life? But then I thought, each of them will have had hardship in life, and perhaps right now one of them is suffering with something… And I began to see them differently: no longer as poor people, but as children of God, who loves and supports each of them. (T., Italy) Sharing I was at university for an exam when I saw that an accountant had come looking for a student who had not paid his student fees. Seeing that right then I had some money in my pocket, I asked that student if I could pay for him. From that moment on, we were friends. Getting to know him better, I learned that he was an orphan who had lost both his parents and looking for some work to pay for university accommodation. I shared his need with other friends, and we committed to helping him both economically and spiritually. (Steve, Burundi)
Chiara Favotti
Sep 17, 2019 | Non categorizzato
In order to carry out his mission to reform the Church, the Italian Jesuit Father Riccardo Lombardi (1908-1979), tried to mobilize the crowds by preaching in the squares and on the radio. Forty years after his death on September 9th, 2019 in Rome, a conference was held to rediscover this charismatic figure who also played an important role in the history of the Focolare. 
The greatness and – we could even dare to say – the holiness of charismatic figures can be verified when God puts them to the test by taking away their health, their inspiration or even the work they founded. This gospel logic can be clearly seen in the life of Father Riccardo Lombardi, an Italian Jesuit, a great preacher and founder of the Movement for a Better World. This was highlighted by a conference in Rome organized by his Movement, 40 years after his death, in collaboration with the Focolare and the Community of Sant’Egidio. Faced with the power of self-destruction achieved by man and in the rubble at the end of the Second World War, Lombardi became a preacher of universal fraternity in the squares and on the radio, an activity for which they called him “God’s microphone”. After a famous exhortation that Pope Pius XII addressed to the Diocese of Rome in 1952, Father Lombardi wanted to create a group of people who would renew the Church according to a spirituality of communion. Andrea Riccardi, historian and founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio, stressed during the conference that Lombardi did and said what Pope Pius XII could not say and do publicly and thus also became the “microphone of the Pope”, to whom Lombardi was particularly attached.
©CSC media
©CSC media
Joachim Schwind
Sep 15, 2019 | Non categorizzato
At the conclusion of their assembly, Focolare youth presented to the Movement a summary document of a process which was not always smooth. It will contribute to the international annual meeting of delegates from around the world just underway in Italy. The timing could not have been better: the last two days of the Focolare Youth Assembly, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September, coincided with the first two days of the annual meeting of delegates of the Focolare Movement from around the world. This gave the 190 youth of 66 countries from the various sections of the Movement the possibility to present to a truly representative international Focolare forum the summary of their work on the identity, formation and role in the Movement of young people and their commitment in the world. The 44 delegates representing the geographical regions of the Focolare welcomed this opportunity to more fully appreciate the sensitivities, hopes and expectations of the new generations. The impact of Saturday morning, 14 September, was strongly felt. The final document produced by the young people, and the questions they directed at the “more mature generations”, as they light-heartedly called them, indicate how challenging their task had proved to be. In the course of only a few days, they experienced and faced up to their many differences of background, culture, sensitivity, religion and beliefs. With authenticity and courage they considered difficulties and open questions which provoked concern and suffering in many of the participants. What was even more striking in this process was the human and spiritual depth evident throughout their work: a profoundly felt and tireless desire to dedicate all areas of their life to the goal of unity on a big scale, a more “united world”, and their readiness to approach painful situations with a preferential love for Jesus in his abandonment on the cross. On this solid basis, the young participants enthusiastically encouraged the whole Movement to appreciate diversity as an integral and essential part of any experience of unity, and to create spaces and tools to better facilitate dialogue on controversial subjects. They requested more participation in the direction of the Movement both at local and central levels in order to be able to share in the responsibility for the future generations. But with the same frankness, they expressed their own need to be better formed in the spirituality of the Focolare and to deepen their relationship with the older generations in the Movement. In response, Focolare President and Co-President, Maria Voce e Jesús Morán highlighted the importance and maturity of the experience these young people have shared in just a few days. They recognized in this Assembly and its final document “a fundamental step ahead and a great legacy for the Movement”. 
