Mar 22, 2019 | Non categorizzato
New relationships can be built in families or at workplaces by sharing what we have and what we are. A change of gift Our wedding anniversary was approaching, and our children were preparing a surprise for us.We have been married for 46 years and we have five children.Two days before celebrating our wedding anniversary, my husband and I were given tickets for a holiday in a hotel which our children paid for us. We were thrilled by this. However, a few minutes later the telephone rang: it was a lady I know, who sounded very sad when she shared the news that a seriously ill person needed an urgent operation but had no money to pay for it. The amount needed was precisely that of the tickets for our holiday. We didn’t think twice about giving up our holiday to help this person. The surgery took place on the same day of our anniversary. It was a success and this person is now doing well. (A. – Angola) Doing my best to keep the business going I work in the administration of a healthcare facility that in recent years has been facing financial problems. The working relationship between the managing directors has been quite a difficult one, and no one bothered to listen when I drew attention and suggested reviewing the company’s accounts. One day I felt I could no longer remain silent when faced with such mismanagement and the exorbitant fees paid to various professionals employed by our company. I spoke to one of the partners with whom I have a very trustworthy relationship and we agreed about asking for serious professional advice. This led to some small improvement, and my head of department, who was adamant about closing down the business, decided to keep it going for another year of trial. The first financial tests revealed that we employed more staff than what we could afford, so it was decided to dismiss one employee and give part-time work to another. I proposed reduced hours of work for everyone rather than losing one’s job. My proposal was accepted. There are still a number of problems, but I try to make myself available even from home to listen to everyone, to share with my colleagues their uncertainties and fears, especially the fear of losing their job. (R. G. – Italia) I started from the block of flats where I live “One Saturday afternoon I went down to the entrance hall of the block of flats where I live and placed carefully on a small table all the things that I managed to collect from my room”, related G. who is 7 years old. Some days before, G. looked for comics, magazines and shells she collected because she wanted to set up a stall to sell things to her neighbours. She continued: “I have also written a small note inviting families who live in the same block of flats to give me some of their precious time and visit my stall. For about two hours I welcomed my visitors to the stall and explained to them that the money from my sale would go towards helping some of the poorest children who are my age”. Many bought various items and she managed to collect quite a good sum of money which was contributed towards a solidarity project. (G.- Italia)
Mar 22, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Focolare communities are among those struck by cyclone and floods in South East Africa Last week Cyclone Idai hit South East Africa bringing devastating floods to central Mozambique, as well as neighbouring countries. We are in contact with Focolare members living around Beira and Chimoio, including a team who run a mission for around 500 people. It comprises a hospital, a school, two colleges and the Fazenda da Esperança rehabilitation centre. At the moment, the entire mission compound is completely under water, cut off without drinking water, light or access to food. Fortunately none of the residents were killed by the cyclone, but many in the surrounding areas have died. Caritas and the local authorities are working to reach such isolated areas to supply food and other essentials. But an even greater challenge is about to emerge once the waters subside. According to Beira’s Bishop Dalla Zuanna: “We’ll have to start rebuilding when the emergency lights have been switched off.” The Focolare Movement’s international Emergency Coordination team has mobilized to gather funds and to support the local population as it struggles to recover. Contributions can be made through one of the following: Azione per un Mondo Unito ONLUS (AMU) IBAN: IT58 S050 1803 2000 0001 1204 344 Banca Popolare Etica BIC: CCRTIT2T Emergenza Mozambico Or: Azione per Famiglie Nuove ONLUS (AFN) IBAN: IT55 K033 5901 6001 0000 0001 060 presso Banca Prossima Codice SWIFT/BIC: BCITITMX Emergenza Mozambico
Mar 20, 2019 | Non categorizzato
That your child has a behavioural disorder is not what any parent wants to hear. But, as this family has discovered, it can be a catalyst to deeper listening and to accompany your child with perseverance and self-giving. ‘Growth through living our child’s difficulties together as a family.’ This is the approach taken by Natalija and Damijan Obadic from Slovenia, married for 14 years with four children. Their youngest, Lovro, now aged six, was diagnosed three years ago with Attention Deficit Disorder. He was offered drugs and the standard treatments as the only options. However his parents are experiencing the effective contribution which relationships can make to his care, enabling his treatment to be more effective. This approach sometimes throws up surprising solutions. But there is no quick-fix. Every day is a fresh challenge. The unity of the family members and their union with God is what sustains their daily efforts. Natalija, how did you react to the news that your child suffers from Attention Deficiency? I’m a teacher, so I immediately thought of the children I’ve worked with who had this disorder and the many problems they faced. Immediately, that same day, Damijan and I understood that the best way of loving Lovro in his condition was for one of us to leave our job. We had a mortgage to repay and only modest salaries, so it was going to be a sacrifice. But we knew that helping to meet Lovro’s needs would require a lot of love, time and energy. It was hard, and risky for our family situation, but at the same time we were sure that God’s love for us would sustain us. What is this experience with Lovro teaching you? We’ve learned how to listen to him very attentively. When you ask him to do something, you have to check if he has really understood what you’ve said, then follow him as he does it and keep directing him back to what he’s meant to be doing. If not, he will constantly revert to playing. For him to complete a task is equivalent to climbing a high mountain. It appears too steep to him, so he rebels and refuses to do it. Sometimes, it will lead to a crisis, with uncontrollable shouting, throwing things around, kicking and punching. In these moments, calmly and gently you need to find the way to redirect him to what he’s supposed to be doing. We’ve learnt that our love for one another gives us the capacity to help him, and that our love for Lovro guides us to understand what to do for him. How do you deal with the difficulties of daily life? We pray with him every day, asking for the strength for him to overcome his difficulties. He’s aware he has this disorder, so that is a big step towards dealing with it. We rely on the love among us to help us follow the specialist’s directives well. Most of all, we’ve understood that Lovro must feel our unconditional love for him at all times. Your other children are involved in taking “special care” of Lovro. What is their relationship like? We’ve spoken with our other children about Lovro’s needs, what we can expect from him and how to keep on helping him in the right way. Because it’s such an all-consuming commitment, we decided to take turns on different days of the week. We encourage the children not to “take pity” when they ask Lovro to complete a task, because they have to help him learn that he has duties which must be finished. They really are helping him. We began to see a difference after just three months. One evening we told him to put on his pyjamas and then come to sit down at the table. For the first time ever, he actually did so without getting distracted at all. That called for a real celebration!
Interview by Claudia Di Lorenzi
Mar 19, 2019 | Non categorizzato
We are God’s children and can be like Him by loving, welcoming and knowing how to wait for the other as He does In the bank I work in a bank and have always tried to be someone who builds and maintains unity between my colleagues, so it really hurt me one day to discover that one of my colleagues was using me to make his boss look bad. In church that evening I promised myself I would chase away every negative thought towards this colleague and welcome him as I always had. Later on, he announced his resignation having found another job. As he said goodbye he thanked me for having always been a friend to him. I really hadn’t expected this but was happy to know that my efforts had not been wasted. (F.S – Switzerland) A mature faith My husband’s memory is getting worse every day and he is finding it more and more difficult to do things. I too am finding it difficult to bend over and pick things up. There must be more to life than this I thought. When I heard Pope Francis talking to young people about the elderly, my hope was restored and had a new strength to deal with the difficulties of ageing and illness. I had always rejected faith as a remedy for every difficulty. It has taken me a lifetime to arrive at a more mature faith. (F.Z. – Poland) Two precious hours It was my turn to volunteer in the hospital today, but it was raining, and I was tired. Basically, I’m 62 years old and suffer from arthritis but thinking of all the sick people in hospital I decided to go anyway. When I arrived at the hospital, I met a patient who was depressed, undressed, paralyzed with no one to look after him. I spent two hours with him and really tried to give my life for him. And to think how useless I was feeling yesterday when I looked back on my day! (M – Italy) Alone When my husband died after just 4 years of marriage, I asked myself – how will manage to bring up my children alone? I found the answer in the Word of God, the Father of all. I just needed to live it. I experienced it so often, especially as the children got older and the problems started to become more complicated – deciding which school to go to, friends, leisure activities … There are moments when I feel the same desolation as so many other people who like me are bringing up a family on their own but as I continue to believe in the love of God, I feel great peace again which enables me to start a new dialogue with my children and discuss even the most delicate subjects. (I.C. – Italy)
Mar 17, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The story of Marco Bertolini, a social and health educator in the province of Rome. “Even teachers have something to learn from students. It is possible to convert difficulties into opportunities.” Diagnosed when he was still young, polio did not turn out to be Marco Bertolini’s prison from which to scream out his anger at the world. Instead it became an opportunity to reflect on the richness of life and the potential within his “condition” to help many “problem” children discover their beauty and human dignity. Meeting young people from the Focolare came at a decisive moment for him. Today Marco, 59, husband and father of two, works as a social and health educator in a small hamlet in a suburb of Rome. We met with him at the recent EduxEdu education conference at the Mariapolis Center in Castelgandolfo (Italy). Marco, your story is about a difficulty transformed into an opportunity. What brought on this development? Ever since a child, I was all too aware of how different I was physically. While my sisters and friends lived at home with their families, I boarded at school. This made me angry at those who I felt were luckier than I was. I sought out conflict and tested my parents to see if they truly loved me. Then there was a turning point when I was 20. I was searching for some meaning to give to my life when I met young people from Focolare who lived the Gospel, were united and respected each other. In my small hamlet in the suburbs of Rome I had been up to all sorts of things and did not have a good reputation, yet they accepted me as I was. This made me feel like a person, and they did not look at my defects. They explained to me that they tried to love their neighbour, like the Gospel says. I was sceptical at first, thinking that the Gospel may be a good thing, but in life you need to fight for what you want. And yet, little by little, they showed me that living the Gospel is possible and can change your life. How did you become a teacher? At first I studied theology. I discovered a relationship with God and wondered whether I was called to be a priest. I entered the seminary and got involved in a number of services they offered. In Rome I collaborated with Caritas, and at the centre I mostly took care of the homeless. There I understood that my path in life was social work. I felt particularly strongly about the kids. I wanted to share with them the gift that I had received with I met the Focolare young people, so that they too could discover the deep value of life. I left the seminary and started my studies in social work and education. The approach to “problem children” seems to always be to “contain” them. Yet it’s challenging to understand the hurt that they carry – how do you take it on? Children should not be contained but listened to and understood. The approach I use is the same that God did with me: he accepted me just as I was. And so before anything else, I take them in as they are, with their language, without wanting to change anything about them, but understanding that it’s an opportunity to care for them. I begin from my experience with God and from what they’re feeling. The kids can be helped when they buy in to an idea to live differently. It’s a bit like establishing an “educative pact” with them. Can you tell us a related experience of yours? For years I’ve been part of a team that organises a working camp called “Stop’n’Go”, where teens are given an opportunity to train in the spirituality of unity. I remember a teen mother aged 19 who had a painful story. Her attitude alternated between that of an adult and a child. We asked ourselves if her presence there would be productive for her and the others. We decided to make a deal with her: she could take a turn going out with one of us adults if she respected the rules of the camp and participated in the activities. She accepted, and there was some competition among the team as to who could make her feel most welcome and not judged. I experienced how even teachers have something to learn from students. It is possible to convert difficulties into opportunities.
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Mar 15, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Exploring six themes in six years, starting with the field of “economy, work and communion” The idea of a united world is a most challenging goal, but not an impossible one if approached from many different angles. This is the mindset of the new generations of the Focolare Movement. Chiara Lubich encouraged them to embark upon the many “pathways” which could lead to a more united world, deepening their knowledge along the way in order to achieve this ambitious objective. Taking inspiration from her, they have launched what has become known as “Pathways for a United World”: a six-year rolling program exploring and acting on six big issues, one each year. Over the coming months, this platform will share life experiences on the first of these themes: economy, work and communion. 
Giving away what we don’t need – When we got married, we decided as a couple every year to share with others anything we owned that we were not using. In fact, we started doing this even when preparing our wedding and we received many gifts, including financial help. Together, we decided to make a donation to support children in need in East Timor, through an organization run by the priest who married us. We were astonished to see how, once having given this money away, afterwards we received exactly ten times the amount we had given! Also we have made a commitment every year to give a part of our income to contribute to the “communion of goods” lived by the members of the Focolare Movement. This time, the very same morning that I transferred the money, I received a gift of a beautiful coat. It’s stylish, exactly to my taste … and my measure! (S. & C. Italy) A child’s empty pocket – G. is five years old and lives in Aleppo, Syria. When she heard that a group of Focolare young people were going to visit and take food to a convent which cares for old people, she wanted to be part of it. However, the day before the visit, she fell ill and had to go to the doctor. During the appointment, she told the doctor all about the plan and asked her: “Doctor, tomorrow with my family, I want to go and visit the home for old people. I’ve already shared all the pocket money I had saved. Can I go?” The doctor replied, “Yes, you are well enough to go. But I will also give you back your medical fee, because I too want to take part in your initiative!” (G. Syria) Mobilizing a community – Many people I know are struggling to manage even the basic necessities. I felt I had to respond in some way. But how? I started talking about this problem with my colleagues at work, and spontaneously many of them began sharing. They gave me lots of items which I then distributed to families in need. As word spread, more things were given to me, so I needed more space and some help! One couple offered me the use of a shop. Another colleague – actually someone with very different ideas and beliefs to my own – joined with two more friends to offer their time to the initiative. One month later, the “Community Bazaar” was launched, in the presence of the Head of Social Services and several Regional Councillors. We soon found ourselves forming a network with the city’s social institutions, and were able to draw up a mailing list to link up people who have something to give with people who have a specific need. Since then, we find ourselves welcoming collaborators and contributions of all kinds, both from individuals and businesses. The Bazaar has also turned into a hub for people looking to find a way to be useful in society. One day I asked one of my colleagues to accompany me because I needed to go and find a washing machine urgently for a social laundry project. Afterwards she told me, “This is the first time I end the year doing something for others. And I feel so happy. Thank you for letting me know about this initiative!” (M.D.A.R. – Portugal)
Mar 15, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The teens for unity of the Focolare Movement and the members of Prophetic Economy support «FridaysForFuture», the global initiative for environmental protection promoted by Greta Thunberg This morning in the garden of the international headquarters of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa (Italy), Focolare President Maria Voce and co president Jesús Morán planted a tree (live facebook of the event) in support of the international initiative #FridaysForFuture promoted by Greta Thunberg. Greta is a sixteen year old from Sweden who has recently become a symbol of environmental activism. The world first began to notice Greta when she decided to go on strike from attending school every Friday morning at the beginning of the Northern Hemisphere’s school year last September. Her strategy was to sit in front of the Stockholm Parliament with her home made sign that said “School Strike for Climate.” She went there to protest against the failure of political leaders to take a position on what is happening to the environment. Then in late January, in the town of Davos in Switzerland, Greta became the focus of the world’s media when she spoke in front of the world’s business leaders, political leaders, economists, celebrities and journalists at the World Economic Forum. “You are destroying my future! I don’t want you to hope, I want to see you in panic,” she told them. The Teens for the Unity of the Focolare Movement, together with the groups involved in Prophetic Economy, have decided to join the international initiative scheduled for today, Friday March 15th 2019. Their goal is to demand that international conventions to safeguard the planet are respected, and that world leaders stop just talking and start acting decisively. “The positions taken by many politicians show that the top-down approach is not enough,” explains Luca Fiorani, the coordinator of EcoOne, the international Focolare network for those who work in the fields of ecology and sustainability. The UN’s major international climate conferences demonstrate how difficult it is to make decisions together about how to combat global warming. So this is where the bottom-up approaches come into play – where the people put pressure on those in power to make effective decisions to avoid climate change. These initiatives of the young people are vitally important because they are the ones who will suffer the most from the effects of climate change in the future. That’s why it’s important that these young people act globally – so they can stir up the consciences of everyone around the world. If we don’t act now, within 20 or 30 years it may be too late. Pope Francis often reminds us of this. His 2019 message for Lent is focused on ecological conversion. He encourages us to pray, fast and give alms, but always with care for creation in mind. So, too, the commitment of the Focolare children and young people to reach the “Zero Hunger” goal heads in the same direction as Greta Thunberg’s initiative.
