Jan 22, 2024 | Non categorizzato
An audience with Pope Francis on Wednesday 10 January followed by three days of reflection at the Conference on Integral Ecology at the Sophia University Institute in Loppiano. Two fundamental stages on the path of dialogue between Catholics and Marxists on important issues, beginning with peace.
Foto Giulio Meazzini
Foto Paolo Lòriga (2)
Paolo Lòriga
Full interview with Walter Baier and Franz Kronreif For more on Dialop: https://www.focolare.org/en/2023/04/17/dialop-dialogo-tra-cristiani-e-sinistra-europea-in-cerca-di-un-vero-cambiamento/ https://www.focolare.org/en/2023/08/04/la-comunicazione-in-tempo-di-guerra-un-dialogo-trasversale-per-unetica-comune/
Jan 22, 2024 | Non categorizzato
Over 10 years ago, Walter Baier and Franz Kronreif embarked on a journey between Marxists and Catholics in Vienna with the aim – bold then and bold now – of working out a shared social ethic on the basis of a cross-party project of dialogue, called Dialop, which was launched in 2014. Baier, a politician, is currently president of the European Left, Kronreif is an architect and a member of the Focolare Movement. What were the results of the conference held in the past few days for Dialop’s journey? Baier: ‘It is difficult for me to give an answer in this moment because we still have to evaluate things between us. I have read Pope Francis’ address to us several times and each time I’ve discovered something new. This means that we have to let this speech sink in and think about it carefully. Certainly, however, the meeting with the Pope opens a new chapter between the Left in Europe and the Catholic Church. The Pope spoke about the very things that move us too, namely the preferential option for the poor, the defence of Mother Earth, the rights of migrants, the right to life’. Kronreif: “What impressed me most was that the Pope really wanted this meeting with a representation from Dialop. Right from the start we saw that he felt very comfortable with our group, half Catholic, half Marxist. He spoke very freely and also built relationships by accepting questions. He urged us to continue the dialogue, because dialogue is fundamental today. He also emphasised the fight against corruption. And then he invited us to dream of a better future, because with dreams we can manage to break the mould’. Baier: ‘What happened at the Sophia University Institute in Loppiano is also very important. I think it is a new stage in the dialogue. It shows how rich the knowledge we can mobilise is. The precondition for this is that we managed to create a space in which all participants were able to express themselves. On the Marxist side, every contribution was unorthodox. If we had said these things decades ago in our socialist or communist parties, we would have been ousted’. Can you give an example? Baier: ‘How we were able to act as Marxists with the leadership of the Catholic Church is unprecedented. And then the self-criticism we began to do about our contradictions. This is only possible with the kind of dialogue we have created at Sophia. And I stress that in this experience of dialogue, the other side is able to bring out the best part of us’. What prospects have opened up with this stage at the start of 2024? Baier: ‘For me, as a politician, it is important that we succeed in mobilising society and public opinion on topics of justice, integral ecology, and above all peace. Although we should have no illusions. It is not so much a matter of speeches as a confrontation with strong powers. This requires democratic decisions and we need majorities on these issues. I think we must develop our dialogue in this direction’. Kronreif: ‘The perspective that emerged is that we have found that in our dialogue we manage to create an experience of true encounter that can be extended to other dialogues or integrate other subjects into our dialogue. By now we have such a deep-rooted and lived method and experience that we are more open to integrating other components. And it may turn out to be a useful democratic method to deal with and address certain issues in parliaments, society and public opinion, where a very wide split and radicalisation into extreme positions now prevails’.
Paolo Lòriga
Jan 18, 2024 | Non categorizzato
From January 18-25, 2024, all churches in the northern hemisphere will celebrate, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In the southern hemisphere it will take place on the Feast of Pentecost. This year the motto chosen is from the Gospel of Luke: “You shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). Locally, in each country, city, diocese, and church community, moments of prayer, conferences, round tables, and ecumenical meetings have been organized. In Rome, Pope Francis will conclude the week on Thursday, Jan. 25, together with representatives of various Christian churches with the recitation of Vespers in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. On this occasion we offer a short video documentary on the meeting of people from the Focolare Movement belonging to various Churches held on October 13 and 14, 2023. It was attended by 150 people belonging to the Movement from 15 Christian Churches: Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Churches, Anglican Church, Lutheran and Reformed Churches, Pentecostal Church and Catholic Church. It was a meeting among people who have been living the spirituality of unity for years and have responded to God’s call in the various vocations of the Movement. It was a moment of deep communion in an exchange of testimonies of life in their own Church and in the Movement, each with different forms and expressions bringing into play talents, culture, knowledge, within the horizon of a constant commitment to unity at all levels. A meeting marked by a great joy of coming together with strong bonds of unity, as in a family in which differences are valued as richness that can be known and shared to become a gift for all. https://youtu.be/Ab7gLDEeL2I
Jan 13, 2024 | Non categorizzato
From Dec. 26-30, 2023, at the International Mariapolis Center in Castel Gandolfo, Rome, was held the congress “Giving Roots of Joy. The call to be disciples-missionaries and the spirituality of communion.” It was a moment of encounter among seminarians, deacons and young priests that focused on meditation, reflection and sharing with the international participation of some groups connected via internet from Congo, Argentina and Romania. Antonio Carozza, a seminarian from Sulmona, Italy, tells us about it. 
