After participating in the memorable World Youth Day celebrations at Krakow, 67 bishops and cardinals, friends of the Focolare Movement meet in Braga, in the north of Portugal, from the 2-10 August 2016. Such conferences have been taking place since 1977, but it is the first time that these bishops meet in Portugal. They have been invited by Msgr Jorge Ortiga, Archbishop of Braga to hold this conference at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro. Moderated by Cardinal Francis Kriengsak, Archbishop of Bangkok, Thailand, this conference aims at deepening fraternal communion among bishops, in line with the spirituality of unity that animates the Focolare Movement. The mystery of Jesus on the cross, who cries “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mk 15,34) will be the main theme of this conference. During 2016/2017 all Focolare members will focus their attention on this subject, a key to meet and embrace the wounds of today’s society. Maria Voce, president of the Focolare Movement will deliver points on this subject. Jesús Morán, the co-president and other central council members will share views on the life of the Focolare Movement today. The current world situation, the Church’s reform according to Pope Francis and ecumenism are other topics to be discussed and reflected upon through the specific contributions offered by theologians, politicians and other experts members of the Movement. The Portugese Episcopal Conference has been invited to participate in the programme held on August 9. The bishops who attend will have the opportunity to share in a fraternal exchange of experiences and encounter, enriched by the presence of bishops from dioceses in many parts of the world. This meeting will be sealed by a pilgrimage to Fatima, the land of Holy Mary, where the bishops will entrust their life and mission to Our Lady. The meetings for Bshops, friends of the Focolare Movement started in 1977 on the initiative of Msgr. Klaus Hemmerle, Bishop of Aachen, Germany. Since their very beginning, they were approved and supported by the Holy See to promote the “effective and affective” collegiality among bishops in a spirit of communion and fraternity. Source: Press release – Focolare Information Service
«These have been wonderful days, I found peace and security. The group dialogues were rich, especially those of the families.» «I thank God for the grace we have received also as a couple. There were some issues between the two of us, but here, many things changed. Now we are happy and ready to commit ourselves to any type of activities.» « For the first time I helped out with the children: a very special experience. From them I learned simplicity and how to live love in daily life.» «I felt that I had to accept the others as they are. I have refilled and am ready to go forward!» These are some impressions, among many that have come up during these months throughout the world where the Mariapolis is being held, the typical summer gatherings of the Focolare. All as usual up to this point. Except for the fact that these impressions were gathered in the troubled Holy Land. «Our Mariapolis – they wrote from Jerusalem – was held from 30 June to 2 July, in Jenin, Palestine. A beautiful and welcoming place which helped us to relax, and deepen that golden thread of the programme which invited us to put into practise the mercy of God and with our brothers. 230 people from various localities participated. It was the first time for many of them among whom were young people, kids and children. Also about 20 people from the Gaza Strip participated, and to do so were able to obtain the permit to leave.» «Among the illustrious guests was the Melkite Catholic Archbishop of Galilee , Bishop Georges Bacaouni, whose words – one of the participants said – were a great enlightenment since they encouraged all to live in such a way as to show all that we love Jesus.» «Since this is the Year of Mercy, also a moment of the programme was dedicated to what we called a “face to face with God” moment. After a deep examination of conscience, before Jesus in the Eucharist, each one of us wrote the steps we felt we could take to grow in love towards God and towards the others, and to then burn the piece of paper in a great fire, and symbol of the mercy of God. After this solemn moment, a lady from Gaza confided with great joy: “I did it, I forgave all. Now I shall start anew.”» “There were also those who reestablished relationships with the Focolare after a long time: «I have returned to the Mariapolis after15 years, but it is as if it is my first time. On listening to the themes of Chiara Lubich I understood that in every moment you can catch up with the others, if you just start loving again in the present. I experienced once again that when we are together, there is a special strength which gives us the energy to go ahead. »
Anthony from the USA recounts: “Back in Chicago I’m used seeing everybody look out for themselves, without concern for others. As we made our way to the Field of Mercy someone came out of their house and offered us a tray of ice-cream . . . Another person gave water . . . I couldn’t believe my eyes!” Antonel is a Hungarian from Romania: “Although I live in Romania, I don’t speak much Romanian and have little contact with Romanians. The fact is, we feel that we’re Hungarians, not Romanians. We were in a group with both Romanians and Hungarians and it was just incredible. I learned more Romanian in those few days than I had in my entire life. I felt that we were real brothers and sisters. So many preujudices disappeared!” Anna from Italy: “Our luggage was quite heavy and a family invited us to go into their house. They offered to hold on to our luggage until the next day when we would be returning from the Field of Mercy. It seemed unreal. Then, when we returned they invited us in and offered us drinks and a bit of rest. We stayed with them for a while and then continued on. . .” They were like an overflowing river . . . They had just arrived from Krakow after 10 hours of travelling. They were worn out but happy, filled with enthusiasm and determination. The Pope’s words entered deeply into their hearts. “We could say say WYD begins now and continues tomorrow at home, because that’s where Jesus wants to meet you from now on,” said Pope Francis at the Mass on the Field of Mercy. “The Lord doesn’t only wish only to remain in this city of fond memories, but to go to your homes and share in your everyday life: at school and your first years in the workplace, your friendships and your feelings, your plans and your dreams.” There were 600 young people from the Movement. Following the unforgettable experience at WYD they spent 5 days in Jasna on the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia.They wanted to make the Pope’s words become part of their lives and to discern together how to put them into practice in their lives. The Focolare young people were from 33 countries, from Australia to Brazil and Argentina, from Portugal to Russia. They say that they will never forget the experience of hospitality and brotherhood they experienced. The days ahead would be quite busy. The title chosen for their gathering was quite meaningful: “You God (got) me!” You’ve also swept us away, God. The gathering took place in the midst of the spectacular beauty of the Tarta Mountains and focused on three essential topics in the life of every human being: the relationship with God, the relationship with oneself and the relationship with others. The Pope’s words were the backdrop, along with the desire that no one take away their freedom to make courageous decisions to be “builders of the future”. The first day was spent telling stories about hospitality, helping one another, smiles, sharing – the Pope! They discussed his invitation to feel that Jesus calls them to leave their mark . . . a mark that marks history, that marks their story and the story of many others.” To not be “couch potatoes” but young people with their shoes laced, or better, with their hiking-boots laced. Domenico from the Cameroon summarized the sentiments of many: “A united world is possible, and we could reach universal brotherhood.” “As the Pope said, we should build bridges and reach out our hands to one another. I felt like judging so many countries that are creating wars in Africa, but as the Pope spoke I felt I had to change my way of thinking and begin to build those bridges. We reach brotherhood by building bridges; by hating we only destroy. Jesus allowed me to double my faith. Many times during my life I’ve wondered why there is so much suffering in the world, but now I realize that Jesus is there, that he becomes ugly in order to make everything beautiful. I’d like to be that way for others, to be active at building bridges. If we get our hands dirty, we’ll surely come to the point of living Jesus’s prayer to the Father: ‘that all be one’. Eva from Sovakia: “It struck us when the Pope blessed our dreams and our feet, giving significance to every effort we made.” “We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but WYD shows that a new world is possible. It’s up to us to build it in the small steps that we take every day!” Pope Francis’s homily at WYD Mass, Mercy Field, July 31, 2016 Pope’s Address at WYD Prayer Vigil, July 30, 2016Pope’s Words at WYD Way of the Cross
“He was for many a true testimony of God’s infinite mercy,” Maria Voce wrote to the members of the Movement, “which he now is certainly experiencing in fullness.” Born in Pistoia, on 8 September 1926, Bruno Venturini met the newly born Movement in December 1949, when, Graziella De Luca, one the first women focolarine, went to his city to meet Pasquale Foresi. He was ordained priest in 1978, and covered many roles in the Movement, but he would have later said that “one of the biggest graces I received was that of sharing the responsibility for the aspect of Economy and Work for over 30 years, with Giosi Guella, an exceptional person, and experience in person the constant Providence that made us feel totally in God’s hands.”
Bruno Venturini (third from right) was always close to Chiara Lubich.
Bruno was close to Chiara Lubich, especially during the last years of her life, during which he celebrated mass in her chapel every day. He had confided to someone that this experience had lead him to nurture “a new and deeper relationship with Jesus. Bruno was a generous person, who always made others feel welcome, and had the capacity to really listen to them, with a heart full of mercy. This trait of his was also stressed by the President of the Focolare when she pointed out the fact that his passing coincided with the day of the “Pardon of Assisi” His funeral will be held tomorrow, 3 August, at 4.30 pm local time at the International Centre in Castel Gandolfo (Rome).
“The results are far beyond our greatest expectations,” said Roberto Catalano from the Focolare’s Centre for Interreligious Dialogue at the conclusion of a gathering of the “Wings of Unity” research group that has come up with rather a challenging agenda, considering the difficult phase that Europe is going through. The Co-Directors of the project are SUI President Piero Coda and Professor Mohammad Ali Shomali, Director of the Islamic Centre of England. The idea of meeting at Loppiano, Italy, goes back to last April when Professor Shomali had been invited to present a lecture at the Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Religions in the Contemporary World course that was offered by SUI in collaboration with Professor Frizzi. But the origins of Wings of Unity go back even in a story of friendship, solidarity and trust between Muslim and Christian friends of the Focolare. That friendship began 19 years ago in daily life settings and in the halls of academia, and has now evolved into a common interreligious witness of universal brother and sisterhood. That is what it was for the 14 members – 5 of them Shiites – of the seminar that was recently held at SUI on July 8-10, 2016.Iranian theologian Sharzad Housmand, professor at the Gregorian Pontifical University and expert in Islamic-Christian Dialogue, was also in attendance and highlighted the great novelty of the event. The same was true for Christian Arooj Javed, SUI student from Pakistan who said she could never even have imagined such a spirit of communion and, at the same time, openness and transparency between Christians and Muslims. The work began with texts from Chiara Lubich, presented by Coda and Catalano, in which the Focolare foundress highlighted the fact that unity is something that should be sought with everyone, because we are all children of a single Father. Professor Shomali then presented some excerpts from the Koran and successive traditions that were in harmony with what Chiara Lubich had written. To everyone’s surprise, the more the dialogue deepened, the more the “hardness” of diversity faded giving space to a dialogue that was marked by deep listening and mutual understanding. The presentations given by Professor Callebaut and Professor Ropelato that focused on the centrality of love were also valuable. They indicated the capacity of human beings to unite diverse human settings both within and outside themselves as the new line for social, economic and political life. The contributions from the Shitte guests opened new and timely scenarios for the experience of unity as a value that becomes kairos, [at] the right moment. Professor Mahnaz Heydarpoor’s words sounded convincing as she called for training in interreligious dialogue for the new generations. An interreligious summer school workshop for young people has been scheduled for 2017 which will continue the communion that was begun at this school: “After years spent in building trust among us,” one Muslim remarked, “the new generations no longer need to wait: We want to do everything we can so that they will be able to experience the unity that so intensely filled our hearts and minds in these days.” Source: Sophia online
What is the Mariapolis? The word literally means City of Mary and refers to a gathering of several days for Focolare members and friends, young and old, people of all backgrounds who strive to live in a spirit of brotherhood in light of the universal values of the Gospel. This rather unique experience that is repeated in many countries around the world is shaped by the Golden Rule which invites us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. At a Mariapolis it is possible to see what it would be like in daily life if our relationships were based on being gifts for one another.History of the Mariapolis In the difficult post-war period while struggling to heal from the wounds inflicted on all the nations of Europe by the Second World War, a growing number of young people, families, workers, professionals and politicans joined members of the nascent Movement for summer holidays in the mountains of Trentino, Italy. Right from the start the Mariapolis was a small chunk of society renewed by the love of the Gospel. South Tyroleans and Italians, French and Germans all participated as the hatred of the war quickly melted away. An old Mariapolis song describes the spirit of fraternity at those first cities of Mary: “Train operators, students, doctors, chemists and parliamentarians go to the Mariapolis and discover that they are brothers and sisters. What matter then our posts or positions, when we’ve been made brothers and sisters here?” That unique atmosphere of brotherhood which was the hallmark of the first city of Mary is still experienced in Mariapolises throughout the world. From early on, a note of internationality characterized the Movement which was spreading rapidly, first in Italy and then, in 1952, in the other countries of Europe and to the other continents in 1958. In 1959, more than 10,000 people attended the Mariapolis at Fiera di Primiero in Trentino, Italy. Twenty seven countries from different continents were represented. At that Mariapolis – and later in 1960 at Freiburg, Germany – while speaking to an international gathering about unity among the peoples of the world, Chiara Lubich proposed the Gospel commandment of love as the relationship that could exist between nations: “Love your neighbour’s country as your own.” The Mariapolis continues today on all 5 continents and now there are also twenty permanent Mariapolises around the world, the first and most developed in Loppiano, Italy.
