Isn’t insisting on dialogue actually just caving in to relativism, where you only need good manners in politics without caring about fundamental values? The “Movement of Politics and Policy for Unity (MPPU) is not a political party, but a space for dialogue in parliaments and cities, between all coalitions. It proposes that we reflect on the soul of representation in order to overcome the crisis, through consensus-driven, deliberative democracy. The tool we use is an “elected-electorate pact.” It’s not about good manners; it’s a proven method, one of fraternity, that leaves us free and equal in our diversity. It is possible to rediscover the soul of politics beyond a pragmatism that has no ideals, in order to serve the common good with the “love of loves,” as Focolare’s founder Chiara Lubich taught. We’ve started a series of dialogues about topics that are both lofty and practical. We approach these through reasoning, and certainly not what currently tends to happen, which ranges from insults to all out frontal assault. That’s no longer acceptable. Where does democracy risk – and not just in Italy – losing its soul? Representative democracy is in crisis because of the dominance of globalized finance over the everyday economy and politics itself. Weak parties are easily influenced by one lobby or another. The end of ideologies often coincides with a lack of ideals. What’s needed is a hearty injection of popular participation, in order for citizens and the parties to commit to solving issues such as employment, social justice, peace and disarmament, mitigating risks, standing against mafias and corruption, and preserving the common good and the great cultural and environmental resources we have here in this country. The elected-electorate pact that we have seen in a number of parliaments and councils can bring citizens closer to their institutions and give a soul to a representative democracy, which is enriched by being deliberative and consensus-driven. MPPU has stayed current, addressing issues where there is genuine conflict. What are the most urgent items you would like to take on today? The Movement of Politics and Policy for Unity is above all a fraternal meeting space for people who are active in most of the different political parties. And this is not a problem; it’s enriching. In recent legislation we have made social and civil rights a priority. Now we think that the most urgent issues to face are jobs for young people and fighting poverty. We need to disarm the economy and convert factories that produce weapons to civil uses, especially in a country whose Constitution “repudiates war.” We need integration beyond just welcoming immigrants and their children, without forgetting the importance of security and lawfulness. Are there practical proposals that you are thinking of putting forward? MPPU needs to facilitate, alongside its work in the halls of government and commissions, practical proposals from parliamentary workshops, where different political cultures meet with academics and competent members of civil society. We can promote a series of dialogues in the legislature, both on an idealistic and practical level. Source: MPPU online
It’s countdown to the start of the Genfest! (Focolare Youth Festival in July 2018). Together with all the young people present at the Genfest in Manila and those who will follow the event live around the world, we want to be a “Wave of Love” going beyond all barriers in our relationships, when there are misunderstandings and in the great challenges facing our world today. So, here’s a taste of what Gen Verde will be singing in Manila… see you soon! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh75HR_YI1g&list=UUuSTi05GBlACXtCu4zEY7FQ
“Visions of light are always beneficial, especially in a world where lights are scarce.” These were the first comments I got from Anna, who declares to be a nonbeliever, at the door of the hall which hosted the first Mariapolis of Piedmont. “Visions of light” was the title of the three days lived by over 200 people of all ages and social classes, coming from different cities of this region. Light that breaks out from moments of spirituality and sharing, and which has enlightened the burning issues of today, such as Europe, immigration, Middle East, and end-of-life and palliative treatments, alternated with programs of relaxation and excursions to regenerate body and soul. And not only all that, against the dark background of public life and economic and political uncertainty, in a climate which makes brotherhood seem like a luxury only for a few, a vision of light also enlightened the life of Bra, a city with a very ancient history, but projected towards the future. Here fraternity elevated to a political category, has been for years written in the Charter of the city. And it did not remain a dead letter. Two adolescents, with the support of power point, demonstrated actively with a slogan, “Let’s colour” the city. There were many initiatives, like whitewashing the walls of the school or the ill-treated walls of the city, the gathering of cigarette butts from the ground, cleaning of weeds, and visits to the elderly in the nursing homes. The purpose was to leave a sign of love everywhere and spread to the others the happiness experienced when the revolution of the Gospel is put into action, following the example of one of the region’s honorary citizens, Chiara Lubich.“The initiatives of these kids,” underlined the Mayor, Bruna Sibille, “have contaminated those who are older, other communities like the Albanese one, workers of the construction sector, groups of the Orthodox faithful together with the head, a group of Romanians and other district realities. Next September– she announced – before school starts, we shall meet to continue working together.” One of the programmatic points at the base of her mandate, which is about to end, was to “boost social cohesion through the idea of the city to that of a city as an inclusive community.” She added: “The boys and girls have been a very important uniting factor towards this goal. This is how the basis is set to give an important sign of how to manage a city and educate the future generations of administrators, in a moment in which there are many negative examples. If one takes care of one’s own city and the common good – she concluded – we will have a safer city and can overcome many evils, which are not always real but virtual, and even more difficult to overcome.”
One week before the Genfest, from June 28th to July 5th, more than 400 young people will participate in the Pre-Genfest, a series of social activities in 20 different locations in Southeast Asia. The Pre-Genfest is a laboratory of social work for youth who want to have an experience of intercultural exchange and contribute to social change. Participants will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves to work in marginalized neighborhoods, social centers, and to participate in ecological and environmental activities. The Pre-Genfest will also provide opportunities to go beyond social borders by visiting orphanages, prisons, and to interact with people from other cultures and religions. Young people will be immersed in the various social and cultural situations of the cities where the Pre-Genfest will take place. “The purpose of the Pre-Genfest is to offer to the youth, who are coming to the Genfest in Manila, the opportunity to have an experience —in miniature— of universal brotherhood. It also aims to open their hearts to the social realities that other people are living in different areas, perhaps kilometers away from their homes,” explains Romè Vital one of the coordinators of this endeavor. Each location will have a different flavor. “We want to give the possibility, for those who are interested, to know more about the cultural diversity of our people in Asia,” says Vital. Some people will be exposed to the peripheries of fast pace city-life of megalopolis such as Hong Kong and Seoul, and others will visit rural areas in Masbate, or Pangasinan in the Philippines. Some will experience first-hand interreligious dialogue in cities such as Chiang Mai, Thailand; Medan, Indonesia; and Yangon, Myanmar, and others will participate in ecological activities such as helping harvesting rice in Hanoi, Vietnam; or cleaning up some beaches of Palawan, Philippines, a well-known tourist destination. A socio-cultural walkthrough in history is also part of the program in many locations. In Seoul, Korea, for example, participants will learn the background of the events that brought to the division of North and South Korea, and experts will conduct workshops to learn how building peace in different locations has repercussions all over the world. Interreligious dialogue will be also part of the program. In Coimbatore, India, participants will be offered an intercultural and interfaith social experience guided by Gandhi’s motto “be the change you want to see,” In Taipei, Taiwan, the youth will interact with indigenous inhabitants of the island, and in Aklan, Philippines, participants will go beyond social borders of race and ethnicity through an immersion with the community of Atis (Aetas) – an ethnic tribe that is believed to be the original settlers of the island of Boracay. Other locations include Mumbai, India; Ho Chi Min, Vietnam; Bangkok, Thailand; and different cities in the Philippines such as Baguio, Cebu, Dumaguete, La Union, and Tacloban. The collaboration with organizations such as Bukas Palad, and Façenda da Esperanza in the Philippines, and the Shanti Ashram in India, among others, was fundamental in the preparation of the Pre-Genfest. According to Vital, the Pre-Genfest will have an indelible impact in the life of the youth who will participate as they realize that building a united world starts with concrete actions. In fact, Pope Francis —during his visit to Loppiano on May 10th, 2018— pointed out the importance of training “oneself to use the three languages together: of the mind, of the heart and of the hands,” which is a fundamental element in the formation of new generations. He also invited the Focolare Movement to be “in service to all, with the gaze that embraces all of humanity, beginning with those who in whatever way are relegated to the peripheries of existence.” By the time the Pre-Genfest participants will arrive in Manila for the Genfest, they would have experienced in a small scale what universal brotherhood means and how to build a united world with their own hands. This experience will surely contribute as a leaven to make the Genfest an expression of the united world we want to build together. Vital encourages to participate in the Pre-Genfest “with an open heart,” in that way this experience will be an “experience of God” as Chiara Lubich defined the Genfest. María Clara Ramírez
In his second letter to the community in Corinth, St. Paul writes to people who were questioning the legitimacy of his apostolic activity. However, he does not defend himself by listing his own merits and achievements. On the contrary, he highlights the work that God has accomplished in him and through him. St. Paul mentioned a mystical experience of a deep relationship with God (2 Cor 11:1-7), but immediately shared his suffering due to a “thorn” that tormented him. He did not explain exactly what it was, but we realize it caused great difficulty and could have limited his activity as an evangelizer. For this reason, he shared the fact that he had asked God to free him from that impediment. But the answer he received from God himself was mind-blowing: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” All of us continually experience our own physical, psychological and spiritual weaknesses, as well as those of others. We often see around us people who are suffering and can’t find the way ahead. We feel weak and unable to solve all these problems, or even face them. At most we limit ourselves to not hurting anyone. St. Paul’s experience, on the other hand, opens up a new horizon. By recognizing and accepting our weakness, we can abandon ourselves fully into the hands of the Father, who loves us as we are and wants to help us on our journey. In fact, the letter goes on, saying: “For whenever I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10). In this regard, Chiara Lubich wrote: “We naturally react against such a statement, seeing in it a glaring contradiction or simply a paradox. Instead, it expresses one of the highest truths of the Christian faith. “Jesus explained it to us with his life and above all with his death. When did he accomplish the task that the Father had entrusted to him? When did he redeem humanity? When did he conquer sin? It was when he died on the cross, after having cried out, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Mt 27:46). “Jesus was strongest just at his weakest moment. He could have given life to the new people of God just by preaching, doing a few more miracles or some extraordinary deed. Instead it was not so because the Church is the work of God, and it is in suffering, and only in suffering, that the works of God flourish. “So our weakness and the experience of our fragility present unique opportunities to experience the strength of Christ who died and is risen.” “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” It is the paradox of the Gospel: the meek are promised they will inherit the earth (Mt 5:5). In the Magnificat, Mary exalts the power of the Lord, who expresses himself totally and definitively in our personal history and in human history, precisely in the setting of littleness and total trust in God’s action (see Lk 1:46-55). Commenting on St. Paul’s experience, Chiara suggests that “the choice we Christians can make is the exact opposite of what people usually do. Here we are truly going against the flow. In the world, people’s ideals lie in success, power and prestige … On the contrary, St. Paul tells us we must boast of our weaknesses … “Let’s trust in God. He will make good use of our weaknesses and nothingness. And when he is at work, we can be sure that he does things that are valuable, that bring about lasting good and meet the real needs of individuals and the community.” Letizia Magri