The afternoon of this memorable day was dedicated to the inauguration of the restructured auditorium of the international headquarters of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa (near Rome, Italy). It was also the occasion for Maria Voce to present to both assemblies the thematic spiritual talk for the forthcoming year, centred on the reality of Jesus present in the midst of “two or three united in his name” (cf Mt 18:20). This is the Alpha and Omega of the Movement’s spirituality, declared Focolare President, as she spoke movingly and very personally, at this the start of the final year of her term of office. Living mutual love even in the most painful moments, creating space for Jesus to be present among people today, transmitting his joy to them: this is the pathway Mary Voce invites the Focolare to journey along in the forthcoming months. For the youth Assembly participants, it could also be a key to understanding the experience of these intense days together. For the international delegates, it will give impetus to their consultations now getting underway.
Joachim Schwind
Sep 13, 2019 | Non categorizzato
To heal the employment crisis we need a new economy, and to build one we need to give young people space and a voice. More than anyone, they understand what’s new and how to carry it out. This is one of the goals of the “Economy of Francis” event to be held in Assisi in 2020. In May 2019, unemployment went down in Europe. According to Eurostat, it went down to 7.5% in the 19 countries of the Eurozone and to 6.3% in the 28 countries of European Union. This still contrasts with the high cost of youth unemployment, and despite the improvement in the numbers, this still calls for more effective policy. We discussed it with Luigino Bruni, economist at Lumsa University in Rome and scientific director of the committee organising “The Economy of Francesco”, an event called for by the pope and dedicated to young economists and entrepreneurs from all over the world, to be held in Assisi from 26–28 March 2020. 
What do you think we can expect from this event? I think there will be great leadership by young people both in thought and practice. They will share their ideas about the world, which they are already changing, concerning the environment, the economy, development, poverty. It will not be a conference, but the start of a process, although one with a slow pace that allows us to think and ask ourselves, for example, in St. Francis’ homeland and footsteps, what it means to build a new economy, and who the marginalised of today really are. It will be primarily a moment in which young people draw up a solemn pact with Pope Francis, assuring him of their commitment to change the economy. This will be the heart of the event. After all, young people have clear ideas about… Young people make things interesting. They are the first to react to changes, because they’re the ones who most understand them. There are so many valuable experiences throughout the world in business and start-ups. Young people think about the economy differently, but the adults – who have the power and university chairs – are not able to listen and give them space. Their thinking is 20 years behind the times, while young people have something to say. In Assisi they will be the ones to speak; the adults will make themselves available to support and listen. Why haven’t the economic recipes that have been put forward to solve the unemployment crisis been working? The data from Eurostat, the European Union’s statistics office, needs to be read with caution: the fact that European unemployment has decreased does not mean that employment has increased. In Italy, for example, there are many people who are no longer searching for work. In addition, people are working less because many contracts are for a smaller number of hours in order to give jobs to more people. Today machines are doing jobs that up until 10 years ago were carried out by people. Robots are our allies, but we need to invent new jobs, because the traditional ones are no longer able to take in enough work. The new tools end up naturally selecting workers, favouring the most competent, since there are less and less people who are able to compete with the machines. This means that less people are working and those who do are the most expert, which creates inequalities. So a social pact is necessary to make sure that everyone has access to paid jobs, creating new types of new jobs. So we need a new approach? In just a few short years we have gone through epochal change at an extraordinary pace. But the way we think and the systems we have change much slower, and this contrast is what causes a crisis. So we need to work more at a cultural, scientific and research level, because – as Pope Francis says – the world suffers from a lack of thinking that is appropriate for today.
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Sep 11, 2019 | Non categorizzato
With these three words the president of the Focolare opened the movement’s Youth Assembly which runs from 10 to 15 September. 
As the 190 delegates were being introduced to Focolare President Maria Voce and Co-President Jesús Morán, the overwhelming impression was of a parliament for the under-30s, serving not a single nation but the whole world. These young members of the Focolare Movement from 67 different countries have convened in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, Italy, for the Foocolare’s first Youth Assembly of Gen, young religious men and women, seminarians, together with youth active in the Parish and Diocesan movements of the Focolare. “We’re not only here to organize and plan, but mainly to get to know each other and communicate what is actually motivating us, what’s at the heart of our choice to work towards a more united world,” explained one of the Assembly team. 
