It might have been the presence of Pope Francis and of the highest representatives of the World Lutheran Federation. It might have been the moving words of the Joint Declaration being read in the Cathedral of Lund. Or it might have been the large turnout by the people. The fact is that the success of the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reform went beyond every expectation. “Christ wants us to be one so that the world may believe,” Lutherans and Catholics proclaimed, convinced that “their way of relating with one another does have an effect on their witness to the Gospel.” The Declaration looks to the future and to daily life: moving beyond ourselves, our communities, our churches, to take action together “in service, in defence of human dignity and human rights, especially of the poor, working for justice and rejecting all forms of violence.” They agreed to work together “in welcoming the stranger and helping all those who have had to flee from war and persecution, to defend the rights of refugees and those seeking asylum.” They agreed to work together for the protection of Creation “that suffers from exploitation and the effects of insatiable greed.” The Declaration became global in its final appeal to Catholics and Lutherans of the whole world that “in every parish and Lutheran and Catholic community” they might be “courageous and creative,” completely forgetting conflicts of the past so that “the unity among us might guide our collaboration and deepen our solidarity.” The Lutheran Reform in Sweden was introduced for simply political reasons. King Gustav Vasa took control of the Church, and it was only in the year 2000 that the separation between Church and State took place. Over the course of the centuries Lutheranism acquired many characteristics that were then had a reflection on nations. But beyond the history of individual nations, today are witnessing the “Unity Reform” that is overwhelmingly desired by both the Catholic and Lutheran Church. This reform is also destined to become part of popular culture. It is founded on 5 commitments: 1) to begin from the perspective of our unity, not from the perspective of divisions; 2) to allow ourselves to be continually transformed by the encounter with the other; 3) to take concrete steps in seeking full visible unity; 4) to rediscover the power of the Gospel; 5) to offer a common witness to God’s mercy. Such commitments enable us to bear witness to the beauty of being Christians in diversity, because of the fact that what unites us is much more than what divides us. This has always been the guiding belief behind the long friendship between the Focolare and the Lutherans. Antje Jackelen, the first woman archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Sweden was interviewed by us regarding the contribution of the movements. She said that “they are ecumenical in their very design, so that with them any prejudices have already been beaten.” She also said that this week’s event “is also the result of 50 years of dialoguing and working together.” That afternoon at Malmö Arena in front of a crowd of 10.000 people, Pranita from India, Hector Fabio from Colombia, Marguerite from Burundi, Rose from South Sudan and Antoine from Syria shared their testimonies. They were able to demonstrate more than a thousand speeches the collaboration among the Churches through common efforts for the protection of Creation, social justice, children, the poor, farm workers and the victim of war. The Pope concluded: “These stories inspire us and give new motivation to our desire to be always more united. When we return home let’s take with us the commitment to do one act of peace and reconciliation each day, in order to be courageous and faithful witnesses of Christian hope.” JOINT STATEMENTon the occasion of the Joint Catholic-Lutheran Commemoration of the Reformation ( From Vatican radio)
Greatly committed to assisting the civil population martyred by war that has dragged on for five years now, last 31 October, Caritas Internationalis called for a world day of prayer for Syria. Simultaneously, Pope Francis and other religious leaders prayed together for peace in the Middle East and particularly for the Syrian people, when they gathered in Sweden for the opening of the celebrations for the 500th anniversary of the Reform. «While the people are suffering, incredible sums of money are spent to supply the combatants, and some of these countries that furnish the arms are also those that advocate peace. How can we believe in those who caress with their right hand and strike you with the left??» This was Pope Francis’s admonishment in his impelling video message in support of the campaign promoted by Caritas Internationalis. After encouraging all to live the Year of Mercy with determination, the Holy Father forcefully underlined that “peace in Syria is possible,” and invited the church groups, parishes, and communities to promote all possible awareness campaigns «to spread a message of peace, unity and hope». And added: «After prayer, let works of peace ensue».Many communities responded to the Pope’s appeal, especially the Christian community of Damascus, which gathered in prayer last Sunday, 30 October, believing in the force of prayer in asking for the gift of peace. Some members of the Focolare community who took part wrote: «We were there in the midst of a fully packed Church: the faithful of all the churches, Catholics, Orthodox and Evangelicals, the Apostolic Nuncio and some bishops. In those moments, more than ever, we felt the force of prayer, that unity is tangible, and there is strong hope that peace will soon be established. At the end of the prayer, the scouts coming from all over Syria presented some documentaries on peace in the square, and with songs, made us experience a moment of joy, with fireworks and launching of balloons.»“Syria: peace is possible,” was thus Pope Francis’s invitation to all the faithful and people of good will; and an invitation to address «those who are involved in peace negotiations so that they take these agreements seriously and commit themselves to facilitating the humanitarian aid.» And he concluded: «Let’s join forces at all levels, to make peace in our beloved Syria possible.» Consult the Caritas Syria site (http://syria.caritas.org/)where all the materials to sign up and diffuse the peace campaign for Syria are available. #peacepossible4syria
Subsequent to the congress held on 27-29 January 2017, a second edition will be held at the International Mariapolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo (Rome) on 6-8 April 2017 from Thursday morning to Saturday lunch. Arrival can be on 4th April, or the evening 5th April (for those who have requested, there is the possibility to participate in the audience with Pope Francis on Wednesday 5th April).The theme of the Congress: “Jesus Forsaken: Window of God; Window for humanity”.
Castel Gandolfo, Italy. Two congresses for adherents of the Focolare Movement, January 27-29, 2017 (Friday morning to Sunday after lunch). Arrival: evening of January 26, 2017. April 6-8, 2017 (Thursday morning to Saturday after lunch). Arrival: April 4 or 5 evening (including attending the Pope’s audience on April 5, for those who have asked). The theme of both congresses will be: “Jesus Forsaken, God’s window on the world and the world’s window on God.”
On October 22, 1991 the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church unanimously chose him to be the Archbishop of Constantinople- New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch. The newly elected Patriarch had known Chiara Lubich in the years when he was a deacon studying in Rome and in the many visits Chiara made to Istanbul on visit to Patriarch Athenagoras and Patriarch Demetrius. He was present at several of those meetings and inherited from Athenagoras his zeal for unity of the Church, which Chiara ardently longed for. Their spiritual friendship and communion grew over the years. The Patriarch visited Chiara at Gemelli Hospital in Rome and blessed her a few days before her death. In 2015 he visited Loppiano where he recieved the first “Culture of Unity” honorary doctorate from Sophia University Institute. A month later he was in Halki, Istanbul, welcoming the 34th ecumenical meeting of Bishop Friends of the Focolare. Therefore, this anniversary is also an occasion of celebration for the entire Focolare family. It is difficult to summarize these “blest 15 years” of patient, dauntless, meek and generous toil,” as Maria Voce referred to them in her message. She expressed sentiments of “gratitude to God for the gifts that He had bestowed on this Patriarch who has been an illuminated guide for His Church,” but also for “engaging many others in thought and in concrete action (…) in favour of life, the Creation, dialogue, peace and universal brotherhood.” There was great celebrating at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George in Istanbul which culminated in the Divine Liturgy. In modern Greek “efcharistó” is the word used to say “thank you.” And it seems nothing better could have expressed the thanksgiving to God for the gift that He has given to the Church and to the world in this man. In the presence of numerous metropolitans from several countries who are linked to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Apostolic Vicar Rubén Tierrablanca of Istanbul, and Mufti Dede Bektaşi from Albania – the Patriarch spoke about these years, in words full of humility and gratitude. Msgr Nicholas Wyrwoll presented a summary of the past quarter of a century under the guidance of the Patriarch: “Many things changed. Bartholomew is now overwhelmingly recognized as the Ecumenical Patriarch, a title that could not be mentioned even within the liturgy. The change in the Holy Synod was noteworthy, which is the most important governing body of the Byzantine Church. Previously the members came from all of Turkey, now they come from the entire world and alternate every six months. He was able to involve the small remaining Greek community in Turkey and the Turkish authorities in the restoration of many churches and monasteries, cherishing and preserving the Christian patrimony of that land. He has shown concern for the protection of Creation. He has collaborated with all the religions. He is a world leader that is listened to. In the homily the Patriarch underscored the importance of dialogue and of communion: “We are from different cultures, different histories, different experiences,” he stated “a common expression of the faith is not to be found with words, but with prayer in common.” He also extended warm greetings to the Mufti from Albania. He convened the Panorthodox Synod in Crete. With this Patriarch, the quest for unity within the Church, especially with the Roman Catholic Church, has gone ahead in leaps and bounds.
Maria Voce, you are the President of the Focolare Movement which is organising a meeting at UNESCO on 15th November called “Reinventing peace”. Can you tell us what we should do in the face of the “piecemeal third world war” which Pope Francis so often talks about? Is it a question of reinventing peace piecemeal and fostering practical projects everywhere, like lights shining in the darkness?The large number of small actions for peace, that those who are part of the Focolare Movement are engaged in, have value in themselves, as do those of many other people. However, they are also part of a holistic outlook and a shared vision: they seek to build universal fraternity and are directed towards “may they all be one”, which is the dream of a God [Cf John 17:221]. This outlook and goal encourage, support and help us to start again always, beyond the difficulties and in the midst of the sufferings that a commitment to peace entails. 20 years ago the founder of Focolare,Chiara Lubich, was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. On 15th November, the meeting in Paris will present the many initiatives that your Movement has undertaken to move forward towards genuine peace. What is the Focolare actually doing in the Holy Land for example; especially in Jordan, Palestine and Israel – countries that are fundamental to peace in the world – to respond to the need for peace education and which can be a source of inspiration for people of good will elsewhere?The encounter between cultures and religions which theFocolare promotes is a daily experience. It is not confined to tolerance or the simple acceptance of diversity; it even goes beyond reconciliation. It creates a new identity, so to speak, one that is broader, held in common and shared. It is a concrete dialogue that brings together people of the most varied beliefs, including non religious beliefs, and which urges them to take on real needs and to respond together to challenges in the social, economic, cultural and political spheres. It occurs in places where there are grave crises, like Syria, Iraq and the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and many other places. The same applies to the Holy Land. We share the same conviction. If there is an extremism of violence, we need to respond in a structurally different way, with an extremism of dialogue. It is a commitment which requires the greatest personal and collective dedication and it is risky, demanding and challenging. Young people, children and families are involved in this; Christians, Jews and Muslims. They seek first of all to remove the roots of misunderstanding fear and resentment from their own hearts. It is an extremism which is nourished day by day through a particular art, the art of loving. On the level of dialogue between Islam and Christianity, what do you expect from the meeting at UNESCO on the 15th November? It is only a year since the attacks in Paris that took place on 13th November 2015. What message do you wish to give concerning this? We hope it will help us all and many others to be newly and more deeply aware that God’s plan for humankind is to form one single human family; a family that is both united and varied, which presupposes diversity, but where the differences are not in opposition to each other. It is a reality to be built up precisely through the path of dialogue. Dialogue between Christians and Muslims is ever more important and necessary, as we well know; but it is not the only one. Source: Vatican Insider
Chiara Lubich with Fr Pasquale Foresi. Photo credit: Loppiano archives
How can one be sure of having really chosen God, and how can this choice be implemented in daily life? «Chiara: (…) You can be sure only of what you are living in the present: at this moment I want this will of God, and I want to meet these priests who are so dear to Mary and to God. Do I want to stay here? I do, with all my heart! What if they told me right now, “Look, Chiara, you can also choose: you could die and immediately go to Heaven with Jesus and Mary, with all our members of the Heavenly Mariapolis, and with all the saints and angels. However, this would not be God’s will but your own, so what would you choose?” I would choose to stay here with them, because I choose the will of God. (…) Ever since I started to live this way, of course I started all anew in every minute. I understood that the phrase, “the righteous man sins seven times,” means an infinity of times, because he runs away from the will of God. But we need to stay put in that, and return to doing God’s will. (…) Another experience I had by living this way, is that every act, even the smallest like washing, dressing, picking up a piece of paper, fixing something, meeting a person… everything becomes solemn and marvelous, because this is a path that all can take. And in reality it must have been Mary who suggested it, because Mary is the mother of all: priests, the laity, women and men, children, the elderly, and of everyone. She is the mother of all because she is the mother of the Church, which is why she gave us a path suitable for everyone. (…) So in such a simple path, all the children, priests, men, girls, the married people, can live. A path to sanctity has been opened and which all can access… it would suffice to want it, so that they no longer live but God lives in them. This idea is something which gives me such immense joy! I have received from Mary the secret of sanctity, a popular sanctity, and a universal sanctity for the entire people of God. For this reason, what the Council wanted was that sanctity to be open to all and not be limited to the convents, or certain categories of people, and this is the path we found. This is something extraordinary. It is one thing to say: “You can become a saint in a state of perfection” so go become a friar, a nun, etc.. But another thing altogether is to be able to say to all: there is a way for you to become a saint. Listen, you may not be able to go to Church because the circumstances do not allow you,, or you are “beyond the iron curtain” where you cannot have contact with priests. You who are in prison can also become saints by living God’s will, and losing everything: liberty if you are in prison, contact with the Church if you are “behind the iron curtain”… But you can. This is the extraordinary thing. Only Mary, and only a mother who loves all and each one personally, could have invented such a thing. Only she. I wouldn’t explain it otherwise. It is extraordinary. (…) It is also because simplicity is one of the most difficult things to understand. Because it is unity, it is mysterious. So… how can we do this? We have to choose God once, and then set ourselves along this track (…)». Chiara LubichComplete textSource:Chiara Lubich Centre
How does an organization like UNESCO serve peace? First of all, you need to remember that UNESCO belongs to the United Nations. Peace is what is at the basis of the United Nations. The scope of UNESCO’s is to coordinate international cooperation as it regards instruction, science culture, communication and, in some way, ethical application. Therefore, its basic purpose is peace, especially through dialogue among cultures. Its intergovernmental scientific program, which is dedicated to social transformations (MOST), highlights how no change may take place if it is not integrated by the different cultures. In fact, UNESCO is known for its promotion of cultural pluralism. But what is the connection between seeking unity and finding a way of making the voice of New Humanity[1] heard among the promoters of peace? If the diversity of cultures needs to be protected along with biodiversity, then where is the unity that humanity aspires to? We haven’t yet overcome this stage? In this regard, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a common basis even though it is still contested; but it still remains for us to find those common universal values that are indispensable for our global social contract. The November 15 event will allow us to reflect on all this. New Humanity’s public event at UNESCO contributes to UNESCO’s work, what we have to offer: best practices joined to deep reflection. Our NGO can help to understand how unity is the source and goal of humankind’s life.In a world torn by conflict, isn’t it a bit utopian to put any credence into one small event? It’s true that the world is going badly, but we have reason to believe in peace. The event will make visible those who make it possible. The promotion of a culture of peace will never really be able to be measured, but the way is open. I personally believe in the international organizations. They might seem to be impotent, but it is no small matter that 195 countries can come together to discuss, and that countries that are belligerent towards one another can meet in the same room. In the moment that you place yourself on a cultural plane rather than a political one, there is a more free exchange. For example, when Palestine couldn’t join the United Nations, UNESCO made it possible by placing it on a cultural plane. We hope that our event will have an impact through what has been sent to the ambassadors at UNESCO. The Acts of the event could become a reference point, an interesting cultural patrimony for researchers and for all the people of the world – and for many years to come. [1]New Humanity was granted membership among the 350 NGOs in partnership with UNESCO, in 2008.