Lorenzo Russo
Mar 14, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Eleven years after the death of the foundress of the Focolare Movement events are taking place all over the world to remember her. In Rome, Cardinal Rylko celebrated a Mass in the presence of Maria Voce and Jesús Morán attended by many of Chiara’s “people” as well as many civil and religious authorities and friends of the Focolare. She was the initiator of new ways of living the Christian life, a woman with a profound “Marian” identity who had consecrated herself totally to God which is why God entrusted her with a gift for the Church and the world: the charism of unity. These, in brief, are the cornerstones of the life of Chiara and the Focolare Movement which Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko – former Secretary and President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity – highlighted at the Mass which was celebrated on 14 March in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s oldest Marian shrine, on the occasion of the eleventh anniversary of Chiara Lubich’s death. 
As well as the President of the Focolare Maria Voce, the Co-President Jesús Morán and a large group of “Chiara’s people “, civil and religious representatives from the diplomatic world and various Christian movements were present. It was a varied assembly which seemed to embrace humanity just as Chiara did. “How often did you hear Chiara say these words”, recalled Cardinal Rylko, “what counts is love. It is love that makes the world move forward, so if someone also has a mission to carry out it is all the more fruitful the more it is imbued with love”. “The challenges we face today collectively and as individuals are no less significant than those Chiara had to face when she started out”, said a girl who has just got to know the Focolare. Nothing is more relevant than her message of unity today and her vision of a world which with its diversity and its contradictions can go ahead united even in the midst of polarizations that seem to be tearing our relationships apart. In the words of Cardinal Rylko, one could sense the fraternal friendship he shared for many years 
with the foundress of the Focolare – “We travelled a long stretch of road together” – and his deep awareness of the gift that God had given her. “In the life of a Movement, it is very important to remember its origins,” he stressed. “Just as water is always clearer at the source, the beginning of a charism always presents itself in all of its fascinating beauty and newness. This is how the Movement can better discover its identity. Your most profound identity is contained in the very name of your Movement: the Work of Mary. A special presence of Mary has accompanied you right from the start. This Marian dimension characterizes the whole of your missionary commitment in the world. Pope Francis often speaks of a ‘Marian style of evangelization’ as the one best suited to our times”. He then defined the Focolare people as a “new generation” of men and women, young people and new families who are all in love with the love of God and the ideal of unity. At the end of the celebration, as she thanked all those present, Maria Voce announced that the year dedicated to the centenary of the birth of Chiara Lubich would begin on 7 December. In fact, 2020 will be marked by numerous initiatives and events of various kinds aimed at “celebrating and encountering” Chiara, as the motto of the centenary goes. As the President of the Focolare said, “We would like to celebrate the wave of new and universal life that the charism of unity has brought to our own personal stories and those of many peoples and cultures. We want to do this by giving as many people as possible all over the world the opportunity to ‘meet’ Chiara today so as to get to know her as a person and rediscover the relevance of her charism and the vision she had of the world as a family of brothers and sisters. It is a vision which goes against the current in this age of resurgent individualism and sovereignty. I am sure that a personal and collective encounter with Chiara will continue to inspire people, ideas and projects animated by the spirit of unity.” Celebrations will begin in Chiara’s hometown of Trent, on 7 December this year with the inauguration of a large multimedia exhibition dedicated to Chiara which will also be replicated in various capitals around the world. Groups of people will be visiting Trent throughout the year to learn more about Chiara and her spiritual heritage. During the year, in and around Rome there will be various events giving people the chance to discover the life and work of Chiara in everyday life from the house where she lived to the chapel at the Centre of the Movement where she was laid to rest.
Stefania Tanesini
Mar 13, 2019 | Non categorizzato
We have to admit that eleven years after her death, and as we approach the centenary of her birth in 2020, Chiara Lubich is someone yet to be fully discovered. The best way to reach into the depths of her soul and understand the abundance of light, joy, and fruits that characterised her life, is to see her as she herself wished to be remembered: “the spouse of Jesus forsaken”, the spouse of Jesus on the cross who felt forsaken even by God. Chiara herself said this in one of the monthly conference calls in which she gathered together the focolare communities around the world as one global family. “I would like to be remembered solely as the spouse of Jesus forsaken” . She added: “The fact that it might be possible to define my life in this way (may God help me!) seemed wonderful to me, even though it is so high and even though it is still ‘what I must become’. Yet I perceived it as my vocation”. History and the Church will decide whether Chiara was right and if she reached this goal, but many signs tell us that her “marriage with Jesus forsaken” was the golden thread woven through her entire life and that gave it meaning.
Watercolor by Annemarie Baumgarten
Michel Vandeleene
Mar 11, 2019 | Non categorizzato
A whole town and its Mayor responded to the tragedy of a mother killed by her husband by mobilizing to take care of the children and inventing “Citizens’ Adoption”. It was an act that made the Italian town a winner of the 2019 Chiara Lubich Prize for Fraternity. Alghero is a small town in Sardinia with historical Catalan roots. Here the tragic news of the murder of Michela Fiori, a forty-year-old mother of two children who was killed by her husband, set in motion the generosity and solidarity of an entire community, together with its Mayor, Mario Bruno. In the aftermath of Michela’s death, the Mayor’s phone never stopped ringing. Everyone wanted to do something for her children: from the school bus driver who said he would accompany them to school to the manager of a club that offered to organize their birthday parties. “On Christmas Day I saw the city embrace the children – the Mayor explained. About four thousand people went in procession to Michela’s house. There I felt I had to make a promise: ‘I will take care of your children’. Then it became, ‘We will take care of your children’.” Generosity on the part of so many people led to the idea whereby the Mayor established a “Citizens’ Adoption”. It was an administrative act that, besides expressing solidarity, put the tragic phenomenon of femicide in the spotlight. The “Citizens’ Adoption” means that the 44,000 inhabitants of the town will take care of the two children through a support fund. It will be possible to make donations until the boys are twenty years old, or twenty-six if they decide to go to university. The first donation was from the town council, followed by over 300 citizens. The boys, who now live with their grandmother in Genoa, as decided by the Juvenile Court, appreciate this beautiful gesture. They thanked the Mayor with the simplicity that only children have: they drew a picture of a heart with the name of the Mayor written on it and words that deeply touched the community: “Thank you for everything.” A story of this kind could not go unnoticed by the Jury of the Chiara Lubich Prize for Fraternity. The award is given to local councils that develop effective and concrete projects or community initiatives promoting solidarity. And this is why Alghero won the tenth annual prize. But … the story continues. On 7 April 2019, the Mayor of Alghero will be in Turin, in northern Italy, to keep a promise he made. A few days after the tragedy the elder boy [aged 12] said to the Mayor: “Mum promised to take me to the football match at the stadium on my birthday, April 7th. Now that she’s gone, who will take me?” Mario Bruno’s immediate answer was “I will”. And so it will be. In fact, Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee, has already phoned the Mayor assuring him that he will provide tickets for the Juventus-Milan match. The boys will also be able to see their favourite player, Ronaldo, who has said he will be available to meet them. Of course, for the children, the Mayor is just their friend Mario. Once a shop assistant asked for their documents when he was making a payment and they exclaimed, “But doesn’t she know you’re the Mayor”?
Paolo De Maina
Mar 10, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Mercy is a love that fills the heart. It can then be poured out for others in society around us, whether neighbours or strangers. Traveling companion I was in prison for 19 months, guilty of having added elements to the wines I was marketing. Inside, however, with the help of a priest and some people who would come and volunteer, I was able to reflect and discover a different God than the one I had been taught about. I faced this trial with a renewed soul and began to experience true freedom, which is within and comes from loving our neighbour. The relationship with my wife changed and I was even reconciled with my in-laws. Not just that: I felt ready to forgive my partner, who was also responsible for perpetuating the fraud. Now that I have served my time, even if the future looks full of uncertainty, I know that God the Father is my traveling companion. (Javier, Argentina) Words of light My wife and I were alternating between outbursts and endless silences, with both of us hurting, as well as our children. Even though some friends tried to help, each of us remained firm in our position, and it seemed the marriage was ending. Blinded by anger, I had gotten to the point of thinking that it would be better to leave or even end it for good. Luckily, in that hell, some of the words that had once enlightened me came to mind: words of forgiveness, of love. As a Christian I was truly off track! During a good half of a sleepless night spent fighting back my pride, I woke my wife to ask her to help me humbly remember the happy moments that we had shared. We embraced and asked each other for forgiveness. (A husband in Africa) Rain One evening I felt quite tired and I would have liked to say to the kids to go to their rooms to say their prayers on their own, since I wanted to go to bed right away. But John, our oldest son, proposed that we say the rosary together to ask for rain – it had not rained for some time and our corn and potato crops were at risk. So we prayed together. To my surprise, that same night it started to rain and continued through the afternoon the following day. (B. M., Uganda) In the hospital An extremely poor woman, a mother who had been in the hospital for many months, needed help to eat, but the staff could not do this as well as all their other work. We let all our parish friends know, and one at a time we went to help her. Despite the situation seeming endless, she improved a bit, began responding to medicines and smiled. When the person she shared a room with died, in their will they left her a small sum to help her family. Love is contagious… (C. C., Spain)
Mar 8, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Peace can be built in a thousand different ways. Sometimes you also need places in which to meet – a place for dialogue, spirituality, study and formation. The Focolare’s project for Jerusalem. https://vimeo.com/319521770
Mar 7, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Located on the border between the Jewish and Arab sections of Jerusalem, it will be a place of spirituality, study, dialogue and formation for the Holy City and for the whole world. A French historian once wrote that Jerusalem does not belong to Jerusalem, because it is a city of the world, a city where people of the whole world meet, again and again, face to face, to confront each other and to challenge each other. It is a place where some seek to practise peaceful cohabitation – while others seek war, where some strive to spread a sense of common belonging – while others try to spread hatred. In fact, it is easy to give in to the temptation to see only what the almost daily news reports tell us about the Holy City – about the violence between the Jews and the Palestinians and the unending struggle of the Christians… But is this all there is to Jerusalem? Is there still room for hope and for the prophetic role this city has for the entire world? Chiara Lubich was always convinced that there is room for hope. She went to the Holy Land for the first time in 1956 and among the holy places she visited, there was one in particular that moved her. It’s called the “Scaletta,” and it refers to the ancient Roman white stone steps, just outside the walls of the old city, next to the church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu. According to tradition, Jesus walked along those steps in the evening after the Last Supper, on his way to the garden of Gethsemane. Also according to tradition, it was on those very stones that he uttered his prayer for unity: “Father that all may be one…” Here is how Chiara Lubich described the strong impression this place had on her. In her diary she wrote: “It was here that their Teacher, whose hour of death was drawing near, prayed to the Father. His heart was full of tenderness for his disciples, who had, yes, been chosen by Heaven, but who were still weak and without understanding. Jesus prayed to the Father in his own name and in the name of all those for whom he had come and for whom he was ready to die: “Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one” (Jn 17:11 NRSV). There he called upon the Father to make us his children, even though we were far from him through our own fault, and to make us brothers and sisters, in the strongest unity, that which is divine.”[1] From that moment, it was Chiara’s desire that a centre for dialogue and unity could one day be born on this tiny piece of land. In the 1980’s there came an important turn of events. A plot of land adjacent to the Roman steps became available. Slowly the project advanced and approval was granted in 2016. Recently the excavations for the building works have been carried out. The future “Centre for Unity and Peace” received a precise mandate from Chiara: it is to be a place of spirituality, study, dialogue and formation. It is to be a place open to people of different ages, cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. It must foster encounters and opportunities to learn about others and so promote authentic relationships. Another decisive moment came in February 2019, when Maria Voce, president of the Focolare Movement, placed a small medal of Our Lady into the soil as an important initial sign for the construction of this centre. The project is to be a multi-purpose structure, suitable for hosting events and initiatives of various kinds at both local and international levels. It is now possible to contribute in various ways to support the construction of the centre. Click here for all the necessary information.