The delegates are drawn from different geographical, cultural and religious backgrounds. They are active in areas such as justice and peace, disarmament, humane economy, environmental campaigning, dialogue between religions and ethnic groups. Many have been involved in challenging summer projects such as the Gen Congress in Amman, Jordan for young Focolare members in different nations of the Middle East and beyond; another in Oceania; workshops tackling legal and economic inequalities, as well as summer-camps organized by the Parish and Diocesan Movements. The Assembly is designed to promote sharing, learning and planning, drawing on the support of experts. It is distinctly “hands-on”. For example tackling issues of identity and life choices (with Fr Vincenzo Di Pilato); how to be protagonists and effective leaders (with Jonathon Michelon); witnessing and participation (with Sr Alessandra Smerilli). The Catholic Church’s recent synod dedicated to youth led to the popularly-received “Christus Vivit” document, which will also be discussed during the workshops (with Francisco Canzani). 
To guide all this activity, the Focolare President proposed three key words: unity, courage, communication. Unity – Maria Voce encouraged the young people to “forget” where and what they come from, in order to be able to live complete mutual love and so experience the unity that comes from this. Courage – “I expect you to have such courage. I also expect your courage to test and challenge the rest of us”. Inviting them to speak out and share, she encouraged them not to shy away from making criticisms, but always to express them in “a constructive spirit”. Finally, she urged them to communicate the charism of unity. “You must be prepared to give what you have received to the new generations. This communication can only happen through people who live the spirituality, who want this charism and who then communicate it”. Everything covered during the Assembly will be summarized in a final document containing the contributions and concerns of the young generation of the Focolare as they seek ways of working ever more closely together for their shared goal.
Stefania Tanesini
Sep 10, 2019 | Non categorizzato
In Austria 61 Catholic Bishops who are friends of the Focolare Movement gathered together for an international meeting. The Church’s “wounds” and the challenges faced by Christian communities today were at the heart of their reflections in a meeting enriched by spiritual insights and sharing fraternal life. 
A kind of tsunami has struck the Church as a institution in recent years. The revelation of scandalous abuses has shaken the credibility of the Church to its very core, a Church that for some time has seemed to be in decline in many traditionally Christian countries. And this is not the only scourge afflicting Christian communities across the world. Urbanisation, poverty, war, corruption in society and the Church itself, political and cultural pressures, all kinds of intolerances and religious fundamentalism, a lack of opportunities for development and serious risks to the environment are leaving many people hopeless and overwhelmed. These are just some of the “wounds” that 61 Bishops from four continents who know and live the spirituality of the Focolare shared when they met from 2 to 10 August near Graz in Austria. Even though they came together primarily for a meeting to deepen their spirituality and live fraternity together for a few days, they listened together to the “cry” of their people. Otherwise, how else could they be witnesses of a crucified and risen God who took on every evil and responded to it?! We must not stop at theories – they said – or give in to pessimism but go to the roots. On the Church front, individualism and clericalism were highlighted, a lack of formation and coherent witness, the need for solid spirituality and accompaniment, the need to grow in the capacity to listen and dialogue. 
How can we respond to these challenges? Not from above, under the illusion of being able to impose solutions, but from below, following the way of Jesus who, by becoming small, becoming nothing to be a gift, took love to its very limit and in this way generated fraternity. Looking at the situation from this perspective allows us to recognize the potential for good even where, at first glance, there only seems to be evil. This is the path these Bishops want to tread in a decisive way, mindful that it is a matter – as the Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii gaudium” recommends – of triggering processes that will only start to bear fruit over time. Nothing less is required today: being faithful to its origins, exploring new ways of being Church. With very precise paths, which include basing the proclamation and catechesis on the life of the Gospel and the communion of life; forming people in the spirituality of communion and the ecclesial and social “we”; creating “living environmental cells”; and listening to those who think differently to ourselves. “Show yourselves as a joyful group” was the wish of Pope Francis for this meeting of Bishops who are friends of the Focolare Movement. This is how it was because, by sharing sincerely with each other, they experienced God. Then everything changes at root level. Only by being can an enlightened doing be born.