“Why are you going to the WYD?” “Because I hope to meet Jesus,” answered a girl who came all the way to Cologne, together with hundreds of thousands of young people from all over the world. I think that she is not the only one who feels this urgent desire to meet Jesus! And it is also the motto of this WYD: look for Christ, find him and adore him. The “World Youth Day” – this inspirational invention of our beloved Pope John Paul II – is a privileged occasion to meet the living Christ in his Church (…). To meet Jesus, adore him and then bring him wherever we go. Dear youth, do you know that there is a secret so you will not lose this Jesus whom you have met during the WYD events, and who appeared to us as such a beautiful, dynamic and fascinating person? The secret is this: we have to love! To love God and remain in Him, and be always in the light, we have to love the others! You see, this is the experience I have acquired in more than 60 years, but it is also the experience of a whole population spread out over the globe, millions of men, women and children who have chosen love as their lifestyle! This is the secret for a happy, full, interesting and ever new life, one that is never boring but always full of surprises! Let me give you a small but great example: I found out recently that a group of young people in a refugee camp in Africa, where practically everything is lacking, wants to change their camp into a paradise through love and they have told me of really concrete experiences that are producing these results. So you see? It means that love overcomes all! We could say numberless things about this love which Jesus taught us with his life, world, and saints. But just for today I would like to underline only two fundamental points: We should love EVERYONE, without exceptions or favouritism– the way God loves us! –and this consists in loving our enemy, that nice and unpleasant person, your teacher, next door neighbour, the postman, and your colleague. To love ALL means also to love people who are far away, but who are present through the mass media, like the victims of the Tsunami in Southeast Asia, or those whom you helped with the Solidarity Fund. The second point is: we have to be THE FIRST to love. We usually love when we are loved, to respond to the love we receive. And if we don’t receive it? No, it is even better to take the initiative, be the first to start, giving a sign of friendship, forgiveness, and the will to start from the very beginning. Try to love in this manner, and you will experience immense freedom because you are the protagonists! Dear youth, take courage! A life like this is worth the while, and you are not made to do things halfway. So give your heart to Him who knows how to fill it. God needs youth like this, inflamed, who cannot be hindered by their own problems, people who have burnt all in the fire of God’s love and who have influenced all to do the same. May Jesus whom you have met, be always with you! In true Love. (Chiara Lubich, Cologne, 16 August 2005) Source:Chiara Lubich Centre
The five coaches of 17-year-olds left Verona for Poland, accompanied by priests, animators and families. The camp in Krakow that was awaiting them was part of the World Youth Day and had been organised exclusively for them. There were also some Gen3 in the group, enthusiastic to be able to also participate in this experience. «The trip also included a stopover in Munich – recounted Fr. Stefano Marcolini of the Focolare, one of the priests accompanying the group – to visit the former Nazi concentration camp in Dachau. Upon returning to Munich in the evening, we decided to go sightseeing in the city, unaware that it would become the site of a terroristic attack. Thank God we were not in the vicinity of the mall where the shooting occurred, but there was such a great confusion that the entire city (the underground, bars and public places) were in a panic situation.It was really fearful and we also had a hard time gathering the group. Thankfully, we had our cell phones and Google maps. Finally at 3 am, we were able to find everyone, and were so generously helped by the local Church which offered us a substantial breakfast. We were contacted by the Local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and received the order to return to Italy, since the group was composed of minors.» But the kids refused to be overcome, and were encouraged by the words of Pope Francis who had invited the youth to the WYD: “Don’t let anyone steal hope from you.” Upon returning to Italy, they wished to take part just the same in a camp –to do what they would have wanted to do in Krakow – and which the Bishop rapidly set up in a nice place in the mountains. «Upon hearing about their adventure, the Pope encouraged the boys and girls not to give up and told them that all were awaiting them in Krakow. In the meantime, three of them, accompanied by a priest, were invited to Krakow for the Festival of the Italian youth.They were also chosen by the other youths to participate in the linkup with Pope Francis and address him in the Q&A session, precisely regarding the facts in Munich.» «To respond to the Pope’s personal invitation – continued Fr. Stefano – at the end of the camp the coaches headed for Poland, where we arrived on Saturday, the 30th just in time for a private audience with him, since he had changed his previous programme. In addition, due to the great meeting on Saturday evening, where around two million boys and girls were awaited, the Verona group received passes to sit in the first row.All this happened because, as Riccardo, one of the Gen3 said, “We did not allow anyone to steal our hopes from us!”»
The words of the Gospel shape our lives and give us God’s own life, if we live them. If we share what we experience with others, it does not only nourish them, it gives us life too. By now we have been living the Word of Life for seventy years. The text comes to us and we read the commentary. But what we hope will remain is the sentence that is offered, a word of Scripture, often from Jesus. The ‘Word of Life’ is not simply a meditation, but Jesus speaks in it. He invites us to live, always bringing us to love, to make a gift of our lives. It was an ‘invention’ of Chiara Lubich, who speaks of its origins like this: ‘I was hungry for truth, and I studied philosophy. Indeed, more than that: like many other young people I sought truth and I believed I would find it in study. But then came one of those great ideas from the early times of the Movement, which I immediately communicated to my companions, “What point is there in looking for truth when it lives incarnate in Jesus, the God-man? If the truth attracts us, let’s leave everything, let’s look for Him, and let’s follow Him.” And that is what we did.’ They took the Gospel into their hands and began reading it word by word. They found it completely new. ‘Each word of Jesus was a burst of brightly shining light, all divine! … His words were unique, eternal … fascinating, fashioned with a divine form … they were words of life, to be translated into life, universal words in the midst of space and time.’ They discovered them not to be stuck in the past, not a mere memory, but words that He continuously speaks to us, as He does to each person in every time and place.[1] Yet is Jesus truly our Teacher? We are surrounded by many proposals for our lives, by many teachers of thought, some of them twisted that even lead to violence, while others are straight and enlightening. And yet the words of Jesus have a depth and an ability to attract and move us that other words, whether they be of philosophers, politicians, or poets, do not have. They are ‘words of life’; they can be lived, and they give us the fullness of life; they communicate God’s own life. Each month we focus on one, so that, bit by bit the Gospel penetrates our spirit, transforms us, makes us acquire Jesus’s very own thought, so that we are able to respond to the most widely different situations. Jesus shows himself to be our Teacher. At times we can read the Gospel together. We would like Jesus himself, the Risen Lord, living in the midst of those who are gathered in his name, to explain it, to make it current for us, to suggest how we can put it into practice. The really new thing about the ‘Word of Life’, however, is that we can share our experiences, the graces given when we live it, just as Chiara explained when speaking of what happened in the early times which are still with us now: ‘We felt we had a duty to communicate to others what we had experienced, also because we were aware that by givingit an experience remained and built up our inner life, while, if we did not give it, bit by bit our soul was impoverished. The word was therefore lived intensely all day long and the results were communicated not only among us, but with those who joined the first group…. When it was lived, it was no longer I or we who lived, but the word lived in me, the word lived in the group. And this was the Christian revolution with all of its consequences.’[2] It can be like this today for us too. Fabio Ciardi ______________________ [1]Scritti spirituali, vol. 3 (Rome: Città Nuova, 1979), p. 124. [2] Ibid. pp. 128, 130.