Stefania Tanesini
[1] Chiara Lubich, Scritti Spirituali/1: L’attrattiva del tempo moderno, Citta Nuova Editrice, p.172-179
Mar 5, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Pierre-Andre Blanc’s death has been defined “a mystery” and “a shock” by many people. Pierre was a Swiss focolarino who died after a period of deep depression. Those who knew him, however, are sure that he found peace in that God-Love to whom he gave convincing witness in many different situations. “Your departure, Pierre-André, was too sudden for us. But your word of life, taken from the book of Isaiah (43:1) ‘I have called you by name: you are mine’ gives us an intuition of the love with which we think God welcomed you into paradise.” These words concluded the address given by Denise Roth and Markus Näf, jointly responsible for the focolare town of Montet, Switzerland, at Pierre-André Blanc’s funeral. They summarized the conflicting feelings of many of those present: on the one hand, an indescribable perplexity about his death and, on the other, trust and, indeed, the certainty that he has found true life. Fifth of six children, Pierre-André was born on April 2 1962 in Sion, Switzerland and grew up in Ayent, a small village in the Valais. His family was always very loving. He trained as a specialist educator and later completed theological studies. In 1980, he went to the Genfest in Rome, an international youth event organised by the Focolare Movement and it was there that he first came into contact with the spirituality of the Movement. He was impressed “by the quality of the relationships between people and by the joy that was evident on their faces” as he would later write. When he returned home, he began to allow the words of the gospel to impact upon his everyday life. He had been accustomed to “meeting” God when he was skiing during retreats in the mountains but he then discovered a new way of relating to God as he loved the people around him in concrete and practical ways. While attending a workshop on social issues, he suddenly and unexpectedly found himself in front of someone who spoke of his total donation to God. In Pierre-André a question arose: what if God were to call me to live like this person? He later wrote, “My fears of following God in a totalitarian way were not able to withstand his intervention in my life. I simply tried to show commitment in living the gospel and God did the rest. I understood how much he wanted my happiness and, above all, that in his eyes, I had enormous value. It seemed obvious to say yes to Jesus, to follow him where I felt he was calling me – to the focolare.” In 1989, he began his formation and preparation for a life of donation to God in the focolare. Those who knew him at this time describe him as sensitive to everything that “spoke” of God. They say that was able to grasp the essential in what was happening around him and in other people. At the end of the time of formation, Pierre-André entered the focolare in Geneva, Switzerland, and in 2006 he moved to the little town of Montet. For many years he made a valuable contribution to the life of the focolare community there, assisting other people in a variety of ways but always with generosity, practicality and discretion. In the professional field, he worked as an educator, first with children with physical disabilities and then with young people with learning difficulties. He always showed a deep capacity to be close to other people who were suffering. He had a fine sense of humour and, in everything he did, Pierre-André gave unreservedly of himself. At the end of May 2018, he showed the first symptoms of depression. He immediately received medical help but, after a month, he had to be admitted to a clinic. At a certain point he was able to return to Montet at weekends. In October 2018, he left the clinic and returned to the focolare whilst remaining under the care of a specialist doctor. At this time, the other focolarini were especially attentive to him, supporting and accompanying him during this phase of life. He was continuously in donation to others and it seemed that his condition was beginning to improve. However, in the end the disease was stronger and on November 28 it ended his life in a very sudden way. In spite of the shock, Pierre-André’s funeral was an expression of great gratitude from everyone for his life and for the delicate love he showed until the very end.
Joachim Schwind
Mar 4, 2019 | Non categorizzato
This focolare little town in Switzerland has two schools for young people: one for the formation and training of focolarini and the other for young people who wish to deepen their understanding and experience of the spirituality of unity. Dialogue and exchange between generations and cultures are distinguishing features of life in Montet. Michael, a boy from Mali, described life in this little focolare town as follows, “It is a community that works together – body and soul – to show to the whole of humanity that diversity is not a fault or failure but a grace from God to unite the world.” He was a part of a group of thirty young people from thirteen different countries who followed a year long course of human, spiritual and professional formation. Gospel teachings and Chiara Lubich’s charism of unity underpinned this time of study, work and communitarian life during which people experienced that it is possible to build deep relationships with people of different ages, cultures, traditions and ways of thinking. 
Montet began in 1981 and is situated in a peaceful location, surrounded by green hills and three beautiful lakes, Bienne, Morat and Neuchatel. It is extremely international: its population of about one hundred people comes from thirty-five different countries. About half are young people who stay for a year and the other half are adults who live there permanently and guarantee the continuity of the life of the little town. It is a meeting place for people from five continents, coming from different cultures, religions, Christian Churches and of all generations. It was in Switzerland in the 1960’s that Chiara Lubich first began to envisage and understand what would eventually become the focolare little towns. There are now twenty- five in the world and they are places of witness to the unity of the entire human family. “In Einsiedeln, looking down from the hillside at the basilica and the surrounding area, I understood that the Movement should have a town but that it should not have an abbey and guesthouses but should be made up of homes, work places, and schools like ordinary towns.” There are two formation schools for young people in Montet. One is for the focolarini who are preparing for consecrated life and the other is for young people who want to spend a year living in community and are searching for their vocation. Alejandro from Cuba said, “Being at the school in Montet with people from so many different countries is like the confirmation that, irrespective of our diversity, a united world is possible if we all want it. It means learning from each other every day and trying to build unity with love. It’s a marvellous adventure.” Andre from Brazil explained, “In the little town, young people can study ethics, sociology, theology, intercultural dialogue and deepen their understanding of the spirituality of unity. This study can form the basis of their attitudes in the work they do now but is also a preparation for professional life. It will help them show responsibility and consistency in all areas of society in the future.” He continued, “In addition, thanks to the respect between generations, you understand that no one is superior to anyone else but you are actually responsible for one another. As a consequence, older people become younger in their outlook on life and younger people become more responsible.” For Gloria from Argentina, the intercultural aspect – namely, dialogue, exchange and cultural enrichment – is the distinctive feature of the little town. “We have had to learn to do something really important with our diversity. It was difficult because it seemed that we couldn’t understand one another but by loving we came to a solution regarding practical matters and we understood one another in transcendent things. Living with other people has enabled me to discover the best in them but also what is really good in my own culture. I’ve discovered how important other people are in my life and I think we shouldn’t be afraid to open up and discover their ‘world.’” In Montet “there are the answers to the questions we ask every day” said Ivona from Serbia. The little town is “a gift from God.” And as Larissa left for Brazil, she said, “It is a multicultural, multigenerational family.”
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Mar 3, 2019 | Non categorizzato
A Summer School offers its contribution through researchers and lecturers from nine American and European countries. Equality is one of the basic principles of democratic societies. Yet, discrimination persists in many countries of the world. We spoke about this with Paula Luengo Kanacri, a pyschologist and lecturer at the Catholic University of Chile, a scholar at the Research Centre for Conflict and Social Cohesion. You have been involved in the social exclusion issue for a number of years. What led you to become so interested? I would say it has been the history of my people and my own personal story. Chile is a country of 
great contrasts: substantial economic growth and considerable inequality. Then, my mother came from a rich family while my father’s family was a poor. I have experienced the pain of inequality. I studied pyschology, and when I met the youth of the Focolare Movement, I started to embrace the idea that a different world is possible. After my graduation, I began to nurture an interest in prosocial behaviour and empathy; both are a support to social inclusion. An experience with the homeless, in Rome, left a strong impact on me. I have touched the pain of many who are marginalized, not only through invisible situations but also through others that are made to be invisible. To understand the mechanisms that favour inclusion or deny it, one needs to look into its different perspectives, disciplines and lines of thought. This is what we tried to propose during the Summer School recently held in Chile. The theme was: “Human development for all: social sciences in dialogue for an inclusive society”. How did the idea of a Summer School come about? Student movements in Chile, active since 2011, managed to obtain a historical reform through which the most disadvantaged students are today granted free university education. But a more creative effort is also required from academics. The idea of the Summer School originated from the fact that I participate in “Psychology & Communion” and “Social One”, international networks of researchers and scholars in the fields of psychology and sociology, inspired by Chiara Lubich. The Research Centre for Conflict and Social Cohesion (COES) and the Catholic University of Chile supported the idea. Who participted? And how was it? 
The school brought together 67 young people and 21 professors involved in 8 different social subjects; they came from 9 American and European countries. Four Chilean civil society organizations participated as well. The four research lines we dealt with were: inclusion and fairness, inclusion and migration, inclusion and inequality, inclusion and violation of rights. We offered 8 workshops on survey techniques regarding the study on inclusion from a unitary point of view. Dialogue with civil society proved to be a very important item on our programme. More than half of our young participants presented research projects. We wanted the Summer School itself to be an experience of social inclusion, capable of initiating a dialogue that is scientifically oriented and that goes beyond polarization.The people who participated had different ideas and orientations, even politically. We tried to ensure that the different topics were not discussed polemically or in a polarized way; but we aimed at being together on the common path to social inclusion, thus leaving no space for discrimination and segregation of gender, race, ethnicity and class. An inclusive society needs responses that integrate the individual level with the micro, meso and macro social levels. During our next Summer School we would like to discuss the environment issue from the inclusion point of view.
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Mar 1, 2019 | Non categorizzato
“A life for unity”: with this headline, the Schönstatt Movement announced the death of Fr Michael Johannes Marmann, their former Superior General, on the evening of 26 February 2019, at the age of 81. He has long been a key figure for this apostolic movement which had its beginnings in Germany in 1912. Michael Johannes Marmann was born in 1937 in Berlin, Germany, the oldest of three brothers. He studied Philosophy and Theology and was ordained in 1963 in Cologne. He then continued his studies in Tubinga and Ratisbona. Interestingly, in 1973 he completed his doctorate under the tutelage of a certain Professor Josef Ratzinger, who never lost contact with his student, even after becoming Pope Benedict. They continued to meet every year – often in recent years at the Focolare Mariapolis Centre in Castelgandolfo – to discuss current theological issues. At the time of his priestly ordination, Fr Marmann learned about the Schönstatt Movement and its founder, Fr Josef Kentenich, who at that time was living in exile in Milwaukee (USA) at the request of the ecclesial authorities. After a personal meeting with him, Fr Marmann decided to enter the Secular Institute of Schönstatt Fathers. He was appointed as a spiritual director for youth, and was later involved in pastoral work for priests, families and mothers. From 1983 to 1991 he was responsible for the Movement in Germany. In 1990 the Schönstatt Fathers elected him as their Superior General and Moderator of the Presiding Council. Fr Marmann’s service in these roles was characterized by his great openness to dialogue and his dedication to the quality of relationships both within the Movement and beyond. His commitment to strengthening the unity of the large and varied work founded by Fr Kentenich, led him naturally towards increased communion with other Movements, firstly within the Church in Germany and then most notably as part of the “Together for Europe” network. He was at the heart of those deep friendships and the spiritual unity which developed between representatives of different movements, including Helmut Niklas of YMCA in Munich, Germany, Andrea Riccardi of the Sant’Egidio Community and, of course Chiara Lubich. In her message of condolence, Maria Voce, Focolare Movement President, recalled the “significant steps on this journey”. One of these was the Alliance of love affirmed by Chiara Lubich, Andrea Riccardi and Fr Marmann in 1999 at the Schönstatt Shrine in front of Fr Kentenich’s tomb. Maria Voce said she was certain that “Mary, Mother Thrice Admirable, will have accompanied Fr Marmann to the joyful encounter with Christ in his reign of peace”.
Joachim Schwind
Feb 28, 2019 | Non categorizzato
In our personal and social lives we can find ourselves in an atmosphere of growing hostility and competition. As Christians we can go against this current by initiating attempts to rebuild damaged or broken relationships. Separation After two years of marriage, our daughter and her husband decided to separate. We welcomed her back into our home. In moments of tension we tried to keep calm. With forgiveness and understanding in our hearts, we tried to maintain a relationship of openness towards her and towards her husband. We especially tried not to make judgments about anyone. After three months of continuous listening, discreet help and many prayers, they got back together – with new awareness, trust and hope. (M.L. – Malta) As a sign of forgiveness I thought I had always done my duty as a Christian, as mayor of my town and as a father. When, however, my 33-year-old son, the father of two young children, was killed during a robbery, I rebelled against God. Why had all this happened? Later, I started on a journey of true conversion, during which I understood that God himself had given his Son out of love for us. Five years later the trial began. In the courtroom I avoided even looking at the defendants. Unexpectedly, I met the eyes of the youngest of the killers. I approached him. I held out my hand to shake his, as a sign of forgiveness. (C.S. – Italy) New atmosphere in the department I am the manager of a company department and at the end of the year I have to do annual reviews of my employees. One employee had not given me much information for her evaluation, so I asked her to come in for an interview. Thanks to this, I discovered that I knew hardly anything about her. This meeting opened my eyes. It prompted me to change things, to promote various initiatives to show that we appreciate our employees – by celebrating their birthdays, and by organising parties with their families. Not only has the atmosphere in the department improved, but the output has also increased. (M.T. – Hungary) The ball We have two very lively children. One morning I saw Nathan crying and Claire holding his ball. I immediately took it and gave it back to him. Nathan stopped crying, but Claire started to cry. So I took her aside to explain to her that Jesus taught us to love and to share. Even though she is still a child, she understood and let her little brother keep the ball. There have been many situations in which I was just about to punish her, but instead I managed to find love and patience within me. Now she is always ready to help me. (J.N.J. – Philippines)
Feb 26, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The image of a country saturated by political and ideological conflicts, widely portrayed in Brazilian media in general, tends to hide the reality of those who act for the common good. Through dialogue and tangible acts of solidarity, they are able to take on diverging opinions. Though marked by strong political and ideological polarization, Brazil is silently growing seeds of a society that is renewed and open to dialogue, solidarity, and moving towards building relationships of fraternity. This is occurring in political spheres, as well as in civil and cultural ones as well. After having covered ventures put forward by various organisations, religious or not, to promote political reflection built on dialogue – a response to the growing question of the new culture of participatory democracy – we now want to put the spotlight on the commitment of many in the field of solidarity and volunteering. Typically, political action is guided by a sense of solidarity with those who suffer. In 2016, the government of the State of Rio de Janeiro began delaying its paying public servants’ salaries. Beyond the struggles in court and the numerous political protests against such measures, a network of solidarity has arisen since then supporting those workers and their families, who suffered the most because of the situation. These gestures, both by individuals and groups, multiplied throughout the state. To help the families in difficulty, an array of organisations mobilised to collect funds, make food baskets, buy medicines and cover other elementary needs. The archdiocese and other Catholic dioceses of Rio de Janeiro, like other churches and Christian communities, worked in collaboration with Muspe, the Movimento Unficado dos Servidores Publicos Estaduais. A similar situation saw close to 40 Brazilian civil and religious agencies work together to take in refugees, mostly from Venezuela. Some of these agencies carried out emergency actions (providing food, medicine, medical and psychological help), while others helped refugees obtain Brazilian residency by preparing the necessary documentation, Portugese language courses, housing and employment. These agencies were especially active in the border region between the two countries, as well as other areas where refugee families were sent in an attempt to offer them better housing and employment opportunities. Projects of this type reflect the hopes of many Brazilians to continually reach those most in need of help. Perhaps it is this urge that supports the data from the “Other Forms of Work” survey, which was carried out in 2017 and recently published by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). According to the study, 7.4 million people volunteered that year, the equivalent of 4.4% of the 14-and-older population. The researchers define “volunteer” as any non-obligatory work that is carried out at least an hour a week, without receiving any compensation or benefit in exchange, by people who do not live in the same family and are not their family. According to this research, volunteers in Brazil are typically women who, in addition to their volunteer work, have their professional and domestic work as well. Another example that comes from the Focolare Movement is Milonga, a programme that joins non-governmental organisations, who carry out social work in seven towns, with young people who want to combine their training with volunteering, giving their time and talent. As of October 2018, 75 volunteers with the project have worked in 19 organisations in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, Uruguay, Kenya and Jordan. “I learned that the essence of life is not having, but being. Sometimes we are full of many things, but what truly counts are those things that remain for eternity in the present moment,” said Rarison Gomes, 30, originally from Manaus. The experience of volunteering coincides with young people taking up key roles, a trend that is growing among Brazilian teens who hope to progress from political deliberation to action. One significant example is the experience of the Coletivo Juventude Campo Cidade, which began more than 10 years ago with a conversation among friends in the small town of Poço Redondo, in the state of Sergipe in Northeast Brazil. Some of these young people were already active in social movements in an area called Alto Sertão Sergipano. Spurred on by the election of 2008, these young people decided to create a political training programme for other young people in the area. Despite being without funds and having little support, the group organised a course with 11 steps that lasts a year and a half. At the beginning of the project there was clear awareness: what was needed was training and getting to know the situation in order to take on social action in the region. “There was this feeling of wanting to change society, and this grew at every stage of the course,” says Damião Rodrigues Souza, part of the group who came up with the idea. At the end of the first course, the young people concluded that the experience they had begun there needed to continue, based on three pillars: training, organisation, effort. The last of these pillars took shape within a series of projects that produced effective results. The course was included on a campus of a public federal university in the region. The young people themselves built a public theatre that can hold 200 people at Poço Redondo. The federal government donated a previously unused piece of land to be used by the young people to grow organic products. These and many other examples of dialogue and political participation are isolated and spread throughout Brazil’s more than 8 million square kilometres. But just like other tangible actions that build a more just and fraternal society, they bear witness to a picture that is much healthier than the simple political polarization that the greater part of Brazilian society is being led by. For those playing a key role in these actions, hope lies in their conviction that the examples and the real results are able to attract “followers” and to give strength to their role. It will be fundamental to unite people and favour the common good, beyond any political or ideological divide.