Hubertus Blaumeiser
Sep 8, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Members of religious communities and movements belonging to fifty different orders, congregations and institutes gathered together in the ecumenical Focolare village of Ottmaring in Germany, 1-5 July 2019. The 100 participants were consecrated and religious men and women. Sr Tiziana Longhitano SFP and Fr Salvo D’Orto OMI, who coordinate this area of the Focolare Movement internationally, explain the significance of this event.
Photo: Ursula Haaf
Photo: Maria Kny
Edited by Anna Lisa Innocenti
Sep 6, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Two hundred young people from 67 countries representing all the various youth expressions of the Movement worldwide are gathering together for the first time in Rome: young people belonging to different Churches, some followers of different religions, from a wide variety of different cultures. All have been called together in order to draw up proposals and a shared vision for the next six years. “There’s a new thirst for something challenging and authentic among young people now. We’re very aware of the issues facing today’s world. And we realise that it’s too difficult to do anything about them on our own. We know how to link up with many other young people who want to be agents of change. And we can work together with the older generations too”. So speaks Nicholas, a 27-year-old Italian and Amanda, 29, from Brazil. Both are members of the commission preparing the Focolare Movement’s first international Youth Assembly, taking place at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, Italy, 10th to 15th September 2019. The idea for this Assembly first emerged in 2017 and has developed since then through numerous pre-Assemblies of youth in various locations around the world. Why this Youth Assembly? “It’s because we feel that ‘we are’ the Focolare Movement. It’s part of us. Many young people had expressed the desire to meet together and talk about issues important to our generation. At the same time, Focolare members older than us were asking how we view the Movement and the specific contribution we as young people can make today to become ever more dedicated to the cause of a united world. We ourselves identified the main topics to be covered by the Assembly. We’ve researched dynamic engaging methods to enable the young people present to express themselves freely while sharing “an experience of God”. Who’s taking part? There will be 200 young people, representing all continents (67 countries): Youth for a United World, young members of the Parish and Diocesan Movements, Seminarians (known as ‘Gens’) belonging to the Focolare Movement and young religious and consecrated men and women in formation (known as ‘GenRe’). So this is an innovative development for the Focolare – to bring together in this Assembly representatives of all the different youth expressions within the Movement. To facilitate the spirit of collaboration, a preparatory commission was formed in November 2018, comprising 15 people from the different youth wings in various parts of the world, most being aged under 30, with just a few older people too. What will be discussed in the Assembly? We thought the best way to ascertain the thoughts and desires of our young people around the world was through a questionnaire. In the preparatory Commission we drew up 4 questions asking young people to describe two characteristics of someone identifying as a young Focolare member; to indicate 2 strong points and 2 things they would like to change in the Movement, giving reasons; to reflect on how to ensure the young people’s voice is heard within the Focolare Movement; to identify priorities for the forthcoming six years. No less than 7,300 responses came in! We felt the weight of responsibility as we collated all this input. From reading it all, we were able to produce a resource for the pre-assemblies around the world, which also nominated their own regional representatives. We then incorporated the feedback from these preliminary meetings into a working document for the main Assembly. It presents proposals, pointers and new perspectives on the international Assembly’s four central themes: formation and accompanying; going outwards; the identity of Focolare youth; the role of Focolare youth as protagonists. Now we’re all ready to be amazed and surprized by our Assembly! It will certainly provide a strong new impetus to go forward towards fulfilling Jesus’ dream: “That all may be one” (John 17:21), as we give our own contribution to the building up of a more united world.