Defending borders, enforcing rejection, alliances between states to protect national identities and economies, restrictions to control migratory flows. What is behind these key-words? “Very often building some sort of fence or having an attitude of safe keeping stems from fear” – explains Maria Voce, president of the Focolari. “Yet, this does not seem to be the definite solution for young people. Instead they believe that borders are horizons, points of departure, an enriching diversity”. This is why the Focolari Youth have opted for the important theme of borders – hence the title “Beyond all borders” – for their next world event that will be held in Manila from 6 to 8 July. . They want to invite for a brave change of outlook on peoples, cultures and economies. They claim that a radical change is needed in such times of exasperation of particularisms and social closures. Born in 1973 from an idea of Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolari, the Genfest arrives at its eleventh edition; for the first time it will be held outside Europe. It will take place in the capital city of the Philippines from 6 to 8 July and 6,000 young people, aged 18 to 30 years, are expected to attend. Thousands of others will participate in the other 23 local editions that are being prepared. “We chose Asia because six out every ten young people in the world live there” – says Kiara Lauren, a Filipina,who is one of the Youth for a United World, promoters of the event. “Despite its socio-economic problems and differnces, this continent speaks to the world about hope and desire for change. We do not recognize ourselves in this international geo-political context that quite often sacrifices whole peoples for the sake of some élite. We would like individuals and our nations to look beyond their personal, cultural, religious and political boundaries, to meet others and let themselves be contaminated by diversity.The Genfest will be a unique laboratory in the world: those who will take part in it will find the necessary instruments to change themselves and their environment. As Pope Francis augured during his recent visit to Loppiano, they will be able to change “I” into “we”. The programme: sharing and working A lot of space will be given to exp eriences: the joint effort of young Americans and Mexicans on the border between their two countries; gestures of help and reconciliation in situations of conflict in Africa and the Middle East; supporting and welcoming people that live in refugee camps; commitment to a new way of doing politics, dialogue between different religions, etc. On July 7, in the afternoon, the Genfest is proposing the activity: Hands forHumanity. Those present will be able to partcipate in any one of 12 activities of solidarity and urban redevelopment that will be organized in different parts of Manila. Through these activities one can find out that small gestures can bring change and also have the opportunity to collect imitable ideas that can be exported to one’s own country. Explo and Forum: learn and experience peace Then, there is the Explo, an acronym composed by the words “Exposition” and Exploration”: this is an interactive exhibition that leads the visitor through an immersive sensorial experience of the history of humanity, from the perspective of universal fraternity: “So it is not the history we know” – says Erika Ivacson, a Hungarian artist, curator of the exhibition – “made of wars, conquests, armistices. Instead, we will relate what has made humanity progress from the point of view of peace, of friendship between individuals, peoples and cultures. The last stage will be entirely dedicated to the question: and what can I do? “. There will be 110 forums and workshops on key issues about the construction of open and supportive societies: from urban cleaning techniques and care of the territory, to social enterprise forms, to the management of personal and political conflicts, to the use of social media for peace, and much more. Follow the Genfest It will be possible to follow the live streaming, broadcast in English with translations in French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish through the Youth for a United World website: http://www.y4uw.org/liveTimetable live streaming (Manila time, UTC/GMT +8 ore): 6 July: 16-18:30 e 20-21:45 7 July: 17:45-18:45 e 20-21:45 8 July: 10:30-13 Social media regarding the event: Facebook: www.facebook.com/genfest/ o @genfest Twitter: https://twitter.com/genfest_en o @genfest_en Instagram: www.instagram.com/genfest.official/ Youtube: genfest-official or https://www.youtube.com/c/GenfestOfficial Genfest Programme Press Office Stefania Tanesini Cell. +63 9664661016 Whatsapp +39 338 5658244 stefania.tanesini@focolare.org
Meeting Jesus Since I becoming mayor of our town I cannot walk along the street without someone stopping me to discuss an issue or just to greet me. Even when I’m in church, I find it difficult to be alone with Jesus. So one Sunday I went to Mass in a nearby town, hoping not to be recognized. When I got there, I found the church was packed with people attending a special liturgy celebrated by the bishop. I saw a woman sitting outside the church and I gave her some money. A little further on, there was another person begging, a man with a badly disfigured face. I walked passed him. But then it was as if I heard a voice inside me saying: “You came here because you wanted to meet Me. Here I am, in this poor woman and in this man who is suffering”. I turned back. The man was still there, happy that I had come back to find him. G. – Italy Superstition I got into a taxi and noticed that the car was full of “charms”, indicating the superstitious beliefs of the driver. As we drove along, I took courage and said, “You know, I believe in God, and I place all my trust in Him alone”. He listened to my words in silence. A few weeks later, I called for a taxi again and to my surprise I discovered it was the same driver in the same car. With even greater surprise I noticed that all the charms had disappeared, and a set of rosary beads was hanging from the rear-view mirror! N. -Switzerland Teamwork Three of us – a nurse, a laboratory technician and a doctor – work in the same hospital, in different departments. We believe that living the Gospel can not only transform people individually but can also renew whole environments, work places and social structures. Motivated by this belief, we try to meet together before work every morning, even just for a moment to share our challenges, efforts and joys. We keep on discovering how our commitment to love everyone can be practically employed in our workplace in the exercise of our professional duties every day. E., L. and B. – Italy Money under the pillow I was walking out of church with my son when a woman came up and asked us for money. I opened my wallet and gave her what I found there, 20 Euro. My son was astounded and told me I had given her too much. But I reassured him that Jesus is present in each poor person and I felt it was right to give her all I had with me. When we got home I started to tidy up a room we had offered to guests who had just left, a couple from another city visiting a sick relative. My son came to help me. As he lifted up the pillow, we found 200 Euro lying there! We had freely offered these people the means to be able to stay close to a loved one who was suffering, and they had decided to respond in this way. M.G. – Italy The ice-hockey match I am a real fan of ice-hockey. One day I couldn’t wait for school to finish so I could rush home to watch a big match on television. As soon as the final bell rang, I sped away on my moped. But I had only gone a few meters when I realized I had a flat tyre. As fast as possible I tried to pump it up, but after another hundred meters it had gone down again. Then to cap it all, it started to rain. I could feel my temper getting worse with every step as I pushed my moped along the road. Then suddenly a thought came into my head: Jesus suffered so greatly on the cross, are you not able to accept this small inconvenience? And with that, I found peace within myself once more. G. – Holland
NetOne is an international network of people involved in communication and media. “Media for a united world” is his mission.
It is an international network of professionals, students and media workers, born in Italy in June 2000as a result of the Congress ‘Communication and unity’ promoted by the Focolare Movement.
Today’s youth can become the first generation that will manage to eradicate hunger in the world. This is indicated by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals approved by the 193 United Nations Member States on September 25, 2015. The Member States agreed on the commitment to implement these goals within 15 years (2015-2030), and the “Zero Hunger Goal” is at the heart of the whole programme. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is very keen on achieving these objectives, so 630 young girls, aged 9 to 14 years, were gladly welcomed at its headquarters in Rome. This group of girls that belong to the Focolare Movement visited FAO on June 22, 2018. Many others worldwide followed this event through live streaming, and among them there were 400 young boys taking part in a congress at the Focolare International small town of Loppiano in Tuscany.It was the first time that the Movement’s young generations, who owe their origin to Chiara Lubich, were favoured with such an opportunity, that thrilled not only the girls seated in the prestigious plenary hall, but also FAO. “I’m so pleased to see this hall so full of young women”, commented Marcela Villareal, the FAO director for the division of partnerships and South-South cooperation. “I’ve been working here at FAO for more than 20 years and I have delivered many speeches in this hall, but I’ve never seen it so beautiful, so full of young ladies. Thank you for your all support towards the Zero Hunger goal”. Today, there are 800 million people in the world who suffer from hunger. After steadily declining for over a decade, owing to violent conflicts and climate change, global hunger appears to be on the rise. Villareal said: “For us here at FAO, this is the biggest scandal and we struggle daily not only to provide the necessary food but also a decent living, where children can live a full life. We are convinced that through our work we can achieve a world without hunger”. The United Nations signed the sustainable development agenda in September 2015; this includes 17 goals that are to be achieved by 2030.Sabina Zaccaro, from the FAO office for institutional communication said: “Never before have world leaders pledged to commit themselves together to such a wide and universal agenda. To defeat world hunger (objective no.2), we need to overcome poverty (objective no.1). But to do this we must all live a sustainable way of life (objective no.12), while we combat the climate change through specific means(objective n.13)”. The first Zero Hunger citizens The Focolare youth, scattered all over the world, can give a strong personal daily contribution towards the achievement of the Zero Hunger goal by 2030. On October 16, 2018 FAO will celebrate its 73rd year and it will have the opportunity to re-launch this objective. Clara Velez, Head of the FAO office for the dissemination of promotional activities confirmed: “We will avail ourselves of this occasion to speak about various topics on newspapers, TV, in schools, on streets. Each year we are focussing on a particular issue (immigration, climate change…..), and this year our focus will be on zero hunger. It’s marvellous having you here with us today. On October 16, representatives from all countries will be seated in this same hall and they will be given the book you have received today.This book explains how we can combat hunger through our daily actions. The passport on its last page entitles you to become the first Zero Hunger citizens, with rights and duties that need to be respected”. But what are the duties of Zero Hunger citizens? Laura Hernandez from the FAO office for dissemination and promotional activities maintained: “One third of the food produced in the world is wasted and thrown away. I’m convinced that you do not want to participate in this scandal. There are certain things we can do at home. For example, when food is left over, one can freeze it or eat it the next day. When we go to a restaurant and do not manage to finish eating all the food, we can consume it later at home. Then, do check the food labels and do not be deceived. The expiry date indicates the date when the food ceases to be good for consumption; but if the label states that the food is “preferably consumed by…”, this means that it can be consumed even a few days after that date. Another important and precious commodity is water. We must not waste water, so the tap should be closed while we brush our teeth. And mum and dad should be reminded to use the dishwasher at full capacity, or to use the dryer only when needed”. The Commitment Statement Finally even the girls voiced their thoughts. Elena and Agnes, who represented them said: “We are very honoured and happy to be here. From now on we will definitely contribute towards this goal with greater enthusiasm. We do feel part of the zero hunger generation. And what a great dream it is to imagine a world without hunger, even thanks to our contribution towards it! We are so happy to collaborate with FAO, because it is only by joining forces that we can manage to achieve such a high goal as Zero Hunger by 2030”. Focolare children and teenagers in 11 countries have been gathering ideas to try and find out how the problem of world hunger can be solved. “Our three H motto: head, heart and hands originated from these ideas, and our Commitment Statement came into being. Head for us means that we have to inform ourselves and study the problem both at a global and local level. Heart means that we that we have to make ourselves and others aware, and involve as many people as possible to achieve our goal. Then we need to act, so we have to make use of our hands” At the end of their visit, the girls handed over their Commitment Statement to FAO and there was the symbolic gesture of the passport: the girls wrote their commitments on this small document and signed it. They became the first #Zero Hunger citizens. Lorenzo Russo