For the first time in 500 years Pope Francis, Bishop Munib Younana and General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, Rev Dr Martin Junge, will sign their names to the invitation for the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reform in a highly significant gesture. Equally significant is the title that was chosen for the event: “From Conflict to Communion – Unity in Hope”. The event will be held on October 31st with an ecumenical service at the Cathedral of Lund, followed by a public ceremony at Malmö Stadium in Sweden.The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (1999) was already a milestone for Catholic-Lutheran ecumenical dialogue, an important historical document that this year will serve as the theological basis the search of unity in the one Church of Christ. There has been a long history of friendship between the Focolare Movement and Lutherans. It was precisely the encounter with them that made Chiara Lubich realize that the spirituality that God had entrusted to her was not meant only for Roman Catholics.The history: On January 14, 1961, Chiara Lubich had been invited to speak about the spirituality of unity to the Lutheran Sisterhood of Mary. Among the listeners were several Lutheran pastors, including Klaus Hess and his wife Amalie, founders of the Brotherhood of the Common Life inGermany. A few months later the Hess couple visited Rome to know more about the Focolare Movement and the Catholic Church. On May 24, 1961, Chiara founded “Centro Uno” for the unity of Christians and, in June 1968 she inaugurated the Ecumenical Centre at the permanent Mariapolis in Ottmaring, Germany. Meanwhile the Focolare spirituality was being welcomed by bishops, Catholics, Evangelicals and Lutherans in East and West Germany. The spirituality of unity was also spreading in Sweden, and more than half the people at the Mariapolis were Lutherans. In 1982 bishops from different Churches began to attend the Movement’s annual gatherings for Catholic Bishops Friends of the Focolare. In 2015 there were 6 Lutheran bishops from three countries at the Focolare meeting for bishops in Constantinople. In 1988, Chiara was awarded the Augsburg Peace Prize. In 1999, she was an invited guest at the historic signing of the Joint Declaration on Justification in Augsburg. She was invited to compose a prayer that she recited at that solemn celebration. In 2003, the then Lutheran bishop of Munich, Johannes Friedrich, visited the Internationals Centre of the Focolare Movement with a delegation. Chiara spoke to them about Jesus Forsaken: “He presented himself (…) as the model to be imitated in every trial and especially in the pains of disunity; (…) [Jesus] Forsaken is also [the] light for recomposing full visible unity”[1]. In 2009, Focolare president Maria Voce was invited to the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Joint Declaration. Since she will not be able to attend the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reform, she will be represented by Friederike Koller and Ángel Bartol who are the Central Delegates of the Work of Mary.
It was the first time that this international meeting was held in three installments for: the Americas and Oceania; Asia, Africa and the Middle East; and Europe. The gatherings were held one after the other and were attended by the delegates of the zone, people who are following than one nation or territory and some councilors. Some 90 people attended each gathering, men and women representing numerous communities that are working at promoting the spirit of unity around the world. They were welcomed by Focolare president Maria Voce who expressed gratitude to God for this harvest event and the life that has been generated by the charism of Chiara Lubich. She also introduced the spiritual theme for the year ahead: the mystery of Jesus Forsaken as the Key to Unity. “Jesus came to the earth,” she recalled, “to take on all the sufferings of humanity and to ensure that with Him it would be possible to pass from Cross to Resurrection.” There was much sharing during the three days of intense work. It began with a discussion on the needs of young people in today’s world in the Americas and Oceania with its social and technological development but left with many spiritual needs. Other regions seemed to be in need of strategies for nurturing true values. “But it was not a matter of figuring things out sitting around a conference table,” Ray Asprer explained, “but of developing an awareness that the Holy Spirit will suggest what today’s society needs to get from the charism of unity.” “In Oceania,” Vania Cheng added, “we need to get closer to the Aboriginal populations and face up to the challenge of secularization. From there we can move on to bravely sowing the seeds of the Gospel that spread on their own.” “Even though there are many challenges,” said Gabriela Melo from Latin America, “our communities live communion and reciprocity. And this grows the faith that a united world is not a utopia.” The gathering among the three major regions of Africa, Asia and the Middle East was quite significant, each with its own particular problems, especially the Middle East where they are going through a drama that seems to have no answers. Precisely in the region where Jesus lived and died, it is necessary to not only support the people, but also defend the “culture of the Resurrection.” “Regarding Africa,” Joseph Assouad remarked, “the great value of inculturation was highlighted. These peoples have long been on the journey towards Truth, and we must not go there thinking that we are starting from zero!” Roberto Catalano spoke about the Asian continent, saying that it had much to offer the world regarding social and political life. He also underscored the importance of interreligious dialogue in the Asian region and the contribution offered by the Focolare School of the Great Religions in Philippines. Finally, there was Europe, from Siberia to Portugal. The world is waiting for unity from this continent, human and spiritual values, an ability to dialogue especially with Islam which is coming more and more into view in so many regions. Severin Schmit stated: “Above all, the world is waiting for Europe to find a dignified solution for the refugees.” The challenges are many: secularization, Relativism and the new generations. They deserve answers and proposals that are the result of communion amongst the geographic regions of the continent. “These problems,” Margherita Karram said, “have stimulated growth, motivation and greater creativity, building a network among many people in Italy, for example, where they have taken action in welcoming.” Many new insights and answers emerged from the meetings and much motivation. Everyone left certain of the need to trust and be open to others as Pope Francis suggests, because this will open new and unimagined paths. Focolare co-president, Jesús Morán, recalled: “Jesus told Mary Magdalene to go and inform her brothers and sisters that He would go before them to Galilee. What is Galilee? Galilee is the world outside the Holy City, outside the walls of Jerusalem, outside the walls where Jesus died. It’s the world. Jesus goes before us there, he speaks to us there – in the world.”
In jail “I had some problems with this guy and both of us ended up in jail. We were enemies and there was no room for any understanding between us. But when I learned a bit more about Jesus’s teaching on love, I thought about this ‘enemy’ of mine. How could I love him? The thought came to my mind that I could share some of the food that my family brings to me, because none of his family members ever brought food to him. We’re good friends now. Another experience regards the only food container I owned. It was stolen from me and I knew who did it. I went to that person, but he refused to give it back. I didn’t know what to do. I went back to my cell and read the Gospel which is always my point of reference now. I came across the New Commandment. There’s the answer! Right away with all my heart I decided to never think about that food container again. Loving is more important.” (D. J. – Nigeria)The Coffee Maker “We all use the coffee maker at work, but no one ever cleans it and sets it up again. They’re used to having me do that. One day one of my colleagues approached me after a cup of coffee. She asked why I was always so benevolent towards others. I told her it wasn’t so much trouble and that I was the only one who could do it for them. She answered: ‘You’re telling me something important. I always complain that my husband leaves a mess after himself and I should rather begin to do what he doesn’t.’ From then on there was a higher atmosphere at work.” (R. C. – Spain)That son we didn’t know “We were always able to talk and offer moral support to our first son. But with his brother who had a strong character it had always been difficult. Having a teenage boy who didn’t want to communicate created a bad feeling in all of us. Then, he didn’t try at school and teachers were always complaining. My husband and I looked for a common way for us to reach our son. We encouraged each other in loving him as he was, always highlighting his positive qualities even though he seemed like someone we didn’t know. Meanwhile we continued to pray and to knock on Heaven’s door so that God might guide us in the difficult task of parenting. Then came an idea: change school. It worked! Ever since then our son has changed in a positive way. He’s always willing to help out in the house. He’s doing quite well in school and has gone back to church. We’re all enjoying a breath of fresh air.” (B.S. – Switzerland)
We can learn Paul’s secret. We can do all things when we discover the constant presence of Jesus inour lives and work in partnership with him. There are moments when we feel happy, full of strength and everything seems light and easy. At other times we are afflicted by difficulties that make our days bitter. These can be the result of tiny failures in loving the people around us or our inability to share our ideal of life with others. Or we can be hit by illness, money troubles, family problems, inner doubts or trials, loss of work, the effects of war, which crush us and seem to have no let-up. What is especially burdensome in these things is feeling ourselves forced to face the trials of life alone, without support from someone who can give us the crucial help we need. Few people like Paul have experienced such intense joys and pain, successes and lack of understanding. And yet confronting all risks he managed to carry on with his mission, without giving in to discouragement. Was he a superhero? No, he felt himself weak, fragile, inadequate, but he had a secret, one he shared with his friends in Philippi: ‘I can do all things through him who strengthens me.’ In his own life he had discovered the constant presence of Jesus. Even when everyone had forsaken him, Paul did not feel alone. Jesus stayed close by. He it was who gave Paul security and urged him to go on, to face every hardship. Paul’s secret could be ours too. I can do all things when I too recognize and welcome in my pain the mysterious closeness of Jesus who almost identifies himself with my suffering, taking it upon himself. I can do all things when I live in a communion of love with others, because He comes into our midst, just as he promised (see Mt 18:20), and I am supported by the strength of unity. I can do all things when I welcome and put into practice the words of the Gospel; they make me perceive the road I am called to follow day by day, teaching me how to live and giving me confidence. I will have the strength to face not only my personal trials, or those of my family, but also those of the world around me. So appalling are the problems of society and the nations, that this could seem naïve, something utopic, and yet it is true that ‘all things’ are possible for us with the presence of the Omnipotent – ‘all things’ and only things, that are the good which He, in his merciful love, has decided for me and for others through me. And if these things do not come about immediately, we can carry on believing and hoping in God’s plan of love that spans eternity and will be fulfilled anyway. All we have to do is work in ‘partnership’, as Chiara Lubich taught: ‘“This may be a case when I can do nothing for that person who is sick or in danger, or for that complicated situation… Well then, I will do what God wants of me in this moment: study well, sweep well, pray well, take care of my children well… And God will see to the untangling of that knot, comforting the one who is suffering, sorting out that unexpected event.” It is a work in a partnership of perfect communion, which demands from us great faith in God’s love for his children and which makes it possible, through our action, for God himself to have trust in us. This mutual confidence works miracles. We will see that what we could not do, Someone else has done, and has done it far better than us.’1
“We have always wished to have a larger family”, Corrado and Elisabetta Ferri told us. But when one has five kids, aged 10 to 21, enlarging the family takes on a different meaning: it implies opening one’s heart to the problems of the world, and certainly with a bit of sacrifice. Corrado and Elisabetta have been married for 24 years, and in seeing their children grow in an atmosphere of love which only the family can give, wanted to help those who have never experienced that love. “That’s why,” they said, “the minute our economic conditions allowed it, we signed up for one of the ‘Adoptions at a Distance’ projects of the New Families Association and welcomed Athiphong, a Thai child.” After about 20 years of support and intense correspondence, Athiphong, now an adult, has found a job and thanks to the studies achieved, can now support his new family and also the original one. “One year we managed to round off the sum we sent to support him, which was not much in reality. But it was moving to learn that the small extra sum allowed Athipong’s family to have the interior of their modest home cemented, to the admiration and pleasure also of their neighbours.” Now that Athiphong is independent, the Ferri family has decided to support a Thai girl. Having lived this experience and being raised in an ambience where solidarity and sharing is concrete, the children of Corrado and Elisabetta decided to put together all their savings obtained from festivities and birthdays of each one, and assign them to a new support project. This led to the arrival of Maleta, a splendid Congolese child. “What a surprise and how much amusement when some Christmases ago, we received the usual letter with photo, in which Maleta, together with a nice group of peers, showed off the T-shirt of the Italian Soccer team of which our family is a fan.” So all distances are bridged by family bonds and all share vicissitudes, even the painful ones of Maleta who transferred to another city with an aunt, accompanied by the remembrance and prayers of his parents, brothers and sisters far away. “Now our children are supporting little Nzata together.” To continue this extraordinary chain of solidarity is the second-born, Edoardo. After graduating with maximum grades, he participated in a contest. He won the first prize which was quite a big amount: “All of us in the family,” recounted Corrado and Elisabetta, “were so proud of him and the excellent results obtained with great effort, that we insisted he put aside the sum for himself since he deserved it. But without thinking twice, some days later and to our surprise, he told us that he would willingly assign the sum to a child of his own, as a new support for a distance project. And so our family welcomed a little girl from Jordan.” And they concluded with conviction: «We believe that this open heart did us and our children a lot of good, and that love when given always returns with generosity.»