Luís Henrique Marques
Feb 26, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The image of Brazil in the world today, partly thanks to the media, risks being a country saturated by political and ideological disagreements. Luís Henrique Marques, editor-in-chief at Cidade Nova magazine, shows us around Brazilian society, uncovering an often-unknown truth: many there act in favour of the common good. Going by what the commercial media broadcast each day, Brazil seems immersed in political and ideological polarization, much like other areas around the globe. But what the mainstream media does not show is that the situation in Brazil is not just made up of political or ideological conflicts. The quiet actions of many “pioneers” of this still-young, inexperienced democracy show that there is the potential to make political relationships a space to dialogue and a place to build up its citizenry. Cidade Nova magazine is one of the channels committed to covering this unknown side of the Brazilian situation, which is still a bit new and limited to isolated facts. Yet altogether, it shows a Brazil beyond the political and ideological divide. Space for dialogue To start we need to recognise that despite the crisis created by polarized positions in the political and ideological debate, many experts tend to see Brazil hopefully and optimistically. The main reason for this is that many Brazilian citizens are interested in understanding and discussing political questions and those relating to governing. They are convinced they need to take on their roles as citizens, fully knowing and participating when it comes to “public stuff”. “Dialogue groups”, as they’re called, have increased and multiplied. They have been promoted by parishes or Catholic pastoral groups, groups from other Christian churches and other religions (including ecumenical and interfaith projects), nongovernmental organisations, collectives and other organisations in civil society. The goal is to promote political reflection through dialogue and an exchange of experiences. This particularly increased during the second half of 2018, following the election cycle. These are small “islands”, yet they reflect the potential of Brazil’s citizens to participate in democracy. This is definitely the case for Focolare groups throughout the various areas of Brazil. Driven by a specific issue, young people and adults of various religious and political beliefs, and from a number of social backgrounds, began a discussion on the current political situation, its hurdles and possibilities. Many of these meetings went beyond the discussion about the electoral process and opened up to practical actions promoting politics that favour the local community. The “Citizenship School”, also promoted by Focolare, is an online course whose topics respond to the wider questions of a new culture of participatory democracy. The first block of lessons covers the subject of dialogue (focolares.org.br/escoladecidadania). Another project – the “Pact for Democracy” – came out of a collaboration between various civil organisations in Brazil, including the for Movement for Politics and Policies for Unity. It began with the aim to support pluralism, tolerance and coexistence in diversity throughout society, and works in three directions. Firstly, it reaffirms dialogue as a virtuous comparison of ideas. Secondly, it defends fair elections so that they can effectively represent citizens and restore the foundations of trust and validity to the political context. Thirdly, it aims to establish wide political reform at the end of the electoral process. Finally, the traditional “fraternity campaign”, which is promoted annually by the Brazilian bishops conference during Lent, has become a space to dialogue and promote real action in parish communities concerning religious, cultural, social, economic and political issues in Brazilian society. This year, the campaign proposes the faithful reflect on the theme of “public politics and fraternity”. (continues)
Luís Henrique Marques
Feb 24, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The project “Why fai il bullo?”(Why are you a bully?) aims at training teenagers help their peers deal with this phenomenon. Teenagers are trained to understand bullying, to prevent it and also to be upstanders in bullying situations. 
Bullying is repeated aggressive behaviour through which school-aged children intimidate and abuse their peers. This is a widespread phenomenon among teenagers, both on a personal level and also through cyberbullying.It involves the bullies, the victims and groups of friends,who are often either frightened or become accomplices. What can be done? A project set up by the bNet Association, a branch of “Rete Progetto Pace” (Peace Network Project),which is an international network of schools, bodies and associations that collaborate to promote a culture of peace, aims at training children and empowering them against bullying. Marco Provenzale, president of the Association spoke to us about this project. – What does the project “Why fai il bullo?” consist of? Bullying is the product of conflict, and we believe that the best way to stop it is to make children understand its origin, and give them the necessary tools to understand conflicts and solve them through the support they give one another. At the core of this project one finds the “Peer Mediation Group”, set up in each school. The students in this group are trained to manage and resolve conflicts. Lessons and role-plays help them acquire well-developed skills not only to solve conflicts, but also to prevent them. They are trained to detect potentially damaging situations in their daily school life in order to address them before these degenerate into more serious ones. The group also offers a mediation service through techniques and rules agreed upon by each school. We deal with students aged between 11 and 15 years. This European project was set up in 2015 after some associations answered the call to “Join Forces to Combat Cyberbullying in Schools”. It can also be implemented in other countries. 
-Does the project also include parallel activities? Yes it does; it offers monthly training sessions and organizes annual events, amongst which is an intercultural and humanitarian journey. Training sessions for teachers and parents are also being planned. We consider the joint effort of the association, school and families as one of the added values of this initiative. -This project is promoted by bNET Association, a branch of “Rete Progetto Pace”. What are the objectives of this network? For almost thirty years, “Rete Progetto Pace” has been contributing to an integral education for children. It promotes collaboration between schools and associations, at a local and international level; it studies young people’s views on current issues and promotes experiences of voluntary work. The project also encourages artistic and expressive talents, leadership skills and and technical skills in postive use of the media. Further information may be found on: www.reteprogettopace.it or by writing to: direttivo@reteprogettopace.it.
Anna Lisa Innocenti
Feb 20, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Full of good sense and good humor, Klaus Purkott knew better than most the value of listening to others. A man of few words, throughout his life Klaus Purkott forged relationships through his exceptional capacity to listen deeply. He helped and accompanied countless people, wherever he was, and lived to fulfilment his dedication to God as a Focolarino. For more than twenty years he worked as a legal practitioner around Berlin’s Civil Court, where he was well known for accepting the cases of people who could not afford legal fees. He was held in high esteem by clients and colleagues alike for his ability to resolve even the most problematic cases, often in surprising and unconventional ways! He was always particularly happy to get involved in those situations which seemed impossible to solve. Klaus attributed this preferential love for those people who found themselves in real trouble to his communist upbringing. He was born on 31 December 1936, in Upper Silesia, a largely German-speaking region which became part of Poland at the end of the Second World War. Undeterred by his congenital blindness (his eyes had only about 5 per cent vision), Klaus, after completing his high school education, went on to university to study Marxist philosophy. His father, a basket-maker, had been one of the founders of the Polish Communist Party, and like him, the young Klaus hoped to find the truth of life in Communism. But, as Klaus later explained, “Through my blindness, God soon made me understand how ineffective all my efforts were, and He prepared me to meet Him”. Klaus found a particular light in the figure of Jesus on the cross, who while experiencing the greatest interior darkness, entrusted himself to the Father. This discovery which he made in meeting the Focolare spirituality, transformed his life and led to a new and radical life choice: as a consecrated Focolarino, living his life for others. Apart from in his professional role, Klaus lived his vocation in many other environments: accompanying the many people who turned to him for help, support or advice; offering the benefit of his deep Biblical knowledge through talks and articles; personally sharing his experiences of life. He had that rare combination of a wide-ranging cultural knowledge together with a clarity of expression and a ready sense of humour which he employed so effectively to reduce tensions! In 1999, Klaus had retired from his legal work, and was called to Ottmaring, the ecumenical Focolare village in Germany. His moral authority was immediately recognized by the citizens there. “He was a real senior brother to us,” some of the Focolarini recalled. “He knew how to build relationships, and was someone you could trust.” Remembering Klaus, people say: he was so well-balanced, full of good common sense, so sincere. People sensed his deep relationship with God. In 2008 Klaus returned to Berlin. Then just over two years ago, he suffered a serious accident and the extent of his injuries meant he had to move to a nursing home. This was a new environment for him to witness to living the Word of God. And it was not long before a “Word of Life” group formed around him. Here, he is remembered for his exceptional way of living in the present moment. Not least on January 18, 2019, when he quietly and unexpectedly passed to the next life, during his afternoon nap.
Joachim Schwind
Feb 19, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Small things can change society around us The condominium A very tense situation arose in my condominium after one of my neighbours, who hadn’t been at the last residents’ meeting, sent everyone a formal notice complaining about work carried out on the building which he considered to be illegal. To clear up the situation, I tried to convince the administrator to hold another meeting. Finally, after a lot of trouble, a meeting was held, and the issue was resolved. Since then the situation has really changed. This neighbour is on good terms with everyone and there is a better atmosphere in the condominium. (Alessandra – Italy) My grandfather My grandfather has come to live with us because he has a problem with his eyes and needs a check-up every month. One day, while we were at the doctor’s, I opened my handbag and realised I had left my purse at home. Not knowing how I would pay for the appointment, I entrusted myself to God. Just as I was leaving, the doctor took me aside and said, “There is no charge this time”. He also offered me some free medicine samples. I understood that God does not abandon me if I do things out of love. (Arze – Lebanon) The parcel One day a parcel was delivered to the halls of residence where I live containing jams, conserves and various items of clothing. My parents hadn’t told me they were going to send me a parcel like this. Together with other students who also try to live the Gospel, we decided to give everything to the students we felt needed it most. A few days later, in the porter’s lodge, I overheard a student asking about a parcel that had been sent to him. I suddenly realised the mistake what had gone wrong and that it was because our surnames are nearly the same. I told him everything and we really laughed together. When I told my family what had happened they sent me a parcel for him that was even bigger. That day a real friendship began between us. (C.d.F. – Czech Republic) The supermarket trolleys When I had finished my shopping in the supermarket and was putting back my trolley, I noticed some plastic gloves and vegetable bags in the other trolleys that hadn’t been used. I decided I could take them out and put them in the recycling bin. A little act of love for the next customers. (Annalisa – Switzerland)
Edited by Chiara Favotti
Feb 17, 2019 | Non categorizzato
During the End Poverty Week, many members of the New Youth Movement are taking part in practical activities and campaigns promoting social equality. “The tendency today is towards a slowdown in the reduction of extreme poverty and an increase in the concentration of wealth in the hands of the few. There are a few who have too much, and too many who have too little. Many do not have food to eat and live hand to mouth, while there are a few who are drowning in the superfluous. This perverse current of inequality is disastrous for the future of humanity.” These words sent by Pope Francis last week to the International Fund for Agricultural Development are an accurate description of the struggle against poverty in the world today. The figures quoted in the 2018 United Nations’ report on poverty paint a very grim picture. 821 million people in the world suffered from hunger in 2017, 6 million more people than in the previous year; one person in every ten lives in a situation of extreme poverty with less than $1.25 per day to live on. However, poverty could be overcome if decisive action were taken. What are the causes? Conflict, disease, drought and unemployment. As part of the “Pathways of Economy, Work and Communion” project, members of the New Youth Movement have designated 17 – 23 February, the End Poverty Week, as a time to raise awareness of the problem of poverty. This initiative is part of the United World Project and will consist of actions to overcome inequality and poverty in local areas and education sessions promoting greater understanding of consumerism and the importance of ethical investment and finance. Andres Piccinini, an Argentinian spokesperson for the New Youth Movement said, “We dream of a world in which no one is in need and everyone has the possibility to develop their full potential – in the human, spiritual, economic and professional sense.” There is a formation programme for the people who would like to become more involved. A series of meetings will take place at Polo Lionello Bonfanti, Loppiano, Italy, entitled Economia, Lavoro e Comunione – Economy, Work and Communion. The proposal – to promote and support small initiatives either personally or with others that influence public opinion. The method – to act and then share the experience on social media at #Pathways4unitedworld, #pathway2018, #endpoverty, #unitedworldproject or by writing to Giovani per un Mondo Unito on Facebook or Instagram.
Patrizia Mazzola
Feb 16, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Two days of visits for the General Council of the Focolare to the holy sites – from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem to the Cenacle, from the Garden of Olives to Calvary. Highlights included meetings with local leaders to delve into issues of great relevance for the Holy Land.