Sulcis-Iglesiente is an historical region of Sardinia, characterized not only by its impressive natural beauty, but also for the story of the mine workers: a human, spiritual, cultural and environmental patrimony. It is a unique jewel in the world, which has not yet expressed its full potential, also from the economical point of view. On March 3, 2017, a conference on disarmament was held in Calgriari organized by the Domenico Mangano Scuola di Partecipazione Politica. Several residents from Sulcis-Iglesiente were directly involved, since the headquarters of the RWM Italia is controlled by the Rheinmetall bomb factory, which sells bombs to Saudi Arabia and utilized for the war in Yemen. When this became known, a committee was formed one year ago, joining the forces for a common objective: reconverting the military factory into a civilian operation. This is the Comitato riconversione RWM for peace, a sustainable project, the reconversion of a war industry, disamament, public sharing in the reconversion process and the protection of the natural environmental and social patrimony of Sulcis-Iglesiente.” Cinzia Guaita from the Focolare Movement is one of the promoters of the project. She reports: “The work of the committee is not easy, because Sulcis-Iglesiante is a region where jobs are scarce and, the jobs that do exist are defended with pitchforks and shovels. It isn’t easy to insert a process that would bring about a change in thinking and doing things differently, which might turn out to be more risky.” “We’re a very close-knit and diverse network. Before, nobody talked about it. Now, the ethical, environmental and legal questions are widespread. There has been one cultural result, although it is a long-term process.” Where can the greatest change be seen? “Let’s take the topic of work: before, we coudn’t discuss it; whereas, now, along with work there are other topics like peace, justice – and that’s no small matter for such a poor region as ours.” You talk about confronting, but you all stress dialogue… “That’s true, we’re dialoging and we do that with everyone, because this is a problem that regards everyone and it can be resolved by looking at the problem from different points of view. Let me give you an example: We opened a table for a technical discussion with experts, to study a reconversion plan. There were technicians, university experts and others like Banca Etica, Protestant Church: The committee is a sort of laboratory, non-conclusive, the beginning of a concrete process.” How is the RWM factory seen in the territory? “The factory has been inserted with a lot of benevolence in the local social dynamic, although it violates a national law that forbids the sale of arms to countries at war, or that doesn’t respect human rights; but it also provides for the possiblity receiving funds for the reconversion of factories that produce arms. So, the possiblities are there. Reconversion doesn’t mean taking a leap in the dark; it’s a shared growing process and an improvement in the life of everyone. What role has the press played in all this? “A very decisive role I would say, and we ourselves are amazed that the international press has shown interest. German television is watching us and has reported in Germany what is happening here. There is much silence about the wars, such as the wars in Yemen. Turning the spotlight on those conflicts has brought the problems of such places to the attention of the world. If we want to build peace, we can’t close our eyes. Everyone is needed if we want small local efforts to be broadcasted more widely. This is what loving a local territory means. It may be risky, but it’s worth the risk when it comes to peace.” Source: United World Project
http://vimeo.com/69074558 «The secret of true love is this, the secret lies in this: that the love we speak of is what is truly understood by the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news that Christ brought on earth, so it’s a love as it is conceived in God, not on earth. It’s a love that we see being lived by the persons of the Most Holy Trinity. For example, the Father loves everyone and lets the rain fall and makes the sun rise on the good and on the bad, he loves everyone. So it’s a love that puts us in the disposition to love all our brothers and sisters, so not only our relatives, friends or the ones we like, but we have to love everyone. Therefore, during the day, in order to love them, we have to single out every person we meet. A second requirement of this love, which does not exist on earth precisely because it comes from Heaven, is that we must be the first to love and not wait to be loved. Generally, one waits to be loved in order to love. Instead it must be like this: we must be the first to love and this is shown by Jesus, the second divine Person who became man, who died for us when we were yet sinners, which means that we certainly were not loving then. It’s a tangible love, like that of Jesus, who gave his life. It’s not a sentimental, platonic love, but one that becomes real. It’s a love that “makes itself one” with the other, with those who suffer and those who rejoice, and participate in the suffering and helps those who suffer or participates in the joy. If this love is practiced in the world, and the Movement lives it, … it’s the secret of the Movement. The Movement has lived it in all the nations of the world. Generally it has been reciprocated because people feel loved and get along well with us. So they ask us, “But why?” And we explain why we love. So a dialogue between us and others begins, and they are not all Christians, not all Catholic, but many times belonging to other religions, even non-believers. But even non-believers, in their DNA, have the idea of loving and the strength to love because they are created by God who is Love. This is something about love». Chiara Lubich Translation of an interview given by Erik Hendriks, Sylvester Production, May 24, 2004, for Belgian TV.www.centrochiaralubich.org
Organized by the Catholic Church’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, the meeting coincided with the publication of the “Instrumentum laboris” of the next Synod of Catholic Bishops in October, which is dedicated to youth. This thought-provoking document includes the input of young people from around the world.. Kevin Farrell, the Dicastery’s Cardinal Prefect introduced the meeting. Msgr Carlos Simón Vázquez, delegate for the Family and Life section presented the latest developments concerning the IX World Meeting of Families which will be celebrated in Dublin from 21 to 26 August. Fr Alexandre Awi Mello, the Dicastery’s Secretary reported on the preparations for next October’s Synod of Bishops. Giovanna Guerrieri Nalin, of the Youth Office spoke about the next World Youth Day, scheduled to be held in Panama in January 2019. In the afternoon, the General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, presented the aims, the expectations, and the prospects of the upcoming Synod. The contribution of the Focolare Movement The Focolare Movement was among the participants, represented by ayoung person from Salvador, Nelson Vanegas and Focolare President Maria Voce, who reflected on how “apostolic initiatives directed towards young people in the areas of announcing the faith and of vocation, can be rooted in the characteristic experience born from the charism of unity”. Back in the 1960s young people turned to Chiara as she called for a new type of revolution, inspired by Gospel love (“Youth of the world unite!”). This has led to the development of new ways and centres of formation and witness, shaped together with the young people themselves. These cover areas such as the gift that the young and older can be for one another, the link between life and thought, the living out of fraternity to respond to the challenges and problems of today’s world. Nelson had participated in the presynodal meeting in March. He presented the Focolare’s youth-focused activity. “In annual summer schools of formation for young people, we cover theological and moral formation. This involves a style of accompanying the young which is in tune with Pope Francis’ suggestions. Schools of vocational discernment offer a real pathway for young people aged between 23 and 30 years, a crucial age, to face up to making definitive choices for their personal life plan”. There are also opportunities for young people to experience the link between life and study. He explained how “the University Institute of Sophia, based in Loppiano (near Florence, Italy), aims to enable the interaction of areas of knowledge through an academic project centred on the experience of a studying community. Research, ideas and life are shared not only between students from different countries and backgrounds, but also between students and academics”. Other opportunities for youth formation are offered in national and international congresses and “schools” for the Gen (the young generations of the Focolare Movement). Finally, Nelson announced the Genfest. “It is a formative experience, based on a widespread ongoing commitment to inclusion, welcoming and listening to others, which leads to true dialogue and to the construction of deep relationships. A Genfest is above all a profound spiritual experience, through which in past years, many young people have heard or reheard the call of God, to live for something great, to fulfill the last prayer and dream of Jesus”. The next Genfest is almost here: in Manila, the Philippines, 6-8 July, with the title “Beyond all borders”.
Pope Francis has embarked on an ecumenical pilgrimage which is taking place today at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva (Switzerland), on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The theme of the celebration: “Walking, praying and working together”. The WCC is the largest and most inclusive body among the various ecumenical organizations. Founded in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, in 1948, it currently comprises about 350 churches in 110 countries around the world and represents about 500 million Christians. Based in Geneva, it includes most of the Orthodox churches, numerous historical Protestant churches (Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, the Reformed Church) and several independent churches. The Catholic Church is not a member of WCC, but Catholic theologians work in important commissions as fully fledged members. Among the scheduled appointments include the common prayer and the afternoon meeting in the presence of the Reverend Olav Fykse Tveit and Mr Agnes Abuom, respectively Secretary General and Moderator of WCC. In conclusion there will be a significant greeting to the eight members of North Korea and South Korea.
A seminar on the Journalism of Dialogue took place in Bodo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso from 9 to 13 June. Michele Zanzucchi from Italy, Guy Roland from Benin, Armand Djoualeu from Cameroon plus many Christian and Muslim professionals and students from Niger, Mali, Ivory Coast, Benin and Burkina Faso participated. The aim of the seminar was to equip journalists with the skills of dialogue whereby respect and responsibility is shown towards each person. The seminar opened with a round table on the “journalism of migration” which was attended by representatives from the government and from the Catholic church. One of the proposals emerging from this was the desire to form a regional network of journalists who can correctly form and inform the public about migration, especially migration to Europe.
Lough Key Forest Park is close to 2,000 acres of silence, natural paths, majestic cedars and a lake on the south coast oif Lough Key, 25 miles southwest of Sligo Town and 2 miles east of Boyle. This was the setting for a day for families organized by the Diocese of Elphin at the end of April. In collaboration with Bishop Kevin Doran, one of the promoters for the event was the Focolare Movement. “All are invited to an atmosphere full of play, sharing and friendship,” the bishop had said, “including families of other religious denominations, neighbors and friends.” The goal was to prepare for the main event with Pope Francis in the Irish capital, which will bring together families from all over the world at the end of August. The theme will be “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World.” Every three years, this international event puts the focus once again on Christian families, as cornerstones of society. Following the opening on August 21, which will be held simultaneously in all the Irish dioceses, there will be an international conference in Dublin for three days (22–24), featuring experts from various parts of the world, experiences, workshops and activities for children and teens. With the Holy Father’s arrival on August 25, there will be an immense festival for families, a chance to hear music and experiences from the continents, as well as, naturally, long-awaited words from the pope. Pope Francis will celebrate a solemn Eucharistic service on the 26th at Phoenix Park in Dublin, which will close the event. “We aren’t many in this part of Ireland,” the Focolare community writes, “but we wanted to respond to the bishop’s invitation.” For a year now, Ireland has been more aware of the complex dynamics in each family, as well its role in society. Together with all the families of the diocese, preparations are underway for collective reflection in the light of the apostolic exhortationAmoris Laetiita. Supported by the entire Focolare community, Evelyn is part of the preparatory committee. “For me this is a great opportunity to build relationships of unity with everyone. Every idea, every contribution, every decision or action to take has been the result of moving forward together with the bishop. There’s been a climate of mutual love created among us all.” At the entrance to the immense public park, hanging from the tree branches, were the six sides of the Cube of Love, which included words from Amoris Laetitia and Chiara Lubich on the family. Moving in the wind, the cube greeted the public upon arrival. The same cube was rolled on stage at the beginning of the day, so that everyone could tune in to the message, “Be the first to love.” The day was a festive sequence of music and workshops on caring for the environment, family games, entertainment, face painting, dance and helping the needy. There was a particularly intense moment of prayer together, led by the Anglican and Catholic bishops. They later cut a cake together, which not by chance was cube shaped. The moment was captured permanently by the local paper, the Roscommon Herald, and other websites and newsletters. At the end of the day one of the participants, Andrew, sang a song he had written about the three words that Pope Francis had suggested for family life: “Please”, “Thanks” and “Sorry.” “As I was circulating among the people,” said Áine from the Focolare, “I thought of the words from ‘The great attraction of modern times,’ a meditation written by Chiara Lubich. I felt they described that moment, in the midst of a crowd made up of people from faraway villages and countries – not just Catholics, but other religious denominations. “Some were from even further away, like those who had just arrived as refugees and asylum seekers, mostly Muslims from Africa and the Middle East. They were surprised to find such a focus on the family in Ireland as well.”