In school, the boys and girls use tree trunks as chairs and use their laps as desks. This all happens on the Isle of Idjwi in the middle of Lake Kivu, on the eastern side of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Because of its secluded location, it has been used as a platform for the secret movements of various military troops in the recent conflicts that have affected the country. On the island, many services are lacking such as the supply of electricity and transport. The population moves from the island to the mainland mainly by pirogue which, because of its instability, causes many deaths by sinking or drowning, leading to an extremely high mortality rate. The data gathered shows that in a family of five there is at least one widow or an orphan. The island’s economy is based on farming and fishing. In particular, beans, cassava, peanuts, soy beans and coffee are cultivated. There is also a consistent breeding of chickens, goats, turkeys and pigs. In the last years, however, agricultural production has diminished, among the many reasons for which was the deterioration of soil quality, poor training of farmers, and the absence of seeds and varieties that are more resistant to diseases. Given the economic situation, many young people on the island do not have jobs and career prospects. The four parishes there try to respond to the needs of the local population. Specifically the Bumpeta parish in the northern part of the island that counts about 76,000 inhabitants has been very active in running the primary and secondary schools, and for this has received an award from the Congolese state. Because of the population’s active participation in promoting the schooling of the island’s children and youths, AMU has initiated a project that focuses with conviction on the future of the country, and aims to support the parish of Bumpeta by furnishing the equipment of the Cikoma Institute. It is a high school specialized in pedagogical and social sciences that train the future teachers of the island. It is thus a school that looks to the future but that has to tackle the current backward conditions, and a population that is struggling to rise above poverty. The school is attended by about 900 boys and girls, divided into 14 classes. In some there are makeshift desks, in others practically everything is lacking. The project will chiefly equip the school with the 308 missing desks. Currently many students still use tree trunks as chairs and their knees as desks with the consequence of a serious deterioration in their posture. The desks will be built by a Congolese carpentry shop and in this way the project will help support the local production activities. The population of Bumpeta takes active part in carrying out the project and will primarily take charge of transporting the desks on the Island. Source: AMU online
Sensitive to social problems, as a youngster in Portugal, Paulo fought poverty and human degradation in Lisbon’s poorest quarters. Unwilling to tolerate such inequality, he decided to fight with a group of extremists but soon realized that he couldn’t go along with everything they stood for. Still open and in search of answers he distanced himself from them. He met some young people from the Focolare and learned that they also wanted a revolution, the revolution of the Gospel that leads you beyond yourself and your comforts and places you at the service of others. This process led Paulo to make an even more courageous decision. When he finished his studies in economy, he felt called to leave everything and become a disciple of Jesus and, after a period of formation, he entered a focolare community as a consecrated member of the Movement.In 1977 he was transferred to Africa: first to Nairobi, Kenya and then to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Paulo shared joys and sorrows with his new brothers and sisters, challenges and enthusiasm as well as the love and wisdom that the Congolese so much appreciated in him. On one feast day they compared him to the hummingbird, a totem symbol that represented the joy of living, likeability, the ability to adapt and to know how to respond quickly to stimuli, resilience and the light-heartedness that is able to outdo negativity. Paulo managed to enculturate himself so well with the African people that he became a true son of Africa. It was as a son of Africa that the people of Congo wished to honour him and bid him farewell as they learned of his sudden death on September 12, 2016. Masses, periods of mourning and prayer vigils were held in several parts of Congo while the funeral was being celebrated in Portugal. “We wanted to testify to all that Paulo had shown us in his life,” they write from Kinshasa. “Therefore, after the Masses that were celebrated in several places in Congo, on the weekend we continued, not weeping over Paulo, but celebrating with Masses of thanksgiving and testimonies. It is what is required by Congolese culture. We bid him farewell with dance, a typical drink and a small cake. In Kinshasa the ceremony was held on the campus of the Petite Flamme School, one of the social projects that Paulo had taken part in. After several testimonies, a traditional ceremony took place in which he was added to the list of the ancestors. A hole was made in the earth – which is usually made in front of the departed person’s home – and some palm wine was poured in as the following words were pronounced: “Here we all are to thank you for the time we spent together. And since you lived according to the teachings of the ancestors, behold, our clan now takes you as a model. We promise to live as you lived. We know that you have reached the village of the ancestors. We ask you to come now and share in this palm wine with us as a sign of our good memories. We hail you and ask you to greet all our dear ones that are in the village of the ancestors.” “How is it possible not to hear in these words an ancient expression that hearkens the communion of saints…” asked the focolalrini from Congo. “… an expression of the ancient wisdom that harks back to the communion of saints that joins earth to Heaven … and the love that continues to join us after death?” Paulo was so deeply enculturated with the Congolese that they wished his final farewell to be an expression of ancient traditions and the Gospel. Love prevailed over the fact that a strong young man should die – which is traditionally a sign of evil manoeuvring because of that man’s enmity, his guilt that had to be avenged.” The words of one couple were particularly meaningful: “With your arrival there above we feel that we’re not poor anymore; on the contrary, we’ve become even stronger. You were truly close to all of us, a true apostle of unity, a great seeker of God that knew where to find Him: in your sisters and in your brothers.”
October 23rd will mark the 60th anniversary of the 1956 uprising. This anniversary holds strong memories for the Focolare, especially for one of its main branches: the Volunteers. But are the ideals of the 1956 uprising linked to something that belongs to the past, to the story of Hungary? Or should the 60th celebrations be an opportunity to renew and to put into action those values for which thousands of people gave their lives for? Here is a glimpse into historical facts related through the personal testimonies of those who have kept up their Christian commitment to society and who are faithful to the most genuine values pursued in 1956, starting off from the evangelical choices that they made. Videos with subtitles (select language) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-m85VMcI8g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpxqy-fYHc8
https://youtu.be/_fE7VtbWsbA Toward a Unity of Nations and a Unity of People
“I am honored to be here in the United Nations, this worldwide organization which brings together 185 member States, “united” for the main purpose of “maintaining international peace and security”.
This purpose, as stated in its charter, is pursued through respect for the fundamental rights of persons and nations, economic collaboration among all countries and the social development of each nation. Its activities have been aimed at eliminating the many scourges afflicting humanity: war, the arms race, the denial of the fundamental freedoms of each member of the human family, as well as hunger, illiteracy, and poverty.
This, we know, is the new concept of “peace and security” that has been entrusted to the United Nations: peace no longer intended as the absence of war, but as the result of conditions which generate peace.
It is therefore an organization deserving of our praise. And not only does it have the approval of the world community; it also has heaven’s blessing, if we believe the statement of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God” (Mt. 5:9).
I come to you today, representing a Movement which is actively present in practically all the nations of the world. And although it is much smaller and less well- known, it still has something in common with this great and celebrated organization.”
The first initiative of the Evangelii Gaudium Centre, created in Loppiano (Florence) to become the “Church that goes out,” is a qualification course in collaboration with the Sophia University Institute entitled, “Wake up the world.” This compelling slogan describes precisely Consecrated Life that will “Wake up the world,” in which consecrated persons with their radical choice of life, concur to restore true fraternity and communion in the world. It is the story of Fr. Antonio Guiotto in Sierra Leone: a Xaverian missionary. He had adhered to the spirituality of the Focolare ever since he was a student, and is now celebrating his 50th anniversary of priesthood, most of which was spent in the African country, and out of which around ten years (1991 to 2001) were in the frontline of a terrible civil war which terrorized and devastated Sierra Leone. And though like other foreigners he could have returned home, Fr.Antonio decided to remain in Kabala to share with its people all the events, helping them to continue believing in God’s immense love, despite everything. Very soon, he and Fr. Carlo, a congregation brother who also lived the Focolare spirit, created a small group that tried to live the Gospel and share their life experiences: a flicker of hope that lit up amid so much hatred and violence. But also Kabala was invaded by the rebels, and so the two religious – foreigners, and easy prey to kidnappers – took refuge in the woods. Despite the dangers, his people helped them with food and water, and in turn were supported by the light and hope which the two religious instilled in all. When there was no longer any imminent danger, they opened their homes since the missionary house had been completely destroyed. The family that hosted them shared the little they had, and the two religious gave a hand in the house and with the children. After a month, the couple asked to become Christians and for the children to be baptized. In the meantime, however, the situation started to worsen again. Squads of rebels roamed all over Sierra Leone and the two Fathers had to move to Freetown. It was a forced transfer which became an occasion to sow the Gospel also in the capital. In 2000, an attempted coup d’etat further put their lives at risk, so much so that the Italian Ambassador decided to transfer them immediately to Guinea on a small plane. Despite these adversities, the spirituality of the Focolare transmitted with their lives, progressed in great leaps. The minute they could, a three-day Mariapolis was organized with 170 people, among which was also the Bishop of Makeni. «I can truthfully affirm – wrote Fr. Antonio – that the promise of Jesus that “Whoever has left their home, brothers and sisters, father or mother, children or field in my name, will receive the hundred fold,” had fully come true. In my mission I found that fathers, mothers, brothers and the hundredfold in this life was a deposit for that which would come. New Christians were born, many couples were married in church, and new Focolare communities arose in Freetown, Makeni, Kamabai, Kabala, and also in the remote villages. New churches and Catholic schools were built. After a period passed in Italy, the Lord has now granted me the grace to return to my beloved Sierra Leone to continue to give my life for my people.» From October 2016 to March h 2017, the course of the Evangelii Gaudium Centre addressing educators, tutors and students of missionary pastoral theology, will provide monthly, a two-day session during which the lesson will alternate with practice exercises, in order to become – as the brochure says – “experts of communion” who like Fr. Antonio, “wake up the world.” The October session concluded with around 20 enrollees, and the second will take place from 13 to 15 November. The course directors are two personages of great academic experience in Rome: Sr. Tiziana Longhitano sfp*, Rector of the Pontifical Urbania Universityand Fr. Theo Jansen ofmcap*, Professor of the Pontifical Antonianum University. *For info and course enrollment in Loppiano “Wake up the world”: Sr. Tiziana cell. +39.329.1663136, Fr. Theo cell. +39.338.6845737.