Anna Lisa Innocenti
Sep 4, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Word of Life for this month, taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, says: “Comfort one another and be of help to one another” (1 Th 5:11). It is simple; we all can understand it and put it into practice, yet it can revolutionize our personal and social relationships. On the bus As I got on the bus to return to the city where I study, I realized that the lady sitting next to me was holding a child covered in skin sores. I felt like changing my place, but I tried to overcome my sense of repugnance. The journey was long; we started talking and I got to know that we were both going to the same place. The lady was going there to seek medical care for her child, but she had neither money nor a place where to stay. She had only the name of a contact person and a lot of hope. We arrived at our destination late at night. I felt I could not leave her alone, so I invited her to come with me and share some space in the room I shared with another student. When we arrived at my place I heard her greeting someone. It was the contact person she had to meet. (M.F. – Brazil) Reconciliation For several years, misunderstandings gradually increased and built a wall between us and some of our relatives. Explanations and attempts of reconciliation, even by others outside the family, proved futile. My husband and I knew that some of our relatives shared our same feelings, so one day we decided to start a chain of prayers to ask for God’s gift of reconciliation. We also involved some friends to pray with us. Yes! Through God’s grace we obtained what did not manage to obtain through so many other attempts during the years: in a few moving minutes both sides decided to bury the past and have a complete change heart. (Giovanna and Franco – Italy) Outside my four walls I was a young girl when together with some friends I rediscovered the meaning of the Gospel. Since then my days acquired a different flavour. Now that I am married and have children, I feel “settled”. I know that I have to renew my choice of God every moment to give him the first place in my life. The moments I share with my husband have become more precious and the daily chores for my children are more constructive. Shopping or listening to a neighbour are no longer a waste of time but opportunities of encounter. The desire for further constant commitment led me to get involved in scholastic organizations and community work in my neighbourhood. I try to be attentive to the needs of people around them, and being open to their needs does not allow me to be confined within my four walls. (Nuccia – Italy) Edited by Chiara Favotti
Sep 2, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Trust, openness, gratitude are the words with which the President of the Focolare Movement Maria Voce and the Co-President Jesús Morán summarize the meeting with Pope Francis during the private audience of September 2, 2019. “Bring ahead the prophecies of Chiara” was the encouragement of the Pope. https://vimeo.com/357332500 Maria Voce: We have just come from the audience with the Pope. It was a beautiful meeting – a meeting of extraordinary cordiality. We had brought him a book of Chiara’s link-ups as a gift; he really appreciated it and looked at with care. We also gave him an icon of Mary called “Joy of all the Afflicted”. He loved both the title and the icon itself because he said that it was new to him and that seeing the images of people who were suffering and were going towards Mary reminded him of the last pages of Manzoni’s book where all the lepers in the hospital pray to Mary and invoke her in their affliction. The whole meeting was marked by great trust, by great openness. He kept saying, “Go ahead, go ahead” – he will have repeated it a thousand times. He thanked us for the good we do and we felt that he was really happy to see us. He also said, “Pray for me,” and so we assured him that we were praying. At a certain point I said to him: “Everyone is praying today because the whole Movement knows that we are here with you and everyone is praying for this meeting – not only the Catholics but everyone.” He extended his arms as if to include everyone who prayed. It was very beautiful. Jesús Morán: Very beautiful. I think it was a meeting marked by mutual love because he kept saying to us, ” Thank you for what you are doing – go ahead,” and we kept saying, “We support what you do; we defend your ideas.” I immediately thought of Chiara’s experience when she went to Paul VI who told her, “Everything is possible here.” Everything really is possible there. We will have to see concretely but he told us, “Go ahead, carry ahead all that Chiara foresaw,” because then we talked about many things, even practical ones. 
Maria Voce: He continued to say how upset he is at seeing there is nationalism, obstacles to peace and conflict even among our own people. He said: “Even in the bosom of the Church (there are) some who think differently. Why do we not learn from history?” “I have cried,” he said, “I cry when I hear certain statements against peace and against mutual understanding.” Then he told us something that seemed very beautiful. He said that sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission – that often it is better to make mistakes and then ask for forgiveness Jesús Morán: He was very sad because certain conflicts continue to cause death. He said, “Is it possible that we have learnt nothing from the bloody wars we have experienced?” He seemed worried when we talked about Europe. We told him about the European Mariapolis. First of all, we talked about Chiara’s Centenary and he appreciated what we said. He understood that this will not be a commemoration of the past but because we feel that Chiara’s charism is truly relevant today. Maria Voce: One thing we felt is that he cares deeply about priests, members of religious communities and bishops. He cares in the very sense of saying, “Help us in this”.