The adolescents and youths can become the first generation to succeed in uprooting hunger in the world. This is stated in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), approved on 25 September 2015 by the 193 Member States of the UN, with the commitment to achieve them in 15 years (2015-2030). The second objective, “Zero Hunger,” is the core of this programme. To be able to reach it, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) places its bet on the new generations. The boys and girls of the Focolare Movement have decided to make this the key theme of their annual training congress, from 20 to 24 June. While 630 girls will meet at the International Mariapolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo, 250 boys will hold their meetings in the international town of Loppiano (Florence). The participants shall come from various countries of Europe and South America. In Loppiano, the 250 boys will deepen the “Zero Hunger” theme and try to see how to actualise it in daily life, rediscovering values like courage, forgiveness, service, endeavour, spirituality, responsibility, loyalty, and acknowledgment of the capacities of others. The girls instead shall live a special day on 22 June, when they will visit the international headquarters of the FAO in the centre of Rome, to participate in the discussion on the “Zero Hunger” goal. At the end of the session, they will receive the “Zero Hunger Citizens” passport. Replay the streaming on 22 June 2018, at 11 am (Rome). Lorenzo Russo
World Refugee Day will be celebrated on June 20th at the behest of the UN General Assembly to highten awareness of the conditions of millions of refugees seeking asylum, as they flee war and violence in their own countries. The UN Agency for Refugees has launched the “#With Refugees” campaign, to give visibility to the gestures of solidarity towards refugees, giving voice to those who welcome and strengthen the encounter between local communitites and asylum seekers. But “#With Refugees” is also an appeal, by the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that calls upon governments to ensure that every refugee child receives an education, that every refugee family has a safe place to live, and that every refugee can have access to a job or acquire new skills that will allow them to contribute to the community. The petition will be presented to the UN Assembly in 2018 at the adoption of the Global Compact for refugees. “Today,” says Carlotta Sami, spokesperson for the UNHCR for South Europe, “being on the side of the refugees is not only a humanitarian act; unfortunately, it is an act of bravery. It has become uncomfortable to be on the side of those who have chosen to leave their own countries and face a very heavy challenge – tha of starting again from zero in a new environment, often indifferent and, in the worst cases, hostile.” There have been numerous events at the end of this month. See:www.unhcr.org/withrefugees
The first eruptions of the Fuego Volcano on 3rd June were so violent that many inhabitants of the villages along its slopes did not have time to escape. The eruptions continued for days after, causing fast moving currents of mud, rubble and burning embers called “Lahar”, which descended from the volcano, covering and destroying all that lay in its path. It also provoked earth disturbances that felt like earthquakes. The National Coordination for Disaster Reduction, CONRED, confirmed a state of alert in three districts, providing updates on the numbers of displaced people and coordinating the generous offers of emergency accommodation by hostels and hotels in the vicinity. Lourdes Barrientos is part of the CONRED team. She explained, «One of my responsibilities is to train and organize communities to respond to emergencies and natural disasters. Here we are in an emergency with so much suffering, loss of life and property in many families living near the volcano, especially in the communities of Chimaltenango, Escuintila e Sacatepéquez». These districts remain on red alert. As the number of people known to have died increases inexorably, the support response is coordinated from the CONRED headquarters in Guatemala City. «I have to go beyond my exhaustion to complete all the different tasks assigned to me. At first I did not find it straight forward, because it felt like I was wasting time staying in the headquarters instead of helping the victims, my people, directly. My job, in fact, was to collect and collate as much information as possible from the stricken communities, to facilitate the response of the institutions who had to face all these huge problems. It really got me down. My companions were active in the front line in places hit by the 3rd June eruptions, searching for bodies and helping the survivors. I knew how exhausted they were getting. I knew they were busy organizing emergency accommodation in the locality, while I was sitting in an office. At the same time, I was receiving endless messages from friends and well-wishers, from my family and Focolare friends, all asking if I was OK and if I was in the volcano zone. Suddenly I understood that wherever I was working, the important thing was to give all of myself, trying never to lose patience despite the nervous and physical exhaustion we were all experiencing. We are all in the front line. I can offer all I’m doing for my companions who are out there, in particular for one who died during the rescue operation. Requests for information about the victims keep pouring in. There’s so much suffering and such great need. Many people are offering help, many hotels have opened their doors. The love of many people is arriving in practical ways. This is what gives us the strength to carry on».
On the 50th anniversary of the birth of the Community of Sant’Egidio diffused in 76 countries in the various continents, the city of Assisi conferred the honorary citizenship for peace to Prof. Andrea Riccardi. The reason for the award states: “the Community has always worked with loyalty and passion in the peripheries of the world, in favour of the poorest and the weakest, children, elderly and disabled, the homeless, minorities, migrants and refugees,” and “has given an important contribution to peace in many countries struck by war and violence. It practiced with tenacity the “art of dialogue” and continued and diffused the “spirit of Assisi” with the annual encounters of prayer for peace, in a spirit of prayer, and friendship with the poor, and has always been able to be promoters of the message of St. Francis.” See: Sant’Egidio
As he often does, a few days ago Fr. Domenico took advantage of a few spare moments and wrote, “I don’t feel I left on my own behalf or even for the Missionary Community of Villaregia to which I belong. I feel I am here on behalf of the whole Church – on behalf of people who are not able to leave their own country for a long period of time. That is why I am writing to you so that we can be ‘missionaries together.’” He wrote a long letter that was full of detail. He said that he was fascinated by a place that was “different from what we know but where men and women have the same desires, fears, worries and hopes as everyone else.” He continued by saying, “If you change the context, you change the problems and the impact they have on life. However, every human being, irrespective of whether they live in Europe or in Africa, longs for the same thing: they want to find themselves and be happy.” He explained what had happened the previous week. At 7 am two girls had knocked on the door. One was eighteen and the other twenty years of age and they both looked really sad. They had become friends a year ago when they were receiving instruction before baptism. The older girl was three months pregnant. The father of the child had disappeared as soon as he had heard the girl was expecting a baby. In that part of the world, to be pregnant without the recognition and support of the father is seen as a serious situation. The woman is labelled as being “no good”, she brings shame to her town, she will lose her job and be rejected by everyone, even her family. In fact, the friend’s sister with whom the pregnant girl had stayed, had said, “Now either you convert to our religion (a widespread sect) or you have to leave.” The two girls had run away together, desperately looking for somewhere to stay. Crying, the pregnant girl said, “I’ve been baptised – I know Jesus. I don’t want to betray him now. What am I going to do?” She didn’t even consider the possibility of abortion or of converting to another faith just to return to her life as it had been before. At just twenty years of age, true to herself as a woman and mother, she is capable of taking responsibility for her actions even though she has no money, home, family or good reputation. Fr. Domenico said that this made him think about his own faithfulness. He said, “Obviously, with the support of the other missionary priests, I tried to help her. At the moment, she is staying with a family from the parish who have given her a room in their poor home. Other people are in contact with her own family and are trying to persuade them to welcome her back. We are covering the costs of all medical checks which must be paid by the individual. Expenses are high for someone who has nothing.” Domenico continues “I have begun to be good friends with Adam too. He is 23 years old. He had lost both his parents by the time he was 7 and he was brought up by a paternal uncle. He managed to continues with his studies as far as high school thanks to funding from a French NGO that operated an ‘adoption at a distance’ scheme. However, at a certain point, he had to stop because the money he had received was stolen. Thus, his hopes of studying ended. Now he lives on his own in a little house made of mud and he often doesn’t have enough to eat. His dream is to open a little office with a computer and sell stationery. He is always happy and never neglects his commitments in the parish. One Sunday afternoon, he was in the house with some other young people. When there was a pause in the conversation, he turned to me and said, ‘Why are you here? What makes a European missionary with lots of things to do in the parish – who knows people who have money, cars and beautiful homes – stay here with us? The only thing we have to offer you is a plate of corn and beans. What’s more, it is Sunday……’ Everyone was waiting for the answer. ‘You are important to God and important to me: that’s why I am here.’ One of them said, ‘OK then. If we are important, then we must celebrate,’ and he went to buy some beer.” “The really hot season is over now. Our house was like an oven. The sheets were roasting, the water in the taps was 50 degrees centigrade. Now we are preparing for the rainy season. One young man told me that last year the rain was so heavy that his mud hut was nearly washed away. His wife had their third child a few weeks ago. He doesn’t earn very much, he has three children and a house that is half ruined. There was nothing very positive about his situation. However, when he saw me, he shouted out, ‘You have come to see us – it’s a sign that God is with us!’ That is the beauty of the people in Burkina Faso. It’s not by chance that the name of their country means ’the land of upright people.’” http://www.cmv.it/it
We won’t collect any laurels for what we are doing but we will have a clear conscience. I can’t understand why entering into politics and working in the realms of public life means that a person automatically stops being a Christian. When someone is part of that world, they separate faith from what they do: they reduce doing apostolic works to a denial or rejection of something: today it is anti-communism, in the past it was anti-liberalism or a rejection of Luther…….Denial is valid but once stated, you must take action. Affirmation is even more important. The most essential affirmation is this: whenever I meet another person, whether it be in church, along the road or in parliament, I am meeting a brother or sister, a child of God, redeemed by his precious blood. I must love that person irrespective of class, how they are dressed or what attitude they have. I think that reducing things to denial or rejection is settling upon the absurd idea that there is a right to hate, to avoid positive social action and to impoverish the gospel. Believing that Christianity can be dressed up in such a deformed way, making hatred lawful, is the same as believing that Christianity is a lubricant for human passions of greed and murder. (Igino Giordani. From a letter to Fr. Primo Mazzolari, 2 February 1951.) Serving people is serving God. To serve any citizen – worker, house wife, student or nation – is working for Christ. He told us, “Whatever you do to the least of these my brothers, you do to me.” (Mt. 25:40) If you look at politics in this way, it loses all sense of hostility, hatred and exclusivism. Amidst the variety of opinions that express a richness of ideas, a Christian sees a brother or sister to love even if they belong to a different political party. Even if they reject the opinions, the Christian does not reject the other soul, born of the same Heavenly Father and true heir of his love. (Igino Giordani, The Difficulty of a Christian Today, Citta Nuova, Rome, 1976, p. 129) Catholics in politics should be advocates of the creation of a society inspired by the gospel. This demands an interior poverty, a disregard for wealth and self-importance and a morality that in politics is like oxygen to the lungs. It needs a commitment to power as service, the breaking up of privilege and social classes and to revolution … (Igino Giordani, “The Way” June 1950, p.1) By the Igino Giordani Centre
He has been a civil court judge of the Marion Court in Indianapolis since 1999, and in 2007 he was declared Judge of the Year because of his work among prisoners and drug defendants. David Shaheed is African-American and Muslim. He he shares his passion for law and interreligious dialogue. Since 2019 he has presided over the Interfaith Alliance of Indianapolis. His resume can leave us awestruck, but Dr Shaheed immediately puts us at ease with his simplicity and freedom as he talks about his faith and of the relationship that linked him and continues to link him to Chiara Lubich. She gave me the courage to step beyond our faiths, to help the other and to understand them. But this didn’t remain an abstract concept, because Chiara gave me the means by which to live and show it.” The judge drew inspiration from the experience of destruction of the Second World War that Chiara Lubich went through, to come up with a reform of his court. “The world was under the pressure of this enormous war. And yet this young woman from Trent overcame her personal fears in order to seek out the sufferings of others: Her witness gave me the courage to establish in my workplace on the bench a special tribunal for people with psychological or drug addiction problems.” Breaking a judicial tradition that entrusted the ordinary tribunals with the treatment of defendants with psychic or alcohol and drug dependence, with consequent convictions that do not provide for the rehabilitation of the person, Dr Shaheed asked his colleagues to take note of the impact the prison or probation had on the life of the condemned. In fact many of these returned to court or prison for new crimes without receiving adequate treatment for themselves or for their handicaps. After an initial scepticism and embarrassment, the challenge of “serving the least” has become the common goal of the other judges of the local court which, overcoming the tradition of Common Law that assigns to the courts of appeal expertise on the matter, last year launched a special section for “special” people. In this way the defendants are assisted in accessing cures and specialized advice both in prison and in court, so that the entire judicial system are oriented to the needs of the person and not to conviction and punishment for petty crimes. “I grew up in America where there has been a strong history of racism until now, but meeting the Focolare has helped me to realize that not all the whites and their European ancestors held the same hostility toward Afro-Americans. So it was a liberating experience for me, because I was living under the influence of this mentality and for the first time I had brothers of European descent. I learned from the Focolare that Jesus’s life consisted in showing mercy and compassion to others. I learned to live that way as a judge and to experience compassion. For me, being part of the Focolare community means giving the best proof of how to live the attributes of God as written in the Koran; that is, love, mercy and compassion.” Looking at the Movement’s mission ten years on from the death of Chiara Lubich, the judge from Indiana wishes that “the dialogue goes forward, because the Focolare’s model is one of the best models for encounter among people of different religions, ethnic groups or nationalities. In an atmosphere of strong nationalism such as we are living, where one’s own interests take priority over everything else, our experience is a counter-narrative because it shows that the word of God leads people to encounter one another and not to isolate themselves from each another – and this is an example not only for the faith and the religion: but it is an example of life that can serve our country.” Source:Città Nuova no.6., June 6, 2018
NetOne is an international network of people involved in communication and media. “Media for a united world” is his mission.
