Monday, 31 August. At this time it is not easy to reach Fontem, the Bangwa village in the midst of the Cameroon forest. This is, in fact, the heart of the rainy season and the road is muddy and practicably impossible to pass at some points. Nonetheless, a continuous procession of people have come to pay homage to Pia Fatica. Today there are at least a thousand people from all over the region saying goodbye to this extraordinary Italian woman who decided to live here 48 years ago. The funeral rite is celebrated by Bishop Andrew Nkea who began by saying: «As a bishop and as a Bangwa citizen, I can say that Pia has lived all the beatitudes. This means that for her, today is the day of her birth in Heaven.» These authoritative words confirm what in 2000 the traditional locals had provided for, upon awarding Pia with the title of Mafua Nkong (Queen of Love). But who is this woman, who at 38 chose to pass the rest of her life in Africa, and also requested to be buried there? Pia was born in Campobasso (Italy) in 1929. An obstetrician, a prestigious and profitable profession even in those times, she read an article in the Osservatore Romano that a mission was about to start in Cameroon, that would also see to the construction of a hospital. She felt involved, at first hand, and without even knowing what Movement planned the project, decided to leave everything behind to go and give a hand. Upon reaching Fontem, she found out that due to a widespread infant mortality, obstetrics was an absolute priority. She made the decision with all her heart, and delved deeply into the tradition of these animistic people who, anguished by the death of their newborns, turned to the Catholic bishop for help.
Pia Fatica
A practical and open person with a great ability to dialogue with the local culture, Pia was able to create important relationships with individuals, families, and the authorities with whom she speaks with respect and love, but when necessary, also with extreme honesty and interior freedom. As an untiring obstetrician she assisted at the birth of 11,000 babies, accompanying them later on, in their spiritual journey. Just to cite an episode: a girl who had become a fervent Christian, confided that she did not wish to marry in church so as not to abandon the traditional values of her people. Pia listened with great openness and was aware that this was not an easy decision. Right there and then she did not offer any advice. Later, however, she picked up the conversation and told the girl that she was the one who had to decide freely, but reminded her that through Baptism which she had asked to receive, she had taken on a new tradition, that of Jesus. After a month, the girl asked her to accompany her for a three-person conversation with the priest. The result was a happy wedding, a splendid family and a testifier of faith. Pia continued to give her contribution in various departments of the Hospital, up to the last service created purposely for her and called, “Office for all problems”, a title which in itself explained the broadness and openness of her heart. She deeply knew the reality of the Bangwa people and was particularly sensitive to the most unfortunate: the sick, prisoners in jail, and people with economic difficulties, and always found a way of helping out, even with the money she was able to find due to her great faith in Divine Providence. Concreteness, her particular trait, accompanied her even in her last moments, when she decided to write to the President of the Focolare, Maria Voce, to tell her that she would soon leave this world: «I am glad to go to Jesus – she wrote – and deliver into his arms the world which I have lived for.» At the cemetery, under a pouring rain, the dances of the celebration enlivened the rites, as a sign of the deep gratitude for this great woman, and of everyone’s firm conviction that Pia has really gone to see Jesus.
Viktoria Bakacsi and Laszlo Vizsolyi from the Focolare Movement in Hungary write: “Every day we encounter suffering under so many guises, right outside the doors of our homes. We listened to the words of Pope Francis and are now trying to put them into practice even more.” “For months,” they write, “there has been a continual influx of refugees. Some two thousand people arrive in Hungary every day: families with children, exhausted. Despite the general chaos, many people are stepping out and giving a helping hand, people belonging to civic groups and church organisations.” The Focolare Movement in Hungary has also gone to work. Viktoria and Laszlo continue: “We shared ideas and experiences and with the Apostolic Nuncio, Alberto Bottari de Castello, have become involved in gathering and coordinating efforts so that things can run more smoothly and efficiently. We are working closely with several religious orders, including the Jesuits who already have a program in place, and groups like the Community of Sant’Egidio, which not only has the infrastructure and experience, but also legal expertise. The work undertaken also aims at promoting openness and welcome through an educational program which we started during a summer camp with 230 young people. Focolare members who are active in parish life go every day to the Keleti Train Station. One of them writes: “I’ve been in the midst of refugees for two months. There are a lot of us helping. There are so many children, such desperate people… I try to see the face of Jesus in each one of them, and this gives me strength. They are so grateful for every little help they receive, and the children rejoice over even the smallest gifts.” A psychologist writes: “I try to share my professional skills by supporting the many volunteers.” A focolarino priest writes: “On Thursday we had our meeting with priests. After reading this month’s Word of Life, six of us went to the Station to help the people.” A young woman: “After the Youth for a United World Camp we went to the refugees to help care for the children. There were twenty of us. Around 70 children and families gathered around us, since we were dressed up as clowns. We played, drew pictures and found every way possible to communicate with them. Many of them don’t speak English, and many of them tried to teach us a few Arabic words. We will continue to go once a week.” “We especially noticed the difficulty in communicating and the lack of information available. A focolarina who works in collaboration with the Association of the Order of Malta, started producing signs with useful information. She finds someone who speaks Arabic to translate them. We are also continuing to help out in Szeged where refugees are continually arriving. Besides our regular collections, we have been brought several boxes of leftover fruit. One of us, a police woman, goes to help the women and children in the camps at the end of her workday.” “We realise that what we are doing is only a drop in the ocean,” they conclude, “but we wouldn’t want that drop to be missing.”