The project that is run by the AMU (Action for a United World) has been operating for several years among the Buota population in one of the poorest villages on the island of Tarawa. Its goal is to improve living conditions in the community with projects that are focused mainly on women and children. Sixty one children of both Catholic and other religious faiths attend the nursery school. Fifteen children fulfilled the pre-school requirements and obtained the certificate of competence from the Ministry of Public Education that qualifies them to begin primary school. “The nursery school also strengthened collaboration among members of the community,” Buota reports. “Children’s mothers often work as a group to provide support. Along with several fundraisers selling bread and blocks of ice, they also contributed to the construction of a new classroom, collecting straw for the roof. The Focolare community, which had come up with the idea for the project, was also actively engaged in the construction of the new classroom that provided more space for the growing pre-school population.” The Kiribati project also provides training classes for women. “At times these were difficult to arrange due to the poor condition of the roads. It’s usually difficult to reach the village; nevertheless, this difficulty was also overcome.” Last year four members of the Health Ministry conducted a workshop on childhood nutrition. They discussed the importance of a nourishing diet for physical and mental development, hygiene, natural family planning and organic gardening. A 2-day workshop on organic gardening for the promotion of healthy living was offered with the collaboration of experts from the Department of Agriculture. The importance of spreading this natural approach to gardening with neighbours was strongly stressed, so that many others could learn how to obtain a rich and organic planting soil more easily. By the end of 2015 the first tomatoes and cabbages were already appearing in many of Buota’s organic home gardens! And this is important given the local setting where there is a progressive rise in sea level and decrease in the amount of farmland for planting. Source:AMU online (Associazione per un mondo unito). http://www.amu-it.eu/2016/07/19/kiribati-i-bimbi-crescono-e-anche-i-cavoli/?lang=it
Dear Brothers and Sisters, The 31st World Youth Day is fast approaching. I look forward to meeting the young people from throughout the world gathered in Kraków and having the opportunity to meet the beloved Polish nation. My entire visit will be inspired by Mercy during this Jubilee Year, and by the grateful and blessed memory of Saint John Paul II, who instituted the World Youth Days and was the guide of the Polish people in its recent historic journey towards freedom. Dear young people of Poland, I know that for some time now you have been preparing, especially with your prayers, for this great encounter in Kraków. I thank you heartily for everything that you have done, and for the love with which you have done it. Even now I embrace you and I bless you. Dear young people from throughout Europe, Africa, America, Asia and Oceania! I also bless your countries, your hopes and your journey to Kraków, praying that it will be a pilgrimage of faith and fraternity. May the Lord Jesus grant you the grace to experience personally his words: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Mt 5:7). I am very anxious to meet you and to offer the world a new sign of harmony, a mosaic of different faces, from many races, languages, peoples and cultures, but all united in the name of Jesus, who is the Face of Mercy. I now turn to you, dear sons and daughters of the Polish nation! For me, it is a great gift of the Lord to visit you. You are a nation that throughout its history has experienced so many trials, some particularly difficult, and has persevered through the power of faith, upheld by the maternal hands of the Virgin Mary. I am certain that my pilgrimage to the shrine of Czestochowa will immerse me in this proven faith and do me so much good. I thank you for your prayers in preparation for my visit. I thank the bishops and priests, the men and women religious, and the lay faithful, especially families, to whom I will symbolically bring the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia. The moral and spiritual “health” of a nation is seen in its families. That is why Saint John Paul II showed such great concern for engaged couples, young married couples and families. Continue along this road! Dear brothers and sisters, I send you this message as a pledge of my affection. Let us keep close to one another in prayer. I look forward to seeing you in Poland!
Accepting others “The Town Hall of my city was instituting a special service for the immigrants. I felt the urge to offer my help for this new service. I tried to find out who had answered to this project in my condominium. Upon meeting various families I realized how much people disliked non-EU nationals. At work many colleagues were irked by the presence of immigrants who are regarded only as competitors for jobs and housing. At first I spoke to my colleagues, trying to stress the importance of accepting those who were different, and it appeared to be of no avail. But slowly I saw that both they and the inhabitants of my condominium, started to take on a “softer” attitude.” (E. M. – Italy) The start of a new faith “I recall that I had just arrived at work when a brutal air raid began. I went with my colleagues to take shelter underground, with an ear to the radio to catch some news. That was how I got to know that also the district where my husband works had been bombed. I felt sick and was about to faint. In that moment I started thinking: «God you are now asking me to renew my faith in you.» I entrusted my children, husband, and parents to him, asking him to help us not to stray from him. Above all I asked him that should the children find themselves orphans, they would encounter in their path people who would guide them towards him. It was an unforgettable heart-to-heart dialogue with God. From that moment on, I have continued my life with faith and infinite gratitude.” (H. S. – Lebanon) Cleaning “One day the owner of the building where I live decided to eliminate all the antennas on the roof, probably for the sake of aesthetics. However, a warring atmosphere brewed in the housing block. How would we have ever won against “Goliath?” The Gospel urged me to try the strategy of humility. Since the doorman was absent for health reasons, the cleaning of the stairs and the entrance was really scarce. Given that the other tenants would never have even dreamt of cleaning their own landings, I took the initiative and started cleaning the stairs right down to the sidewalk. I did it with joy and commitment. That same evening, the owner rang my doorbell and very courteously offered to fix my TV antenna. Surprised and wordless, I took advantage of his good intentions to ask him to install also the other antennas. In the end, all the antennas returned in place. From that moment on, my relationship with my neighbours changed. In addition, they take turns in cleaning the stairs.” (B. M. – France)
To the young man from Philippines, who asked Chiara “From the depths of your heart, what would you like to say to us here in the Palaeur Stadium and to the young people of the world who are watching us on television?”, she answered: «I would like to repeat something said by Catherine of Siena, that very great saint, that wonderful woman. In speaking to her disciples, she said: “Don’t be satisfied with little things because He, God, wants great things”. This is what I want to tell you: gen, young people, don’t be satisfied with crumbs. You have only one life, aim high, don’t be satisfied with little joys, seek the great ones, seek the fullness of joy. You might ask me: “But where can we find it, Chiara?” All right, I’ll conclude my conversation with you by speaking again of Jesus. He said that those who live unity will have the fullness of joy, so your heritage if you live this Ideal is the fullness of joy. And this is my concluding wish and my concluding words to you». Rome, Palaeur Genfest 1995 Source: Cercate la pienezza della gioia. 50 risposte ai giovani, Città Nuova 2012
The Amazon is a frequent topic of discussion today because everyone is worried about the deforestation and exploitation of its immense resources by unscrupulous politicians and economists. But very few are aware of the problems of the communities living on the banks of its immense river with the same name, so precious for our sick planet. There are great difficulties in accessing any type of healthcare. For example, in Óbidos (almost 50,000 inhabitants), the only hospital is that run by the Franciscan Third Order, which has only one doctor to tend to the most urgent cases, while for specialized cases the sick have to go to Santarém, a distant six-hour travel by boat. Anxious about the scarce spiritual assistance given to the deeply religious population, the Brasilian Bishops’ Conference (CNBB) called for a concrete response to this issue. This appeal stirred up the interest of hundreds of Focolare members (youths and adults from all over the country and also worldwide) who created the “Amazon Project” in 2005. Each year, during their holidays they set out on a journey to visit the region’s various riverbank communities. Made up of healthcare clinicians, but also of common individuals, they go to lend an ear to the problems of the people, treat the sick, and play with the children in a silent but explicit testimonial of the Gospel in action. In this month of July, there is an ongoing mission of this type in three different districts: Óbidos (Pará), Magnificat (Maranhão) and Barreirinha (Amazonas). Twenty-two volunteers went to Óbidos, among whom were four doctors, a dentist, a physiotherapist and a medical student. With the logistics support of the inhabitants during their untiring seven-day stay in those places, they were able to visit seven communities and treat a total of over a thousand people. They went from house to house, and were put up for the night by the generosity of the people who did not hesitate to stand by the volunteers and give a helping hand, thus creating a warm atmosphere of brotherhood amongst all. When the time came to depart, the scene was always the same: nobody wanted to believe that the “missionaries” would be leaving the next day for another community, and no one could say who experienced more joy in that intense day passed together. If there is truth in the saying, “there is more joy in giving than in receiving,” it is also true that – as the volunteers said – they felt it was they who received more, in the close encounter with such a genuine population, so rich in values, courage, and authentic faith. Every departure was sealed by the promise to return the next year, accompanied by new friends influenced by their enthusiasm. A young volunteer of Benevides gave a touching testimonial, saying that he was grateful he had “grown spiritually and as a person.” A girl from Belém, struck by “these extraordinary people she had met,” declared that once she returned home she would “recommend to all to undertake a similar experience.” Another young man from Belém remarked: “I live in a society that takes interest only in the latest Smartphone model, whereas over here, I saw children who were happy to receive just a simple pencil. I saw people line up, without managing to be visited by the doctors, while over here, people start complaining when they have to wait a bit. And yet, though they are in a disadvantaged situation, these people are always joyful. Upon listening to their stories, I was convinced that some of them would really deserve an honorary degree.” See also: http://projetoamazonia2016.blogspot.com.br/ Tweet: Doctors, nurses and Focolare members have launched the Amazon Project.
Syrian artist, Tammam Azzam’s artwork for Caritas ‘Syria: Peace is Possible’ campaign
A mass mobilization, a campaign to push the entire world to take action. It is the objective of #PeacePossible4Syria, the project launched by Caritas Internationalis and which involves all the countries where the organization is present. «It’s not a campaign against anything, but one in favour of peace,. though we denounce, of course, the sale of arms,» said Rosette Hechaime, a Lebanese and coordinator of Caritas in the Middle East. «Syria’s situation is very dear to the Holy Father, and many times, when we met him, he urged us to raise our voices to silence the arms. In fact, Caritas is one of the biggest agencies responding to this humanitarian crisis going on for five years now. We gather and divulge the stories of those leaving and remaining through the social network, so as not to stop believing that peace in Syria is possible.» On the site http://syria.caritas.org/ you may consult all the material available to follow the campaign and divulge it in turn. «Since the war in Syria has already caused 4.8 million refugees to go abroad and 6.5 million to move within the country, it seems that too much is too much,» Rosette concluded. In his message Pope Francis did not stop urging all: «Let us join forces at all levels, so peace can become a reality in Syria.» ֿ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-Q-8rThyUY Also the 230 people here from various cities of the country, are part of those who responded to his appeal and gathered in Al Btar (the mountains along the Syrian coast) from 5 to 10 July to live the “Mariapolis – the City of Mary,” which is «a real gift of God amidst so much violence.» Due to the unstable situation which prevented them from seeing one another for five years, all were filled with joy in meeting again after all that time. The title chosen for this event was, “We have long awaited this return.” The Focolare of Damascus and Aleppo wrote: «In the mornings the programme was intense, while in the afternoons and evenings it was more relaxing and a big help for the participants who, through the reflections of priests and religious experts, were able to confront their own selves, and review their personal relationships with God, their manner of praying, and their relationships with others. «We departed with Heaven in our hearts, to bring it to wherever we are and where the situation was still hellish,» one of the participants commented. «For those coming from outside it seemed like a real miracle – recounted M. Grazia, Italian, who has been for some months now in the Focolare in Damascus – where war is raging. I am struck by the people’s integrity, and not only that of the numerous youth: peaceful people who dream of and desire peace. Many have lost hope, and ask themselves: is it a utopia to believe in unity? Is peace an impossible dream? However, they continue to believe in God despite everything, though this question is a real personal issue for each of them. The Mariapolis was a breath of fresh air amid this reality, dotted with very strong experiences: there were those whose brothers had been abducted, and who lost all they had in one day, had no news of their relatives, had broken families, and were subjected to curtailed water and light at a temperature of 40°, not knowing whether there would be another day, and living in absolute uncertainty.» At the end, the 230 sent greetings that travelled the globe. They were aware that they were not alone but part of a big family, urged on by the Pope in his message to incarnate this Word of God: «I, in fact, know the plans I drew out for you – said the Lord – plans of peace and not of misfortunes, to grant you a future full of hope.» (Jeremiah 29,11)». [Arabic, with subtitles in Italian] https://vimeo.com/175367097 Maria Chiara De Lorenzo