Rabbi Ron Kronish and the emeritus Lutheran bishop, Munib Younan.
Joachim Schwind
Feb 15, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare’s General Council, on retreat in the Holy Land, has just finished three days’ work on the communion of goods, the new generations and the 2020 General Assembly. 
“Jesus, who was buried here and rose from the dead, wants to live in our midst so that we can bring his presence throughout the world.” Those are the words of Jesús Morán, Co-President of the Focolare Movement, after celebrating Mass for the General Council in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Everyone rose at dawn to be able to enter that extraordinary place – one that seems deeply connected with their week-long retreat in the Holy Land. Standing before the tomb left empty by the Risen Jesus, they too posed questions about the future, just as the disciples must have done. Where is the Risen Lord leading the Focolare Movement today? Where should the Movement focus its strength, energy and resources? 
These questions permeated discussions on the three key subjects addressed in Jerusalem. Concerning the “communion of goods, economy and work”, the General Council noted that in all the various parts of the Movement there is a great desire to go back to the radical life of the early days and live the communion of goods with new consistency and commitment. Ways in which this could be enabled concretely were discussed. Consideration of the new generations of the Focolare Movement, the second main subject, was enriched by evaluating the Genfest held last year in Manila and the recent World Youth Day in Panama. Those two events highlighted the great potential of young people and teenagers. This is also seen in their work for the “Pathways for a United World” project and their commitment to “Zero Hunger” by 2030. Thought was given on how to give continuity to individual initiatives. 
The third subject was preparations for the upcoming General Assembly in 2020. The General Council studied ways in which the Assembly can reflect the various vocations within the Movement and their geographical and cultural diversity. They also discussed how to reconcile the need for continuity and the need for innovation that characterise the Movement at present. A commission will shortly be formed to organise the Assembly and their work will be based on these two areas. While the retreat may seem to be made up of questions without answers, that was not the case. While it was agreed not to draw up a statement or guidelines, what came to light is the journey being travelled now, the fruit of the Movement’s life throughout the world. Posing questions about the journey; being challenged by the issues of the day and seeking answers; drawing on the past to look to the future: all this can yield unexpected effects. All this can enable us to meet the Risen Lord on unexpected roads, just as happened to the two disciples who, leaving the empty tomb behind them, set off towards Emmaus.
Joachim Schwind
Feb 14, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Esther is Maori and Tom is of Irish and Scottish descent. Their story turns on its head the principle that there can be no real communication between very different cultures. Son of an Irish mother and a Scottish father, Tom was 26 years old when he arrived in New Zealand. While the Maori people were the first inhabitants of New Zealand, after numerous successive waves of migration it has become a multicultural country. Tom arrived with one of the low-cost flights that the British and New Zealand governments offered to young people willing to stay for at least two years overseas. Esther, on the other hand, is Maori and the oldest of 13 children. The two of them met at a disco and it was love at first sight. “I never noticed that we came from two different cultures,” Tom remembers. “And I didn’t really think about the fact that he was white,” Esther adds. “When I saw her I simply fell in love,” says Tom. The complications came later, when they announced to their families that they wanted to get married. His mother reminded him that he would not be able to take her to England because she isn’t white. Even Esther’s grandmother was not quite sure about Tom. She had already chosen another man for Esther, as she had done before for her own daughter, Esther’s mother. The traditions in the Maori community are strong and difficult to disregard. However, after the initial shock, Tom’s parents learnt to love their Maori daughter-in-law and Tom was welcomed into Esther’s large family. By mutual consent, the children were baptised and educated in the Catholic Church – where Esther belonged and where Tom felt the desire to belong. The first contact with the Focolare took place in 1982 through Father Durning, a Scottish priest who was Tom’s catechist and a missionary to the Maori community. Having been invited to spend a weekend with the women focolarine, Esther and Tom set off with their children. They felt a bit of trepidation… “I was trying to read the Bible – Tom recalls – but I got nothing out of it. Instead, I was struck by a phrase that one of them had said: “Try to see the presence of Jesus in whoever passes you by.” I said to her that if she knew my job at the railways, she would have agreed with me that it just wasn’t possible! I explained that it was such a difficult environment – but she insisted. So I did try it, and my faith became stronger. I had found what I was looking for – a way of living my faith in my daily life.” At their first Mariapolis Esther and Tom found themselves listening to people who shared personal experiences and events “interpreted” in the light of the Gospel – and these stories struck a chord with them. But theirs was not a simple story to tell because Tom had started drinking, a habit that had begun at work. Tom explains what happened next. “One evening, while I was about to have a beer, Esther asked me what I was doing. I understood that I could not continue to live like this; I had a wife and four children. Alcoholism was destroying our family, so I decided I had to stop.” But the life of a family like theirs is never boring and as soon as one challenge was over, another one immediately presented itself. And that’s what happened – after an accident, Tom was forced to leave his job and they decided to swap roles. “Esther went to work and I stayed home to look after the children,” says Tom. “I had to learn to do many things as well as the difficult ‘art’ of loving at home. To our friends, our choice seemed totally against the current. We can’t say that everything went smoothly, but even with our ups and downs, we always found ourselves united. Even when we have different points of view, or when I get fixed on an idea, I remember that Chiara Lubich taught us to always be the first to love, to apologize and never to lose the courage to keep on loving.” As Esther says, “For 46 years the spirituality of unity has become our daily lifestyle. I understand that God has given us a beautiful life. He has set us high goals and given us the faithfulness we need to reach them. So, for now, we keep going ahead.”
Gustavo E. Clariá
Feb 13, 2019 | Non categorizzato
At times the closest relationships turn out to be the most difficult ones. Such was the experience of Miso Kuleif and her father. “I have always had a difficult relationship with my father. Neither I nor the rest of the family have ever managed to get along well with him, and because of this we suffered a lot. Yet, there was a precise moment in my life when I discovered that my father really loves me and that I love him too”. Miso Kuleif, a 24 year old young girl, introduced her experience with these words. She was born in Jordan, but has been living in Italy with her family for more than twenty years. Miso’s father suffered from health problems for quite a long time, but the situation was at its worst about three years ago when he ugently needed liver transplant surgery. He chose to have the operation done in Jordan, as there, unlike Italy, the donor can be alive. “The problem was to find a donor”, Miso continued, “and therefore to find someone willing to undergo compatibility checks. When I got to know this, it did not take much to decide. I left with my father to undergo the necessary tests”. “From where did I get this strength? I have been living the spirituality of unity for some years and this helped” – she explained. “I met the Focolari in my hometown through the Diocesan Movement that promotes the spirituality of unity in many dioceses and parishes. During our meetings, we have often spoken about loving others as the Gospel teaches and about being ready to give our life to others. Now I couldn’t back out. If we have the chance to save a life, we cannot refrain from doing it”. Miso left Italy; she interrupted her university studies without knowing when she would be back. Her experience in Jordan was quite tough. “I was there alone, surrounded by a family to whom I did not seem to belong. If I had to undergo surgery, I could not have the comfort of the ones I wanted to be near”. But she moved on. Tests proved that Miso’s organ was not compatible with her father’s. After a short while a donor was found; it was her father’s brother, the only one who accepted to do the necessary checks. “It took me quite a while to metabolize this experience. Thanks also to members of the Movement who were quite close to me, I realized that I love my father, even though it is difficult for me to admit it. It is easier to hate someone, but it is much more harmful. The real problem was not the situation itself, but the way I dealt with it. I learned that we can always be happy, and this depends on us. The Gospel says: “Freely you have received, freely give”. Now I know how important these words are. If my life were different, maybe it would have been simpler, but I would not be the one I am today”.
Feb 12, 2019 | Non categorizzato
‘We have to work together and have the courage to make things work.’ Loris Rossetto spoke with conviction at the recent ‘Co-Governance, Mutual Responsibility in Cities Today’ where he recounted the story of ‘Bella Calabria’ a hostel which is operating from a building confiscated from the Mafia. ‘Sometimes we mistakenly tell ourselves ‘nothing ever changes’ or, ‘it’s better not to take the risk’. However, when we roll up our sleeves and work as a team, you get results.’ This is the experience of Loris Rossetto and his wife, who, having left Calabria in the 1990’s to live in Venice and then Trent. On returning to their home region in 2005, they set up activities in buildings confiscated from the N’drangheta, as the Mafia is known there. Having experienced efficient ways of working up north, they wanted to combine the warmth, natural resources and culture of the south and develop, ‘A unique kind of tourism, characterised by the welcome and friendship that is typically Calabrian. Their goal was to promote the economic growth of the region, but above all to create friendships with people from other countries. They wanted to encourage the local population to work for the common good, without breaking the law, and to believe that the rejuvenation of the area was possible. The facts speak for themselves. In Calabria there are 35 local Councils that the state has taken out of the hands of the Mafia, including the regional capital. Half the drugs entering Italy pass through the region. But as the Rossetto’s experience showed, the scourge of the Mafia will not triumph for those who have the courage to promote a new way of relating to each other. ‘We started off by founding ‘Friends of the German Language,’ explained Loris, ‘wanting to promote exchanges between our town and German speaking countries. The first project was the creation of a meeting centre. Then we had the idea of opening the ’Bella Calabria’ hostel in a reclaimed building in Cutro, a village in Crotone province. On the 11thApril 2015 the building was opened. “We created a programme of classes,” continued Loris, “48 hours at the hostel with the motto ‘a happy person is one who respects the rules’. It was subtitled, ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ They absorbed this idea and understood that to work as part of a team is good thing. The students learn foreign languages through simulation and dialogue in those languages.” But the first stages in this adventure were a steep learning curve. And it wasn’t because the couple didn’t understand what they had to do regarding finance or tourism. In the summer water is scarce. They have to store water in tanks, but it is never enough. However, luckily, the following year a Council was elected that really wanted to support and help them, and now they have better water distribution. The couple saw this as a sign from heaven to encourage them to keep going. And so bit by bit the project continued to grow. People came from the north of Italy as well as guests from Europe, a hockey team from Hamm, a class from Dresden and the German Red Cross. Everyone experienced the warmth of Calabrian hospitality and the local people, who were at first nonplussed, became interested in the project. “The people of Cutro have responded amazingly,” observed Loris, “Quite often a surprised tourist told us they had gone into a bar and were offered a coffee or a neighbour brought them fresh fruit. Our guests are so struck by all this that they fall in love with the place and the hostel, and those who come once, often return. We understand we’re on the right track. We are going to open a second hostel at Crotone, and have put forward a project which involves 3 parks: at Cropani Marina we want to teach driver’s education using mini-cars. We’ll offer a mountain biking course in Isola and a course in botany in Ciro. There are still problems with these projects, but it will work out in the end.” The common denominator is strong motivation and an invitation: ‘Never stop dreaming; stand with your feet on the ground and look up to heavens if you want to love and improve your own environment.’
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Feb 11, 2019 | Non categorizzato
“Together for a new Africa” is an innovative leadership course for young leaders from across Africa. Over 100 participants attended from 13 different nations. “Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.” This famous Allan T. Armstrong quote sums up the spirit of the leadership course for over 100 young leaders from 12 nations of East Africa as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo which took place in January at the Focolare “Mariapoli Piero” centre near Nairobi. It is the first in a series of Summer Schools under the ambitious title of “Together for a new Africa”. One of the pioneers of this course is Burundian Melchior Nsavyimana, a lecturer in political studies and currently Coordinator at the Institute for Regional Integration at the Catholic University of East Africa. He described the aim of the first course as “to explore and experience an idea of leadership which is both rooted in the values of the African continent and also able to respond to today’s challenges; leadership which acts in a ‘communitarian’ way, which builds community, using the instruments and language of universal fraternity. If this is something which will affect our future, it deserves our commitment now. And we turn to the fundamentals of the culture of unity”. The effectiveness of this endeavor is facilitated by the close collaboration of a network of interested bodies: Sophia University Institute, The Politics for Unity Movement, the New Humanity NGO, with the cooperation of UNESCO and support from Caritas and Missio. The idea was first born as an initiative of an international group of African students attending the Sophia University Institute, in Loppiano, Italy. Together they decided to make a joint commitment to work for a new Africa, starting from the transformation and cultural renewal of its leadership. Twenty lecturers from East Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Sophia Institute delivered the first sessions in a three-year interdisciplinary and intercultural program covering themes such as responsible citizenship, leadership, a ‘culture of fraternity’, in order to tackle head-on the difficulties facing this continent. “The journey has just begun,” announces the program’s website [togetherforanewafrica.org]. “Africa (particularly Eastern Africa) is undergoing a very complex series of demographic, political, social and cultural changes. One of the effects of these changes is the increase of uncertainty they produce. Young people often lack the tools required to understand the changes in progress, and remain passive in the face of the conflicting demands of politicians, armed groups, multinationals etc. Having analyzed this context, we African graduates of Sophia University Institute, understood our responsibility as African young people to define actively with fellow youth the Africa we want in future as it is proposed by African Union Agenda 2063. The contribution of our initiative is to offer African young people an integral training on responsible leadership and create a network among them for acting together for the Africa they want.”
edited by Stefania Tanesini
Feb 11, 2019 | Non categorizzato
This year the Focolare Movement’s General Council has chosen a significant venue for its annual retreat: the Holy Land and the city of Jerusalem. The Ecumenical Institute at Tantur, located on the border between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, is an oasis of hospitality and fellowship. It welcomes anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the complex reality of Jerusalem, with its many cultures, peoples, religions and Christian traditions. That is why it is a suitable location for the annual retreat of the General Council of the Focolare Movement, being held there from 10-17th February. Friederike Koller and Angel Bartol, the central delegates of the Movement and organisers of the retreat, said this meeting embraces past, present and future. “A journey to the Holy Land is always a pilgrimage that calls on us to look to the past, to the historical foundations of the Christian faith and its roots in Judaism. Regarding the present, we will address one of the principle themes of the year 2019, which is the aspect of the ‘communion of goods, economy and work’. The intention is to reclaim within the Movement as a whole a radical Gospel lifestyle concerning the communion of goods, including material goods. Then, on the basis of an alternative lifestyle imbued with the charism of unity, we will seek answers to the economic challenges that present themselves today. We will also look to the future, considering two important subjects: work for and with the new generations, and preparations for the General Assembly in 2020.” Angel Bartol emphasised the importance of thoroughly applying the chosen working method, considering there are 62 participants at the meeting. “Whether we work in plenary or in small groups, we are always on pilgrimage. We feel we are continuously journeying with Jesus who wants to be present, living and active in our midst. This is possible when each one of us is ready to offer our point of view without being attached to it”. Friederike Koller added, “In this way we too can make a small contribution towards peace, which the Word of Life for this month encourages us to pursue and that the world, and especially this city, need so much.”