The objectives set by the 4,000 consecrated youth who will meet in Rome from 15-19 September is to achieve a formative experience through the biblical, theological-charismatic and ecclesiological in-depth study on consecrated life, and to have a concrete possibility to share their reality, wishes and expectations, celebrating and testifying to the beauty of their vocation. They will come from all over the world (countries like Iran, the Philippines, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe) to take part in the World Day of Young Religious. Organized by the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the event will be held in the context of the Year of Consecrated Life. The calendar is varied and intense. In the morning the youth will meet in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican to listen and reflect on the themes about vocations, fraternal life and the missions. In the afternoon they will meet in various parts of Rome to hold dialogue and sharing sessions, and in the evening they will have the chance to participate in the itineraries offered: the path of the announcement (missionary night in the centre of Rome), the path of encounter (meetings with social-ecclesiastical organisations: Caritas, St. Egidio community, Talitha Kum), the path of beauty (guided tours of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel). Some open-air events with the public will be: the prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square (15 September at 20.30) presided by the Archbishop Secretary of the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life, His Excellency, Bishop José Rodríguez Carballo; the mass in St. Peter’s Basilica (19 September at 11.30) presided by the Prefect of the Congregation, His Excellency, Cardinal João Braz de Aviz; soiree of music and testimonials in St. Peter’s Square (18 September at 20.30). There will also be a meeting with Pope Francis during the general audience on Wednesday, 16 September. On this occasion, all those present will receive as a gift, the book entitled Love means giving all – Testimonials, edited in seven languages. Published by the Vie Consacrée Association and in Italian by Città Nuova, the book, upon its release, was presented to the Holy Father who expressed his deep appreciation for the new, fresh and attractive vision of consecrated life, and encouraged its widespread diffusion. Click here to see the programme of the event Source: New City publishers
Consecrated men and women from all over the world (countries such as Iran, the Philippines, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe) will be arriving in Rome to participate in the World Day of Young Religious. The event is organised by the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life within the context of the Year of Consecrated Life.
Prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square (15 September at 20.30)
Meeting with Pope Francis during the general audience (Wednesday 16 September)
Reduce public funding of weapons; work at the root level of inequality, to counter misery; revise current models of governance; adopt a model of organised legality in opposition to criminality; guarantee universal primary education. These are the five main points of the appeal made by the young people of the Focolare’s Youth for a United World (YUW) to national parliaments, the European Parliament, the National Commissions of UNESCO and the United Nations. On March 12th of this year, 350 young people representing 39 countries presented their appeal to the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament. Their words have great resonance these days when faced by a humanitarian drama that can wait no longer for political reflections or national and international bureaucracies: “We are well aware of the global scene that is dotted by numerous conflicts, which cause migrations of people who are fleeing from violence, extreme poverty, hunger and social injustice in their own lands. These deep wounds concern all of us directly and urge us to find concrete solutions that are personally engaging.” They add: “Personal good will, will never produce universal brotherhood. We are convinced, in fact, that political action, directed at intervention into the causes of the conflicts and into the conditions that generate inequality, is required.” In their appeal the young people not only denounced these causes but presented explicitly clear requests. In these times when we are immersed in such a pressing humanitarian drama, the YUW also raises its voice to say: “We want peace and unity among the peoples of the world.” They invite everyone to spread the appeal, presenting it as soon as possible to international, national and local organisations (UN, UNESCO, Heads of State, Parliaments, mayors, religious leaders, etc.) They have chosen September 11th to “flood the social media with the Hashtag#OpenYourBorders.” They will also increase concrete activities and take part in those that are already underway through the United World Project. Photos, personal testimonies, events and videos in favour of welcome and peace can be posted on Facebook at ‘Dialogue to unlock’ or at info@unitedworldproject.org. The proceeds my be given to the local Caritas or else sent as a donation to the Youth for a United World Fund. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcAv0Lr34bw
The Book Talk Concert is an event supported by the Korean Bishops Conference. It began three years ago with the goal of spreading the faith through monthly cultural events with popular artists and writers, and also newcomers. In August the Book Concert offered a special edition for young people lifting up the message of Pope Francis to today’s Korean society: “You, me, us – wake up!” The event was held at the beginning of the month in the Cathedral of Myeungdong where the Pope had celebrated the 2014 Mass for the Peace and Reconciliation of the Country . The main guests included authors such as: Kong Ji-young, a favourite author the young; Father Jin Seul-ki, a young priest; and Cho Seung-yeon, a young expert in global culture. ”Wake up” was the heart of the Pope’s message to the Asian young people gathered in Korea last year, and this year’s message was: Wake up and rise, get moving in favour society and your neighbours, especially the suffering.”The writers talked about their personal awakenings, as they responded to the questions of the young people on how to face and overcome problems of faith and everyday life. There was a concert by Third Chair, followed by discussion and experiences. There was also a deep moment of prayer for peace, using the words of Pope Francis. Twenty flags from several Asian countries painted a scene of brotherhood and the overcoming of age-old hostilities among nations. One young man from the Focolare recounts: “I worked on two teams, scenario and art. We performed what we had prepared for last year’s Asian Youth Day, which concluded the Book Concert. There were difficulties and tension at times, but we always aimed for an atmosphere of mutual understanding, also between generations, knowing that this was the only way the event could be a gift for the young people who had been invited.” Another young volunteer commented: “Through our often hidden service, we were able to relive last year’s visit of the Pope and to convey that experience to many other young people.”