Selfless giving and receiving was the experience of theYouth for a United World from Managua, Nicaragua, during their visit to the small Focolare community of La Cal, a village that rises 1200 metres above sea level near the coffee capital of Jinotega. Armed with some bags of clothing, food, medicinals and toys that were all gathered by the community in Managua, they reached Jinotega after a 3-hour bus ride. Then they drove for 8 km in a pick-up until the road became too rough to travel on. It was still another kilometre and a half through a forest fraught with stones, crevasses and deep slopes that made the trek impossible even for the horses, and the young people had to continue on foot. “You could never imagine the wonderful welcome we received,” the young people report. The village of La Cal was in unstable condition. Its wooden houses teeming with children were without electricity, running water or medical supplies. There was a small shop in the village with some basic relief-items, a small school with one classroom, one teacher and a tiny chapel for when a pricst arrived for Mass. If not for the solar panels that were recently installed, the whole village would be in complete darkness. There were also two medical doctors with the Youth for a United World. One of them, a dentist who began the day with a presentation on oral hygiene to thirty children who so happy to use a tooth brush and toothpaste for the first time in their lives. At lunchtime one family wanted to offer some very warm and delicious tortillas, as the young people gathered the small children for games. In the afternoon presentations were offered for adults on parasite prevention. The very intense day concluded with a reading of the Word of Life, a deep spiritual moment that enveloped everyone. We were all very moved when an elderly man wished to give his blessing to the young people. This was followed by the distribution of goods that the young people had brought for them. They were offered an ex-chicken coop to sleep in that night. “It was so moving for us,” they write, “to spend the night in an ex-chicken coop just like the men in the first focolare whose house was an ex-chicken coop. In the morning, after a good breakfast that had been prepared by the women of the village, we were invited to return again soon and left for Jinotega. We went to the cathedral to thank God for the experience that had changed us so much, that had allowed us know such generous people who live their daily struggle with such dignity and joy of knowing God’s immense love for them – and for having had constructed in the midst of those mountains another small piece of universal brotherhood.”
The objective of the convention to be held in the Mariapolis Centre at Castel Gandolfo (Rome), is to review the professions or activities of magistrates, lawyers, chancellors, prison staff and law enforcers, and discover the path to be pursued together to achieve justice, involving all the “actors” of the multifaceted relationships involved. On Saturday afternoon, there will be separate sessions according to professions or work fields, developed to help these pathways: magistrates coordinated by Dr. Gianni Caso, President Emeritus of the Court of Cassation Section; lawyers coordinated by Atty. Orazio Moscatello of the Court of Bari and Dr. Fiorella Verona of the Court of S. Maria Capua Vetere; court personnel coordinated by Concetta Rubino, Chancellor in the Court of Naples; prison staff coordinated by Dr. Sebastiano Zinna, former director of the UEPE in Rome and Dr. Salvatore Nasca, Director of UEPE in Florence; and law enforcers coordinated by Dr. Pasquale De Rosa, former official of the Ministry of Defence. The convention is undergoing accreditation procedures by the Council of the Lawyers’ Roll of Velletri (Rome) for the recognition as a professional development course. Program Enrolment and bookings open up to 15 November 2016: prenotazioni@comunionediritto.orgEnrolment form
The International Day for the eradication of Poverty was commemorated on 17 October. It was instituted by Father Wresinki in 1987, when he organized a great human rights demonstration in Paris. Poverty is manifested in various ways, incarnating situations, places and entire populations. We will never get used to the fact that there are human beings who cannot enjoy a life worth living. In winter the Youths for a United World of Slovenia dedicate themselves – among other activities – to organising “Summer jobs,” in a summer work camp: in pursuit of the needs of the place, to make various contacts with the mayors, bishops, parish priests and persons of a given locality, to see how they can give their own contribution during summer, to help people in need. This year, in collaboration with the local Caritas association, people and families who needed very concrete help were sought out. They organised an end-of-summer event from 15 to 20 August in Vrbje, a small village close to Celje. This third edition saw the opening of nine work sites. About 40 people dedicated themselves, seven hours a day, to many activities such as work in the fields, renovation of the courtyard of a house, construction of a chicken coop, restructuring of a disabled woman’s home, preparing aid for the population of Macedonia struck by floods or whitewashing the house of a woman living in miserable conditions. This was all a specific way of putting fraternity into practice, weaving deep relationships with the local folks, and restoring to many, that dignity they often feel to have lost. The decision to share some of the situations and try to bring relief to those who live at the outskirts of society is a demanding choice which requires time and energy, but it is above all the choice to give of oneself that started up the initiative. Some of the participating youths wrote about their deep impressions: «It was precisely the more difficult jobs that made us understand how most of the time, relational problems lie at the roots of poverty. For example, with a woman, even if our work had already been defined, we spent more time on the first day, only in getting to know each other, so she could trust us. Only later did she allow us to work on her apartment which needed all sorts of things». There was a lot of time for listening, speaking with many and having an exchange of experiences, worries, and future projects. All this came about in an atmosphere in which all helped each other in utmost readiness, and as a consequence, with the fullness of joy. But the Summerjob did not only consist in work: in the evening everyone shared the experiences lived during the day, and these were solemn, engaging moments that bound and united the participants more and more. Other impressions were: «Upon saying goodbye on the last day with the “employers” we suggested having coffee together to see the photos of the summer camp. It was a mystery what we managed to build in just four days. It was a really impressive moment! Just to think that in the end, the person who receives more is always the one who gives with joy. See the page on facebook of the Summerjob Slovenia 2016
Representatives of the Brazilian Methodist Church and the Baptist Church of the Philippines will also attend. The head moderator will be Cardinal Francis X. Kriengsak Kovithavanij, Archbishop of Bangkok.The theme chosen for this year: “Jesus crucified and abandoned as the basis of a spirituality of communion,” in an atmosphere of fraternal communion and reconciliation, in the context of the 500th anniversary celebration of the Reform. The meeting’s agenda will include theological and spiritual discourses in the light of the spirituality of the Focolare, liturgical celebrations of the various Christian traditions and many sessions of exchange and communion among the participants. Moreover, they will visit the Dachau concentration camp and some important sites of the Reform. An important moment will be the ecumenical rite in the Church of St. Anne in Augsburg on 26 October. The celebration will focus on the memorial of the “Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification” with which the Catholic Church and the Worldwide Lutheran Federation had put an end to mutual judgements and anathemas. On Thursday, 27 October, the bishops will be received by the Mayor of Augsburg, Dr. Kurt Gribl.
The wars which for too many years have been devastating continents that are only sea distance away from Europe have come into our home, and now terrorism has become the last frontier. And it is in France, one year after the terrible massacre at the Bataclan that the challenge of peace is being relaunched. On 17 December 1996, in Paris,Chiara Lubich received the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education in recognition for a life spent in the dissemination of a culture of unity and peace and the formation of thousands and thousands of people of every race and latitude. The Focolare Movement has been present at UNESCO through its New Humanity NGO. The General Management of UNESCO and the Holy See’s Permanent Observer wished to reaffirm and testify to their commitment to unity and peace by proposing a day of reflection and testimony in five areas: Education, the Common Good, Justice, Ecology and Art. Theme of the eventLast April, at the United Nations in New York, Maria Voce proposed focusing on radical dialogue in the search for peace. She was speaking at a debate on the promotion of tolerance and reconciliation: “[Dialogue] is risky, demanding, challenging, aimed at severing the roots of misunderstanding, fear and resentment.” The challenge of dialogue is timelier than ever. It is the starting point for creating the mosaic of peace, one day at a time, one tile at a time. It is the way to build a planet where there is a mutual recognition of identity and diversity, the mending of the social fabric, new attention to the needy, to justice, to human dignity and to sharing the world’s goods. The very word peace draws its deepest meaning from its Sanskrit root pak, which means join, unite. Committing oneself to reinventing peace means creating connections that will require the involvement of human, intellectual and institutional resources. It means calling upon the world economy, international law and peace education at all levels. It means valuing cultural diversity, that is, the invaluable identity of every people. It means equipping the new generations for a culture of dialogue and encounter. It means facing up to the refugee crisis concretely. It means protecting the environment, opposing corruption and promoting the rule of law at every level. It means halting the increase in military spending and the arms trade. It means coming up with a new security plan, stability and cooperation for the Middle East. Program and speakersThe event will be attended by members of the diplomatic world, experts on international relations and the peace process and representatives from New Humanity and the Focolare Movement. The first session, titled Chiara Lubich, Peace Education, will be introduced by representatives from UNESCO and by Msgr Francesco Follo, Permanent Observer of the Holy See. This will be followed by presentations from Maria Voce and Jesús Morán, president and co-president of the Focolare Movement. The second session – Five paths for peace education on five continents – will carry on with examples of best practices from around the world. In the afternoon there will be an open session titled Dialogue, the remedy for the world’s problems, which will be opened by former Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, and current president of the Jacques Delors Institute. Then there will be two moments of discussion on religions, economy and politics.
The tenth World Peace Forum and the second Youth World PeaceForum were held at Florianópolis, Brazil on September 22-15, 2016. Some events were held in common and others distinctly. The forum was attended by 1,500 adults and young people from 60 countries, different cultures and various religious faiths. “We Believe” was the main theme which was articulated: “We believe in change,” with a day dedicated to ecology; “We believe in human rights,” with a day dedicated to humanity; and “We believe in peace,’ with a day dedicated to education. The opening ceremony was held on September 21 in the plaza outside the Cathedral, with 400 dancers. Among the five flags that were waved during the dance there was also that of the Focolare Movement. The ceremony was marked by a deep atmosphere of prayer for peace. On September 22 there was a peace march through the city streets, with adults, teenagers and children. President of the Youth Global Peace Forum, Carlos Palma, commented: “It was very moving to see Chiara Lubich’s name written on the door of one of the halls, with the title “Peacebuilder” that had been given to her by UNESCO in 1996 for Peace Education.” The young people’s forum was an explosion of life, with touching testimonies and presentations of their many projects and personal experiences in being committed to peace. On September 23, an additional 500 young people from around the world were linked up via web for the World Conference of Young People for Peace, which is part of Living Peace Internationalin collaboration with Peace Pals International (New York, USA). The Global Peace Forum concluded on September 25 with a profound inter-religous prayer with 30 representatives from different religious and spiritual traditions. An important part of the programme was devoted to Peace Education, during which Living Peace was presented. The presentation and history of this project, how it has spread throughout the world and its teaching method, was accompanied by a series of testimonies by Brazilian, Spanish, Paraguayan and North American young people, and others. The conferral of the Luxembourg Peace Prizeto the young Omar Aobou Baker from Cairo, Egypt and member of Living Peace International, was particularly moving. The next Global Peace Forum will be held in Amman, Jordan, September 2017 with adults; and another in Manila, Philippines, organized by the young people in conjunction with the 2018 Genfest. The solemn signing of the Florianópolis Letter of Intent, titled 1% for Peace, brought the conference to an honorable conclusion. This document proposes that private and public entities destine 1% of their internal and external security spending to financing peace education projects. Eliana Quadro, a young woman Volunteer from the Focolare in Florianópolis, received the Commandant of the Global Peace Forum Silver Medal in recognition of her efforts in producing the event. “The Forum was characterized by the deep relationships that were created,” Carlos Palma concluded, “by the great joy in everyone’s hearts and, above all, by the immense gratitude to God and to the charism of Chiara Lubich that projects us towards humanity and makes us builders of peace and unity.”