It is an international network of professionals, students and media workers, born in Italy in June 2000as a result of the Congress ‘Communication and unity’ promoted by the Focolare Movement.
On 8 June, the Holy See presented the Preparatory Document of the Bishops’ Synod for the Pan-Amazon region, already announced in October 2017 and to take place in Rome in October 2019. The text, available on www.vatican.va in Italian, French, English, Spanish and Portuguese is divided into three parts: See (“Identity and cry of the Pan-Amazon), Discern (“Towards a pastoral and ecological conversion”) and Act (“New paths for the Amazon Church”). “The reflections of the Special Synod,” affirms the Document in the preface, “surpass the strictly Amazon ecclesiastic field, extending towards the universal church and also the future of the entire planet. Starting off from a specific territory, it casts a bridge towards the world’s other essential biomes: the basin of Congo, the Mesoamerican biological corridor, the tropical forests of Asia Pacific, and the Guaraní aquifer, among others. Listening to the indigenous peoples and all the communities living in the Amazons as the first interlocutors of this Synod is of utmost importance also for the universal Church.”
As Anna and Claudio tell the story of their life, the word passes from one to the other in such a natural way that it’s as if, after many years of marriage, they have become a single person. She begins by saying, “When we were first married, what united us was the enthusiasm and joy of seeing our family grow. I didn’t know anyone in the little town in northern Italy where we had moved for work. I took care of the house and waited for him to come home each evening. We were happy but … something was missing. One Sunday we were chatting to a priest outside the church. We invited him to the house and when he came, he brought a copy of the New City magazine. Later on, he brought us the Word of Life leaflet. We thought that we too could begin to live the words of the Gospel.” Claudio continues: “I had a good job. We made machines that developed and printed films for the cinema. However, when the owner died, there were problems amongst the people who inherited the company. Eventually, I received a really attractive offer of a very well paid job. However, I understood that the content of the films I would be helping to produce would be ethically unacceptable. My wife and I agreed that I should not accept the job. After a while, I had the offer of another job but with a much lower salary. By then, our second child had been born and the expenses were increasing. I accepted the second job, trusting that we would manage. There was a lot of work to do and I needed a helper. The human resources department suggested someone who was known to be a very difficult character. In fact, the first time I met him, he said, ‘If you think you are going to make me work, you have got it all wrong.” I realised that I was going to have to make up for his shortcomings: but in the family we had agreed that we were going to love everyone and so there was no turning back. After that, he began to really enjoy the work and I remember that at Christmas he brought me a little train wrapped up in newspaper for my son.” Anna continues, “I was expecting the third baby when Claudio had the offer of another job. We moved and the other four children were born in that town. We were a little “tribe” that was growing enjoying our way of life and the peace and harmony we tried to maintain always. I was working too. I was teaching German in a high school and this meant that I always had a lot to do. The children were very supportive: they used to help one another with their homework and prepare supper sometimes. The school was about 30 kilometres away from home and I remember coming home on the bus one very wet evening. I was expecting to get absolutely soaked on the way to our house. Mobile phones didn’t exist in those days. When I got off the bus, at the stop, I found one of the children waiting for me with a big umbrella. A few years later, when there were nine of us (plus a cat), my husband’s work meant we needed to move again. I was very hesitant at first. Then I realised how difficult it was for him to spend five nights each week in a hotel. Out of love for him, we decided to pack our bags once again. We understood how important is to always be united and we often prayed together during difficult times. I was on my own during the day but I knew he was always with me. Sometimes, after supper, we used to walk around the block together just to have a little bit of time for the two of us to be on our own.” Claudio takes up the story once again, “Our children are all married now. One of them is separated from his wife and this made us suffer a lot. Recently, when we were on pilgrimage, we entrusted this situation to Mary. At first we prayed that the family could be re united. After a while we thought it was better to ask that their hearts might be converted. Eventually, we understood that the grace we needed to pray for was our conversion. We ended the pilgrimage determined to be attentive to what God might still ask us. We don’t want to stop being instruments of his love. In a family, love is the only thing that must never move.”
Some months ago in Milan, the Youths for a United World got together to plan an initiative which would focus on Genfest 2018 in Manila, Philippines. It was then that they revived the idea of selling coffee, as was done on the occasion of the Genfest of 2012 in Budapest. After obtaining a special price from a wholesale distributor, they created the labels which featured the guidelines of the activities and logo of the event. They decided to designate the funds obtained to: support the Filipino people struck by Typhoon Vinta last December, help those arriving in Manila from the farther countries, and add to the funds for general expenses in the organisation of the Genfest.One of the youths of Milano recounted that the idea came up when “we asked ourselves how we could spread the news of the Genfest here. Being an event to promote brotherhood among people, which covers material and interpersonal relationships, it seemed that one of the most representative elements was this desire to socialize, stay together, and as in our culture, share time enjoying a beverage or some coffee: that break you take during the day, which can become the occasion to exchange and share ideas, and to go beyond…” This time it was easier than in 2012, since we already had our contacts. After deciding how to go about it, we contacted the supplier and received 4,000 packets of coffee in a month’s time in the central depot of Milan. In the meanwhile, in the various parts of the region, around 20 people volunteered to create small storage in their homes. The labeling process was done by them and “it became an occasion to get together and dine together, […]. We did this not only in Milan but also in other regions where youths and families are helping one another. Lastly, this activity created many opportunities to meet people we haven’t seen for some time, thus consolidating fraternal relationships.”For further information: caffe2018manila@gmail.com Source:United World Project
I saw him out of the corner of my eye as I was rushing into the supermarket. He was behind a tree; it was almost as if he wanted to hide from something or someone. I saw him more clearly when I was leaving and he was directly in front of me. I already had two euro in my hand to give to him but I felt uncomfortable at the idea of being the “donor” who was giving some change to the “beggar.” We are both human beings, aren’t we, even if life has treated us differently? As I gave him the money, I spontaneously said, “Hello. I’m Gino. What is your name?” “Sylvester,” he replied with an embarrassed voice. “Have you got a problem?” I asked. There was a moments silence. Later I understood that this was more due to not understanding Italian than to feeling this was a difficult situation. “No. Everything’s fine,” he said. I wasn’t convinced and so I continued, “Look me in the eye and tell me if you have a problem.” Again he answered, “Everything is fine.” As I was approaching my car, I could hear him making his way towards me; “Yes, I have a problem. I want to work.” I shook hands with him as a sign that I had understood. His face and his wounded dignity entered into my heart. We exchanged contact details because we didn’t want to lose touch. That is how Sylvester and I became friends in spite of language and cultural diversity. It was a meeting between two people where each one had his own sense of dignity. From that day onwards, I became increasingly aware that the first thing to do was help him overcome the hurdle of the language barrier. Even if his documents were all in order, it was unrealistic to think he could find a job if he couldn’t express himself in or understand Italian. I didn’t know how to say this because I didn’t speak his language. I remembered that I had a friend from his country and I asked him to be an interpreter. We all met for a beer in the bar near the supermarket and understood more about Sylvester’s situation. Before leaving, I turned to him and said, “Remember Sylvester, nothing is insignificant if it is done with love. You are not here to ask for something but to offer help to whoever needs it – to carry heavy shopping or find a parking space or trolley. God loves you, me everyone. Let’s ask for this together, as the Gospel says. Maybe a door will open but, in the meantime, this is your job. Do it with your head held high – without losing your dignity.” The following evening I received a WhatsApp message from him. “Good evening Gino. How are you? I hope you and your family are well. Thank you for helping me. God bless you for taking care of me. I am longing to begin a proper job but in the meantime I will do as you said and hold my head up high. I am waiting to see you.” I had to use google translate to understand him and reply. “Dear Sylvester. Thanks for your good wishes. Today I tried to find a free Italian language course. I hope I will have good news for you soon.” After that, I began to experience what we already know – it is very difficult to help someone! To this day, I do not understand why there is so much bureaucracy! However, I didn’t give in because other people also began to support Sylvester. I was no longer alone and neither was he. Tomorrow he will begin Italian lessons. This is the first step towards finding a job and being able to send financial support to his wife and two small children who have stayed in the country where he was born. Maybe, one day, they will be able to join him. Dear Sylvester, I pray that this will happen! Gustavo Clariá
Pope Francis’s prayer for the month of June is dedicated to the social networks and the web. This was aired today through a video message in Spanish by the world Network of prayer for the Pope, translated in seven languages and rebroadcasted by Vatican News. In the video the Pope invites all to pray to God so that the social networks “do not annul our personality, but enhance solidarity and respect for others in their differences.” After the title, “May the social networks enhance solidarity and respect for others in their differences,” Francis underlined that “Internet is a gift of God, and is also a great responsibility,” and explained that “communication, its sites, and its instruments imply a widening of horizons for many people.” Francis thus relays the invitation, already expressed in the message for the day 2014, to take advantage of the “possibilities for encounter and solidarity which the social networks offer,” and the wish that the “digital network will not be a place of alienation but a concrete place full of humaneness.” The Pope’s intention is – “Let’s pray together so that the social networks do not annul our personalities, but enhance solidarity and respect for the others in their differences.” Source: SIR https://youtu.be/Tuz6zE4bd9w
Creation is “a shared gift, not a private possession” and taking care of it “always entails the recognition and respect of the rights of every person and every people”. These the words of Pope Francis who sent a message to the international symposium on protecting the environment which took place in Athens, on the Attic peninsula, 5-8 June, convened by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, hosted by Patriarch Bartholomew.Entitled “Toward a Greener Attica. Preserving the planet and protecting its people”, the symposium comes three years after the papal Encyclical Laudato Si’ and coincided with World Environment Day. It welcomed 250 participants: theologians and scientists, political and business leaders, as well as activists and journalists from all over the world. Together they explored the pressing environmental problems of the region and its islands, examining the connections between ecology and economy, particularly in the context of pressing social and environmental challenges of our time. Among those invited was Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement founded by Chiara Lubich, a movement which over the years has developed its contribution to protecting the planet in many parts of the globe. “It is wonderful to see people from all over the world”, she reflected, “including religious leaders of different churches, gathering to seek solutions together in the hope that our planet can continue more serenely, if we protect and preserve it for the generations to come”. She added, “It’s very good to be looking at all aspects of ecology: the environment and its effect on people. What has come out strongly is that the whole planet is involved in ecology like this. Nature is a gift we receive from God and as such it must be welcomed with respect and gratitude. It must be passed on in the best way possible to our brothers and sisters who will come after us”. The actual programme of the symposium displayed an “ecological approach”, mused Maria Voce. “The schedule was full, but interspersed with journeys to the surrounding Saronic islands, which provided opportunities to meet and talk with one another, making it easier to establish relationships through a combination of study, relaxation and international friendship. I think this meeting offers hope for the future of the planet”.Much needed hope. Pope Francis has expressed his concerns over the risk that future generations may be condemned “to live in a common home that is reduced to ruins” or to leave their homelands because of climate change and disasters triggered by greedy exploitation of the earth’s resources. The Pope was represented at the symposium by Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development. Recalling his joint message for the September 1st World Day of Prayer for Creation, written together with Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis stated that “the duty to care for creation challenges all people of good will and invites Christians to recognize the spiritual roots of the ecological crisis and to cooperate in offering an unequivocal response”. The main priority, concluded the Patriarch, popularly known as “the Green Patriarch” is to rethink the current economic system which “ignores the needs of human beings and inevitably leads to the exploitation of the natural environment”. Above all, he added, real change can only be born from the human heart. “The destruction of the natural environment can only be averted through a radical change in our perspective toward nature, which comes from a radical change in our self-perception as human beings”. Claudia Di Lorenzi
Prophetic Economy…between the “already” and the “not yet” : The International Event promoted by the EoC and several associations and movements intending to respond to the cry of the world and the poor. It will take place in Castelgandolfo (Rome)
Our world faces an ecological and social crisis. Climate change and rising inequality are being fuelled by unjust economic structures, short-sighted policies and outdated practices. People all around the world. BELIEVE passionately in human development & sustainability, WORK tirelessly to change the rules and demand justice. It is time to COME TOGETHER and be more than the sum of our part
“Prophetic Economy” stems from the desire to approach those with whom we have a common goal, in order to learn from each other, find new ways of collaboration, send a powerful message of hope especially to those who today are the victims of social and environmental injustice and to understand together how to act on the macro level. We immediately realized that we couldn’t start such a journey alone, but that we had to do it right away, together with other movements. That’s how the EoC working group was enriched by the presence of ATD Quart Monde, The Pope John XXIII Community (Associazione Papa Giovanni XXIII),, Nomadelfia, the Global Catholic Climate Movement, Slotmob, Mondo Comunità e Famiglia and Wordteens (Ragazzi per l’Unità) who today are our partners. We are convinced that the value of Prophetic Economy is not only represented by the realisation of the event in itself, but also by the process of mutual opening up and enrichment which has already been started by all promoters
CHILDREN will be protagonists too!