«What a great support for the Way Carmen has been. What a strong woman! I have never met any other person like her». With these words Kiko Argüello announced the death of Carmen Hernández in a letter to all the wayfarers, those who have adhered to the Neocatechumenal spirit, He furthermore wrote that Carmen represented a «marvellous event» and reflected the ideal «woman, her great genius, her charism, and her love for the Pope, and above all, the Church.» Together with Kiko Argüello and Fr. Mario Pezzi, Carmen Hernández was a leader of the Way worldwide. The funeral will be held on 21 July, in the Madrid Cathedral, to be presided by Archbishop Carlos Osoro Sierra. Over 30,000 neocatechumenal communities in 120 countries will commemorate her, in the presence of Bishops and Cardinals who are close to the Neocatechumenal movement. Born in Olvega, Spain, Carmen lived a long life, always in communion with the Spirit which had led her, after her studies in chemistry, to discover the missionary vocation she had felt in her youth.. Then came the stint in a missionary institute, studies on the liturgy within the context of the profound council renewal, and a two-year experience in the Holy Land. Lastly, in 1964 her encounter with Kiko amid the slums of Palomeras Altas, at the outskirts of Madrid: it was there that she felt the evangelical spirit was leading her towards a new form of commitment with the Christian community that was starting amongst the poor. The presence of Carmen offered a solid theological and liturgical basis to Kiko’s forceful catechesis, and their action became a real post-baptismal formation. She played a fundamental role in the drafting of the Statutes of the Way, which was approved by the Holy See in 2011. In 2015 she received the Honoris Causa Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, as an acknowledgement of her great contribution to Christian formation throughout the world. «You have received a great charism, for the baptismal renewal of life,» she had said to Pope Francis in her speech before the followers of the Neocatechumenal Way last 18 March, the last time she appeared in public. But the Holy Father spoke to her personally on the phone last 1 July during a private audience granted to Kiko Argüello and Fr. Mario Pezzi. The Focolare Movement joins the prayers and thanksgiving, in keeping alive the communion between the ecclesiastical movements ratified in the Pentecost of 1998 when Pope John Paul II met the Movements and New communities for the first time, each of which is the particular fruit of a charism endowed by the Holy Spirit to the Church and humanity, to respond to the needs of our time. Maria Chiara De Lorenzo
5,000 kilometres. Three architecture students from Colombia, a list of places, people from Italy and Malta, landscapes and experiences to confront themselves with, preferring the less renowned sites. “These were the ingredients of a tour inspired by the Grand Tour which led the new graduates to Italy, to learn onsite, touch with their hands, and make a direct experience,” explained the Italian architects and project coordinators, Lole Parisi and Mario Tancredi. They also revealed the origin of the name, Habitandando (Learning Along the Way), with a journey as the method and the territory as classroom, that took place from 29 June to 16 July: “Abitare, which means possessing in a sense, and andare, that represents the short-lived moments in wandering through the territory to acquire, in order to comprehend, and travelling as a learning procedure.” The trip, created by Dialogue in Architecture together with the travelling workshop of Bogotà’s La Salle University, with which there has been an ongoing cooperation, had an academic but also experiential feature. The stages of the route also reached Catania, where a group of architects and engineers was working on a huge project – guided by Paolo Mungiovino – for the recovery of an old historical building: the former Crociferi Convent, in the heart of the old city centre which will act as an Egyptian Museum, thanks to an agreement with the museum of Turin. In Chiaramonte Gulfi (Ragusa), after a warm welcome in the presence of the Vice Mayor and some Municipal Councilors, they were introduced to the experience of the Fo.Co Cooperative at the core of the current challenges of Sicily, and to even more: the arrival of the migrants and refugees. «There we learned how to reconcile love for one’s own land, with the challenges of integration carried out in a widespread and attentive manner. It was a real lesson on dialogue,» Mario and Lole recounted. In Calabria, the guide was Maria Elena Lo Schiavo, Vice Mayor of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica: «With her simplicity she showed us the well-known determination of these people who say “no” to the Mafia, and “yes” to personal commitment, with positive outlooks. Anna Cundari, architect of Cosenza, lead us instead deep into the heart of the National Pollino Park amid villages at risk of abandonment, allowing us to meet people who, for love of their land, say their own “yes” with force and generosity, restoring and rebuilding often with their own hands, houses and shrines, and with these, also a bit of the spirit of this land.» In Pescara, the students and teachers of the Annunzio University, inspired by the force of the social impulse of the Bogotà University, undertook a difficult path in one of the huge, downgraded districts of the city on the Adriatic Sea, inhabited by Gypsy ethnic groups and immigrants, involving also the schools and associations. «In the list of encounters during this 15-day journey – the organizers conclude – there was much more but in short, we feel that we had tasted “beauty” which, apart from the aesthetic values, highlighted the relationships between people and the territories. It was thus because of this that the beauty of landscapes, villages and cities were “lit up” also by the relationships, dialogue, and upholding of good practices which still so many people are able to set into motion, without clamour.» Maria Chiara De Lorenzo
WYD program Info: http://www.krakow2016.com/ “The news that the forthcoming World Youth Day would be held in Krakow brought much joy to the Polish people. During the three years of preparation with the youth of the Focolare Movement we asked ourselves how we could contribute to the realization of this event. It seemed natural to insert ourselves in the programme in an active and communitarian way. Slowly our role in the Youthfest took became clear, a religious and artistic-cultural programme to be held during the WYD and which should include artistic initiatives, of a religious and spiritual nature. There will be concerts, exhibits, workshops, sporting events, theatre, etc. wherein all the youth of the WYD who are interested can participate free of charge. We were entrusted with the preparation of one of these events that will be held on July 27 and…in this moment we are immersed in the preparations! We planned this meeting to be divided into two parts: integration and reflection. The first will be a moment of games, dances and songs, an occasion to get to know the others. We know that the participants will be coming from different parts of the world and we are hoping that language will not be a barrier to unity. Keeping in mind that the theme of the WYD is encapsulated in the words “Blessed are the merciful, because they will find mercy (Mt 5, 7), we chose as the motto of our meeting the net of mercy that we want to weave among us and to which we would like to invite the person beside us to join. Our desire is also that of inviting the youth to participate in an international prayer. In the second part of the event we will organize a vigil of reflection where, through choreography, music and experiences, we will speak of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. During the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament the reflection will be accompanied by texts of Chiara Lubich and songs of the Gen Rosso. We will also be present in the Center for Vocations where the youth can get to know the initiatives of the religious orders, Catholic schools and universities, religious publishing houses, missionary organizations, national and international Movements and ecclesial Communities. Here as the Focolare Movement we will be at the disposition of all those who would like to know more about our community. We hope that this WYD can be a time of union with God and with the others for us and that all those who will participate in our event could make an experience of unity to share with the others and to live in their own environment.”
Risk-dependent«I’m a priest. One of my former course mates in the seminary who didn’t continue the course for priesthood fell into the habit of gambling, and developed an addiction. He was a brilliant man. His wife had left him due to the debts he accumulated and also his own family didn’t want to have anything to do with him. His earnings were not enough to cover the bank interests. When he contacted me to ask my help, I listened to him lengthily. But his main worry was only to pay his debts, and did not want any counsel. I introduced him to a doctor friend and a lawyer: the addiction issue was evident. So I tried to find a centre that could treat this problem and also the lawyer committed his free services. Now he’s in an institute and recovering well. One day while I was praying for him, I realized that to be able to show true charity, we need to use our hearts, minds and strength.» (B. D. – Italy) The next-door neighbour«One of my neighbours was in trouble: we could see this in the way she dressed and her sad looks. When I invited her to the house one afternoon, she confided that they had used up all their savings for her husband’s illness and the pension was not enough to live on. My husband and I decided to offer them a part of our savings. She didn’t want to accept since she wouldn’t be able to pay us back. But we insisted, confiding that divine Providence would give us a hand if we ever needed it. Shortly after, our daughter started to work and needed a car to move around, but we didn’t have enough to buy one. When a relative of our neighbor discovered this, she gave us her car as a gift; she no longer used it and it was still in excellent condition. Her reason for this gesture was: “I found out what you did for my aunt and uncle. It’s the least I could do to thank you.”» (R. F. – France) Red beet juice «Cristina, a widow for some years now, has never given up in the face of difficulties that arose after her husband’s death. In fact, she doubled her commitment to help others. Her colleague at work, also a widow, was not liked by the others because of her ways. One day, seeing her very pale face, Cristina asked her what was wrong. The colleague answered vaguely that she was not well and was taking a lot of medicine. So Cristina started to prepare a bottle of red beet juice for her every week. Surprised by all this caring, the colleague confided to Cristina: “I think that the force you have in going towards others is a gift from God, unlike me because I only lived on anger and pain after my husband’s death. This is the real disease I have.”» (C. K. – Hungary) Source: The day’s Gospel, New City, July 2016
“A blaze never starts from a large fire, but from a small flame. Today we’re here to light this flame.” These words from Bishop Gaspard Béby Gnéba on the Day of Mercy and Fraternity Among the Peoples, tell what the living experience was like,” write Vitoria Fransiscati and Bertin Lubundi from the permanent Mariapolis in Man, Mariapolis Victoria, at the conclusión of the Day of Mercy organized by the Focolare upon the urging of the Bishop of Man, on June 24-26. The period of preparation allowed for a series of different kinds of encounters in a diocese where only 6% of the members are baptized. So, there are many opportunities for dialogue! Fifteen traditional leaders and 18 imams from 33 of the city’s quarters attended the day on Fraternity in Politics on June 25th. Two of the topics discused were conflict resolution and thoughts and experiences on the “practice of authority” which led to a lively debate. One of the most interesting testimonies was that of Imam Rev. Koné from the most important mosque in Man. He spoke of his relationship with the Catholic bishop: “It was he who first approached me; he first loved me. We came up with a plan of action, and now is the time to put the plan into practice. We need to help one another to respect and accept our differences and to know one another’s faith.” The event opened on the evening of June 24th with a concert called: “Many People, One Family” which included performances by several different ethnic artisitic groups. The Days of Mercy woke up the city of Man with a Peace March: Christians and Muslims marched together on a 7km walk from the centre of the city to the Focolare’s permanent Mariapolis. Then, there was a series of visits and taking gifts to 32 needy families from practically all the quarters in Man. The protagonists were the bishop with his delegation and the families. “They were emotional and joyful moments for the people we visited, also the fact of seeing the bishop himself bringing gifts without expecting anything in return, as unfortunately happens often with some politicians who want to buy support.” This was a start at fulfilling a dream, the Bishop said: “It was a training for people who hold responsiblities in society, adminstrators and those who work in interreligious dialogue, so they might continue to live mercy in civil society.” RTI videonews (original language) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvsr0KwISTs&feature=player_embedded Maria Chiara De Lorenzo
“There is a vein of illusions and dreaming running through the notion of this project,” recounts Flavia Cerino, lawyer and coordinator of activities in Sicily. We have come up against one of the most complex realities regarding migration, one of the most urgent problems: that of unaccompanied foreign minors (UAM) that arrive on the Italian coasts exhausted from the long voyages, but still full of hope for the future. Among the migrants who reach Europe, unaccompanied minors are undoubtedly the ones most in need of support. In the first five months of 2016 (UNICEF), 7,000 new arrivals were registered in Italy, double the number from the same period in previous years. “In order to be able to live legally in Italy, Flavia adds, these teenagers need to be inserted into the work force as soon as possible. If they don’t manage to do that and to obtain the proper documents, once they become legal adults they are considered illegal with the concrete possibility of falling into an illegal underground network.” “We reflected at length on possible interventions,” adds Francesco Tortorella from the NGO Amu (Azione per un Mondo Unito) and one of the promotors of the present project. We also conferred with a variety of professionals that are familiar with the minute details of this issue. Another promoter, the Cooperativa Fo.Co , has been working for years with teenage migrants and accompanying them over the course of their lives. The contribution of the New Families Association was important from the very start: these teenagers are mostly in need of a family in the broadest sense of the word.” The first phase of the project called “Welcoming & Getting Settled“ was officially begun on last June 6th in Catania and in Ragusa with the launching of professional training courses. Forty three young people were selected, ten of whom were Italians who, because of various disadvantaged backgrounds live in foster settings. The presence of Italian youngsters is a strong point of the project, which wishes to care for vulnerable youngsters regardless of their citizenship. Training will begin in October with the first trainee placements. The second phase of the project – the most innovative – foresees the involvement of businesses that are willing to insert the young people both in the work process and in families in which the young people can find a community of stable relationships that are indispensable for their social integration. Territorial connections have been set up all over Italy that are joined by a secure network that connect families and businesses with the training and work needs of the teenagers. Businesses that belong to theEconomy of Communion and to the AIPEC will play a fundamental role, beginning from a network that aims to offer opportunities for the young people who participate in the project to be inserted in the work force. The New Families NPO Association’s network has been activated for months, promoting willingness to welcome the young people, since it has already had experience in welcoming them for periods of vacation. “At the end of 2015,” Paola Iacavone wrote, “seven teenagers who live in a group home have been able to have an experience in a family, which was for them and for the family that welcomed them, a very positive experience. They were from Egypt, Mali and Senegal, Coptic Orthodox Christians and Muslims – and they were welcomed by families from Rome, Lanciano, Ancona and Cosenza, Italy.” In short, this experience has only just begun! The project was highly welcomed by the institutions and, if this first experimental model functions, it will certainly be proposed and carried out on a larger scale just as everyone hopes it will. For more information, details and how to contribute go to project website.