«It was like an immersion in beauty, an occasion for new relationships, a well of inspiration, and an amazing correspondence to Chiara Lubich’s vision of the rapport with human realities. It was sports as a potential change factor and thus at the service of humanity, with a resolute openness to authentic dialogue without foregoing the sharing of inspiration founded on Wisdom that touched each one, and hopefully also the minds and thus the intentions of the multiform representatives of world sports.» This was the impression of Paolo Cipolli, world coordinator of Sportmeet, founded by Chiara Lubich in 2002 with the objective of contributing to universal fraternity in and through sports. Pope Francis presided the opening ceremony in the presence of important guests, from UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, to the President of the International Olympics Committee, Thomas Bach, and leaders of other churches and great religions. The inspirational themes of the conference were: compassion, respect, love, inspiration, equilibrium and joy. Pope Francis affirmed: «Sports is a highly valuable human activity able to enrich the lives of people, and which men and women of every nation, ethnic group and religious belief can enjoy. The Olympic motto, “altius, citius, fortius,” is an invitation to develop the talents God has given us. It is important that all have the chance to participate in sports activities, and I am glad that in these days, the core of what you will focus on in this meeting also includes the commitment to ensure that sports becomes ever more inclusive, and that its benefits be really accessible to all.» In referring particularly to the growing number of peripheries, the Pope also warned about indifference: «We all see the enthusiasm of children playing with a punctured ball or one made of rags in the outskirts of some big cities or in the alleys of small towns. I would like to encourage everyone, institutions, sports societies, educational and social groups, and religious communities to work together so that these children, especially those who are excluded due to poverty, can practice sports in dignified conditions.» The Pope concluded with a precise challenge: «Maintain the genuineness of sports, and protect it from manipulations and commercial exploitation. It would be sad for sports and humanity, if the people would no longer be able to believe in the authenticity of sportive results, or if due to cynicism and disappointment, these sensations were to prevail over enthusiasm, and joyful, unselfish participation. In Sports as in life, it is important to fight for the result, but also to play well, and more importantly with loyalty!» Many athletes stood onstage with the Pope, among which were the Italians, Alessandro Del Piero and the Olympic gold medal fencing champions, Daniele Garozzo and Valentina Vezzali; the swimmer from Zimbabwe and former world record holder, Kirsty Coventry; the gymnast, Igor Cassina, and paralympic athletes such as the multi-champion, Anna Schaffelhuber; the athlete, Giusy Versaceand; and the Rio 2016 gold-medal fencing winner, Bebe Vio. The words of the Southern Sudan runner, Paulo Lokoro, who competed in Rio in 2016 with the Olympic team of refugees, were brief but very important. The 300 delegates who gave a very important contribution to the convention were of various ethnic groups, cultures and religions, representing sportive and non-sportive international organizations, governments, associations and NGOs of companies involved in the variegated world of sports. The moments of reflection, in-depth study of themes, testimonials, and work groups, focused on the irreplaceable and important role of sports in serving humanity. Paolo Crepaz of Sportmeet underlined: «All were overjoyed to have participated and contributed to a historical event due to the novelty of the great attention the Church pays to the world of Sports.» At the conclusion, the athletes solemnly affixed their signatures to symbolise their commitment to becoming game changers,” to form and promote a global network in the conviction that sports can change the world. See:cittanuova.it
“Teaching is like lighting a flame, not filling an empty vessel. If it is a flame that needs to be fed, then a learner should be taught to guard and increase the warmth and light. A person needs an education that outlasts childhood and continues from birth to death – and that is the period for giving.” Giordaniwas a writer and journalist, a man of politics but also a formidable educator. His writings were intended to teach, to teach citizens the path of justice. Many were raised on Giordani’s writings during the difficult period of cultural resistance to Fascism and during the Cold War. Giordani taught by living and then writing. In his opinion education should be a universal endeavour that engages the whole citizenry. The function of education is to instill two fundamental skills: freedom and responsibility. Referring to an image used by Plutarch, for Giordani, teaching meant lighting a flame and creating the conditions for the learner to know how to keep it constantly alive. The focus of the learning process would thus be shifted from teacher to learner and from childhood to the entire lifespan. “In the natural order the teachers are the family and the State; in the supernatural order, the Church. When these collaborate toward the same goal – cooperating rather than bumping into each other – education achieves its full effect. Individuals and crowds are not stupefied and neutral in front of their personal destiny, but they face it with courage and you have those epochal periods of great undertakings for peace and for war, for thought and for action. The family is not a mere roost, orphanage or corporate housing: it is a church and a school. Parents have a natural right – therefore from God – to teach that goes beyond generating and nourishing children; an inalienable right that comes before every other civil right. The family will educate if parents are not only educated, but aware of their mission to be teachers; if they are able to nurture in the souls of their children greater ideals than food, board and profession; if they act like a teaching domestic church. Religion is also there to remember, to lift up and protect the teaching obligation of the family. And politics should do likewise. The State is the other great educator and accomplishes its role through the school. Nowadays, States run their own schools, and it is there natural right to do so. But it would no longer be their right if they coerced religious conscience and perverted moral conscience; even worse if they prevented the Church from having her own schools.” “For what regards morality, education should be the same from family to State, from parish to workplace. It should draw on God’s law and construct human laws based on God’s law. The soul of such education is a transcendent faith that snatches individuals from the grip of individualism and joins them to one another with an impulse of justice and charity. As one great educator once said, ‘The real social culture was begun on Golgatha’.” (Igino Giordani, “Educazione e istruzione” in La società cristiana, Città Nuova, (1942) 2010, pp. 108 – 111).
“Some years ago I was meeting with a group of men trying to live the Focolare spirituality of unity. We saw together that we could do something concrete for our society. One of us knew a place for homeless alcoholic men called “The Way”. These men had been living on the street but were now too old or unwell to cope any longer. Working there as a volunteer, I got to know these guys really well. They had no pretensions. They were still drinking and came to sleep and sometimes eat. I got to know one Irish chap really well. Paddy was his name. He was a very nice man, but he just could not stop drinking. He had fought with the British during the war and like many ex-servicemen he could not cope with normal life. He told me once that during the war he used to aim at the enemies’ legs so he would not kill them. One night, he became very ill while I was sleeping over at the centre. I was really conscious that Paddy was unwell. I rang one of the Jesuit priests who supported us and with whom I had a good relationship. He came in and gave Paddy the last rites. When he passed away, we prepared Paddy for his burial. Washed and clean, Paddy lay between us. It was a sacred moment. I could not help saying, “He looks just like Jesus taken down from the cross”. This suffering Jesus was now at peace. Subsequently I met Peter, a doctor at St Vincent’s hospital who used to call in and help the men in any way he could. I got on very well with him and we shared our experiences. He told me that the hospital wanted to start up a place where people could safely come off alcohol but in a non-medical environment. Peter asked me if I would be interested in running this new facility. After seeing it my wife and getting three years’ leave from the Australian Public Service, I applied for the role and was given the job at the drug and alcohol clinic. Over time I developed a close relationship with the staff and director of the clinic and with the hospital board. After a lot of community consultation we opened the centre in an old pub in Fitzroy, an inner suburb of Melbourne. Filling the staff was very interesting. My assistant was a trained nurse with a lot of experience in this area. After consulting widely, we chose the staff who were a mixture of trained professionals and ex-alcoholics. These ex-alcoholics were wonderful people. Because of their own suffering and experience they understood where the admitted clients were coming from and how they were suffering during the withdrawal stage. They were a very spiritual people and working with them, I felt a real bond and a sense of unity of purpose. These ex-alcoholics were very honest with themselves and with each other. Nearly all of them had obtained their sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous which is a 12-step program. They were ruthless in their self-assessment and refused to give in to resentments and negative feelings. It was a real privilege working with them. At one stage I felt there was a lack of patience with repeat clients. Workers in the field of the homeless and destitute really felt comfortable with the way we respected their clients and used to send people to the centre to sober up. However, this meant that once they were rehabilitated they would often return to their old ways. This was difficult for the ex-alcoholics who invested so much in helping people to recover. In listening to them, I was able to share a maxim I had learned from Chiara Lubich – “to see each person new” – and to live it each time they came into the unit. I emphasized that when people came in again looking for help, we had to see them as though we were seeing them for the first time, even if they had been in many times before. Most of them managed to do this despite the pain it caused them. We had a victory when one fellow, who had a record number of admissions and who was treated by us as a new person each time, suddenly saw the light and gave up drinking altogether. To everyone’s amazement he went on to achieve long term sobriety and even started to help other people! Throughout this experience, I came to see the importance of suffering and the role it played in people’s development. By loving and accepting each person as they were, we were able to be more human in the way we responded to any situation.”
Experience shared by Kevin Kelly at the Health Symposium “Darkness to Light – Spirituality of Unity in Chronic Disease and Disability” Focolare Movement, Australia, July 2016
LoppianoLab 2016 opened its doors again this year with the theme: the poverty of riches and the wealth of poverty. Persons, institutions, ideas and experiences all played an active part in building a future based on a culture of unity across all fields. Mileni, Gen Verde’s guitarist, described LoppianoLab 2016 as “unique since during itwe launched ‘Young people in action’: performing arts workshops dedicated especially to young people looking for a way to build a better future.”So 160 young people mostly from Italy but also including a group of 50 from all over the world took part in this enriching experience of intercultural exchange. Mutual listening and trust reigned in an atmosphere free from prejudice. Mileni explains – “The young people told us that they learned to recognize the needs of those around them and not just their own.”They said:“We can choose: either to ignore those who have difficulties or to help them.” They discovered the miracle of ‘being together’ and the richness that comes from sharing in the small things of everyday life.When asked, “Did you learn anything new here?”, they replied:“we understood the value of solidarity, and helping one another. We learned to value team work. We learned the importance of a having a sense of responsibility and the part each can play in the life of a group. We learned that on our own we can achieve small things but together we can do something great.” They also spoke about the important experience of working with others from a different culture: “we learned to go beyond barriers which could have been there because we speak different languages or come from different places. Instead we found a way of communicating which was very deep and sincere. Together we were able to go beyond moments when we experienced discouragement or failure and discover the joy of singing, dancing or creating music together.” When asked, what will you take from this to your everyday life? The young people replied:“To listen to others. To trust them. Not to stop at my own limits.”And:“We have learned to trust in ourselves more and that people are not always what they seem – first impressions can be wrong! In the very positive atmosphere we experienced here, we learned to eliminate prejudice and get along happily with others.”The event concluded with a bang in an exciting final performance at the Loppiano Auditorium packed with 900 people. They listened intensely and in the end everyone was on their feet as great joy filled the air. Those in the audience said: “I loved the concert – it felt like something really new, modern and extremely relevant in that it touched on issues all of us face.” And, “It was so beautiful, I experienced the strength that comes from diversity. At the end of the concert I would have wanted to say so much, but in the end I remained in silence. In silence to meditate on the values you transmitted to us.” Video
16, 17 &18 November: Youth workshops 19 November: Concert “On the Other Side” at the municipal hall in La Spezia (Italy) at 8.30 21 November: Follow up meeting with the young people
Celebrations will take place on 6th November in Fatima. All welcome. Program: 11.30 – Mass in the Paul VI Auditorium 13,15 – Lunch 15,30 – Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Focolare Movement in Portugal in the Auditorium 17,30 – Conclusion For more information: 50anos@focolares.pt / tel: +351 263 790 676
Political instability, economic uncertainty, corruption, religious extremism, and reduction of educational offers are just some of the causes that push the Iraqi population to an unprecedented migration. The choice to remain in Iraq today is a really difficult decision, especially if you are a Christian. And yet Iraq disposes of remarkable natural resources and its people are endowed with humanity and great inclusion capacities. Just think of the plurality of the cultures, languages, and religions, and the various ethnic groups which for centuries had managed to coexist in peace. The habitat of Christian legacy right at its origins, for 2,000 years Iraq has been the natural home to very lively Christian communities. With the outbreak of wars, however, today it has become the object of discrimination and persecution. The most atrocious even was two years ago, when the ISIS extremists took over Mossul and the surrounding plains: in a few hours thousands of Christians had to abandon their homes. With only the clothes they were wearing, they had to disperse amid numberless dangers and discomforts, towards Jordan or Lebanon where they found refuge in makeshift refugee camps. Some statistics say that the Christians in Iraq counted 1.5 million (2003), and today number 300,000. Also the Focolare community has suffered the devastating effects of this barbarity. But both those who left the country and those who remained – concentrated in the cities of Erbil, Baghdad, Bassura, and Dohuk – try to transmit peace everywhere, building bridges of solidarity. However, while in the typical summer meetings of the Focolare in the past, the Mariapolis saw the participation of 400 people, and in those held from 9 to 11 September this year, only 40 attended. But the numerical drop has not influenced the qualitative profile which has definitely grown in intensity and depth, also because the central theme focused on interpersonal relationships undertaken in the spirit of mercy. Hosted in Sulaymaniya, close to the border with Iran, the participants lived three days of an authentic training in mutual love. Racconta Rula, focolarina from Jordan and now in the focolare house of Erbil:«We prayed, played, took walks in a family atmosphere, experiencing real communion. During the session dedicated to the family, the spirit of sharing created allowed us to talk about relationships as couples, the challenge of migration, conciliation of work and family, education of the children… while the youths, through choreographies, showed how one we can become bridges towards the others.» The Mariapolis was also visited by the Bishop ofBaghdad, Bishop Salomone, who inflamed all with his words: «Jesus wants us to become yeast for this world. I am pleased that you chose this city for your meeting, and even if you are only a few, you will surely leave in this place that typical imprint of those who are seriously committed to living the Gospel.» The focolare tries to support those who have remained, as also those who have decided to leave, precisely because they are aware of the difficulties of living without being able to plan one’s future, especially for the youth. «We see that albeit the fact of living abroad – continues Rula – they still want to remain in contact. A young boy wrote us from the refugee camp, saying that the spirituality of unity is the only light that is his support and that trying to love others gives a meaning to the unnerving wait they are undergoing.»Among the many experiences shared in the Mariapolis, is the emblematic one of a surgeon in a public hospital. Since the doctors do not receive their salaries regularly, they try to plan the operations for the afternoon, when these are private and paid operations. But he decided to help as many people as possible by scheduling the appointments in the morning. At first, his colleagues criticized him, but slowly they began to do the same.