Joachim Schwind
Link: Focolare President Maria Voce’s greeting as the group left for Jerusalem
Feb 10, 2019 | Non categorizzato
On the 2019 World Day of the Sick we share a short reflection by Chiara Lubich on illness and the Focolare Movement’s communities where sick people are living. You know that the whole of our Christian life is revolutionary. It completely changes our way of thinking and goes against the flow. Now, looking at how sick people are considered in the world, we see that in some ways they are considered differently from healthy people, as if they were a separate category, especially if their illness is long term or incurable. Today’s society does not understand the value of suffering. It wants to forget about both suffering and death and so it marginalises the sick. This is something seriously anti-Christian because, of all marginalised people, Jesus Christ on the cross would really be number one. So these particular communities where sick people are living are of course like the others, but they are also special because of the fruit they bear and the witness they give to the world of what suffering means to a Christian. Suffering is a gift God gives to a person. These are not only words said to console ourselves or console the sick. All those who are not well are truly loved by God in a special way, because they are more like his Son. (Chiara Lubich, Perchè mi hai abbandonato?, 1997, pp.108-109)
Feb 8, 2019 | Non categorizzato
A mild-mannered yet decisive man, profoundly convinced that the Gospel is one of the most revolutionary books ever written containing the power to change the world, Marco Aquini lived all his life for this. He left us a month ago, on 4 January. Meeting Marco left its mark. He was one of those rare people whose gaze reached right inside you and touched your heart. A man of few words, he would approach any problem you had with a gentle, practical approach. Any advice he gave was never imposed on you, rather it served to help you draw out solutions from within yourself. Marco was born in 1958 in Udine, Italy. He was one of the first young people to get to know the Focolare Movement in the Friuli region, where the people are known for being serious, industrious and self-disciplined. From a young age he experienced the hard blows that life can bring when his father was killed in a serious accident. But his encounter with the spirituality of the Focolare Movement proved to be a turning point in his life. In 1978, during a summer program with the Gen (the young people of the Focolare Movement), Marco discerned the calling to give himself to God as a Focolarino. At the same time, together with others, he responded to Chiara Lubich’s invitation to sign a pledge to remain faithful to God to the end of his life, which has become known in the Focolare Movement as the “Pact to be faithful right to the end”. On that occasion, Marco wrote to Chiara, “Before I got to know the ‘Ideal’ (the Focolare spirituality), I was closed within my own gilded world. Living the Ideal, I’m now coming out of myself. I go back home conscious of having the powerful potential to change the world in which I live”. From his early years as a Focolarino, his contribution was always whole-hearted and passionate, firstly in Germany, then back in Italy at the Movement’s Centre, where he was involved in establishing two organizations to assist those most in need and to promote peace: AMU (‘Associazione Mondo Unito’/ ‘United World Association’), and ‘New Humanity’ the Focolare’s NGO accredited to the United Nations. For many years he served as counsellor for the aspect of “Communion of Goods, Economy and Work” at the Focolare’s international centre, and was for some years co-responsible for the Youth for a United World movement. From 2000 he sat beside Chiara and Eli to read news stories in the regular “Link Up” video conference calls with the whole family of the Focolare Movement worldwide. Another personal tragedy was to profoundly affect Marco’s life: the unexplained disappearance of his sister, Chiara, who had long endured fragile health. Together with his mother, he suffered greatly as the search continued until, sadly, her body was found. Even in this situation, Marco managed to hold on to his belief in the love of God, which gave him the strength to support his family. Later, together with his mother, Franca, Marco helped to set up a day centre, named after his sister, to provide support and social integration for people with physical and psychological disabilities, as part of the “Associazione Insieme Si Può” / “Together We Can Association”, which Marco never ceased to accompany, even at a distance. In Rome, at the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinus in Urbe, he was Visiting Lecturer on courses in International Cooperation for Development and Sociology of Development. Most recently, he joined the team of Città Nuova, bringing his economic expertise to the administration of the Focolare magazine. Throughout his life, he never failed to find ways to love the weakest and suffering neighbours, including regularly offering the benefit of his skills and experience to a Caritas outreach group near Rome. In November 2018, he communicated to his friends the discovery of a life-threatening illness. He faced this new step on the journey with a renewed choice of God, and despite being in great pain, he also expressed finding great joy. Maria Voce in her telegram to the worldwide Focolare community, chose to emphasize his vocation as a Focolarino, as well as his sober, honest and straight forward nature which was expressed so well in the Gospel phrase Chiara offered for him to live: Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’ (Mt 5:37), and how he lived his illness in such an extraordinary manner. The last phase of Marco’s life left those around him speechless as they witnessed the rapid unstoppable deterioration of his health over two months, until he reached the heavenly goal on the morning of 4 January. His funeral was attended by people of all kinds, all linked to him in different ways and all somehow “roped together” with him to climb, no longer his beloved high mountains, but the highs and lows of this life, accompanied by his luminous and authentic example.
Patrizia Mazzola
Feb 8, 2019 | Non categorizzato
What do Medellín, Katowice and Kingersheim have in common? Despite their cultural distance, what connects them is their social and civil planning. They are located on two different continents and in three distant cultural areas. Medellin, Colombia; Katowice, Poland; and Kingersheim, France are cities that have risen to the challenge of putting the common good at the center in a most authentic way, and not just as the sum of private interests. Administrations and citizens have worked to find a way to break through the ego, poverty and isolation to recognize each other as brothers and sisters. Those playing a lead role in this field are Federico Restrepo, Danuta Kaminska and Jo Spiegel, who told their stories, which were different but with similar themes, at the “Co- Governance, Co-Responsibility in Cities Today” conference. The first story was told by Federico Restrepo, an engineer who is already a director at EPM, or Medellín Public Enterprise. Together with other friends, he did not give up in the face of the inevitability of the situation, which seemed beyond his strength. Medellín, a city that counts almost 3 million residents, like many South American cities was showing a strong tendency for growth in urban areas to the detriment of the rural population. 
“There are people in some areas of Medellín who try to build their own cities in the suburbs,” says Restrepo. For some years a pilot experience to carry out urban integration projects was started in neighborhoods that were started due to forced migration. Immigration, which has been increasing in Colombia partly due to the crisis in Venezuela, cannot be solved by building walls. “We have the responsibility,” he continues” to build relationships between cities to be able to resolve these social issues that our society is going through.” But it’s not just a question of urban planning – there are other challenges that have emerged to rediscover the heart of the city and make it beat. 
The experience that Danuta Kaminska tells links the Americas and Europe. A public administrator at the Upper Silesia Council, in Poland, she presents everyday stories that are extraordinary at the same time. They tell of citizens of Katowice welcoming migrants, mostly from the Ukraine. Just in the past year their number reached 700,000. “In order to start the shared governance of our city, we understood that we needed to support our citizens. We have been collaborating with religious communities and nonprofit organizations to help them assimilate, such as supporting the Jewish and Muslim communities.” Katowice, which has 2 million inhabitants, underwent profound changes these past years, transforming itself from an industrial city to a UNESCO site, and hosting the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24). For cities to be a transformational space, for democracy to be fraternal, engagement and spirituality need to be nurtured. This means public servants who become facilitators of decision-making. Jo Spiegel, who is the mayor of Kingersheim, a French town with close to 13,000 residents, continues to spend all her strength bringing back a multifaceted approach to her city, where different cultures and generations can coexist. “Twenty years ago,” says the mayor, “we founded an ecosystem of participatory democracy, starting a “citizens house” – a privileged place where citizens and politicians learn to live together.” More than 40 projects have been completed, such as revising the local urban plan, planning parental leave, and creating a space for Muslims to worship. “Fraternity cannot be delegated, it cannot be decreed. It’s inside us, it’s between us. You build it.”
Patrizia Mazzola
Feb 6, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Members of the music group share their experience of visiting Great Britain, Luxembourg and then Panama for the World Youth Day. They are now on tour in Cuba, Guatemala and El Salvador. Your most recent album “From the inside outside” expresses a very positive attitude towards other people. It seems to be saying that everyone can find a light within themselves which can be shared with others. Is that right? 
Adriana: Nowadays we often hear that society is passing through a cultural night, so to speak, and that “darkness” and division are very evident. We want the message of this album to be an invitation to draw out and rekindle the hope that is often hidden beneath ashes inside many of us. The album has evolved from the experiences we have had with thousands of young people during our tours. Thanks to the “Start Now” project which consists of a series of workshops and a final concert, we have the opportunity to live in close contact with the new generations. We are aware of the challenges that they face but also of the fact that they are wonderful people. Sometimes we share our experience with them but not as adults who have worked out all the answers. Often we look at the challenges with them, try to face up to them and to find a solution. They often say, “Nothing will have changed when I go back home but I will deal with the situation in a different way.” Do you think that music, singing and dance are means of relating to young people? Sally: This is a particular characteristic of performing arts: they create dialogue and openness. The results are often really surprising. In a school where we were running a project, there was a student who suffered from selective mutism; that is, she had decided not to speak any more. When she signed up for the singing workshop we really wondered what she would do. The first day she didn’t open her mouth at all, the second day she just thanked us but the third day she offered to sing a harmony. She went home and, in tears, told her mother that she had found her voice again. The teachers were really moved and said, “This is really unbelievable. She always used to be on her own and now she is beginning to speak to other students…..” This is just one example; there would be so many more to share. The song “Not in my name” focuses on the relationship between Muslims and Christians. How did that begin? Adriana: We wanted to show solidarity with our Muslim friends and emphasise the values that we have in common. We knew that many of them were suffering because a mistaken image of Islam was becoming widespread and because the very heart of their religion is different from what was being portrayed in the media. The actual process of creating the song was an experience of dialogue. We were inspired by the words of Doctor Mohammad Ali Shomali, Director of the International Institute for Islamic Studies in Qum, Iran, who we had met in Loppiano. He had said that we are all like little drops that reflect the face of God and that together we can be an ocean of love. When he read the words of the song, he said that he felt totally expressed by them. We worked with Rassim Bouaballah, a Muslim member of the Focolare in the musical arrangement. He played the violin for the recording. 
Now you are in Central America and have taken part in the World Youth Day. How is this trip going? Alessandra: In Panama, in the cities of Chitre and Colon, we worked with young people to hold concerts for the thousands of pilgrims at the World Youth Day. Being on stage with these young people made us both experience and say to others that together we can hope. We also had an unforgettable experience at the Women’s Prison in Panama City. Life is very difficult for these women but they listened so attentively: they often applauded spontaneously and cried when they heard the songs. At the end, many of them told us that they felt that it was as if we had all experienced the same things; they felt that together we can begin again and look to the future even in a place where this could seem impossible. It was seeing that God’s mercy can work in our lives irrespective of the circumstances.
a cura di Anna Lisa Innocenti
Feb 5, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Do something yourself to heal broken relationships in your city The beating Since the battle against drug trafficking started in Mexico, there have been many victims, not always because of criminal violence. Some time ago, I was on my way home from school when a young guy asked me for a cigarette. Just then, some policemen arrived and they searched us. Then they started beating the other guy and insulting him, leaving him injured and bleeding in the middle of the road. I had witnessed this without being able to do anything, but then I helped him get up and gave him the few coins I had in my pocket. He thanked me and said, ‘This money means my family will have a meal today.’ (Abraham, Mexico) The exchange of letters In our young people’s catechism class, we studied the Works of Mercy. To put them into practice we thought of writing to women in prison. I outlined the project to the Prison Governor who did not agree at first. However, later, when he had consulted other staff, he saw it was a good idea and could help the women. So, the project was approved and the young people got to work preparing drawings and letters to send to the prisoners. (Prisca, Switzerland) Bazar I knew a few poor families and wanted to help them. In the office a colleague asked me if I was interested in some good quality clothing she no longer needed and toys that belonged to her children who were now grown up. I told her about my desire to help the families and she decided to get others involved. Very soon we had gathered so much stuff in a garage that we either gave away or sold at a bazaar. With the proceeds we have been able to help a lot of families in difficulty. After this experience another colleague who is often very grumpy said we couldn’t stop there so we keep looking around to see who else we can help. (R.A.R. – Brazil)
Edited by Chiara Favotti
Feb 4, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Many humanitarian projects seek to alleviate the difficulties populations have to face. Since 2012, even the Focolare Movement has been offering its support and assistance through the non-profit organizations AMU and AFN. High currency devaluation, a continuous increase in the cost of living together with a constant decline in public services, are only a few of the problems that mark the social and civil state of affairs in Syria after seven years of war. The effects of this war are becoming more and more unbearable. Those who lost their jobs have been forced to spend all their savings in order to survive and pay for medical care, in a country where doctors, teachers and many other professionals have been constrained to emigrate abroad. But, as reported by those responsible for projects carried out in Syria by the Focolare community, through the non-profit organizations AMU and AFN, “marvellous values such as solidarity, hospitality, generosity and fraternity” flourish in this extremely arduous situation. “God is with us; He sustains us and encourages us”, they affirm. The “Emergency Syria” project supports more than 200 displaced families from Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Kafarbo and other coastal localities. These are visited regularly by teams of volunteers, who at various moments, such as births, birthdays and particular phases of school life, have never failed to support them, always respecting their sensitivity and dignity. Through this project, families have been helped with payments of school expenses and with buying necessary appliances, food and blankets. But what they appreciate most is the fact that they feel accompanied in this difficult phase of their life. 
For the last six years activities have been programmed and carried out in the fields of health care, education and family income support; recently other programmes have been added, especially in the field of vocational training and education. “This commitment emerges not only from wanting to meet the urgent material needs of the people supported, but also from wanting to offer work opportunities to many others, especially to young people, who would otherwise be unemployed because of the country’s current situation”. Last year, in Dueilaa, there were more than 90 children who attended after school activities and this gave excellent results. The centre remained open even during the summer months and it could cater for an intake of 115 children. “Some mothers tell us that their children opt to come to the centre even when they are sick or when there is some other family programme”. “A Generation of hope” is the name of another centre located at Homs.The students who attend this centre have successfully passed their school exams. Here, the possibility of psychological support is also offered to both children and parents. “We target mainly the traumas suffered because of war, and this helps to restore confidence and to find solutions for their many problems”. Just over two years ago, at this same place, and also at Kafarbo, a health care project has been set up. More than a hundred people, who needed special medical care, have already benefitted from this project. “We try to collaborate with other organizations to be able to help the patients even when the cost of treatment or surgery exceeds our means”.