From the end of 2013 when the brazen unrest began in Kiev, by April 2014 during the Ukrainian Revolution the situation was unchanged. The scene was being described on the front pages of all the local newspapers, but now the media no longer talks about it. But the violence continues to paralyze the population that is struggling under such dramatic living conditions. There are small Focolare communities in Ukraine, in Mukachevo, Lviv and Kiev that are trying to respond to the evil all around them. In recent months there were several trips and visits to small Focolare groups in Slovakia at the capital of Kiev and in Kharkiv in the northeast. “With the exodus of the working-age people, the elderly are left in families, perhaps with parents and children of different ages. These children are “social orphans” as descirbed by His Beatitude Svjatoslav Sevcuk, Archbishop of the Greek Catholic Chuch: “they know what a family is only from the internet and, in the future, they’ll never know how to creat a real and healthy family.” The Catholic Church stands among those who are courageously trying to provide humanitarian assistance through Caritas and Religious Institutes. Thanks also to repeated appeals from Pope Francis – the most recent on April 3rd – it has been possible to give legs to a network of assistance for the hardest hit groups that has been gratefully acknowledged by civil authorities, with meals for the poor, rehabilitation centres, homes for teenage mothers and their children born of the violence. The work of the Sisters of Don Orione is significant in this regard; they have set up a house in which to care for them. The Focolare also tries to express its closeness to the Ukrainian people with whom they are in contact through their communities in Slovakia. Recently, in May, one group from Slovakia went to the capital in Kiev to meet with families and others. “Going to the places where the revolution happened two years ago, is always moving. It’s now part of contemporary Ukrainian culture. There are the names of the people who died during the battles at Maydan Square, or the people who died in the war in eastern Ukraine (that is still waging). The people are proud of them,” they write when they return. “We had many conversations about so much pain and fear that is being carried together. . . This is how the people try to put into practice the invitation of His Beatitude Svjatoslav Sevcuk: “We are in need of families that are ‘healers’ for our families.”
Elena Vladova, Martin Uher and Stanislav Szyrokoradiuk, Bishop of Kharkiv
“At the beginning of this year Father Anton Konecny from the Focolare was transferred at the request of the Bishop of Mukachevo, Ukraine, Antal Majnek, from his diocese in Kosice to a parish in eastern Ukraine. His presence and service contributed to developing relationships both inside the parish as well as at the ecumenical level and with local civil authorities.” Elena and Martin travelled to eastern Ukraine, all the way to Kharkiv, a beautiful city with 2 million residents that was once the capital of the country before the Russian Revolution but is now showing the signs of the current unrest. Following their visit to Bishop Stavislav Szyrokoradiuk, OFM – friend of the Focolare and for the past two years Bishop of the Diocese of Kharkiv which includes all the territories where there is fighting – they realized that the “people needed to be able to count on everyone’s support, and to know that people outside the country were praying and and making sacrifices for peace in Ukraine, just as Cardinal Parolin emphasized during his recent visit to the country: “God has not forgotten you!” . Maria Chiara De Lorenzo
Unity is a divine word. If this word were ever uttered by the Lord God, and people were to apply it to all its possible applications, we would see the world suddenly come to a halt, like a film, and start again in reverse. Countless people would on the wide path to perdition would turn around in their tracks, convert to God and take the narrow path. Families torn apart by quarrels, chilled by misunderstandings and scorn and deadened by divorce would get back together again. Children would be born into an atmosphere of human and divine love, and new men and women would be forged for a more Christian tomorrow. Factories often upheld by slaves and steeped in an atmosphere of boredom if not of blasphemy, would become places of peace where everybody did their job for the good of everyone. Schools would break beyond the limits of science, making all forms of knowledge footstools for eternal contemplation learnt at school through a daily unfolding of mysteries that could be intuited from small formulae, natural laws and even numerals . . . And the parliaments would be transformed into meeting places for people who are motivated not so much by each one’s positions, but by the common good, without any deceiving of lands or countrymen. In, we’d see the world become more good. Heaven would be wondrously poured out over the earth, and the harmony of creation would be a framework for the harmony of hearts. We’d see… What a dream! It seems a dream! And yet You didn’t ask for less when you prayed: “You will be done on earth as in Heaven”.
Source: Chiara Lubich, L’unità, compiled by Donato Falmi and Floernce Gillet (Rome: Città Nuova, 2015), originally published in Chiara Lubich, Frammenti, (Rome: Città Nuova, 1963 and 1992), p. 53-54.
«Twenty-five years have passed since Chiara Lubich sowed the seed of the Economy of Communion (EoC) in Brazil in May 1991. I was a new graduate in economics then and felt that the events in Sao Paolo also concerned me. Though I had no idea how, I guessed that I was part of that story which had just begun. I know now that participation in the development of that “dream” was a decisive event in my life which would have been quite different if that prophetic encounter between a woman’s foresight and the Brazilian people had not taken place. The Berlin wall had just been demolished and in that world and time, the proposal Chiara launched to the entrepreneurs to share talents, wealth and profits to address poverty directly, echoed like a great innovation which made EoC an important economic-social novelty and on the front of the social responsibility of enterprises which were in its early years (…). The DNA of that seed enclosed a different idea of the nature of profits and, therefore, of business intended as the common good, in a global and worldwide perspective (not common in those years). The businessmen were thus involved in the solution of a social issue of inequality.
Chiara was struck by that contrast between the favelas and skyscrapers in the city of Sao Paolo, but instead of launching a social project in the outskirts of the city or fund raising, addressed her proposal to the entrepreneurs whose first aim as we know, is not the creation of profits to be donated outside the business (…). The core of the EoC, therefore, enclosed the idea that to reduce poverty and inequality, we need to reform capitalism and its main institution: the enterprise, entrepreneurship. The language and first cultural mediation of Chiara’s project were those that were available in society, the Church, the Brazilian people and the Focolare Movement. After 25 years, however, the great collective challenge facing the EoC is to try to express the discernments and heart of the 1991 event in words and categories able to speak and make itself understood in a cultural and socio-economic world which in these 25 years has radically changed. Even on the front of social responsibilities enterprises have advanced greatly with the turn of the millennium. Social business has become a varied, dynamic movement in constant growth. The so-called “sharing economy” is giving rise worldwide to very innovative experiences. The reflection on poverty and the actions to alleviate it have been enriched, thanks to the ideas and actions of economists like Amartya Sen and Muhammad Yunus.