Sep 1, 2019 | Non categorizzato
It started as a school for children with hearing and speech impediments, but IRAP is much more than this. Everyone feels at home there and workshops for crafts and cookery have developed creating jobs and settings for a shared life. IRAP’s story shows that integration is not something exceptional but the daily life and destiny of the Lebanese people. https://vimeo.com/343239260
Aug 29, 2019 | Non categorizzato
On Monday, September 2, at 10:45 a.m., the President and Co-President of the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce and Jesús Morán, will be welcomed by Pope Francis in a private audience. An important year for the Focolare is approaching: from December 7, 2019 to December 7, 2020, the Movement will remember the centenary of the birth of Chiara Lubich. With exhibits, publications and events, the centennial would like to offer to many the opportunity to learn more about the Focolare foundress and her “Charism of Unity”. The official motto of the centenary, “celebrate to meet”, shows that this is not a nostalgic memory, but that Chiara Lubich’s original message is more relevant and engaging than ever. In the recent “European Mariapolis” in the Dolomites, the participants, coming from all over the continent, expressed a strong invitation to all the European peoples to make a pact of fraternity among them. It was an example of the relevance of Chiara’s message also in the current political situation. The centenary year will also be of great importance for the internal life of the Movement: in September 2020 the General Assembly of the Focolare Movement will take place which – in addition to electing the President and Co-President – will give the orientation for the next six years to the Movement. All these are reason enough to inform Pope Francis about the current life of the Movement, about the projects underway, about the challenges to be faced. Maria Voce’s request addressed to the Vatican on 18 June 2019 to meet the Pope in a private audience was answered quite promptly. Thus the Pontiff will welcome the President and Co-President next Monday, September 2, at 10:45 a.m. Maria Voce has invited us to pray for this meeting “so that it may give joy to the Pope and be a grace for the whole Focolare Movement”.
Joachim Schwind
Aug 28, 2019 | Non categorizzato
A “campus” on law was set up in Bologna, Italy, promoted by Focolare’s Youth for a United World. It was a place to get educated and participate in social action to affect change and re-weave the social fabric. 
From July 20–28, close to 40 young people from most regions in Italy came together in Bologna to create a campus where they could concretely dedicate themselves to others. They got to know and work with associations and groups who are committed in the social sphere, such as integrating immigrants and combatting problem gambling. They collaborated with youth summer camps and cafeterias, finding different and original ways together to do things. “The campus,” explains Francesco Palmieri, one of its organisers, “began after an earlier experience in Syracuse some years ago that was successful and then repeated in Rome and Turin. This year in Bologna, the young people singled out the neighbourhood of Cirenaica, a multicultural area where the social situation is complicated. “Campus is an experience of civic engagement that young people start for other youth like them, to answer a single question: can we do something?” This is about personal commitment, therefore, including during training sessions with various experts, from judges to university professors, from volunteers to priests and laypeople who are committed on the front lines of civil society. The theme of law and order emerges, overlooked in a number of cases, such as in taking in migrants, fighting the mafia and problem gambling. “The campus experience enriches us,” adds Francesco, “and we return home with many answers to questions that we hadn’t ever asked.” Among the experts present was Professor Adriana Cosseddu, who heads the Communion and Law international network. We asked her a couple of questions. Focolare’s young people launched “Pathways for a United World” in 2018 – six paths towards a united world, with activities and ways to go deeper into the six overarching themes. After the first, which was dedicated to economy, communion and work, the second this year is aimed at exploring human rights, justice, legality and peace. What are its objectives? “These are courses that, together with the Focolare community worldwide, youth and teens engage with and take a lead role, in order to contribute to making humanity one family. “There are many ways to do this, and this year we chose four.First was opening the doors to dialogue and hospitality so that human rights are recognised and implemented. Then we began working with all our might for peace, so that we can overcome the logic of conflict with true exchange, and so that peace is pursued universally as a human right. To reach true peace you need to practice justice, which safeguards the relationshipsthat are the foundations of our coexistence. This is the importance of law and order, which requires, through rules and behaviour, that we enable processes that can cut through the logic of profit and privilege, of widespread corruption, to promote neutrality and fairness.” What more can the Focolare’s charism of unity bring to law? “The charism of unity portrays others in a new light: not the stranger or an enemy to defend myself from, but a gift for me because of the richness of their diversity. Reciprocity, which in law is translated into legal requirements, becomes a call to responsibility towards others, who I need to take care of, because of reciprocal love. “As a result, while today law tends to protect the rights of individuals, Chiara Lubich opened up horizons that showed law as an instrument of communion. And communion has a goal: to work so that concrete human relations, even those that are carried out under the sign of law, may help those involved to look beyond themselves and recognise each other, in their respective dignity and according to a responsible freedom, in order to open up to collaboration. In this way small pieces of brotherhood are generated”. The next step for this pathway is “From Human Rights to the Right to Peace: Walking with Humanity,” an international seminar sponsored by the Communion and Law international network. It will be held at Loppiano, Italy, from September 19–21.