In addition to bringing together those who make efforts in this area, this event also proposes a competition of best practices of “Prophetic Economy”, giving visibility and recognition to many of the protagonists of change who transmit a positive energy at the service of the common good.
135 change-makers and organizations from 35 countries have participated with their practices of prophetic economy. The 3 winners and other practices selected in the shortlist, will present live during the event.
Scientific Panel for “Prophetic Economy in Practice” Award 2018 : Dr.Vandana Shiva -India, Dr. Jeff Sachs – USA, Dr.Cristina Calvo – Argentina and Prof. Stefano Zamagni – Italy.
Simultaneously with the event there will be satellite actions of a different nature organised in several countries around the world: the most important Prophetic Economy will be an international Bankmob for disinvestment in fossil fuels, armament and gambling.
“The world is the word of the God who created it. And how does this word sound? Like this: I love you. And to whom is that word addressed? It is addressed to the world that is that word; it is addressed to every individual whom the world sees as someone who knows they are a tiny part of the world, yet, nevertheless, able to soar beyond themselves to the whole. It is a word addressed to every man. The world is God’s word of love towards whoever lives in it; it is a gaze from Divine Love towards that individual. It is what the world is in its totality and in each of its parts: every particular of the world is a glance from the love of God.” (Cosmology, anthropology, sociology and religion) “I can completely dedicate myself to this world, because I am a Christian; in fact, all the love we invest in this world will mark it forever, our love will leave an indelible mark on every single fragment of Creation.” (December 1980) “The primary interest of a Christian should be to bring forward not only those who share his ideals, but all those who have responsibility for the world, building up of a humane world.” (November 1978) “The life and unity of people cannot be considered as the mere sum of individuals, nor as a collective system in which the single is swallowed up and disappears. The alternative is communio. I am myself, but in the measure to which I am for you and with you, and in the measure to which I receive from you. Man can only be explained in this relationship. Only in this Trinitarian relationship does collectivism not dissolve the individual. Only in this Trinitarian relationship is the individual not sacrificed to a communitarian structure. From this, I am certain, new prospects will open in favour of a universal economic order.” (Dreifaltigkeit, p. 131)Source: Klaus Hemmerle, La luce dentro le cose, Meditazioni per ogni giorno, Città Nuova Ed, 1998, p. 287-293.
Which culture? What unity? The idea of the newsletter is to tell the story of 12 areas of culture and their journey to seek, question and challenge one another toward a horizon of unity, following Chiara Lubich’s charism. These are Art, Education, Law, Ecology, Sports, Economics, Sociology, Medicine, Architecture, Politics, Psychology and Communication. If our planet is going through a change of era, as Pope Francis recently declared, the point of view of unity opens up new ground for these areas of culture. For many this will be unexplored and fascinating. The first issue features a number of new initiatives and the most significant events occurring in each part of culture that is “in dialogue.” ________________________________________________________ For more information: Centro per il dialogo con la Cultura (Focolare Movement) centrodialogo.cultura@focolare.org tel. +39.06.945407201 – Via Piave, 15 – 00049 Grottaferrata (Roma – Italia) Key contacts: Communion and Law – info@comunionediritto.org Economy of Communion – info@edc-online.org Social-One – info@social-one.org Eco-One – luca.fiorani@gmail.com Dialogues in Architecture – segr.architettura@focolare.org NetOne – netone@net-one.org Political Movement for Unity – info@mppu.org Psychology and Communion info@psy-com.org Health Dialogue Culture – healthdialogueculture@gmail.com Clarté – clarte.international@gmail.com Sportmeet – info@sportmeet.org EDU – pedagogia@focolare.org –
The course will be held from Thursday 14 June to Saturday 16 June 2018 in the Main Hall of the Sophia University Institute, with the opening speech of Prof. Romano Prodi, entitled “Europe today. Which Europe tomorrow?” Co-funded by the Sophia Foundation in partnership with the programme “Jean Monnet Chair” of the European Union, the course aims to analyse the role of the cities as workshops of European integration, and the citizens as protagonists. The lessons will reflect on integration, independence, European citizenship and will introduce the European governance system, with particular focus on the local and regional dimensions. The workshops will be particularly interesting, since the participants will be able to discuss and share competences and experiences in such matters. The key rapporteurs will be Léonce Bekemans of the Padua University, holder of the Chair Jean Monnet ad Personam, and Luc Van den Brande, former President of the Flemish Region and today confidential councillor of the European Commission Presidency, who will expound on “Reaching Out to Citizens,” report presented to President Junker in November 2017, a document which represents the most recent and authoritative analysis on European citizenship. The module will start off othe programme, “Europe in a Changing World,” initiated by the Sophia Global Studies’ Research and Training Centre. “Numerous facts confirm our itinerary, – affirmed Paolo Frizzi, academic coordinator – also the recent visit of Pope Francis to Loppiano, where Sophia is based, underlined the urgency to “trace new paths to be pursued together to give rise to a global civilization of alliance.” Our young Institute was incepted to form leaders who have the capabilities and competencies to face the global challenges and promote dialogue and peace.” The course is open to professionals, scholars, communication administrators and operators, besides teachers of the primary and secondary schools and scholastic directors who may make use of the Teacher’s Card (MIUR 170/2016). There will be 15 scholarships for young people up to 30 years of age. See the complete programme on www.sophiauniversity.org.
Also this year, the initiative, “A Minute for peace”, is being renewed, and promoted by the Catholic Action International Forum, together with the Italian Catholic Action, the Argentinean Catholic Action and the Justice and Peace of the Argentinean Bishops’ Conference and other entities, on the fourth anniversary of the encounter of Pope Francis with the Israeli President, Shimon Peres, and the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, that took place in the Vatican Gardens on 8 June 2014. To relaunch the message of peace of that day, the proposal is to stop at 1 pm (in every time zone) on 8 June, for a minute of prayer and silence, alone or in groups. The proposal addresses the faithful and the nonbelievers. “At work, on the road, or at home, all are invited for a minute of prayer “that travels far,” embracing the world. It is a simple way – the promoters affirmed – of remembering that each of us can be instruments of peace each day.”
In the Mexico City Focolare, Pope Francis’ invitation to “go forth” can be seen in the face and heard in the voice of Reina Cruz. Originally from El Salvador, she serves a community that shares the Word of Life in difficult situations, just a few kilometers outside the Mexican capital. In the group there are both dealers and users, and those who have decided to befriend them. The focolarine carry the pope’s voice to the periphery, as he has often invited us to, to suburbs that are difficult, poor, made up of millions who, thanks to their work, are able to hear the words of the Gospel for the first time. Reina admits it is not easy. “Going into an environment where 13- and 14-year-old kids practically live without any family, we feel that we can at least bring our presence. Their activity has even spread to more remote areas, such as visiting Xavierian missionaries in the Santa Cruz forest, a visit made even more intense because it was Holy Week and Easter. In these often-forgotten corners of the world, the young women present the Focolare spirituality. By now it has spread to 182 countries in the world, with centers in 87, including Mexico, where there are close to 110,000 members. Setting their sights on befriending their brothers and sisters, which is typical of the movement founded by Chiara Lubich, these Mexican groups have entered into various social environments. They have been encouraged by Pope Francis’ visit to Loppiano on May 10 to continue on the path started by Lubich, a Servant of God. “A dozen of us,” says Reina, “went to visit Santiago de Anaya, Actopan, in the state of Hidalgo, the heart of Mexico.” Without expecting anything in return, not even interest in their spirituality, they have begun working with the Missionaries of the Divine Word. Their one objective is to offer points for the community to reflect on daily: the word of God and its effects on our lives as committed laypeople.The phenomenon of drug dealing and abuse among teens sounded the alarm for members of the Focolare, driving them to listen to difficult experiences and share the Gospel message with kids who live on the street alone. “On May 6, for example, there were two girls aged 14 and 17 who came up to tell us tearfully about how drug use was growing among their friends.” The older one had been thrown out of her mother’s house, Reina remembers, and she was desperate after ties with her mother had been cut. What to do? How to help? For those who follow Chiara Lubich, healing issues and wounds in the family is part of the task of accompanying others. The challenges continually grow in line with a society whose values are ever more fragile, with weak family ties that at times can even be completely absent. As a result, their presence ends up being the only reference point for people who, as they grow, need a ledge to cling to and not risk drowning in drugs or despair. This is why listening is so important, they explain at the Focolare in Mexico City, as is prayer and spiritual meetings to renew lives in God. The goal remains unity, and this is an opportunity to rise from poverty and walk toward dignity. The dialogue with the local priests helps them to act together, avoid divisions, and look at development projects such as an economy of communion. It is a journey taken together with the Virgin Mary, a mother who never abandons her own children, “not even those who are most alone.”
There is great satisfaction also in the Sophia University Institute of Loppiano. The new Rector of the Pontifical Lateran University (PLU), recently appointed by Pope Francis, is also a “visiting professor” at the University Institute. Vincenzo Buonomo, jurist and canon lawyer, from 1 July will be the first ever layperson to guide the pontifical university, and succeeds Bishop Enrico dal Covolo. Born in 1961, married and father to two children, Buonomo has a longstanding bond with the University, first as a student, with a doctorate in Utroque Iure and also a specialisation in International Law with a Preparatory Diploma for the Diplomatic Career, after which he became a full professor from 1984 to 2001. He was the Dean of the Civil Law Faculty from 2006 to 2012, and is currently the coordinator of the Doctorate studies of the same Faculty. In 2007 Buonomo covered the role of office manager of the Holy See’s permanent observer at the UN Food and Agricultural agencies (FAO, IFAD, PAM), with which he started working in 1983. From 2000 to 2005 he was moreover, consultor of the Commission for Dialogue with Muslims at the Pontifical Council for interreligious dialogue. Since 2014, he has been the councilor of the State of the Vatican City.