At the end of the second millennium, sharing the profits of enterprises with the poor and the youth, are in themselves an innovation. But if we continue in 2016 to concretise the EoC proposal with those same formulas, the proposal would not be sufficiently attractive and would be obsolete, especially for the youth. In the radically changed social and economic world, the EoC is called to renew itself, as it is doing and has always done, having reached its “silver” wedding anniversary. And it is rightly a wedding, since each time a charism manages to incarnate itself, there is an espousal encounter between heaven and earth, and between ideal and history. Such weddings would be like that at Cana when water turned into wine because a woman saw that the people had no more wine, and with faith, had asked and obtained a miracle. Economy of Communion will continue to live and reach its 50th birthday and beyond, if there will be women and men with “new eyes,” able to see what the people of one’s time need and transform profits into food for the body and heart, like the miracle that transformed water into wine. All the best EoC!» source: Città Nuova online http://www.cittanuova.it/c/455448/L_Economia_di_comunione_ha_25_anni.html
«As my morning flight from Bologna to London, already two hours late due to earlier London storms, circled the skies for an additional 20 minutes, I realized that it would be nearly impossible to make my connecting flight. In fact, a short time later I found myself in an interminable line with hundreds of other customers who had also missed their connections. Airline phones were clogged, so even those with cell phone access were stuck. Most people could summon the patience to wait an hour — but as it become two, three and then way past dinner, the atmosphere began to grow tense. I had settled in with a good book but also began to feel anxious as I realized it would be a challenge to get in touch with the friend who was to pick me up from the airport. Especially when traveling alone, I am not usually talkative with strangers, but at that point I felt a nudge from within to look around, and to remember that the warmth and comfort of God’s presence could be with us, even in this chaotic line. I remembered I had a package of cookies in my bag, and made the first connection with the hungry college students behind me. That was enough to break the ice with everyone in our part of the line. As we began trading stories and commiserating, we also realized that we could help each other. The power from my laptop battery was just enough to charge the cell phone of the German couple who needed to call their family. And this couple was happy to watch my stuff as I scouted out a computer terminal from which I could send an email to my friend. A brief greeting in Italian to another young couple was enough to realize that they and two other couples — all on their honeymoon trips — did not understand the announcements that were being made. I translated for them so that they could navigate their options. After five and a half hours and no alternative flight arrangements yet, we received vouchers for hotel rooms and a meal, and instructions to call the airlines from the hotel. I called from an airport phone and learned that I would need to be back at the airport in just a few hours. As I curled up on an airport chair to catch a few hours of sleep, I realized that notwithstanding the external discomfort, all of these “connections” with my neighbors in the present moment had filled the evening with an unusual sense of peace. And I did make it home the next day, tired, but with a light heart». — Amy Uelmen, Bethesda, MD From Living City May 2016 – www.livingcitymagazine.com
Expectations were high for the Council that had been being prepared since 1961 when the first Pan-Orthodox conference was convened by Patriarch Athenagoras I. The title was quite meaningful: “He called all to unity” from the Pentecost Anthem of the Byzantine Rite. Driven by the need to face the challenges of the new millennium, the Orthodox Churches share a desire to move towards a more explicit collegiality and sharing, as well as to reaffirm the unity of the Orthodox Church. This Council marks a new openness: to ecumenism and interreligious dialogue; to new scientific and technological discoveries; to spending energy on the question of ecology and to the drama of immigration and the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. It opens “the horizon on the current multifaceted world”. Convoked by unanimous agreement amongst the leaders of 14 Orthodox Churches during their gathering in Chambésy, Switzerland, last January, it was marked from the start by great suffering: the physical absence of 4 of those 14 Churches. The Russian Orthodox Church has not yet made a pronouncement regarding the Council and is waiting for the reunion of the Sacred Synod in July to give an assessment of the recent event. There were also 15 observers from other Christian Churches at the Synod, who attended the opening and closing sessions. Non-Orthodox Christians from around the world were praying for this important event in the Orthodox Church: “Please pray for the Pan-Orthodox Council, I ask it of you as if it were a Council of my own Church, because it is my Church at this moment,” Maria Voce had remarked to a group of focolarini from different Churches who were gathered together in Rocca di Papa, Italy at the end of May. What many people are highlighting is not so much the final decisions – the six documents that were signed by the Patriarchs on the mission in the contemporary world, the importance of fasting, the relationship of the Orthodox Church with the rest of the Christian world, marriage, the Orthodox diaspora and the autonomy of the Churches – but the very nature of the Synod, that is, the fact that it was held and that this encounter had finally taken place. There is also hope that the Synod may not remain an isolated event, but become an ongoing practice of the Church on its journey. On the return flight from Armenia, Pope Francis responded to a journalist’s question about how the Pope would judge the Pan-Orthodox Synod that had just concluded. The Pope answered: “A positive judgement! It was a step ahead – not a hundred percent – but a step ahead. The things they had to justify (in quotation marks), the absences, are sincere for them, they’re things that will be resolved over time.” “The mere fact that these autocephalous Churches came together in the name of Orthodoxy, (…) is extremely positive. I thank the Lord. The next time, they’ll be more. Blessed be the Lord!” And speaking to the Orthodox delegation for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Francis cited the Pan-Orthodox Council to invoke “abundant fruits for the good of the Church”. Encyclical of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church
“To those who have already given themselves to God with all their mind, heart and strength – even beyond their own strength – God asks for a second decision. The first time they chose Him, they understood that they should love God beyond all things. But if we could divide this choice into parts, we’d find that in reality it contained 30% of love for God, 30% of disgust for the mediocrity and emptiness we were living in, 15% of joy and enthusiasm for having given ourselves to such a beautiful and holy cause and, for some of us, perhaps 10% of remorse for our past sins. . . (…) In fact it’s virtually impossible that the first time we chose God our love for him was not total and complete. But since perfection is only found in love, all of those secondary motives that had helped us at first because they were wrapped in our goodwill and enthusiasm to love God, little by little, the began to resurface and disturb us. It’s natural that they resurface, because already then they were like weeds that grow together with the grain as the Gospel of Matthew tells us. They’re small defects and attachments that aren’t authentic holiness, so they don’t build the Kingdom of God but disturb us and those around us. They may not even be venial sins, but nor are they authentic love. What should we do at that point? We should make a new decision for God. We should decide that love for God should become the only reason for our life – only love. (…) At that point we have to take a qualitative leap. We have to decide to love God for God, not for what we experience, not for the fruits it brings. We decide to love God for His own sake, in response to His Love for each one of us. We decide to find our reason for living in this union with God, the reason for our everyday life. When we reach this relationship with God, we become free human beings. Whatever happens, whatever calumny, difficulty, worry, bitterness – none of it alters our peace, because we’re rooted in God. And in God we find that unity, that joy, that serenity which only God’s love can give. (…) One thing is certain: deciding for God is a decision that must always be renewed. Perhaps we’ll be called to a third choice and then others, because God’s life is always new, unfailing and filled with surprises.” Pasquale Foresi, Source: Pasquale Foresi, Colloqui, (Rome: Città Nuova Editrice, 2009).
«“Unity is possible”. Is this an absurd affirmation today, in a Europe marked by global terrorism, a multiplication of wars, migrations of biblical proportions and growing intolerance? Are we talking about a dream, a utopia? No. We are talking about an experience which several Movements and Christian communities in Europe have already been living for over 15 years, bearing witness that unity is possible. We have experienced that there is something indestructible and timeless which binds us: it is Love, God who is Love. This Love has opened our eyes and our heart to embrace the fears, tears and hopes of this continent. In all that is negative, which seems to overwhelm us, we perceive the pain that God who became man suffered on the cross and through which he showed his limitless love and gave us the hope of resurrection. Three key words characterise this event: meeting, reconciliation, future. We can meet one another because God came to meet us first through his incarnation. We can be reconciled with one another because on the cross Jesus reconciled us with God and amongst ourselves. We can walk securely towards the future because the One who conquered death is walking in our midst and is leading us towards European unity and the unity of the world, until his prayer “May they all be one” is fulfilled (John 17:21). It is worthwhile committing our lives for such for such a high goal. Together we want to ask forgiveness for the divisions of the past which caused wars and death in Europe. Together we want to bear witness to our unity while respecting the beauty and diversity of our Churches and communities. Together we want to be at the service of something new which is needed today so as to make progress once more on the European path. What we can offer – by committing our lives – is the newness of the Gospel. Before dying Jesus prayed: “Father, may they all be one”. He showed that we are all brothers and sisters, that one “single human family” is possible; that unity is possible; that unity is our destiny. We commit ourselves here, today, to be catalysts of this change, catalysts for a new vision for Europe, so as to speed up the journey towards unity by starting a profound dialogue with and for all the men and women on earth. Dialogue can happen because of the so-called “Golden Rule” which says “Do not do to others what you would not wish done to you” (Cf Lk 6:31). Basically it means to love. And if love becomes mutual it brings fraternity to its fullness among all. In universal fraternity Europe can rediscover its vocation. In the 1950s Chiara Lubich wrote “if one day all peoples were able to set themselves aside, setting aside the idea they have of their own homeland … for the sake of the mutual love among states which God asks of us, just as he asks mutual love among brothers and sisters, that day will be the start of a new era”. So let’s live for this new era! Unity is possible!». Maria Voce Together for Europe, Public Event Munich, 2 July 2016
«Dear friends in Together for Europe, coming from many Movements and Groups that belong to different Churches and Communities, I know that you are gathered in Munich. You are right; it is time to get together to face today’s problems with a true European spirit».Pope Francis says these words at the beginning of his video message to those gathered at Karlsplatz (Stachus) in Munich for the Together for Europe event. After speaking about the challenges Europe has to face, Pope Bergoglio encourages the participants «to promote the testimony of a civil society where people work togetherto fosterencounter and solidarity with the weak and the disadvantaged, to build bridges, to overcome open or latent conflicts». He concludes: “Maintain the freshness of your charisms; continue to be “Together” and extend this further! Let your homes, communities and cities be workshops of communion, friendship and fraternity, that bring people together and are open to the whole world”.
(c) MfE, Foto: Brehm
Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is also present through his video message in which, among other things, he says: «Even when temptationsuggests that we need not be together, Christians, especially, are called to demonstrate the fundamental principle of the Church, which is communion (koinonia). It is only when we share the gifts so generously and freely bestowed on us by God, that we can fully experience them ourselves”. Today’s outdoor rally “500 years of division are enough – unity is possible!”, concludes the 4th edition of Together for Europe. This recalls the 500 years of separation between the Catholic Church and the Churches of the protestant Reformation. In her speech about unity, Maria Voce, president of the Focolare Movement says:«It is through our commitment that we can offerthe newness of the Gospel. Before his death Jesus prayed: ‘Father, may they all be one’. He showed that we are all brothers and sisters, that one ‘single human family’ is possible, that unity is possible, that unity is our destiny. We commit ourselves here, today, to be catalysts of this change, catalysts for a new vision of Europe, so as to speed up the journey towards unity by starting a profound dialogue with and for all men and women on earth».
(c) MfE, Foto: Brehm
Gerhard Pross (CVJM Esslingen) tackles the theme “Unity in reconciled diversity” while Andrea Riccardi (St. Egidio Community) speaks about “No more walls!”. Cardinal Kurt Koch (Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Unity among Christians), Bishop Frank Otfried July (the Lutheran World Federation), the Metropolitan Serafim Joanta (the Romanian-Orthodox Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe) and the Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches go up together on stage and speak about “Reconciliation opens us to the future – 500 years of division are enough”. An interview about “Mission and the future” leads to a very interesting dialogue between the Evangelical Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm and Cardinal Reinhard Marx. The concluding message, read by members of the steering committee and distributed to thousands of people, does not only declare that “being together in Europe is stronger than fear and selfishness”, but also expresses the commitment of those who adhere to Together for Europe to “pursue the path of reconciliation”, to “live unity in diversity”, to “meet people of different beliefs and faiths with respect, seeking dialogue with them”, and to promote “humanity and peace” in the world. 1700 leaders and members from more than 300 Communities and Movements of Together for Europe took part in the Congress held at Circus-Krone-Bau on the two days before the rally. In his opening address Martin Wagner (CVJM Munich) said: “Reconciliation will be our keyword. We have already experienced it and it will be our future. We want to share unity and work together for it, but above all, we, as Christians, want to give our support towards the challenges that Europe faces today”.