Chiara Favotti
Feb 4, 2019 | Non categorizzato
70 years after the first Mariapolis was held in Italy’s Dolomites, 2019 sees the Mariapolis returning to its place of origin and inviting participants from all over Europe. We interview Peter Forst, director of the Focolare Movement for Central Europe and one of the organizers of the event. Today’s Europe appears very divided – with Brexit on one side and walls against immigration on the other. What is the point of having a European Mariapolis? It was the realisation of how divided Europe really is that gave birth to the idea of the European Mariapolis. We realised that here in Europe we hold very different opinions, sometimes opposing opinions, about developments in Europe with regard to migration, values, etc. The primary purpose of the Mariapolis is to strengthen relationships, to create spaces for communion and sharing and to encourage all humanity to set out on the pathways of universal fraternity – of unity between individuals and between peoples. So we hope to be able to witness that it is possible to remain united – even if there are many differences between us. How has the Mariapolis changed – from 1949 to 2019? The first Mariapolis was very spontaneous. Today more logistics are involved in the organisation and preparation of the programme. But we want the spirit of this European Mariapolis to be the same as that of 60 or 70 years ago: we want to experience and give witness to the fact that humanity is a family. How do we do it? Unconditional love. Why have it in the Dolomites? The idea of having this Mariapolis in the same place as the first Mariapolis immediately felt right to all of us. Seventy years ago, in the summer of 1949, Chiara Lubich was on holiday with her first companions at Tonadico in the Dolomites. Together with the Italian parliamentarian Igino Giordani, they lived an experience of light, of extraordinary union with God and of profound unity. It was from this experience that the Focolare Movement grew. It was not nostalgia that prompted us to choose the Dolomites, but the conviction that it is important in this period “after Chiara” to go back to our roots – to find the way forward and to find answers for today. Who will participate? What is the programme? What do you mean by the title “Aim High”? The Mariapolis is open to everyone. There are 600 places for each of the four weeks. Registration is open until January 31st (www.mariapolieuropea.org). The programme will offer trips, sports, games, music, spirituality, prayers, creative workshops and forums on various themes – all to provide participants with opportunities for real encounters. We thought that “Aim high” seemed to be a suitable title, reminding us to try to live all our relationships on higher levels – both spiritually and humanly speaking. Then, of course, once we are there in the mountains, we will aim high automatically!
Lorenzo Russo
THE DATES:
Feb 1, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The Word of Life this month is an invitation to be hospitable and generous to everyone. How to listen For me, communication is vital, but because of an illness I have difficulty speaking. I can’t do much but I can welcome and listen to people who come and visit me. Sometimes they tell me about all the problems they have, but when they leave, they seem relieved. That’s why I thank God for my illness. (Marisa, Italy) The pullover My husband was getting ready to leave for a congress and needed a pair of shoes and a pullover. We managed to buy the shoes but there wasn’t time to buy the pullover because we felt it was more important to go a meeting with a group of families that share experiences of living the Gospel. It so happened that one of the women in the group had brought two pullovers for anyone who might need them. My husband tried them on and we were surprised and touched to see how well they suited him. (D.M., Serbia). Prayer My husband and I were looking for accommodation for my brother who was getting married, but prices and other circumstances made it difficult to find the right place. Time passed and I was starting to get anxious. How were we ever going to help him? One day, our youngest child suggested something we hadn’t even thought of: ask God for what we needed. And that’s what we did. A few hours later, my brother called us to say he was thrilled to have found just the right apartment. (M.N., Lebanon)
Jan 31, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The desire to share the discovery that has given meaning and joy to their lives – this is what drives someone to set out to give life to a temporary focolare. This way others too can experience the most beautiful of adventures – living for universal fraternity. 
They are young people, adults and families, who set off in small groups to visit distant countries where communities and villages await them. For a while they travel along the same road together, experiencing mutual acceptance and an exchange between the different cultures. They give of themselves to the others and they “make themselves one” with the others – in their joys and in their sorrows. They are certain that it is through loving our neighbours that each one of us finds our own full realisation. They believe that fraternity is possible between people of different faiths and beliefs and that the Golden Rule – “Do to others what you would have done to you” – exists for everyone to make it their own. These small groups are the so-called “temporary focolares”, a travelling version of the traditional focolares. They function as central points of the Movement in various territories. They are like beating hearts sharing the life within them. In recent years there have been dozens of them, all following in the wake of the “pioneers” of the Focolare Movement who, ever since the 1950s, were sent out by Chiara Lubich like modern apostles to bring the charism of unity to different continents. 
Nepal is a meeting point between the Mongolian populations of Asia and the Caucasian populations of the Indian plains. There is a profound sense of spirituality there with Buddhism practised side by side with Christianity and Hinduism. In 2018, from October 20 to November 7, a group of focolarini made their way to Nepal, travelling from the capital Kathmandu to Dharan, in the south, and then further north to Pokhara. Their goal was to build relationships. Coming from India, Italy and Great Britain, the members of the focolare group immediately immersed themselves in the Nepalese culture. On their arrival the Dashain Hindu festival was in progress. It’s the largest Hindu festival and it involves the whole country. The group participated in the Tika ritual, and received the traditional blessing. In Daharan, the group was welcomed in parishes where they spoke of the history of the Focolare Movement and of its commitment to universal fraternity. They were met with great enthusiasm from the people and the priests. In the capital, the group was joined by two Nepalese young people who had participated in the 2018 Genfest in Manila. They shared their experience with the students of a school run by Jesuit fathers. In Pokhara they met with some Hindu families. Although they were poor and had very little to live on, harmony and dignity filled their homes. After the focolarini spoke about the ideal of unity, they were invited to have lunch together while listening to traditional music. The group then visited Bishop Paul Simick, the Apostolic Vicar of Nepal, who said he was happy about their presence in the country and invited them to meet the priests. This journey to Nepal was a journey of mutual enrichment, where the ideal of unity met the local cultures. A Buddhist saying describes it effectively: Those who have “high” thoughts are not happy to remain in the same place. Instead, like the swans, they leave their own home and fly towards a higher home.
Claudia Di Lorenzi
Jan 30, 2019 | Non categorizzato
On January 24 Korean President Moon Jae-in visited the Sum Sim Dang bakery, which is part of the Focolare’s Economy of Communion project. 
For a business owner, it goes without saying that having the president of the republic visit your business is an exceptional event. But if that visit happens on the president’s birthday, it’s even more so! That’s exactly what happened in Daejeon to Amata Kim and Fedes Im, two Korean entrepreneurs who are part of the Economy of Communion and run the well-known bakery Sung Sim Dang. Moon Jae-in, who has been South Korea’s president since May 2017, is known in the West for starting the peace process with North Korea after almost 70 years of cold war. He celebrated his birthday at Sung Sim Dang with a magnificent cake and was able to get to know the business’s history and reality up close. His Instagram post got more than 76,000 likes in just a few hours. “I was pleasantly surprised today to celebrate my birthday at the Sung Sim Dang bakery in Daejeon,” he said. “During the war in 1950 my father and the bakery’s founder (Fedes’ father) were on the same evacuation ship, Victoria, fleeing North Korea. Remembering this moment of history is for us is something we hold dear and precious. My birthday is a day like any other, but today I am recharged with new strength from the well wishes of so many. Thank you!” The event resonated widely in the media, partly because Sung Sim Dang is universally recognized and highly valued throughout the city of Daejeon. Click here to see video highlights from the visit.
Antonella Ferrucci
Source: www.edc-online.org 
Jan 28, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Trieste, Italy – stories related by those who actually live them “Together with members of Caritas and the Italian Consortium of Solidarity (ICS), we support mainly migrant and refugee families and their children, hosted at a reception facility in our city, Trieste, and in the province. For the last three years, we have been organizing regular activities; some of us help mothers with their study of the Italian language to facilitate their everyday life; others play with children and follow them in their homework. Many families have been hosted in our centre, and with almost all them we have managed to build a relationship that lasts even after they leave the centre. Through collaboration with Azione per Famiglie Nuove Onlus (New Families), we set up a project to support a Kurdish family who was in difficulty. This project was financed by some members of the community. After having been supported for two years, the father has now managed to find a job, so the family is self-supporting and lives in a hired apartment. Through other small projects we help other families in their various needs; mothers are assisted to follow specialization courses and thus be prepared for a job, and children are helped to integrate and participate in various activities, as for example sport. We see that these families get the medical care necessary and we also accompany them in their search for a home. We have found small jobs for mothers; and a father, whom we helped with driving lessons, is now employed with a company as a truck driver. With the help of some families, we have managed to offer a “family holiday” to an African widow and her two children, who really needed it. We also try to share with them particular moments in everyday life such as birthdays, Sunday outings to the park, boat-trips, New Year’s Eve festivities, Carnival celebrations and also moments of prayer, as for example during the Ramadam for our Muslim friends. After the appeal by Pope Francis on the World Day of the Poor: “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him”, we wanted to answer his invitation to all Christians to hear this cry and not let it be in vain. So we thought of organizing a “Friendship Festival”, a lunch for those in need: refugees, migrants, unemployed and poor people of our city. We also managed to involve our Focolare community, and asked members to help with food and with other things needed for preparing the hall. We involved even the friends we invited, asking them to contribute towards our feast – if it were possible – with some typical food of their country of origin. About eighty people participated; they came from Cameroon, Nigeria, Eygpt, Tunisia, Russia, Pakistan, Kurdistan, Kosovo. To our great surprise, we are realizing that Caritas is starting to consider us as a point of reference, a “project” that goes well beyond welfare work. We are being called to share in their programmes and projects and sometimes even to seek solutions. It seems that they are pleased with the way we welcome and support those in need, while we aim at building relationships of reciprocity. In the midst of this chaos, where, maybe, not everyone looks at the welcome given to the least from the same valuable point of view, we feel that we cannot stop, but we must continue to give hope.
Paola Torelli Mosca On behalf of the Trieste welcome and support group to migrants
Fonte: www.focolaritalia.it
Jan 26, 2019 | Non categorizzato
An occasion to recall the story of Alberta Levin Temin, speak about the Shoah with secondary school students and propose that the Golden Rule is a way of creating a more united and peaceful world. 
Splendid sunshine provided a background to a special day in Ischia, an island in the Bay of Naples in Italy, when on January 23, a group of students from Giovanni Scotti High School attended the presentation of a book entitled “I Will Speak for as Long as I Live”. At this event, they learnt about Alberta Levi Temin who was a direct witness to the tragedy of the Holocaust and an admirer of Chiara Lubich. The young people listened to an emotional account of her life story in the presence of a group of friends of the Focolare Movement including teachers, students, parents and even the author of the book Pasquale Lubrano Lavadera and Diana Pezza Borrelli. The latter had met Alberta through the “Association of Jewish–Christian Friends” in Naples and had enjoyed a warm relationship with her. Pasquale said, “One day, Alberta came to speak in my school. She was Jewish but she came with her dear friend, Diana, who was Catholic. She had been invited to speak to staff and students about the horrors of the Shoah but also to witness to the fact that dialogue is possible among people of different races, faiths and beliefs. I was very struck by one thing she said, ‘There is only one human family and we are all brothers and sisters.’” 
Alberta died in 2016 but throughout her life, she was sustained by one idea. It was the Golden Rule “Do to others what you would like done to you and do not do to others what you would not want done to you.” This idea always filled her with joy. She was committed to creating dialogue at all levels of society. She said, “I understand that today, more than ever, we need to love: as Chiara Lubich says, ‘We need to love another person’s country as much as we love our own.’ We should love the whole of humanity: it is only in this context that dialogue can develop.” “Every school should dedicate an hour or two each week to teaching all classes about the value of relationship. This helps young people to live together in a peaceful way and to collaborate in their studies for the good of all. Their school years are their first experience of being part of society and they should aim at making this a time of mutual support.” Alberta was convinced of this. 
At the conclusion of the presentation, the young people were invited to live the Golden Rule – “do to other whatever you would like done to you” – an instrument of peace and dialogue shared by all religions. To mark the occasion, the director of education, Lucia Monti, put a plaque by the olive tree dedicated to Alberta to express gratitude towards her and to encourage people to remember her example. Chiara, a student from the school, also said, “Thank you for the message of fraternity that you have given us. I am so impressed by the fact that Catholics are meeting with Jews and people of other religions to contribute to building a united world.” Pasquale Lubrano said, “I feel that I should thank Alberta for her life and wisdom. Now that she is no longer among us, I hope that by reading her story, each person here can experience her unique interior “beauty” and share this with others.” He concluded by saying, “Today I have been deeply moved by the attentive way in which the young people have listened, by their enthusiasm and by their searching gaze. In each one of them I have seen the need to live Love for all human beings and the awareness that the human family is one.”
Lorenzo Russo
Jan 25, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The 34th World Youth Day organized by the Catholic Church is underway in Panama. We turn to Panamanian journalist and Focolare member, Flor Ortega, for her firsthand comments. The bridges logo of the 2019 WYD – with the main theme “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38) – represents both the Isthmus of Panama and the spirit of welcome. A small strip of land, measuring just 75 square meters, between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Panama links not only the two Americas, but also all continents, through its famous canal frequented by world shipping. It is a welcoming, open-door country, particularly for the many migrants who are, and have ever been, moving South or North. How have you been preparing for this event? “Back in 2016, on 31 July at the ‘Campus Misericordiae’ in Kraków, Poland, Pope Francis announced that the 34th World Youth Day in 2019 would be in Panama. The Focolare Movement in the central American region greeted the news with great enthusiasm,” recalls Panamanian journalist Flor Ortega. “It took a while for updates to get through. We set up commissions to be able to transmit information on the preparation in all its aspects quickly and effectively. Now the WYD has a strong media and social media presence”. On 17 May, in Panama City, during a Eucharistic celebration with thousands of people, Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa launched the idea of a series of Prayer Days on the 22nd of every month leading up to the WYD. The Archbishop then personally asked the youth of the Focolare Movement to prepare the first such day, on 22 June. How did the young people react to this proposal? “With real enthusiasm and commitment. Carmen Cecilia from Panama, told us how this commitment actually helped her to a new understanding of prayer, of the Eucharist and of the Rosary ‘as opportunities to meet Jesus face to face’.” Many young people, members of the Focolare Movement in Panama and other countries, have been working for months on a two-day event at the end of the WYD, 29-31 January, for around 400 youth. “Adults have been offering their support by organizing the meals and accommodation, as well as fund-raising. The young people have been concentrating on creating the online registration system, setting up a consultation service and ‘call center’ connecting people wishing to contribute from outside Panama. The women’s Focolare centre in Panama has become something of a logistics coordination point. Keilyn from Costa Rica described it as ‘as opportunity to get to know the community of Panama which is very united and hard-working, a real example to us all’.” Among those arriving from around the world, Jesús Morán, Focolare Vice President, from the Movement’s international centre in Rome, Italy. And the international Focolare band, Gen Verde travelled from Italy to perform in two pre-WYD events. The first was in Chitré, provincial capital of Herrera, on the Gulf of Panama, the second in Colón on the Atlantic coast. Gen Verde will be performing again on 26 January at the vigil leading up to the concluding Mass to be celebrated by Pope Francis. “Pro mundi beneficio”, “For the Benefit of the World” proclaims Panama’s national motto. What does it mean? «The motto, historically, is linked to the service provided by the canal. But now, ideally, we’d like to extend it to the message that will come out of this World Youth Day!»