Lionello was born on October 10, 1925 in Parma, Italy. His family was wealthy and raised him to be honest and genuine. He attended high school during World War II and his attention was drawn toward civil society and social problems. In 1943 he enrolled in Law School and graduated with honors in 1947 after having done some prison time for providing help to the partisan movement. After the war he oversaw the educational and cultural activities of the Italian Catholic University Students, as well as the political activities of the Christian Democrats. He served the poor in the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, but feared becoming bourgeois. He joined in an initiative for young people who wanted to deepen their spiritual lives in the light of the Gospel. There he came to know Chiara Lubich‘s spirituality of unity and, in January 1950, Ginetta Calliari, one of the first focolarine. He recalls: “She spoke rather simply, but with quite a bit of conviction. […] The Christianity she was describing seemed so fascinating and fresh that it felt like I was hearing for the first time what Christianity was all about.” This spiritual growth was followed by professional growth becoming Italy’s youngest magistrate. In 1953 he attended the summer Mariapolis where he was immersed in the spirituality of unity. He met Chiara Lubich, Pasquale Foresi and Igino Giordani. Those days would mark his life forever. He remembers them in this way: “That community even though small had a certain completeness of its own: there were consecrated virgins and married couples, people that were not lacking in defects and naivetey. It was an organism into which the Lord had deposited a light, a law, a treasure that was destined to spread to the whole world.” At that Mariapolis he decided to consecrate his life to God in a focolare community. In 1961 he caused a bit of a stir when he left his profession (in the meantime he had been appointed Deputy Prosecutor of the Parma Judiciary) and dedicated himself completely to the Focolare. The weekly newspaper published an article on this Magistrate who had “given up the toga for a Bible.” In 1962 he was awarded the Premio della bontà (Goodness Award) by the Emilia Region of North Italy.
Loppiano: Lionello Bonfanti e Renata Borlone
He spent time at the first international school in Grattaferrata, Italy, then in Turin and in the Focolare town in Loppiano. He taught the new focolarini there for 15 years and devoted himself entirely to the nascent permanent Mariapolis “where the basic law is mutual love.” In 1973 he became a priest and for him that meant “being at the service of the charism, being a transparency of love, being ‘a little more Jesus’ for the others.” In 1981 he held different positions at the Centre of the Movement in Rocca di Papa, Italy. After he was licensed in Theology and Canon Law he became an expert on Lay Associations, offering invaluable assistance in drawing up the Statutes of the Work of Mary-Focolare Movement, while in contact with the Holy See’s best canon lawyers. In the final summer of 1986 he was diagnosed with a tumor. Some thoughts and words of Chiara Lubich often returned to his mind: “The Hail Mary is beautiful in each of its expressions, but today I’d like to suggest underscoring in our hearts, in a special way, the request that she: “Pray for us sinners now” and “at the hour of our death” so that Mary might assist us with her intercession before God in every present moment and that she might be especially close to us at that important moment of death.” He died suddenly on October 11th. Someone had called him “a man of the Beatitudes” because of the way they so exactly describe who he was: in his purity of heart, in his meekness, in his mercy, in his peace and in his hunger and thrist for justice. In fact the Gospel passage that guided him in life had been: “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well” (Mt 6:33).
The XV General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to be held in October 2018, will focus on “Young people, the faith and discerment of vocation”. This decision of Pope Francis arouses joy and interest even in the Focolare Movement, especially in its branches for young members. The new generations have always been essential to the life of the Movement, in reciprocity with adult members, who accompany the young ones also in discerning their life goals. Here are some first impressions shared by young members of the Focolare in reaction to the news: “This is good news and it is also a response. The choice corresponds to the need. We already try to live our vocation in a bond with our faith, and not merely as a choice. It is time that these two realities are unified in our lives. We are so happy that the Pope has thought of us!”. (Gloria, Uganda) “Great news. If young people are not offered a good environment in today’s Church, tomorrow’s Church will lack good culture. I think Pope Francis wants to leave the Church in good hands. We need good ideas about living the vocation, not just about future choices: getting married, becoming a priest, a religious, a focolarino….In my Focolare formation I have learnt to consider the vocation as an anwer to a call that has to be lived also presently, right away. I hope that the Synod will also focus on this aspect so that the Church will be in good hands”. (Ryan, USA) “It’s a surprise! I am sure the Pope knows how to get to all young people. Many of those who no longer participate in the life Church, have shown great interest in his encyclical on the environment. I consider this synod as a great opportunity. It will be fantastic if it reaches everyone”. (Amanda, Brazil) “What I have learnt from the Catholic Church in the State where I grew up differs in certain aspects from its teaching in another State. Ideas vary even though the same material, as for example Youcat, is used. Globalization and social media put us in contact even with what the Church teaches in other parts of the world. Differences in approach on important issues can cause confusion in the absense of a clear voice.The Pope and the universal Church have a very important role in this, while they take into consideration the different cultures. I think the Synod offers excellent prospects”. (Aileen, India) “Young people are getting to know more about Church problems, especially about hot issues: scandals, social problems, Church and politics. In Peru, for example, such issues cause further distance between the position of the clergy and the reality of youth. The news of the Synod fills me with hope: the contribution and the ideas of the youth,using the media and the social networks in a transparent and convergent manner, can show a more human face of the Church.” (Jorge, Peru) “I grew up in the parish, and I think that the theme on vocation and youth should have been addressed years ago. Today we are in the midst of a crisis of vocations: family, religious life, as citizens, etc. So I say: Well done for chosing this theme”. (Damián, Argentina) “World Youth Days have shown the Church’s openness towards youth. Giving priority to youth shows that Pope Francis now wants to pass from words to deeds; even because we have to be the ones to find solutions for world problems. Sometimes one tends to think that we are unable to address problems, but together with mature and experienced persons we do arrive to solutions. It seems as if the Pope is telling us: you are ready for this challenge”. (Jorge, El Salvador) “Who knows what will really happen during the Synod! It would be great if some young people would actually be present. I think we all wish to have someone voicing us in this Synod”. (Jose Luis, Brazil) The young people of the Focolare Movement are also pleased because the Synod will take place just after the Genfest, when young people from the five continents will be gather in Manila, in July 2018. “This is a marvellous coincidence. We will be in the Philippines, in a continent with so many young people and to whom the Pope gives much attention. This time of preparation will help us understand how we can contribute towards the Synod”. (Jose Luis, Colombia) Source: Press releases (OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE)
For more information about the inauguration of Academic Year 2016/17, and to follow the live streaming of the event, visit official website: www.iu-sophia.orgOfficial invitation (Italian)
The congress, which takes place every three years, will this year include the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Gen Movement, the “new generation” of the Focolare Movement. In 1966, Chiara Lubich launched the “Revolution of Love” to the young people who were part of the Focolare. She explained that this meant aiming towards the fulfillment of Jesus’ testament “May they all be one”. Thousands of young people responded to this appeal and the Gen Movement was born. It spread throughout the world with members of every race, creed and social backgrounds. It also has the following of many young people who have no religious belief.
Our Adoptions at a Distance Project contact in Haiti, Wilfrid Joachim has informed us that in Mont-Organisé, a rural region in the Ouanaminthe district, in the North-Eastern part of Haiti, where New Families have many children sponsored by the project, that “while thankfully there are no victims due to Hurricane Matthew there is widespread devastation. In particular many farms with stables have been damaged extensively and so there are grave consequences for the livelihood of the rural population which thrives on agriculture and the breeding of livestock. (Source: AFN) The coordinated appeal for humanitarian assistance has been launched and contributions can be made to the following accounts: CAUSE:Emergency Haiti
Contributions made to either of these accounts for the earthquake emergency cause will be jointly administrated by the Focolare’s Action for a United World (AMU) and New Families Association (AFN). There are tax benefits attached to such contributions in many countries of the European Union and in other countries.
Lionello was born on October 10, 1925 in Parma, Italy. His family was wealthy and raised him to be honest and genuine. He attended high school during World War II and his attention was drawn toward civil society and social problems. In 1943 he enrolled in Law School and graduated with honors in 1947 after having done some prison time for providing help to the partisan movement. After the war he oversaw the educational and cultural activities of the Italian Catholic University Students, as well as the political activities of the Christian Democrats. He served the poor in the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, but feared becoming bourgeois. He joined in an initiative for young people who wanted to deepen their spiritual lives in the light of the Gospel. There he came to know Chiara Lubich‘s spirituality of unity and, in January 1950, Ginetta Calliari, one of the first focolarine. He recalls: “She spoke rather simply, but with quite a bit of conviction. […] The Christianity she was describing seemed so fascinating and fresh that it felt like I was hearing for the first time what Christianity was all about.” This spiritual growth was followed by professional growth becoming Italy’s youngest magistrate. In 1953 he attended the summer Mariapolis where he was immersed in the spirituality of unity. He met Chiara Lubich, Pasquale Foresi and Igino Giordani. Those days would mark his life forever. He remembers them in this way: “That community even though small had a certain completeness of its own: there were consecrated virgins and married couples, people that were not lacking in defects and naivetey. It was an organism into which the Lord had deposited a light, a law, a treasure that was destined to spread to the whole world.” At that Mariapolis he decided to consecrate his life to God in a focolare community. In 1961 he caused a bit of a stir when he left his profession (in the meantime he had been appointed Deputy Prosecutor of the Parma Judiciary) and dedicated himself completely to the Focolare. The weekly newspaper published an article on this Magistrate who had “given up the toga for a Bible.” In 1962 he was awarded the Premio della bontà (Goodness Award) by the Emilia Region of North Italy.