(c) MfE, Foto: Fischer
The 36 forums and round table conferences held during the Congess focused on integration and reconciliation, solidarity with the weakest, sustainibilty and environmental protection, ecumenism, Christians and Muslims in dialogue, marriage and family, economy. Experiences, ideas, projects and witnesses of faith were also shared. Many participated in the forum “the price and prize of unity” where Cardinal Walter Kasper remarked that “the effort to achieve authentic reconciliation is one of the main obstacles encountered by the Ecumenical Movement. Without forgiveness we cannot proceed with our journey together”. The need to know one another, to encounter each other and to work together was highlighted during the conference “Christians and Muslims in dialogue”. Pasquale Ferrara, the new Italian Ambassador to Algiers commented:“Dialogue is not achieved by cultures or religions but by people”.Climatic changes and ecological challenges were discussed in the forum “Towards sustainbility in Europe”. Cardinal Peter Turkson, the environmental engineer Daniele Renzi and other experts led this discussion. During the conference “What soul for Europe?” Jesús Morán, the co-president of the Focolare Movement emphasized the fact that “Europe can and must, now more than ever, offer the world the prospect of forming a culture of unity in diversity at all levels, from a personal level in everyday life to an institutional one”. It was sunset when the concluding message of Together for Europe 2016 was read on stage at Karlsplatz. The programme continued with a rock concert animated by musical bands and the creative enthusiasm of youth. Press Release – Focolare Information Service, July 2, 2016
Together for Europe Encounter, Reconciliation, Future Munich (Bavaria), 2nd July 2016There is no alternative to being together “United in diversity”. This European hope is more than ever relevant. Europe must not become a fortress and build new frontiers. There is no alternative to being together. Being together in reconciled diversity is possible. The Gospel – a source of hope Jesus Christ prayed for unity and gave his life for it. This is stated in the Gospel, which for almost 2,000 years has played a key role in the culture of Europe. Jesus Christ teaches us boundless love for all people. He shows us the path of mercy and reconciliation. We can ask forgiveness and forgive one another. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a powerful source from which we can draw hope for the future. Europe – a culture of respect and esteem The terrible experiences of two World Wars have taught us that peace is a precious gift that we must preserve. Our future must be characterised by a culture of respect and esteem for others, even for strangers. Unity is possible – Overcoming divisions We ask all Christians, especially Church leaders, to overcome the divisions. These have caused suffering, violence and injustice, and have undermined the credibility of the Gospel. As Christians we want to live together as people who are reconciled and in full communion. Our commitment We live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bear witness to it with our words and deeds. We are pursuing the path of reconciliation and working to enable our communities, Churches, peoples and cultures to live “unity in diversity”. We meet people of different beliefs and faiths with respect, seeking dialogue with them. We are committed to building up humanity and peace in the world. We have a vision for Europe being together in a way that is stronger than fear or selfishness. We place our trust in the Holy Spirit who continually renews and gives life to the world Concluding Message – Together For Europe, Munich 2016
What are the challenges for Europe today? What about social and political responsiblity toward the other continents? What contribution can Christian movements make? There were many questions at the beginning of the second day of the Congress that focused on the current situation of the European continent with its local and global challenges. “We have to move on from the Europe of the fathers and make [the Europe] of the sons [and the daughters],” exhorted president of the Community of Sant’Egidio, Marco Impagliazzo. “Christians have to re-choose Europe together; we can’t do it alone. Europe can’t live for itself; it should live its Christianity in favour of the others and with the others. Now is the time for ‘spiritual humanism’ and for the life of the Churches and communities to emerge and bring their own contribution.” Gérard Testard from EFESIA in Paris accented the need for Christian action in the public sphere. We shouldn’t have heavenly citizenship on one side and earthly citizenship on the other. They need to exist together. Michael Hochschild, sociologist and professor of post-modern thought at Time-Lab of Paris, underscored the socio-political importance of spiritual Communities and Movements in Europe. But for this to be so, he said, “you need to consider yourselves and show yourselves to be a decisive force for shaping the cultural landscape.” “You need to become socio-civil Movements.” He also said that in a time of uncertainty and lack of vision, Communities like those involved in Together4Europe offer alternative models for living. “It could be the fear of the future that constrains us to do all we can so that [future] might be better,” stated Herbert Lauenroth, expert on interculturalism at the Ecumenical Centre of Ottmaring, Germany. According to his analysis the current situation in Europe arises from a reaction to fear and uncertainty that is the result of a sense of existential suffocation. Such a situation represents a challenge with the passage of time: The fear could become a learning experience. “It’s a matter of preferring what is unknown, foreign, what lies at the extreme, as a place in which to learn the faith.” Through confrontation with the depths that society is facing, we can come to realize that a new direction based on faith is possible.” “Europe is passing through the night of its values, the night of its role in the world, the night of its dreams,” Focolare president Maria Voce affirmed in her intervention. “Together4Europe seems to be precisely the entity that would be capable of inspiring individuals and associations in their efforts for a Europe that is free, reconciled, democratic, supportive and fraternal, a Europe that could be a gift to the rest of the world.” “Steffen Kern from the Evangelical Federation of Wuerttemberg, continued the reflection on Europe and Hope: “Where do we Christians place our hope? A sense of responsibility is needed and taking on the pains and shadows of our cities. In Stuttgart we opened the House of Hope that welcomes women and others who are alone to show them that God never abandons anyone.” Thomas Roemer from the YMCA in Munich made it clear that if we don’t substitute the Europe of fear with the Europe of hope, the latter risks dying off. Like the disciples, Europe is also on a boat with Jesus. “Jesus is still here in the storms; we need to have faith. He got on the boat to save us.” In the afternoon, Together for Europe opened its doors to anyone who wished to join the discussion on confronting and planning. At the roundtable on “Christians and Muslims in Dialogue” the need to know one another emerged, to meet and work together on social and cultural challenges. Pasquale Ferrara, Italian neo-ambassador to Algeria, underscored the fact that dialogue is not done by cultures or religions, but by human beings. We all need to take a bath in concreteness and realism. Imam Baztami invited everyone to an encounter with others, to get to know others. Many ideas and projects emerged from the debate between Religions philosopher Beate Beckmann-Zoeller, Dr. Thomas Amberg from the Evangelical Church and French Bishop M. Dubost. At the “Towards Sustainablity in Europe” roundtable, Cardinal Turkson, environmental engineer Daniele Renzi, Hans-Hermann Böhm and other experts took up the Pope’s invitation for serious and open debate on climate change and ecological challenges. “Science and religion should be in dialogue,” Turkson remarked, “so they can make a common contribution to society.” The roundtable on “The Mysticism of Encounter” put Europeans from the left in dialogue with theologians and philosophers from Christian Movements. “Regarding the ultimate questions of meaning, we’re closer to one another than we think,” said Walter Baier, member of the Austrian Communist Party and coordinator of the “Transform! Europe” Network. Focolare co-president Jesús Moran supported a new and inclusive form of integration for people with no religious affiliation. He concluded: “The harmony amongst us here today is a reason for much hope.” The President of the Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, Cardinal Kurt Koch, spoke about encounter, reconciliation and future, three words used in the main title of the event. “It is God who has taken the first step towards us.” “And you can forgive only when you acknowledge the wrong; for this reason the negative is hard work for the heart.” Therefore Christian Movements are “called to be missionaries of reconciliation, beginning from prayer that is then translated into daily life.” Source: www.together4europe.org
«It is paradoxical that the new Europe, which arose out of the demolition of the Berlin Wall, should be tempted, through fear, to shut itself behind new fences, building new walls and fences, in the illusion of being able to stop history that is once again knocking at its doors. The single currency project was supposed to be a big new step towards political union, a great new identifying moment in which solidarity and the sharing of sovereignty, in order to achieve common objectives, were to represent the fundamental pillars. Actually two examples show us how little this has been achieved. On the one hand, the serious delays and heated debates that followed the Greek debt crisis, which greatly undermined the foundations of solidarity among the member states, even leading to speculation on Greece leaving the Euro. On the other hand there is the Brexit issue and other separatist tendencies which also test solidarity severely. Because going out of the Union is not like leaving a club, but is equivalent to, and much more like, abandoning partners with whom we no longer share the same reason for being together: the founding pact. Europe is going through the dark night of its own principles, the dark night of its dreams. In reality, a great sense of disorientation reigns in our continent because of the presence of three simultaneous crises: an unprecedented migratory crisis, together with a deep economic crisis, against the backdrop of a demographic crisis. While leaving it to others to analyse the reasons for these crises, I believe that the deeper causes of Europe’s weakness today can be found in the denial of God and of the transcendent. This is a result of the gradual emergence and spread of secular culture which wants to do away with any link with the supernatural. In the search for total freedom, Europe no longer recognizes that its culture was formed through 2,000 years of Christian tradition. Denying this means cutting its own roots and finding itself like a lifeless tree. So is everything collapsing then? Is the continent’s dream of unity being shattered? No. We are here together, as Christian movements and communities in Europe, because we believe there is something that does not collapse. It is love; God who is Love. Our movements are bearers of charisms which are certainly very different from each other and yet all are the work of the Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit is precisely the one who creates fraternity (so to speak) among the Persons of the Trinity and who unites all Christians. So the idea of fraternity originates in Heaven and is the purpose of life on earth. All of us can bear witness that we met Christ one day and let ourselves be fascinated and drawn into his Gospel. Living his words led us to change ourselves and reach out to others, building relationships of gospel love and thereby creating communities that become leaven wherever they are. We have discovered a new willingness to be open to all, crossing the boundaries between Churches, between religions, between ethnicities and cultures, in a 360-degree dialogue, until we rediscover everyone as our brothers and sisters. In this way we have found the root of our European culture once more and, on this foundation, we have tried to interpret our present times, which concern the entire planet and all humankind as never before, from the perspective of moving towards a united world. In fact, applying the ideals of peace, justice, freedom and equality today means having a universal dimension, which fraternity makes possible (read the full text)».
Martin Wagner, CVJM München and Gabriele Deutschmann, CVJM Esslingen interview evangelical-lutheran bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, and Card.Reinhard Marx (C) T4E, Foto: Haaf
“Movements can bring together a Europe that is increasingly polarised.” This was the message of Evangelical-Lutheran Heinrich Bedford-Strohm during the first morning of the Congress of Collaborators in the Ecumenical network “Together for Europe” in Munich, is said in the Together for Europe press release at the conclusion of the first day of work. Seventeen hundred participants from 200 Christian Communities and Movements from forty countries are together at Circus Krone on June 30 and July 1. “Unless we clarify the urgent questions of Europe, they will overrun us,” Gerhard Pross of the International Steering Committee declared at the beginning. “Europe has to learn to share!” Fifteen years of experience by Christian Communities and Movements in a “profound process of reconciliation to form a community in diversity has been experienced as an enrichment” to oppose the centrifugal forces in Europe with a path towards a new togetherness,” Together for Europe declares. At the press conference on June 30 in Munich, Focolare president Maria Voce called it “communion at the service of others”. “This is why,” she reiterated while recalling the 7 Yeses of 2007, “we are making concrete commitments,” in favour of life, family, creation, a solid economy, peace, personal and collective responsibility. We’ve found that there is more strength and incisiveness when we act together, overcoming our differences, borders and any other obstacle there may be. And we have found that the institutions need this, because they often find themselves all alone in facing serious problems.” “Cardinal Reinhard Marx and Bishop Heinrich and Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm gave a convincing example of their friendship and their way together. “The ecumenism of the heart promises far more for the future of the churches than we imagine,” the chairman of the Evangelical Churches in Germany stated. “We only reach the goal of unity if we are completely and utterly reconciled,” Cardinal Marx emphasised. The strength to achieve it arises from the encounter, “The other person strengthens us and helps us along the way to reconciliation.”