The cake Family life is not always straight forward. An argument can break out when you least expect it. Last weekend we were in the car on our way to visit friends. My wife had spent a whole day in the kitchen preparing a really special cake. Just as we were about to arrive I realised I had missed the turning to their road and I put my foot down hard on the brakes. As the car came to a sudden halt, the cake propelled forward onto the floor. A heated “discussion” ensued. I wanted to make the point that the cake had been left in the wrong place where it could fall, as in fact it had done. However, I managed to stop myself and instead I apologised. Eventually the tension eased, and when we arrived at our friends’ house, bearing no gift and with our clothes covered in cake, we were nevertheless in harmony with each other. Enrique – SpainSomeone less fortunate I had just got off the train when a youth pushed passed me, chased by three men shouting «Stop thief!». They caught up with him and started to beat him. On seeing this I rushed in and tried to shield him. He was just a young boy, he looked about 16 years old. Curled up on the ground he tried to say in broken Italian that he had stolen food because he hadn’t had anything to eat for days. When the police arrived, he explained that he was a refugee from Congo, where all the members of his family had been killed. I asked to be allowed to accompany him to Accident and Emergency. “You have saved my life,” he said along the road, “you are my Italian mother!” He was diagnosed with cranial trauma and three broken ribs, and admitted into hospital. As he didn’t have the clothing he needed, I went to buy some for him. On my return, someone asked me why I was going to so much effort for a stranger, and for a thief at that! I replied without hesitation, «I’m a Christian and it’s my duty to help a neighbour who is less fortunate than myself». Anna Maria – ItalyA bessing denied G.’s life ended in the most shameful and miserable way, following a night of alcohol and prostitutes. At that was not all. The night before he died, he had taken his fifteen year old son into this dark world to, as he said, teach him how to “be a man”. When I was called to bless his dead body, I immediately responded that he did not deserve the Church’s blessing. I felt I was doing the right thing in the name of justice and in order to give a good example. However, afterwards I didn’t feel at peace in myself. I thought of the man’s widow and children. Was I right to deny them this small comfort? Didn’t I only know the man’s story superficially? And yet I had set myself up as his judge, in the place of God. After a sleepless night, I made a decision. I went to visit the man’s family, to ask their forgiveness and to make arrangements for a Mass for the repose of the soul of their loved one. Maybe this gesture brought a little peace to them. E. P. – ItalyAquiline nose Among my group of friends, we always talk about things like fashion and make up and so on. One day, one of the girls started mocking me, saying I had an “aquiline” nose. This made everyone laugh. I rushed away, feeling humiliated and I stayed in a bad mood for days. My family saw the state I was in, but nothing they could do could make me feel better. Then one evening my sister invited me to go with her to a meeting of people who base their actions on the Gospel. I agreed and when I got there, I felt as if I had entered another world, one in which important things really had value and not just banalities like the shape of a nose or of a dress. Since then, I have experienced profound peace within me. I now feel truly myself. C. K. – Poland
“The influx of immigrants at the border is growing by the hour. The economic crisis that is bringing the country to its knees brings pain both to those who stay and those who decide to flee.” The words of Silvano Roggero, a Venezuelan and son of Italian immigrants, show the drama that an entire people is living through. For the last three years he’s been living in the Focolare center in Lima, Peru. “Despite enormous difficulties caused by the sudden and unexpected entry of hundreds of thousands of people, the neighboring countries, with the usual generosity of these lands, are attempting to take them in. I have personally witnessed one of the many dramas that today’s ‘humanity at the periphery’ is living through. “Just yesterday the director of a school in the peninsula of Paraguaná, in the north of Venezuela, wrote to me. Something different is happening in the office there: a number of parents have come to withdraw their children. They have been forced to leave.” It’s an exodus of biblical proportions, caused by an extremely serious economic and social crisis, one that is overturning the makeup of an entire country. Inflation has skyrocketed, and food, medicine and raw materials are running out. “In December 2017, Ofelia and Armando from the Focolare community in Valencia (the third-largest city of Venezuela), moved to Lima. At first they managed an early childhood center. “Then Ofelia had a dream: find somewhere to offer a preliminary welcome to the swarms of people arriving after travelling seven days over land. We’re talking about close to 300,000 Venezuelans arriving in Peru over the last year and a half! “Ofelia and others,” continues Silvano, “organized a welcome dinner in the Focolare for a small group of Venezuelans. Some already had heard of the movement, but there were some who did not know anything about our group. Our guests came from different parts of the city, some as far as an hour or two away. They find it difficult to get around in this metropolis of almost 10 million inhabitants.” It seemed like a drop in the ocean, but what motivated them was to welcome these people as if they were Jesus in person who turned up at the door. “As you can imagine, faced with their difficult situations, we did not have preconceived solutions. We had no idea where to begin even, although what we could do was offer them a hot meal and listen. Chiara Favotti
On the eve of the feast of Pentecost, 19th May, the Diocese of Stockholm hosted a meeting of movements within the Catholic Church, including the Focolare Movement, the Charismatic Renewal and the Neocatechumenal Way. Over one hundred people attended. Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete et exsultate” was presented, provoking an enriching exchange among those present. During the celebratory Mass, Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm expressed how precious he considers the presence of ecclesial movements in the local Church. The Focolare community responded: “We all felt co-responsible for the meeting, and by the end of the day we were all so joyful and grateful. We think this was a sign of the tangible presence of Jesus guiding his ‘little flock’. Every year, this meeting is becoming more and more enthusiastically received, and we feel the communion among us all is truly growing”.
Ventimiglia is a “gate,” not a “border” – at least as long as France does not suspend the agreements in place that allow people to come and go. So it has become a funnel for migrants who consider Italy a stepping stone to reach destinations beyond the border.“In the past year, more than 20,000 people have come through Ventimiglia,” says Paola, a member of the local Focolare community. “It’s like adding another Ventimiglia, since our population is around 24,000 inhabitants.” A teacher at the diocesan seminary, she recalls how “between February and March 2015, the seminarians started to distribute food to the homeless at the station. As days went by, however, the homeless started to multiply.” They were seeing migrants who, after landing on the Italian coast, aimed to cross the border with France and reach other European countries. “That’s when the ‘emergency’ began, and it has not let up since. At the beginning we joined other locals to volunteer and distribute sandwiches on the street.” Collaborating with Caritas, “we contacted the Focolare community on the other side of the border, and they took turns with us, supporting us with money collected from fundraising during Monaco’s Grand Prix. “In June 2015,” she continues, “a Red Cross camp sprung up near the station. Access was limited, but a number of us could enter under HACCP and collaborate in a number of ways.” Alongside this “official” camp was another more “informal” one, right on the border with France. “Many immigrants had no documents, and seeing that the camp organized by the Red Cross required identification, many preferred staying there and trying to cross the border as fast as they could.” Then, at the beginning of October, the camp was dismantled and cleared out in a “pretty rough way.” “When the Red Cross camp was closed in May 2016, we suddenly found ourselves with more than a thousand people in town. It was an unsustainable situation, worsened by a local law that prohibits distributing food and essential goods to immigrants, which carries penalties and tickets. “Then Caritas intervened to mediate. That’s how we started welcoming people at the Church of Sant’Antonio. By day it was a church; by night, a dormitory. Families with children and the most vulnerable were hosted in the church – the pews were moved and we brought covers, and then in the morning we would clean it all up.” In July 2016 a new Red Cross camp was opened outside the city for men. Women and children continued to be hosted in church. “In 2017 a seemingly infinite influx of minors began, and most of them stayed along the Roya River. The local prefect asked the Red Cross to open up a section of the camp for them. “In the meantime, there were continual sweeps, with hundreds of immigrants boarded on to buses for Taranto in Southern Italy. Yet just days later they were back again. “The fact is,” she explains, “that these people want to reconnect with relatives in other countries, and this is why they are ready to do anything. It’s from here that they can try to cross the border. There are some who have tried ten times before succeeding.” The border is guarded day and night. “Unfortunately, all we are doing is fostering dependency. But they don’t need clothes or a pair of shoes. They need to exercise their freedom of self-determination, which every person should have.” Perhaps the solution could be to create a transit camp, Paola suggests, “a place where an immigrant, during the journey, can stop, find nourishment, wash, change clothes – where they can receive medical attention and legal assistance they need.” Paola calls their service “nothing at all,” but it is these details that help these travelers feel like people again. “We cook African or Arab recipes based on couscous and rice, which we learned how to mix with spices and create dishes according to their traditions. “One day we noticed that a Syrian woman bathed herself each time she came to Caritas, yet she kept putting on the same outfit. She was wearing a tunic with pants. She kept reaching into the piles of clothes, but each time she went away empty handed. “Then we understood and asked some friends from Morocco if they had some clothes in her style. Finally, she was able to change and went away happy.” Source:United World Project
“Visions of light are always beneficial, especially in a world where lights are scarce.” These were the first comments I got from Anna, who declares to be a nonbeliever, at the door of the hall which hosted the first Mariapolis of Piedmont. “Visions of light” was the title of the three days lived by over 200 people of all ages and social classes, coming from different cities of this region. Light that breaks out from moments of spirituality and sharing, and which has enlightened the burning issues of today, such as Europe, immigration, Middle East, and end-of-life and palliative treatments, alternated with programs of relaxation and excursions to regenerate body and soul. And not only all that, against the dark background of public life and economic and political uncertainty, in a climate which makes brotherhood seem like a luxury only for a few, a vision of light also enlightened the life of Bra, a city with a very ancient history, but projected towards the future. Here fraternity elevated to a political category, has been for years written in the Charter of the city. And it did not remain a dead letter. Two adolescents, with the support of power point, demonstrated actively with a slogan, 
One week before the 
Sulcis-Iglesiente is an historical region of Sardinia, characterized not only by its impressive natural beauty, but also for the story of the mine workers: a human, spiritual, cultural and environmental patrimony. It is a unique jewel in the world, which has not yet expressed its full potential, also from the economical point of view. On March 3, 2017, a conference on disarmament was held in Calgriari organized by the Domenico Mangano Scuola di Partecipazione Politica. Several residents from Sulcis-Iglesiente were directly involved, since the headquarters of the RWM Italia is controlled by the Rheinmetall bomb factory, which sells bombs to Saudi Arabia and utilized for the war in Yemen. When this became known, a committee was formed one year ago, joining the forces for a common objective: reconverting the military factory into a civilian operation. This is 
Cinzia Guaita from the Focolare Movement is one of the promoters of the project. She reports: “The work of the committee is not easy, because Sulcis-Iglesiante is a region where jobs are scarce and, the jobs that do exist are defended with pitchforks and shovels. It isn’t easy to insert a process that would bring about a change in thinking and doing things differently, which might turn out to be more risky.” “We’re a very close-knit and diverse network. Before, nobody talked about it. Now, the ethical, environmental and legal questions are widespread. There has been one cultural result, although it is a long-term process.” Where can the greatest change be seen? “Let’s take the topic of work: before, we coudn’t discuss it; whereas, now, along with work there are other topics like peace, justice – and that’s no small matter for such a poor region as ours.” You talk about confronting, but you all stress dialogue… “That’s true, we’re dialoging and we do that with everyone, because this is a problem that regards everyone and it can be resolved by looking at the problem from different points of view. Let me give you an example: We opened a table for a technical discussion with experts, to study a reconversion plan. There were technicians, university experts and others like Banca Etica, Protestant Church: The committee is a sort of laboratory, non-conclusive, the beginning of a concrete process.” 