Loppiano: Lionello Bonfanti e Renata Borlone
He spent time at the first international school in Grattaferrata, Italy, then in Turin and in the Focolare town in Loppiano. He taught the new focolarini there for 15 years and devoted himself entirely to the nascent permanent Mariapolis “where the basic law is mutual love.” In 1973 he became a priest and for him that meant “being at the service of the charism, being a transparency of love, being ‘a little more Jesus’ for the others.” In 1981 he held different positions at the Centre of the Movement in Rocca di Papa, Italy. After he was licensed in Theology and Canon Law he became an expert on Lay Associations, offering invaluable assistance in drawing up the Statutes of the Work of Mary-Focolare Movement, while in contact with the Holy See’s best canon lawyers. In the final summer of 1986 he was diagnosed with a tumor. Some thoughts and words of Chiara Lubich often returned to his mind: “The Hail Mary is beautiful in each of its expressions, but today I’d like to suggest underscoring in our hearts, in a special way, the request that she: “Pray for us sinners now” and “at the hour of our death” so that Mary might assist us with her intercession before God in every present moment and that she might be especially close to us at that important moment of death.” He died suddenly on October 11th. Someone had called him “a man of the Beatitudes” because of the way they so exactly describe who he was: in his purity of heart, in his meekness, in his mercy, in his peace and in his hunger and thrist for justice. In fact the Gospel passage that guided him in life had been: “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well” (Mt 6:33).
“We’ve known Khalid for more than ten years. One day he rang our doorbell to sell us something, but he mostly wanted to find a job. He had been in Italy for over a year, an illegal immigrant with nowhere to live. He was 24 years old and was from Morocco where he had left behind his mother, a widow with two children. A week later he came back. “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat … I was a stranger and you welcomed me” … The words of Jesus seemed to be calling out to us. In the afternoon we invited him to work in the flower garden and in the vegetable garden. In this way he was able to send a small amount of money to his mother. It was the first time he was able to help his family, and it made him happy. I got to work finding him a job, but the answer was always the same: he’s an illegal, we can’t hire him. Finally, I found him some seasonal work at an agriculture business. He worked nights an dslept with an Indian in a container: he had a hard life, but was happy. One day the telephone rang: his Indian friend told us that Khalid was not feeling well. Jesus was still calling: we went to visit him and took him to a docgtor who agreed to see him. He had a serious ear infection that needed care. We decided to take him in and let him share our son’s bedroom. Sometimes we had to wake up during the night to care for him. Our children were also quite caring towards him. The one who had given him work didn’t intend to obtain legal documents for him. We had become the last hope he could hold on to. The Lord asked us for an even more radical act of love. So we decided to hire Khalid as a domestic, and later the idea came of taking him and letting him stay at our house like another son. We let him some areas of the house for himself so that he could be independent. We respected his religious practices in preparing meals and scheduling around his prayers, especially during Ramadan. This brought our dialogue to a religious level. Our relationship became closer and closer. We spent time together in the evenings discussing our lives and his, along with our traditions. Difficulties and doubts were not lacking, but together with the help of the Focolare community that never failed to support us we found the strength to continue on. Providence was never lacking. A gentleman that we didn’t even know gave us a motorbike which we handed on to Khalid. People from the Movement provided clothing…. Then a job was found that allowed Khalid to help his family and to pay us back for some of the support we had provided for him. Around seven months later a house was left vacant where he could move with some of his friends. Then he went back to Morocco where he married. He returned to Italy with his wife, found a permanent job and is living a serene life. They had three children, two of which go to elementary school. A nice friendship was built with his wife even though she has trouble with the language. One day she wanted to show her gratitude by preparing a totally Moroccan meal at our house for us, which we enjoyed with our children. We’ve become the grandparents of their children who come to our house often! In our sharing with them we continually experience the joy of God’s presence among us.” (G.- Mantova, Italy)
Photo: Reconciliation by Josefina de Vasconcellos at Coventry Cathedral
This month’s ‘word of life’ invites us not to respond to offence with offence, but – as Chiara Lubich suggests – «with clarity of mind and an act of the will, to accept our brothers as they are despite the wrong done to us, the way God accepts us, sinners, regardless of our defects.» Here are some testimonials: The wall that came down “I had a very sad childhood and youth, to such a point that I cannot remember even one positive aspect. Even when I married, the relationship with my own family always left a profound bitterness in me, with only criticisms and disdain. It was not easy to forget, but in the meantime I tried to live the evangelic motto: give without seeking any reward. One day my parents came to pass their holidays with us. I decided to satisfy their demands, without expecting anything. I kissed my mother, a thing that I had no longer done since my childhood. She hugged me and her eyes filled with tears. I felt that the wall dividing us had crumbled. And on his birthday, my father asked me to put on his favourite music and dance with him. This harmony among us was a great conquest!” (Margherita – Switzerland) A quarrel that ended in gentleness “I had learned from my sister that our parents had quarreled. They had not spoken to each other for three days and Dad refused to eat the food Mom cooked. When I got home I immediately felt the heavy atmosphere. Without asking anything I set about serving all concretely, and doing some chores. At the first occasion in which I found myself alone with my father, I tried to ask him what happened. He thus confided in me and so I was also able to tell him that I tried to live the words of Jesus. When I mentioned forgiveness, of which He was an example, he listened attentively. In the end we agreed that when Mom returned he would welcome her. From the kitchen window, I saw her return and my father asking her gently how things had been at work.” (P. F. – Cameroon) A simple “hello” “For some time now, there have been some misunderstandings between me and one of my sisters, to the point that we no longer spoke to each other. One day I decided to take the first step to reconcile with her. But it was not at all easy: in reality I was the elder brother, and I had my own dignity… After a restless night, the next morning in the kitchen I said “hi,” but so softly that she didn’t hear it. I took courage and repeated “hello,” in a stronger voice. She was so surprised and we immediately made peace. Out of joy and the sense of liberation, I started to sing.” (Dolfi – Italy)
“This festival was an incredible experience! It did its job in my heart and it allowed us to enjoy a very beautiful atmosphere of real brotherhood that recharged the batteries!” “I realized that I can decide to stay inside the cave, or step out of the cave. I discovered how important it is for me to open myself and share with others what is taking place inside me.” “I saw so much vitality, joy and depth in these young people.” “It was a very nice experience. I leave with the certainty that it’s possible to live a different kind of life, that we’re not alone in the effort to be what we really want to be – and to take that risk.” These are only a few of the thoughts that were shared by the thousand young people gathered on September 24-25 for the Youthfest 2016 at the Focolare’s Permanent Mariapolis Lia in the pampas in Argentina. It has become a traditional event that is repeated every year, thanks to the creativity that young people are able to have when it comes to transmitting to their peers the ideals they live for. This year, more than a thousand young people arrived for the event from Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil and many cities of Argentina. They were drawn by the title: “Risk it! What you’re looking for exists.” What did the title stand for? An experience of brotherhood, sharing the life of the Gospel for 48 hours, which is the main characteristic of this permanent Mariapolis of the Focolare Movement. Currently 85 young people from 17 countries live there with other families and adults. They share an experience and, through music, theatre and dance also put in common the problems that young people find themselves immersed in: family relations, school, successes and failures in life, addictions, painful moments and, above all, the encounter with a God who is near, who has a personal answer for each and everyone. But the idea didn’t end there: they tried to involve everyone in building a more united world, regardless of one’s religion or belief. This year’s program was a combination of theatre, music and testimonies that happened on stage, beneath the large emblem that stood at the hall’s entrancel. The sign contained a one-word challenge: RISK IT! The language chosen for conveying the experiences and putting together the theatrical pieces, was direct and personally engaged everyone. The songs that were sung with such energy and captivating rhythm, helped to express this commitment in seeking something great to live for. The outdoor program – like the tour of the Mariapolis, lunchtime, strolling – made room for more sharing among the Latin American young people who had demonstrated their desire and capacity to build a more united world, a society that is for everybody. It didn’t take long for the feedback to arrive: “From Paraguay I want to thank all of you who made us live such and unforgettable day. We’re filled with emotion and prepared to accept the challenge!” “This morning, while I was on the bus going to work,” writes another person who attended the event, “the days we spent together came to mind and the desire to live today well, to give that little extra, to risk it.” Source:Southern Cone website
The title of this year’s edition of LoppianoLab was a challenge that was launched by the thousands of people, both in person and via live-screening, who took part in the event. While there is an Italy where the so-called absolute poor have increased by 130% in seven years, where every day its southern shores become a bridge to the hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing poverty and wars – at the same time there is the desire to be involved: volunteers, associations, young people who want to experience what it’s like to work according to new business models that are able to meet the daily emergency. Involvement is the spirit behind those that brought their experiences and projects to LoppianoLab 2016, from the fields of economy, politics, welfare, immigration, communication, technology and instruction. Theproject, which was promoted byLionello Bonfanti Business Park, the Città Nuova Editorial Group, Sophia University Institute and the town of Loppiano, was begun in 2010 to be a national laboratory that would set in motion “those qualities that have made the Italians great, creativity and industriousness, welcome and solidarity, art and culture,” as Focolare president Maria Voce said in her greeting. Experts from the world of culture, politics and economy presented during the programme together with many other voices from civil society that presented projects from hundreds of associations, individuals and communities that form a close-knit network of people who are eager to translate ideas, projects and lifestyle into praxis. Three days, three focus groups to take on the challenges to peace: the challenge of techno-scientific innovation, development, and poverty. Two important anniversaries were also celebrated at LoppianoLab: the 25th anniversary of the Economy of Communion Project (EoC) and the 60th anniversary of the Focolare’s Città Nuova. Thirty multi-ethnic workshops, three via direct-streaming, along with workshops for children and teenagers: “Loppiano Kids and “Time to Give” with a series of meetings focused on topics related to poverty, solidarity and ecology; and “Loppiano Young” with performances and artistic exhibitions assisted by the international Gen Verde Band. Focolare co-president Jesús Morán offered some remarks at the end of the firest day. He spoke about three challenges that the world faces today: globalization, post-globalization, post-humanism. Also the humanitarian challenge of the sub-human, a challenge that calls for a “culture of resurrection,” in order to totally assume the suffering of the person that suffers. According to Jesús Morán, the question we should ask is how much space should be given in our own lives to the least, the “abandoned ones” of today Finally, during “The Wealth of the Invisible Poverty forum,” a proposal was launched to create an observatory on poverty that would create an information system to monitor the effects of the EoC around the world and study the results and methodologies of specific significant cases. See also:Città Nuova onlineLoppianoEconomy of Communion
“I was born 14 weeks premature; I weighed only 2 pounds and 3 ounces. The medical staff told my mother that it would be a slim chance of survival, so my mother called a priest to baptise me. I was placed in an incubator for 4 months. It was during this period that I was given too much oxygen which damaged my hearing; I have about 20% hearing in both ears. Growing up, I remember asking my parents ‘Why didn’t I die at birth; why do I have a hearing loss?’ They always told me ‘God loves you immensely and he has a special plan for you.’ This always left me curious and it encouraged my heart to always be open, to understand what He had in store for me. I remember my first job when I was 18 years old; I worked at the post office. In this role I had to answer the phone. Back in those days I had a gadget that you had to slip on the earpiece of the phone to amplify the sound and then take off for the others to use. I hated the phone as it was very hard to hear and many times people on the other end would tease me saying that I was stupid. It wasn’t until I would get home, that I would let out all my tears and bang on the walls in my bedroom in anger. I remember crying at my Mum saying, ‘Why me? Why am I deaf? Why does life have to be so hard!’ My parents as a couple tried to live the Focolare spirituality. I remember my mother saying to me, ‘Be the first to love. When you go back to work tomorrow, be the first to pick up the phone and explain that you have a hearing loss, and say can you please speak slowly and clearly.’ Up to that point I didn’t want people to know that I had a hearing loss as I wanted to be normal like everyone else. The next day at work I heard the phone ring and in that moment I heard a voice within my heart saying to me, ‘Be the first to love’. For the first time in my life, I picked up the phone and informed the caller that I had a hearing loss. Surprisingly that person was so nice and understanding that it encouraged me to always pick up the phone. My work colleagues could see that I was always answering the phone, which meant putting the gadget on and off for every phone-call. Seeing this difficulty, they started to pick up the phone before me. It was like I had thrown a pebble in the water, causing a ripple effect. I had started to love first and then the others started to love me back. It became reciprocal.
With Focolare friends in Melbourne
I remember going home saying, ‘Mum, it worked!’ That experience was a turning point in my life. I understood that I had to accept my disability, my limitations and only in loving would I find peace and freedom. Suffering does bring you closer to God. Sometimes when I don’t hear something or get frustrated at my own limitations, I say ‘I love you’ (to Him) in this suffering, accept it and plunge myself into loving in the present moment. I wanted to give my life totally to God in the Focolare, but there was a problem as the formation course in Italy was conducted in Italian. How was I going to learn a foreign language with a hearing loss? In order to speak English well, I had to do a lot of speech therapy and my mum taught me how to lip read. But nothing is impossible to God. He gave me a special grace to be able to speak Italian, and to even lip-read in Italian! I still find it hard at times. Even with my friends at home, we’ve had to learn how to live with each other. For example, I had to tell one of them who mumbled a lot, to open her mouth a bit more so I could lip-read. It was an effort for her, but now she’s much better at it! Before my father passed away nine years ago, he left me a personal message to open after his death. He wrote to me this one phrase: ‘My night has no darkness’. This is so true, when we love there is no darkness, even with a disability.”