How can we become roots of joy? This is the question Pope Francis asked us on the eve of WYD in Portugal, and which he also posed to us in the meeting for seminarians, deacons and young priests held in Castelgandolfo (Rome) from Dec. 26-30, 2023, with the intention of deepening the contribution of the Focolare Movement’s spirituality of communion, to the Church’s synodality and missionary spirit. I am experiencing for the third year in a row this appointment of the Christmas season and for the third time I was surprised by the beauty of coming together; coming from different places we found each other, met and recognized each other. It is always an exciting experience to reconfirm the beauty of our spirituality centered on unity and fraternity among all, so that it is not just a slogan but an experience, an embodied life experience. 
A moment experienced with particular emotion was the meeting with Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, who wanted to listen to our reactions on the theme she proposed this year, “Called and Sent”; we felt welcomed and listened to in our different experiences. In particular, Margaret shared with us how she felt about the outbreak of violence in the Holy Land. Strong was her invitation to witness to God’s love by making us neighbors through true words that flow from a deep inner life and the authenticity of a life lived because only those who have experienced love can love, only those who have experienced failure and forgiveness can become credible witnesses. The same love and passion emerged from the words of Jesús Morán, Co-President of the Focolare Movement. We understood how we cannot be fathers if we do not first learn to be sons; Christmas reminds us precisely of this fact, our whole life is called to be Christmas. In fact, Jesús reminded us how in pastoral commitment, to which we are all called in various capacities, we need to give birth to Jesus, and to do this we must first become like Mary. Pastoral work can only be Marian. Another highlight was the talk by H.E. Bishop Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick in Ireland, who shared with us his experience of participating in the Synod, making us understand how Synod means first of all conversion. In fact, the Synod invites us to pursue a process of conversion made of mutual listening and a renewed listening to the Gospel and the Magisterium of the Church. A special moment of grace was the participation in the General Audience of Pope Francis, who urged us to be custodians of our hearts. We heard echoed Chiara Lubich’s words, “if the heart is set on God alone, everything else falls.” With many new insights and with hearts filled with joy, we returned to our parishes and seminaries where, as disciples-missionaries, we are called to make ourselves roots of joy for others every day with the spirit that Chiara herself left us: to “make unity around us, in the environment where we are” in order to be one, to be Jesus, because his love makes us enter deeply into the hearts of others.
Antonio Carozza
Jan 11, 2024 | Non categorizzato
Father Adolfo Raggio, 95 years old, is a priest who is a “citizen of the world”. He says that when he met the spirituality of unity, which he likes to call “the Ideal,” his life changed. From a parish in a small town in Liguria, northern Italy, the roads of God led him to different countries, where in each place he gave life to people and communities who live the spirit of the Focolare Movement., In this video, he shares his journey, which still today keeps him active in serving his brothers. Watch the video (activate English subtitles) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N66bxl2KoU
Interview: Carlos Mana Voice: Giuseppe Vetri Filming and editing: Javier García
Jan 3, 2024 | Centro internazionale, Non categorizzato, Tutela minori
The Prefecture of Nanterre (France) issued an appeal for witnesses On Tuesday, 2 January, the Police Prefecture of Nanterre (France) issued an appeal for witnesses following the accusation of sexual abuse within the Focolare Movement in France by former focolarino Jean-Michel Merlin. The document states that the Prefecture is looking for ‘anyone who can provide information relevant to the investigation or who wishes to denounce facts of which he may have been a victim’. Jean-Michel Merlin,” the appeal explains, “has been accused of sexual abuse of children and adults committed over a number of years within the Focolare Movement. Many of the victims have come forward and denounced the acts committed against them. The Focolare expresses its complete availability to facilitate the work of the judicial authorities and to make this appeal known. They offer their support to the victims and their commitment to continue implementing measures to protect and safeguard children and individuals, so that the Movement can increasingly be a safe place for everyone. Anyone with information of interest to the investigation or who wishes to report incidents of which they have been a victim, in France or elsewhere, is invited to contact the French judicial authorities via the following address: appelatemoin-btpf92@interieur.gouv.fr
Jan 1, 2024 | Non categorizzato
Today, January 1st, we celebrate the World Day of Peace. On this occasion, we offer a writing of Igino Giordani (1894-1980) where he recalls how living in peace can make every day Christmas. Since Christmas is considered by most as one of the grand feasts, more sumptuous than sacred, it would be important to reflect on some of the theme aspects of this event, due to which the history of the world was cut into two sections, pre- and post-. (…)
There is an abysmal contrast between the birth of a powerful figure, as the ancient world dreamt of and the obscure birth of Jesus, ignored by many; it is a contrast which in itself characterises the infinite originality of a Christ-king born of a poor woman in a stable. (…)
The start of his revolution does not foresee arrogance, but humility, to draw the sons of God to heaven, starting from those who ate and slept on the ground: the slaves, the jobless, the foreigners, and the scum.