Organized by the Catholic Church’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, the meeting coincided with the publication of the “Instrumentum laboris” of the next Synod of Catholic Bishops in October, which is dedicated to youth. This thought-provoking document includes the input of young people from around the world.. Kevin Farrell, the Dicastery’s Cardinal Prefect introduced the meeting. Msgr Carlos Simón Vázquez, delegate for the Family and Life section presented the latest developments concerning the IX World Meeting of Families which will be celebrated in Dublin from 21 to 26 August. Fr Alexandre Awi Mello, the Dicastery’s Secretary reported on the preparations for next October’s Synod of Bishops. Giovanna Guerrieri Nalin, of the Youth Office spoke about the next World Youth Day, scheduled to be held in Panama in January 2019. In the afternoon, the General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, presented the aims, the expectations, and the prospects of the upcoming Synod. 
The contribution of the Focolare Movement The Focolare Movement was among the participants, represented by a young person from Salvador, Nelson Vanegas and Focolare President Maria Voce, who reflected on how “apostolic initiatives directed towards young people in the areas of announcing the faith and of vocation, can be rooted in the characteristic experience born from the charism of unity”. Back in the 1960s young people turned to Chiara as she called for a new type of revolution, inspired by Gospel love (“Youth of the world unite!”). This has led to the development of new ways and centres of formation and witness, shaped together with the young people themselves. These cover areas such as the gift that the young and older can be for one another, the link between life and thought, the living out of fraternity to respond to the challenges and problems of today’s world. 
Nelson had participated in the presynodal meeting in March. He presented the Focolare’s youth-focused activity. “In annual summer schools of formation for young people, we cover theological and moral formation. This involves a style of accompanying the young which is in tune with Pope Francis’ suggestions. Schools of vocational discernment offer a real pathway for young people aged between 23 and 30 years, a crucial age, to face up to making definitive choices for their personal life plan”. There are also opportunities for young people to experience the link between life and study. He explained how “the University Institute of Sophia, based in Loppiano (near Florence, Italy), aims to enable the interaction of areas of knowledge through an academic project centred on the experience of a studying community. Research, ideas and life are shared not only between students from different countries and backgrounds, but also between students and academics”. Other opportunities for youth formation are offered in national and international congresses and “schools” for the Gen (the young generations of the Focolare Movement). Finally, Nelson announced the Genfest. “It is a formative experience, based on a widespread ongoing commitment to inclusion, welcoming and listening to others, which leads to true dialogue and to the construction of deep relationships. A Genfest is above all a profound spiritual experience, through which in past years, many young people have heard or reheard the call of God, to live for something great, to fulfill the last prayer and dream of Jesus”. The next Genfest is almost here: in Manila, the Philippines, 6-8 July, with the title “Beyond all borders”.
A seminar on the Journalism of Dialogue took place in Bodo-Dioulasso in 
Lough Key Forest Park is close to 2,000 acres of silence, natural paths, majestic cedars and a lake on the south coast oif Lough Key, 25 miles southwest of Sligo Town and 2 miles east of Boyle. This was the setting for a day for families organized by the Diocese of Elphin at the end of April. In collaboration with Bishop Kevin Doran, one of the promoters for the event was the Focolare Movement. “All are invited to an atmosphere full of play, sharing and friendship,” the bishop had said, “including families of other religious denominations, neighbors and friends.” The goal was to prepare for the main event with Pope Francis in the Irish capital, which will bring together families from all over the world at the end of August. The theme will be “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World.” Every three years, this international event puts the focus once again on Christian families, as cornerstones of society. Following the opening on August 21, which will be held simultaneously in all the Irish dioceses, there will be an international conference in Dublin for three days (22–24), featuring experts from various parts of the world, experiences, workshops and activities for children and teens. With the Holy Father’s arrival on August 25, there will be an immense 
As he often does, a few days ago Fr. Domenico took advantage of a few spare moments and wrote, “I don’t feel I left on my own behalf or even for the Missionary Community of Villaregia to which I belong. I feel I am here on behalf of the whole Church – on behalf of people who are not able to leave their own country for a long period of time. That is why I am writing to you so that we can be ‘missionaries together.’” He wrote a long letter that was full of detail. He said that he was fascinated by a place that was “different from what we know but where men and women have the same desires, fears, worries and hopes as everyone else.” He continued by saying, “If you change the context, you change the problems and the impact they have on life. However, every human being, irrespective of whether they live in Europe or in Africa, longs for the same thing: they want to find themselves and be happy.” He explained what had happened the previous week. At 7 am two girls had knocked on the door. One was eighteen and the other twenty years of age and they both looked really sad. They had become friends a year ago when they were receiving instruction before baptism. The older girl was three months pregnant. The father of the child had disappeared as soon as he had heard the girl was expecting a baby. In that part of the world, to be pregnant without the recognition and support of the father is seen as a serious situation. The woman is labelled as being “no good”, she brings shame to her town, she will lose her job and be rejected by everyone, even her family. In fact, the friend’s sister with whom the pregnant girl had stayed, had said, “Now either you convert to our religion (a widespread sect) or you have to leave.” The two girls had run away together, desperately looking for somewhere to stay. Crying, the pregnant girl said, “I’ve been baptised – I know Jesus. I don’t want to betray him now. What am I going to do?” She didn’t even consider the possibility of abortion or of converting to another faith just to return to her life as it had been before. At just twenty years of age, true to herself as a woman and mother, she is capable of taking responsibility for her actions even though she has no money, home, family or good reputation. Fr. Domenico said that this made him think about his own faithfulness. He said, “Obviously, with the support of the other missionary priests, I tried to help her. At the moment, she is staying with a family from the parish who have given her a room in their poor home. Other people are in contact with her own family and are trying to persuade them to welcome her back. We are covering the costs of all medical checks which must be paid by the individual. Expenses are high for someone who has nothing.” 
Domenico continues “I have begun to be good friends with Adam too. He is 23 years old. He had lost both his parents by the time he was 7 and he was brought up by a paternal uncle. He managed to continues with his studies as far as high school thanks to funding from a French NGO that operated an ‘adoption at a distance’ scheme. However, at a certain point, he had to stop because the money he had received was stolen. Thus, his hopes of studying ended. Now he lives on his own in a little house made of mud and he often doesn’t have enough to eat. His dream is to open a little office with a computer and sell stationery. He is always happy and never neglects his commitments in the parish. One Sunday afternoon, he was in the house with some other young people. When there was a pause in the conversation, he turned to me and said, ‘Why are you here? What makes a European missionary with lots of things to do in the parish – who knows people who have money, cars and beautiful homes – stay here with us? The only thing we have to offer you is a plate of corn and beans. What’s more, it is Sunday……’ Everyone was waiting for the answer. ‘You are important to God and important to me: that’s why I am here.’ One of them said, ‘OK then. If we are important, then we must celebrate,’ and he went to buy some beer.” 
“The really hot season is over now. Our house was like an oven. The sheets were roasting, the water in the taps was 50 degrees centigrade. Now we are preparing for the rainy season. One young man told me that last year the rain was so heavy that his mud hut was nearly washed away. His wife had their third child a few weeks ago. He doesn’t earn very much, he has three children and a house that is half ruined. There was nothing very positive about his situation. However, when he saw me, he shouted out, ‘You have come to see us – it’s a sign that God is with us!’ That is the beauty of the people in Burkina Faso. It’s not by chance that the name of their country means ’the land of upright people.’” http://www.cmv.it/it
We won’t collect any laurels for what we are doing but we will have a clear conscience. I can’t understand why entering into politics and working in the realms of public life means that a person automatically stops being a Christian. When someone is part of that world, they separate faith from what they do: they reduce doing apostolic works to a denial or rejection of something: today it is anti-communism, in the past it was anti-liberalism or a rejection of Luther…….Denial is valid but once stated, you must take action. Affirmation is even more important. The most essential affirmation is this: whenever I meet another person, whether it be in church, along the road or in parliament, I am meeting a brother or sister, a child of God, redeemed by his precious blood. I must love that person irrespective of class, how they are dressed or what attitude they have. I think that reducing things to denial or rejection is settling upon the absurd idea that there is a right to hate, to avoid positive social action and to impoverish the gospel. Believing that Christianity can be dressed up in such a deformed way, making hatred lawful, is the same as believing that Christianity is a lubricant for human passions of greed and murder. 
He has been a civil court judge of the Marion Court in Indianapolis since 1999, and in 2007 he was declared Judge of the Year because of his work among prisoners and drug defendants. David Shaheed is African-American and Muslim. He he shares his passion for law and 
Creation is “a shared gift, not a private possession” and taking care of it “always entails the recognition and respect of the rights of every person and every people”. These the words of Pope Francis who sent a message to the international symposium on protecting the environment which took place in Athens, on the Attic peninsula, 5-8 June, convened by the 
We immediately realized that we couldn’t start such a journey alone, but that we had to do it right away, together with other movements. That’s how the EoC working group was enriched by the presence of 
There is great satisfaction also in the 
“The influx of immigrants at the border is growing by the hour. The economic crisis that is bringing the country to its knees brings pain both to those who stay and those who decide to flee.” The words of Silvano Roggero, a Venezuelan and son of Italian immigrants, show the drama that an entire people is living through. For the last three years he’s been living in the 
On the eve of the feast of Pentecost, 19th May, the Diocese of Stockholm hosted a meeting of movements within the Catholic Church, including the Focolare Movement, the Charismatic Renewal and the Neocatechumenal Way. Over one hundred people attended. Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation 
Ventimiglia is a “gate,” not a “border” – at least as long as France does not suspend the agreements in place that allow people to come and go. So it has become a funnel for migrants who consider Italy a stepping stone to reach destinations beyond the border. “In the past year, more than 20,000 people have come through Ventimiglia,” says Paola, a member of the local Focolare community. “It’s like adding another Ventimiglia, since our population is around 24,000 inhabitants.” A teacher at the diocesan seminary, she recalls how “between February and March 2015, the seminarians started to distribute food to the homeless at the station. As days went by, however, the homeless started to multiply.” They were seeing migrants who, after landing on the Italian coast, aimed to cross the border with France and reach other European countries. “That’s when the ‘emergency’ began, and it has not let up since. At the beginning we joined other locals to volunteer and distribute sandwiches on the street.” Collaborating with Caritas, “we contacted the Focolare community on the other side of the border, and they took turns with us, supporting us with money collected from fundraising during Monaco’s Grand Prix. “In June 2015,” she continues, “a Red Cross camp sprung up near the station. Access was limited, but a number of us could enter under HACCP and collaborate in a number of ways.” Alongside this “official” camp was another more “informal” one, right on the border with France. “Many immigrants had no documents, and seeing that the camp organized by the Red Cross required identification, many preferred staying there and trying to cross the border as fast as they could.” Then, at the beginning of October, the camp was dismantled and cleared out in a “pretty rough way.” “When the Red Cross camp was closed in May 2016, we suddenly found ourselves with more than a thousand people in town. It was an unsustainable situation, worsened by a local law that prohibits distributing food and essential goods to immigrants, which carries penalties and tickets. “Then Caritas intervened to mediate. That’s how we started welcoming people at the Church of Sant’Antonio. By day it was a church; by night, a dormitory. Families with children and the most vulnerable were hosted in the church – the pews were moved and we brought covers, and then in the morning we would clean it all up.”