Chiara Favotti
Jan 24, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The trip was promoted by the Patriarch Athenagoras-Chiara Lubich International Ecumenical Chair, which was established after Patriarch Bartholomew received an honorary doctorate in 2015. “Continue on the path you’ve taken on the way of dialogue, because it is reconciliation, true encounter, the ability to understand, divine philanthropy, welcoming others who are different, transfiguring the world, and welcoming God into human history. Bring this message to all those at all levels who participate in the work of your institute, with a fraternal embrace to Focolare Movement President Maria Voce, and all our brothers and sisters in the movement. The ecumenical patriarchate is your home as well, this city of Constantine is your city as well, because you are not foreigners, but friends.” This was the final greeting that Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I gave to 30 professors and students of the Sophia University Institute (Loppiano), who are from a number of countries. Together with the institute’s director, Mons. Piero Coda, they had traveled to the patriarch’s residence at Phanar (Istanbul, Turkey). The visit of the Sophia delegation to the ecumenical patriarchate was from January 8–12. It was promoted by the Patriarch Athenagoras-Chiara Lubich International Ecumenical Chair, which had been established after Patriarch Bartholomew received an honorary doctorate on October 26, 2015. It was established “to remember and restart the prophetic spirit that animated the extraordinary harmony of heart and mind between Patriarch Athenagoras I and Chiara Lubich, just before the Second Vatican Council and the historical meeting between the patriarch and Pope Paul VI.” The academic trip included, among other things, together with the audience with the patriarch, a meeting with Metropolitan Gennadios Zervos, who was in Istabul during that time for the Holy Synod. The group also met with Metropolitan Elpidophoros of Bursa on January 10, at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity on the island of Halki, Turkey. This meeting opened up productive possibilities of cooperation between the seminary and Sophia University Institute, including a summer school that will probably be held in late spring 2020. The visit was particularly significant in this fragile, tense moment that the Orthodox world is going through today. It is aiming once again to call for a commitment to tenaciously pursue a path of mutual understanding, and a reciprocal exchange of gifts to promote fraternity and communion.
Jan 22, 2019 | Non categorizzato
The meeting entitled “Co –governance – mutual responsibility in cities today” has ended with a written proposal to citizens and public administrators to both engage in and to create networks drawing together citizens, social partners and cities. “Politics is the love of loves that brings together the richness of people and groups in the unity of a shared project, allowing everyone to fulfil their vocation freely”(1). These challenging words of Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare, resounded at the end of the “Co-Governance, co-responsibility in the cities today”, conference dedicated to participatory governance of cities promoted by the New Humanity Movement, the Movement for Politics and Policy for Unity and the Association of Cities for Fraternity, all outworkings of the social and political engagement of the Focolare. It was the first event of its kind that in two years time will be replicated in Brazil. Over 400 public administrators, politicians, business people, academics and citizens from 33 countries participated in the event. The focus of the event was participation, presented in the many forms it can take and illustrated through stories and good practice shared by over 60 experts in the fields of town planning, communications, services, economics, politics and the environment. “We are convinced that participation is a strategic choice, the best way to live well within cities – explained Lucia Fronza Crepaz, a former member of the Italian parliament and educator at the “School for Social Engagement” in Trent and member of the central committee of the event. “Participation is not seen as replacing procedures enabling representation, but is chosen as an effective way of addressing complex problems and thus strengthening the concept of democratic delegation”. The outcome of the event was the approval and signing of the “Pact for a new Governance” with which the participants committed themselves to engaging the interest of their own communities and public administrations. The 400 signatories to the pact committed themselves to form three networks to bring diversity together and respond to the complexity of reality. They are networks of citizens: “People who live in the city while having different roles and tasks, but inspired by the same sense of responsibility”; networks of people working in particular sectors, forming groups in professional and economic spheres, the voluntary sector, faith communities, academia and universities, communications, etc.”; networks among cities themselves: “… that aim to engage citizens actively and collaboratively first by creating platforms that are accessible to all and easy to use. They will cooperate by overcoming particular interests and prejudices that undermine trust, which is an indispensable foundation for building a network.
Stefania Tanesini
1) Info and texts of the conference: www.co-governance.org
Jan 21, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Today, the 22nd January, the Focolare Movement recalls Chiara Lubich’s birth on this day in 1920. As usual, the date falls within the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the Focolare founder’s passion for unity. Below is the text of an “ecumenical prayer” for unity read by Chiara Lubich in Augsburg, Germany in 1998. If we Christians take a fresh look at our 2,000 year history, and in particular at the history of the second millennium, we cannot help but be saddened to see that there has often been a series of conflicts, of quarrels and of mutual incomprehension. Certainly it was because of circumstances: historical, cultural, political, geographical, social circumstances. But it was also because among Christians there was a lack of what should be one of their specific unifying features: love. (…) But, if God loves us, we cannot remain inactive before such divine goodness. As true children we must return his love also as Churches. With the passing of time each Church has, to a degree, become set in its ways, because of waves of indifference, lack of understanding and even of mutual hatred. What is needed in each Church is a supplement of love. So we need love for the other Churches, and mutual love between Churches. The love that leads each Church to be a gift for the others, so that we can foresee in the Church of the future that there will be just one truth, but that it will be expressed in different ways, seen from different angles, made more beautiful by the variety of interpretations. Mutual love, however, is truly evangelical, and therefore valid, only if it is practiced in the measure wanted by Jesus: He said: “Love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this, that a man should lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13) (…) I know, also from experience, that if we all live in this way, there will be exceptional fruits. There will be one effect above all. By living together these different aspects of our Christianity, we will realize that we form, so to speak, one Christian people that can be a leaven to help bring full communion among the Churches. It will be the living out of another dialogue, in addition to the dialogues of charity, of prayer and the theological one. It will be the dialogue of life, the dialogue of the people of God. It is a dialogue that is more than ever urgent and necessary given that, as history shows, little can be achieved in the ecumenical field without the involvement of the people. It is a dialogue which will enable us to discover more clearly, and more effectively, the rich heritage already shared by Christians, including Baptism, Sacred Scripture, the first Councils, the Fathers of the Church. We are eager to see this people and already, here and there, we can see glimpses of it, and we are confident that it will be seen here too. (Chiara Lubich, Augsburg-Germnay, 29 November 1998) Fonte: Centro Chiara Lubich
Jan 18, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Alejo from the Focolare community in La Colmena, Paraguay, uses music to communicate his passion for the ideal of fraternity. Alejo Rolon explains that in the Guarani language, “japay” means “wake up!” Alejo lives in La Colmena, a city in the state of Paraguari, about 130 kms from Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, in the heart of Latin America. He teaches music in a very prestigious college in the city. Several years ago, he began an interesting initiative and has worked with over a hundred young people in staging a series of pop concerts. Using music and words, these concerts have conveyed an invitation to build a more united and stable society. Guarani is an ancient language and is spoken mainly in Paraguay. In 2011, after a complex legal process that lasted over ten years, Guarani and Spanish were recognised as the official languages of the country. Alejo says that “japay, wake up” are words that symbolise the attitude we should have towards life. His aim is to make everyone and especially young people more aware that we must all wake up and take initiative because the change we hope to see in our towns and cities begins with us. He says, “If we keep this in mind, everything we do, even small actions, can be the basis of a new way of life. This is Japay’s challenge.” During a very difficult period for this South American country that is grappling with the changes needed to overcome widespread corruption, crime, poverty, social inequality and economic crisis, what impact can Alejo’s songs truly make? He says, “This is our philosophy: we have to change the way we think. For example, our songs speak of living honestly rather than stealing or practising corruption which is so widespread and damaging; of being responsible citizens rather than just trying to look out for ourselves; of not being resigned to the fact that ‘it has always been like this’ but to go to the very root of our culture and draw out all that is good – creativity, initiative, generosity towards people living around us, courage in addressing our limits and the capacity to live peacefully with people who are different from us. As the Constitution of Paraguay says, ours is truly a ‘multicultural, bilingual country’ rich in traditions and values. However, it has deep wounds and many of them are recent. We focus on the potential there is in each person and appeal to their deepest feelings.” Alejo uses music to communicate what he has received from the charism of unity. He explains, “Japay also has another meaning for me: JA are the initials in Guarani which refer to Jesus forsaken and suffering and PAY stands for Paraguay. I recognise the face of Jesus suffering on the cross in the social problems experienced by the people around me. I began this project for him and who knows where he will lead us.”
Chiara Favotti
Vedi anche www.japayparaguay.org e https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqByefcq1Yc
Jan 16, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Insights from Congolese journalist Liliane Mugombozi, currently based in the Focolare centre in Nairobi. She works at the Jesuit Refugee Service in the Kenyan capital: “African migrants? The majority are not going to Europe but are moving within the African continent”. “According to the international media, Africa is a continent of mass exodus. But this is not true in reality. Most of these migrants are moving within the continent itself. From 2015 to 2017 nearly 19 million people have moved to destinations within Africa”. Liliane Mugombozi knows what she’s talking about when she describes this under-reported phenomenon. She has been observing it closely through her journalistic lens but also with direct experience over the past two and a half years working at the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. 
“Since September 2017 more than half a million refugees are living in Kenya. They come mainly from the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa and Central Africa, but also from Myanmar, Afganistan etc. Most of them are living in refugee camps at Dadaab and Kakuma; around 64,000 refugees are living within the city of Nairobi itself”. Last December Liliana helped to organize a workshop for 48 young refugees, from many different African countries, including South Sudan and Somalia, to investigate their living conditions as refugees and offer tools to deal with the daily challenges they face, from human rights violations to cultural difficulties. ‘When I look at you – Liliana told them – I don’t see refugees, I see the future of this continent, I see the future of the world. Each one of you has experienced suffering, so who better than you would know how to build strong and fair institutions?’ “From the moment I arrived at JRS in Nairobi, where I work for the secondary school and university students who are able to continue their education because of scholarships and sponsorship, I immediately realised that my service would demand huge flexibility on my part, going way beyond a simply administrative approach. I felt called to share in the suffering behind each one of their stories, to actually meet the person. I understood that the key was to build truly reciprocal relationships with each one.” In the face of so much hope and so much suffering, Liliane was careful not to fall into the trap of confusing the person with their need. “This is a dangerous temptation which would have closed off my heart from a true encounter with these young people, their families, teachers, and with all those around”. The Focolare community in Kenya, especially around Nairobi, has worked in collaboration with the Jesuit Fathers, organizing collections of clothes, food and other essential items, household necessities, books and toys from friends, relations and parishes. Liliana reflects, “We understood firstly we had to overcome our prejudices and get to know the refugees’ own stories in order to create a culture of encounter and of welcome. We are all too aware that we cannot resolve all their problems, but we can become a brother or sister for them. Of course we are only just beginning, but we believe that with Jesus among us, we will find a response to this cry of Jesus on the cross today, in this our own land”.
Stefania Tanesini
Jan 13, 2019 | Non categorizzato
Natives and migrants live side by side in this vast territory characterised by its cold and dry climate. This is Patagonia, in the extreme south of Argentina, where there are various communities of the Movement and where there has been a focolare centre since 2010. 
It’s an enchanting landscape with rivers, lakes, the sea, mountains and glaciers. It’s populated by many species of animals: whales, penguins, mara (or hares) of Patagonia, guanaco (similar to llamas and common in South America) and Darwin’s rhea, a large flightless bird endemic to this region and known locally as the “choique”. In this scenario with its cold and dry climate, the southernmost focolare centre in the world opened in the city of Trelew in 2010. The territory of Trelew, inhabited by the native Mapuche-tehuelche peoples, was named after the arrival of Welsh immigrants in 1865. The city is almost a natural “gateway” to the vast territory of Patagonia (1,768,165 km²), which was already home to lively groups of members of the Movement. 
Today the focolare accompanies the communities of Neuquen, Rio Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego. There are five focolarinas in the focolare – Angela Correia of Brazil, Emma Murillo of Mexico and three from Argentina: Silvia Deramo, Mónica Reina and Maria Ángel. “I am very happy to be here where Don Bosco sent Salesian missionaries, after he saw a land that he recognized as Patagonia a dream,” explains Mónica. Emma introduces herself: “For me to meet the Focolare Movement was to experience the immense love of God. The more I knew God, the more I wanted to love him, to follow Him to bring Love to the ends of the earth. And in fact … that’s where I am – right at the end of the world!! How do we live here? We try to put evangelical love into practice: at work, on the street, in the parish and in the communities of the Movement scattered throughout Patagonia.” Angela, a professor of Portuguese language at the state university, continues. “ I have experienced that trying to convey the values in which I believe, not through words, but through the way I live, has created relationships of friendship and trust with colleagues and students. I have seen many individualistic attitudes change.” Assisting the local Church in pastoral activities, engaging in the dialogue between the Churches and with people of other convictions, as well as assisting in activities to support needy families are among the activities of the Movement in this culturally rich environment and very varied society. The population is made up of people from different countries and cultures. Many move from neighbouring regions and countries in search of work and a better future. This enriches the population, but it is also a challenge, because many of these people stay only for a period of their lives, and then they return to their places of origin.