Liberty and love were born with that infant: his liberty is liberty of love. This is the immense discovery. Universal love that he taught aims to disperse a system of coexistence made up mostly of political power, abuse of authority, idle usury, despise for work, degradation of woman, and corrosive envy. (…)
Life, in peace, would allow us to make every day, Christmas. And this is the revolution of Christ: to make us be reborn continually against the curse of death. And so the utmost commandment is to love man, which is like loving God. Love the other to the point of giving one’s life for him.
(Igino Giordani, Christmas as a revolution, New City, Rome 1974, n.24, p.18)
Dec 29, 2023 | Non categorizzato
Following Pope Francis’ Encyclicals on care of our common home, Laudato Sì and Laudate Deum, a community in in Formia (Italy), has promoting greater energy efficiency and developed renewable forms of energy. “In some places, cooperatives are being developed to exploit renewable sources of energy which ensure local self-sufficiency and even the sale of surplus energy. This simple example shows that, while the existing world order proves powerless to assume its responsibilities, local individuals and groups can make a real difference.” (179). These are the words of Pope Francis in the encyclical Laudato Sì on caring for our common home, published in 2015. After the publication of this letter and in the light of the new apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum (4th October 2023), many communities around the world felt inspired to do something concrete for the care of the environment, to change their lifestyles and to take action against climate change. The Focolare community in Formia felt this responsibility and decided to instigate a positive change in the care of people and of the environment. At the beginning of 2023, after a short organisational process, with a varied group of entities, they started a Renewable Energy Community around a Parish in their Municipality. The purpose was to produce, consume, sell and share electricity. Their inspiration was the desire to implement what Pope Francis proposed in Laudato Sì. Referring to local communities, the Pope affirmed that they can make a real difference, “as they are able to instil, a greater sense of responsibility, a strong sense of community, a readiness to protect others, a spirit of creativity and a deep love for the land. They are also concerned about what they will eventually leave to their children and grandchildren” (179). Hence the idea of developing renewable and low-polluting forms of energy by promoting greater energy efficiency. And even more: on one hand there is a desire to give more attention to solving the environmental crisis while on the other, an effort is being made to address the difficulties that some citizens have in paying energy bills. The energy community involves a variety of partners: from the parish to families, from educational institutions to commercial activities. Bringing different entities together risks the occurrence of misunderstandings or different visions. This is why, from the outset, efforts were made to involve everyone and explain the objectives of the project so that everyone was aware of the path to be followed. For this reason there have been several meetings to understand the motivations, overcome doubts and difficulties. The local community then participated in a public tender for funds. The subsidies were specifically intended for Renewable Energy Communities. The contributions they received allowed them to launch the project.
Lorenzo Russo
Dec 24, 2023 | Non categorizzato
A Christmas that speaks of strength, courage and warmth, in a “family” which is as big as the world
All one! A goal to be reached.
One day heaven opened up, because the Word became flesh. Then He grew, taught, performed miracles, brought together His disciples, founded the Church and, before dying on the Cross, said to the Father: “May they all be one.”
He did not address His words to human beings: perhaps they would not have understood. He turned to the Father, because God is the bond of this unity, and he obtained this grace that enabled us all to be completely one.
We know that we are brothers and sisters, we know that a link binds us, but we do not act as brothers and sisters. We pass by each other without looking at one another, without loving each other. If that is the case, in what does our fraternity consist?
God (…) wants us to open our eyes and look at one another and help one another and love one another.
The fault is ours; we have forgotten what is essential. Our vision is clouded by material goods, activities, affections, personal ideas and egoism. We don’t let go of anything so as to give priority to God. God exists; yes, God does exist, but he is one of the many things in our lives. We think of him only in those moments when we need him.
As Christians, we should live in a different way. We must put God in His rightful place in our lives and put aside everything else.
And He will teach us how we should live, and He will repeat his words to us: “Love one another.”
Then many things will change. My family will become the whole of humanity, as Jesus said: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the Word of God.” And passing through the streets of this world, we will realize that people are not just people, but they are children of God. All one!! Let’s make the world become a single family, where the rule of every rule will be Love.
Chiara Lubich (from Città Nuova – no.24 – 25 December1972)
Dec 21, 2023 | Non categorizzato
A dream of peace and fraternity to be realised for all the people on earth is in the words of Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, her wish of hope for this Christmas and the New Year about to begin.