Aug 25, 2019 | Non categorizzato
September 1st World Day of Prayer for the care of Creation, will kick start a month full of initiatives for the protection of the environment and much more. Interview with Cecilia Dall’Oglio from the Global Catholic Climate Movement. What do environmental issues and Ecumenism have in common? A lot, indeed an awful lot. It is enough to recall that in 1989 it was the patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople, Dimitrios who gave the decisive impetus to the various Christian Churches to jointly declare September 1stWorld Day of Prayer for the protection of Creation. This year the anniversary is part of a year full of global actions for the climate, thanks also to the fast-movingaction of millions of young people who, with Greta Thunberg, have gotten organised, raising awareness and knockingon Parliament doors. “Not only individuals but also our communities should ask themselves about the environmental sustainability of their activities,” says Luca Fiorani, physicist and international coordinator of EcoOne, a cultural movement inspired by the spirituality of the Focolare in dealing with environment issues. “And in order to begin to change mentality and adopt an ecological lifestyle, it is first necessary to be informed. I’m doing some of my own advertising I’ve just published a small book of less than 80 pages: “The (crazy) dream of Francis. A small (scientific) manual on integral ecology”. I take the reader by the hand through the key concepts of the encyclical Laudato Si’, the recent results of international negotiations on climate change and the most up-to-date scientific data on the state of the health of our planet”. Luca Fiorani also explains that EcoOne has been collaborating with the Global Catholic Climate Movement for about ten years. Cecilia Dall’Oglio is responsible for the organization’s programs and we asked her some questions. – What motivatesyou personally, to be committed to the environment? The desire not to abandon my brothers and sisters in the world who suffer for the same reasons as our Mother Earth suffers. The desire to give my contribution so that others can have the direct experience, which I was able to have, of meeting with witnesses of hope, of a living Church committed to social justice. In the Laudato Si’ Pope Francis reminds us that “there are not two different crises, environmental and social, but a single socio-environmental crisis to be faced with “an integral approach to combat poverty, to restore dignity to the excluded and at the same time to care for nature” (LS 139). For more than twenty years I have been working with the FOCSIV to coordinate campaigns for social justice together with the offices of the CEI (Italian Episcopal Conference) and lay Catholic groups and I would like to recall in a special way our beloved MarcoAquini of the Focolare Movement. This announcement, this active resistance, must be truly effective and free the poor who cry out and for this reason I am happy now to take up the current challenge in the service of the Global Catholic Climate Movement of which the Focolare Movement is an active member. – What is the “something more” that faith can bring to the environmental movement? Faith is fundamental in bringing an integral ecological approach to environmentalissues. Ecological conversion and the adoption of new lifestyles are proposed for the fullness of joy, that “happy sobriety” of which the Instrumentum laboris of the Special Synod of the Amazon also speaks, the fullness of life, true freedom. All Christians are called to be custodians of God’s creation because “Living the vocation of being custodians of God’s work is an essential part of a virtuous existence, it is not something optional or even a secondary aspect of the Christian experience” (LS 217). The Global Catholic Climate Movement was established in 2015 to support Catholic communities around the world in responding to Pope Francis’ urgent appeal in the Laudato Si: to promote an ecological conversion at a spiritual level that leads to renewed lifestyles and the participation, alsoof Catholics, ingetting people involved in actions for climate justice. – What is “Time of Creation” and what can each of us do to adhere to it? The Time of Creation is a “favourable time”, a Kairos, during which we pray and act for the care of our common home. It occurs every year from September 1st, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to October 4th, the feast of St. Francis, and is celebrated by thousands of Christians around the world. This year’s theme, “The Network of Life: Biodiversity as a Gift from God.” is closely linked to the Synod of Bishops for the PanAmazonia Region to be held next October. Thousands of Christians all over the world celebrate the time of creation by organizing events. The celebration guide and other tools in various languages are available on the Time of Creation website. Thanks to the theme chosen for the celebrations, the events will permit our brothers and sisters in the Amazon to feel our closeness to them and to all those who suffer from the “extractive mentality” that is destroying not only the Amazon but all of Creation. They are therefore a clear sign of ecclesial communion and support in the Church’s journey towards the Synod.