The presentation of the book compiled in co-partnership between Paul VI Institute and Chiara Lubich Centre and published by Stadium Press, will be held on September 27, 2015 at the Mariapolis Centre of Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Via S.G.Battisti da La Salle,. This date has been chosen because of its proximity to the anniversary of Blessed Paul VI, which is celebrated on September 26th. There will be two sessions in the programme. Following the opening remarks by Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement, and by Father Angelo Maffeis, President of the Paul VI Institute, a roundtable discussion will begin with Bishop Vincenzo Zani, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Catholic Education; Dr. Giulia Paola Di Nicola and Bishop Marcello Semeraro, bishop of Albano Laziale, Italy; and Alessandro De Carolis moderator. Meditazione in musica sulla vita del beato Paolo VI.This will be follwed by a concert featuring the piano music of Chopin, played by Father Carlo José Seno, titled Open to the World. Musical meditations on the life of Blessed Paul VI.
“Often we are closed in ourselves and create many inaccessible and inhospitable islands. Even the most elementary human relations sometimes create realities that are unable to open to each other: a closed couple, a closed family, a closed group, a closed parish, a closed homeland… And this does not come from God!” Pope Francis’s words at the Angelus on 6th September resound strongly, in his call for concrete action to support the hundreds of thousands of refugees forced to leave their homes: “As we draw close to the Jubilee of Mercy, I appeal to parishes, to religious communities, to monasteries and convents and all the shrines of Europe to show the concreteness of the Gospel and take in a refugee family”. In the name of the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce has expressed “gratitude” for this courageous and practical appeal by the Holy Father” and stressed the decision to do what he asks by “opening the doors of our houses and centres to receive people”.
Florence (Italy): Bed & Breakfast project for migrants
The Focolare Movement is already involved in many initiatives undertaken by individuals and groups in various countries: in North Africa, the Middle East, Europe, South East Asia, North and South America. Help is given to thousands of people from Myanmar in the refugee camps in the north of Thailand. There is the Bed & Breakfast open to migrants in Florence, Italy, reception of refugees in Szeged and other cities in Hungary and Austria; families are being welcomed in Lyon, France; a letter has been sent to the President of Uruguay to encourage reception of refugees. These are just a few of the thousands of examples gathered by the United World Project. But this is not enough. “We must do more” Maria Voce said, to make political leaders take action, to stop the arms trade and to influence decision-makers in their strategic choices. This – as we are now seeing – can also start from ground level, with the mobilisation of civil society. Moreover, the President of the Focolare Movement has called on its members “to commit themselves and to work together more” so as to promote, together with all those who are working in this direction, actions directed towards unmasking the causes of war and the tragedies that afflict so many places in the world, with the aim of bringing solutions “putting into play our capacities, our resources and our readiness”. Press Releases – Focolare Information Service (SIF)
Monday, 31 August. At this time it is not easy to reach Fontem, the Bangwa village in the midst of the Cameroon forest. This is, in fact, the heart of the rainy season and the road is muddy and practicably impossible to pass at some points. Nonetheless, a continuous procession of people have come to pay homage to Pia Fatica. Today there are at least a thousand people from all over the region saying goodbye to this extraordinary Italian woman who decided to live here 48 years ago. The funeral rite is celebrated by Bishop Andrew Nkea who began by saying: «As a bishop and as a Bangwa citizen, I can say that Pia has lived all the beatitudes. This means that for her, today is the day of her birth in Heaven.» These authoritative words confirm what in 2000 the traditional locals had provided for, upon awarding Pia with the title of Mafua Nkong (Queen of Love). But who is this woman, who at 38 chose to pass the rest of her life in Africa, and also requested to be buried there? Pia was born in Campobasso (Italy) in 1929. An obstetrician, a prestigious and profitable profession even in those times, she read an article in the Osservatore Romano that a mission was about to start in Cameroon, that would also see to the construction of a hospital. She felt involved, at first hand, and without even knowing what Movement planned the project, decided to leave everything behind to go and give a hand. Upon reaching Fontem, she found out that due to a widespread infant mortality, obstetrics was an absolute priority. She made the decision with all her heart, and delved deeply into the tradition of these animistic people who, anguished by the death of their newborns, turned to the Catholic bishop for help. 
“Often we are closed in ourselves and create many inaccessible and inhospitable islands. Even the most elementary human relations sometimes create realities that are unable to open to each other: a closed couple, a closed family, a closed group, a closed parish, a closed homeland… And this does not come from God!” Pope Francis’s