Experience shared at Health Symposium “Darkness to Light – Spirituality of Unity in Chronic Disease and Disability” Focolare Movement, Australia, July 2016
“We haven’t come to teach, but to learn, not to talk, but to listen. Then, when we return to our own countries we’d like to tell many others what we’ve seen and experienced. We’re here from several European countries, from the Middle East, from New Zealand, the United States and Argentina. We’ve already begun among ourselves to enter the other’s culture and to sincerely understand other points of view,” explains Marco Desalvo, president ofNew Humanity at the conclusion of a visit to Madaba, Jordan. He visited the country on August 7-19 with 55 young people from several European and Middle Eastern countries, to begin the first phase of the Host Spot Project at a welcome centre for Syrian and Iraqi refugees. This place has sites that are significant for the three great monotheistic religions,” Desalvo recounts. “Visiting the Jordan River, the place where Jesus was baptized, I was struck when I learned that it’s the lowest place on earth. It seemed to indicate the kind of attitude we should have in front of each person we would meet. We began each day with a motto, our ‘daily input’. The first day was: Try to understand others by serving them, aware that we have much to learn. Then came the meetings with the Syrian and Iraqi refugees: stories of great suffering, families, children…. Sharing their pain united us with them more and with one another. I’ll never forget Saheed and his story: Two years back, on August 6, the whole family, including his mother who was unable to walk, had to leave their house, the country, leaving everything behind. I could only imagine how they must have suffered and lived in those months, the hope to return, and now the infinite expectation for that telephone call that would let them know whether or not they would be welcomed in a new country. The president of New Humanity admits being very struck by the volunteers from Caritas Jordan: “Irreplaceable, precious, discreet, source of hope, of life of concrete love, medicine for everyone they meet.” Without them thousands of refugees would not have a roof over their heads and the means to survive – to find hope. Working with them we touched with our own hands the deepest meaning of the word ‘Caritas’: concrete love. Two weeks ago I was in Poland at the World Youth Day, and the message of Pope Francis to the two million young people is still fresh in my mind: ‘Don’t retire at the age of 25, [….] don’t be couch potatoes […] aim high. […] They might be able to judge you dreamers because you believe in a new humanity that does not accept hatred among peoples, that does not see borders between countries as barriers, and that preserves its own traditions without egoism and resentment. Don’t be discouraged! With your smiles and your open arms you preach hope and are a blessing for the human family.” Here in Jordan I’ve met young people who put these words in practice. Their work is certainly a small drop in front of the problems we’re facing. But with young people like them, the world will change. These days have turned us into ambassadors of the refugees, of their suffering, of a world of Peace.” TheHost Spot Projectis promoted by New Humanity and other associations from nine countries, and is co-financed by the Erasmus+ programme. The objective: to spread a culture of human rights. These are young people from different backgrounds, ready to acquire the knowledge and skills to defend the right of freedom of expression and to be engaged in producing documentaries that tell the life stories of the refugees. After Jordan, the project is planning on a March 2017 training course in Germany to develop the technical skills needed to produce social documentaries. There will be the meeting with refugees in German refugee camps, and different forms of welcome will be compared. See also:Volunteerism in the refugee camps of JordanFacebook:www.facebook.com/hostspot9/
A bit of history: In 1982, John Paul II placed the Papal Audience Hall in Castel Gandolfo (Rome) at the disposition of the Focolare Movement. The refurbishment of the huge, empty building started. Through the contribution of all the members of the Movement around the world (even children), the International Mariapolis Centre was inaugurated in 1986 and has since hosted thousands of conferences. People from all over the world have attended congresses, symposiums, seminars and training courses, meetings for ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. All these activities focussed on the one objective, that of contributing to universal brotherhood, which became tangible through living the life of the Gospel, through workshops and in-depth discussions, all of which took place in this embryonic “city of Mary”, in this “home”, as Chiara Lubich called it. Download invitation
Catholic Church leaders, representatives of the Islamic world, civil authorities, representatives of associations and the people of Brescia and neighbouring cities filled the cathedral of the Italian city on the 23rd of September, for the conference on “Paul VI, a Spiritual Portrait“. The event included the testimony of Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement, in a speech read on her behalf by Rosi Bertolassi. Her speech touched on three aspects of Giovanni Battista Montini’s life and work as: prophet, apostle and mediator. The President of the Focolare first of all expressed the deep gratitude that bound the Movement she represents to Blessed Paul VI, who was “…one of the gifts God wanted to make to humankind in our time.” She recalled the time when the Church was studying the emerging Movement, saying, “When he became Pope he played a key role in discerning the charism of Chiara Lubich and in making possible what, at the beginning of the sixties, still seemed” impossible,” expertly identifying juridically appropriate ways to express the specific character of this new movement in the Church.” “Therefore”, she stressed, “Because he was “imbued with the Word, we saw the figure of Giovanni Battista Montini – Paul VI – in this triple dimension of prophet, apostle and mediator.” In the prophetic dimension, Maria Voce highlighted “his ability to open new paths with courage and wisdom, to break down walls and express the renewal of the Church which his soul craved for,” Examples were Pope Paul VI’s historic embrace of peace with Patriarch Athenagoras in January 1964 in the Holy Land; or when, in 1970, through an historic decision he raised two women, St Teresa of Avila and St Catherine of Siena, to the status of Doctor of the Church – a title previously only given to men; or when, in the 1975 Holy Year, he knelt to kiss the feet of the Orthodox Metropolitan Meliton. “Paul VI was truly the Pope of dialogue. This is how Pope John Paul II described him in Concesio during his pastoral visit in 1982, emphasizing his predecessor’s ability to dialogue with the whole of humanity.” Maria Voce also emphasized his apostolic dimension saying, “In Ecclesiam Suam (…) we perceive the thought and mind of the apostle whose name he had chosen, the name of the missionary apostle and the first theologian of Christ, the one who made himself all things to all people. Pope Paul VI did not spare himself so that the announcement of the Gospel could reach all nations.” In this respect, Maria Voce recalled his apostolic journeys “that brought him closer to the peoples of the world, making the Church more one and more ‘catholic’, as Paul VI liked to emphasize, in the etymological sense of the word. Particularly significant and universal in outlook was his historic and profoundly human speech delivered at the United Nations. I am pleased to recall once more his innovative inclusion of the laity in key areas of work of the Church; his confidence in the contribution of lay people’s ideas; and his recognition, in Octogesima adveniens, of the legitimacy of a variety of political opinions while remaining faithful to Gospel principles.” Finally, his ability to be a “mediator of the One Mediator“. After recalling his surprising letter to the Red Brigade which “flowed from his soul at the painful time when his friend Honourable Aldo Moro was kidnapped” Maria Voce affirmed his role as mediator and added, “Paul VI – in the footsteps of his Master – took upon himself the anguish and torment of the world, feeling it deeply as if it were his own. He bore the sin of the world, perceiving truly the weight of it and suffering profoundly, as could sometimes be seen in his face. In that way he manifested clearly the fatherhood of God, bridging the distance between heaven and earth, healing wounds, wiping away tears, bringing peace and unity.”
In this competition – promoted by the “Cities for Fraternity” Association – all local administrations from any part of the world may participate. Projects and initiatives can compete if: – they institute and/or spread, principally within the local territory, but also on a national or international level, practices of universal brotherhood, according to the diverse interpretations of the meaning of such a principle; – they stimulate the citizens to commit themselves for the common good and to participate in the life of civil society, – they encourage the growth of a culture of active and inclusive citizenry. The project must be representative of a style of administration that is not occasional and always more aware of the value of the principle of universal brotherhood. On the side of the public adminitrations and other social, economic, cultural subjects, it is possible both to become candidates, and also to nominate the projects of others. All the recommendations must be sent on or before January 10, 2017 , to the office of the Chairman of the “Cities for Fraternity” Association, c/oTown Council of Castel Gandolfo, Piazza Libertà, 7 00040 Castel Gandolfo (Rome). Download fact sheet (in Italian) Info: www.cittaperlafraternita.org/
Greatly committed to assisting the civil population martyred by war that has dragged on for five years now, last 31 October, Caritas Internationalis called for a world day of prayer for Syria. Simultaneously, Pope Francis and other religious leaders prayed 
Many communities responded to the Pope’s appeal, especially the Christian community of Damascus, which gathered in prayer last Sunday, 30 October, believing in the force of prayer in asking for the gift of peace. Some members of the Focolare community who took part wrote: «We were there in the midst of a fully packed Church: the faithful of all the churches, Catholics, Orthodox and Evangelicals, the Apostolic Nuncio and some bishops. In those moments, more than ever, we felt the force of prayer, that unity is tangible, and there is strong hope that peace will soon be established. At the end of the prayer, the scouts coming from all over Syria presented some documentaries on peace in the square, and with songs, made us experience a moment of joy, with fireworks and launching of balloons.» 
“Syria: peace is possible,” was thus Pope Francis’s invitation to all the faithful and people of good will; and an invitation to address «those who are involved in peace negotiations so that they take these agreements seriously and commit themselves to facilitating the humanitarian aid.» And he concluded: «Let’s join forces at all levels, to make peace in our beloved Syria possible.» Consult the Caritas Syria site (
On October 22, 1991 the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church unanimously chose him to be the Archbishop of Constantinople- New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch. The newly elected Patriarch had known 
Therefore, this anniversary is also an occasion of celebration for the entire Focolare family. It is difficult to summarize these “blest 15 years” of patient, dauntless, meek and generous toil,” as 
For the first time in 500 years Pope Francis, Bishop Munib Younana and General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, Rev Dr Martin Junge, will sign their names to the invitation for the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reform in a highly significant gesture. Equally significant is the title that was chosen for the event: “From Conflict to Communion – Unity in Hope”. The event will be held on October 31st with an ecumenical service at the Cathedral of Lund, followed by a public ceremony at Malmö Stadium in 
The history: On January 14, 1961, Chiara Lubich had been invited to speak about the 
There was much sharing during the three days of intense work. It began with a discussion on the needs of young people in today’s world in the Americas and Oceania with its social and technological development but left with many spiritual needs. Other regions seemed to be in need of strategies for nurturing true values. “But it was not a matter of figuring things out sitting around a conference table,” Ray Asprer explained, “but of developing an awareness that the Holy Spirit will suggest what today’s society needs to get from the charism of unity.” “In Oceania,” Vania Cheng added, “we need to get closer to the Aboriginal populations and face up to the challenge of secularization. From there we can move on to bravely sowing the seeds of the Gospel that spread on their own.” “Even though there are many challenges,” said Gabriela Melo from Latin America, “our communities live communion and reciprocity. And this grows the faith that a united world is not a utopia.” 
In school, the boys and girls use tree trunks as chairs and use their laps as desks. This all happens on the Isle of Idjwi in the middle of Lake Kivu, on the eastern side of the 
Sensitive to social problems, as a youngster in 
“Teaching is like lighting a flame, not filling an empty vessel. If it is a flame that needs to be fed, then a learner should be taught to guard and increase the warmth and light. A person needs an education that outlasts childhood and continues from birth to death – and that is the period for giving.” 
Lionello was born on October 10, 1925 in Parma, Italy. His family was wealthy and raised him to be honest and genuine. He attended high school during World War II and his attention was drawn toward civil society and social problems. In 1943 he enrolled in Law School and graduated with honors in 1947 after having done some prison time for providing help to the partisan movement. After the war he oversaw the educational and cultural activities of the Italian Catholic University Students, as well as the political activities of the Christian Democrats. He served the poor in the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, but feared becoming bourgeois. He joined in an initiative for young people who wanted to deepen their spiritual lives in the light of the Gospel. There he came to know 
The XV General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to be held in October 2018, will focus on “Young people, the faith and discerment of vocation”. This decision of Pope Francis arouses joy and interest even in the 