Stefania Tanesini
Aug 23, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Antonio De Sanctis left us on June 21. He personified someone who, within the Focolare Movement, is known as a “volunteer of God” – someone who is committed to social and communitarian action. Tonino, as everyone called him, left us on June 21 this year. He lived in Frascati, a beautiful town in theCastelli Romani area just outside Rome, Italy. He personified someone who, within the Focolare Movement, is known as a “volunteer of God” – someone who is committed to social and communitarian action and promotes activities that benefit others. He worked sometimes alone and sometimes as part of a team in numerous projects many of which he initiated. He was a faithful and caring husband to his wife, Mary; an attentive father; a tireless worker and a committed member of the communitywhere he lived and was capable of creating truly fraternal relationships. Tonino regarded the community as a place where the presence of God and the Church could be made visible:he was not worried about what other people thought and often broke through social convention. His life is best described by the words from scripture that refer to the corporal works of mercy: these words are precepts for all Christians. “Because I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; naked and you clothed me; sick and you visited me, imprisoned and you came to visit me…”This last phrase is particularly characteristic of Tonino because throughout his life he was dedicated to supporting prisoners and their families. This began thanks to a chance comment made by a friend. Tonino used to visit a lot of young people in prison. One day, he realised that a nun who was also a volunteer visitor was upset because of the “mountains of pornographic literature” that used to arrive. He was thinking about this on his way home when, in the main square of his town, he met a priest friend from a nearby village. He shared his concerns straightaway. The priest replied, “Next Sunday, come and tell my parishioners what you have just told me so you can collect donations to send “New City” magazines to prisoners.” This was how it began. For many years, on Sundays, at the various Masses in theCastelli Romani and southern Rome areas, Tonino’s unmistakable voice could be heard. In a shy, modest way, he used to talk about his commitment to prisoners and ask for donations to subscribe them to the Focolare magazine. He sent dozens of copies to the various prisons he visited. In February 2012, “Città Nuova”, published “The Rainbow Behind Bars” recounting, in four instalments,Tonino and his family’s many experiences. These stories are like the “little flowers” of Gospel life to which Saint Francis” often referred. Sometimes Tonino’s behaviour could seem daring – he did not mind running risks. For example, he did not hesitate to welcome prisoners into his home. He became a second father to many of them even after they were released. The excerpt from a letter written by one of the former prisoners expresses this very clearly: “In your house, I finally felt ‘at home’. I have never had this sense of belonging to a place and to people before. You were the means through which I felt Jesus’ mercytouch my heart and I understood the place God occupies in my life. He is my first thought in the morning and my last thought before I go to sleep. I am happy because God has entered my life like a great hurricane sweeping away everything else. Antonio, you and your whole family are a living witness to the Gospel, you are a work of God.” Many people attended his funeral on 22 June in the cathedral of Frascati. The Mass was concelebrated by his brother-in-law, Don Enrico Pepe, and Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz. In their eulogy his three children, Miriam, Gabriele and Stefano, said: “You were a safe harbour at the end of a sunny day or after a storm: you were always there, ready to listen, to welcome us and to encourage us to return to the sea without fear.”
Lina Ciampi