Press Conferenze, June, 30
In the afternoon nineteen very different forums gave the participants an opportunity to enter into dialogue with one another. These included reports on projects and the initiatives of individual communities, as well as personal testimonies of faith. A well-attended forum discussed the “stumbling blocks” in Ecumenism, to which Cardinal Kasper, former President of the Catholic Ecumenical Secretariat, made a contribution. “In experiences of learning and forgiving you are important outposts!” the expert in ecumenism stated, and held out the prospect that in the foreseeable future a declaration could be made on a consensus of doctrines between Evangelical-Lutheran and the Catholic Churches on the subject of the Church, office and an understanding of the Eucharist. As for the talk of break-up on the European continent, Maria Voce stated at the press conference: “nationalist, separatist tendencies running through Europe are a result of the fact that Europe has forgotten its values. Declarations from representatives of the Churches are not enough. There is a need for Christian life, and we feel particularly called to contribute to this.” Press Release Together for Europe
“Urged by the stances of our leaders – remember, for example, the establishment of the Day of Prayer for the Protection of Creation (Patriarch Demetrio, 1989), the Evangelical Climate Initiative (2006) and the encyclical Laudato Si’ (Pope Francis, 2015); In recognition of the debt that we, the people of ancient Christian tradition, have contracted with the poor of the Earth and future generations due to the pollution of the Biosphere, mainly caused by our irresponsible progress in the recent past centuries; Aware that the alarm for climate change may become an opportunity for a novel integral development of all people; We Christians, open to the contribution of all people regardless of their beliefs, commit ourselves in prayer and action to avoid the destruction of nature and a new world war, and endorse the following ten challenges:
To convert in projects of peace the weapons disseminated around us, especially the atomic ones
To increase research in the Biosphere science and its applications, so that they can become safer
To differentiate and recycle household and industrial waste
To intensify the use of renewable energy sources
To plan reforestation programs and forest policies at all levels (from local to international)
To strengthen ecological transports, such as electric and hydrogen based cars, and local public transport initiatives
To increasingly allocate hydrocarbons to the production of substances and materials useful for humanity rather than using them for burning
To avoid the waste of precious common goods such as water and food, ensuring a more equitable distribution
To respect other living beings, recognizing that everything is in relation in the planet
To transform our homes, our neighbourhoods and cities into places of beauty, harmony and fraternity
How?
Adhering to our leaders’ stances and promoting complying laws, such as the Paris Agreement
Promoting initiatives in accordance with the “Golden Rule” and joining the initiatives of other people, regardless of their belief
Asking for advice to our communities and cooperating with them in promoting actions to save nature and humanity
We can achieve these goals if we start now, before it is too late. In particular, we can help ensure that greenhouse gases do not exceed the safety levels, as foreseen by the Paris Agreement and recommended by the scientific community.” EcoOne (www.ecoone.org/) Civiltà dell’amore (www.civiltadellamore.org/)
Gulu in northern Uganda is now the second largest city of the country. Many immigrants and Ugandans have moved there to school and find work. Among them is Gloria Mukambonera who works in the computer field. When she arrived in 2013, she contacted the local Focolare community so that she could share her Gospel ideal of peace and unity with others. “I found a real family here” she recounts, “in which I could share my joys and sorrows. We also practice a communion of goods, following the example of the first Chrisitan communities, each person in their own way. The proceeds are used to help people in need and to care for the sick members of the community.” It is an experience that helps you to see the needs of those around you, which are many because of the war. “One day,” says Gloria, “a priest had asked us to visit the people in a parish that was 4 hours away, because – he told us – there was a conflict between tribes and we might be able to help them reconcile. He had suggested that we tell them about how we try to live the Gospel and of our experiences of peace and unity that flow from that. In particular we shared our experiences of forgiveness, of how we were helped to overcome the divisions among us by living the ‘art of loving’ that is found in the Gospel. There was quite a special meeting with all the young people of the place. We read the Word of Life and shared with them our experiences of trying to live it, and then we invited them to share. There was singing, games and mini theatrical performances. . . The dialogue that followed uncovered their desire to begin living in reconciliation with one another.” It was an opportunity to be “peacebuilders” as the bishop had invited us to be. For us it was a matter of “choosing the Gospel’s way of love for the reconstruction of the country, following the destruction caused by years of war.” Ibanda lives in Uganda’s Western Region. There is also a Focolare group there, and they strive to transform the environment around them by transforming themselves, beginning from a jail. “Our outlook and behaviour have changed radically, especially the negative view we had of the inmates,” says Sara Matziko. “The Gospel sentence: “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you” (Mt 7:12) has encouraged us to visit them and pray with them. We discovered that many of them had not received the sacraments for years. The priest from our community went with us to offer this service.” The inmates’ relatives gradually overcame their indifference, we became friends and they went with us to visit the inmates. During one of those visits I met a young man named Ambrose who, after his jail time, wanted to continue his studies. “We helped him to finish high school,” Sara recounts. “Living the Word of Life with one another improved the relationship among us and within the community. The pastor has also joined us in this process that we try to share with other parish communities. Several people from our group attended the international Economy of Communion (EoC) meeting that was held in Kenya, at Mariapolis Piero, May 2015. That helped us to carry ahead our current project.”
World of Life audio mp3Giving an amnesty to one another, forgiving one another totally and each day, we can grow in thekindness that mirrors God’s mercy to us. There is nothing more wonderful than hearing someone say to you: ‘I love you.’ When someone loves us we don’t feel alone, we walk secure, we are able also to face difficulties and critical situations. If then our being loved becomes mutual, hope and trust are reinforced, and we feel protected. We all know that children, to grow well, need to be surrounded by an environment that is full of love, and to have someone who loves them. But this is true at any age. For this reason the Word of Life invites us to be ‘kind’ to one another, which is to say to love one another, and it gives God himself as a model. It is precisely his example that reminds us that loving one another is not mere sentiment. It is an extremely concrete and demanding ‘desire for the good of the other’. In Jesus God has come close to the sick and the poor, has felt compassion for the crowds, has had mercy on sinners, and has forgiven those who crucified him. For us, too, wanting the good of others means listening to them, showing them sincere attention, sharing their joys and trials, taking care of them, walking with them along their way. The other person is never a stranger, but a brother or sister who belongs to me, who I wish to serve. The exact opposite of what happens when we see others as rivals, competitors, enemies, to the point of wanting their harm, to the point of crushing them, even eliminating them, as sadly we are told in the news happens day by day. Even though we may not go so far, don’t we also accumulate grudges, distrust, hostility or simple indifference towards persons who have hurt us or who we find unpleasant or who do not belong to our social circle? Wanting the good of one another, the Word of Life teaches us, means following the path of mercy, ready to forgive one another every time we slip up. Talking of this, Chiara Lubich tells us about the experience at the beginning of her new Christian community. In order to put Jesus’s command into practice, she and her first companions made a pact of mutual love. And yet, despite this, ‘especially in the early times it was not always easy for a group of girls to live the love radically. We were people like anyone else, even if we were sustained by a special gift of God and, among us, on our relationships, dust could gather and unity could weaken. This is what happened, for example, when we realized the shortcomings, the imperfections, of the others and we judged them, so that the current of mutual love grew cold. ‘In reaction to this situation one day we thought would make pact among us that we called the “pact of mercy”. We decided every morning to see each neighbour we met – in our focolare house, at school, at work and so on – as new, as really new, without remembering at all the other’s flaws, the other’s defects, but covering everything with love. It was a matter of meeting everyone with this complete amnesty in our hearts, with this universal pardon. It was a powerful commitment, taken by all of us together, that helped us always to be the first in loving in imitation of God who is merciful, who forgives and forgets.1 A pact of mercy! Could not this be a way of growing in kindness? Fabio Ciardi 1 Love of neighbour, Talk given to Muslim friends, Castel Gandolfo, 1 November 2002.
The outcome of the recent British referendum is one of the many symptoms of a fragmented Europe. It confirms that functional measures are not enough to convince about a common membership. This crisis calls for reflection and bold proposals. It is the right time for the Together for Europe edition, a clear, public manifestation of efforts for the renewal of the continent. It will take place in Munich from June 30 to July 2, 2016 Those familiar with Together for Europe know that this is not an event but a process towards unity in diversity that started in 1999. It involves a growing number of Movements and Communities – to date more than 300 – a confident minority, that comes from various Churches in different European countries. Through encounter and reconciliation, this process has produced its effects: communities and movements experience encounter and discover complementary; mutual trust brings change. Programme. On June 30 and July 1, 1500 leaders and collaborators will take part in a congress held at the Circus-Krone-Bau. Apart from plenary sessions, the programme consists of 36 forums and round tables. Cardinal Peter Turkson is expected to be one of the main participants. An outdoor rally, open to the public, will take place on July 2 at the central Karlsplatz (Stachus) in Munich. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, the Catholic Cardinals Kurt Koch and Reinhard Marx, the Evangelical Bishops Frank Otfried July and Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, the Orthodox Metropolitan Serafim Joanta are among the main speakers representing the different Churches, while Maria Voce (Focolare Movement), Gerhard Pross (YMCA Esslingen), Andrea Riccardi (Sant’Egidio), Michelle Moran (ICCRS), Walter Heidenreich (FCJG Lüdenscheid) and P. Heinrich Walter (Schoenstatt Movement) will be the speakers that come from the Movements and Communities. Youth have been offering their active, convinced and creative contribution towards this programme. Pope Francis and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I will be present through their video messages. The programme can be followed in 7 languages through a streaming broadcast (www.together4europe.org). Topics on the agenda include integration and reconciliation, solidarity with the weakest, sustainability and environment protection, Christians and Muslims in dialogue, marriage and family and economy. These are meant to stimulate a responsibility that goes beyond Europe, because the continent “has an experience of two thousand years of Christianity with ideas, culture, life and actions that can be offer as a service to today’s world, but unfortunately this has not been recognized yet” – Maria Voce says. Munich’s edition of Together for Europeis backed up by solid moments of reflection, discussions, sharing of views and experiences. Of significant importance is the conference entitled “Europe, what identity, what values”, organized by the World Council of Churches and the Focolare Movement. During this conference, held in Geneva on April 21 of this year, Pasquale Ferrara, a diplomat and a university professor claimed that today Europe needs to generate “fruits of Christianity”, rather than speak about its Christian roots. He also said that we need to present “the ‘golden rule’, which invites us to do to others what we would like others to do unto us” because such a rule “is not only of ethical value, but it also assumes a political dimension, as it makes one reflect about the nature and character of the political community”.Together for Europe seems capable to interpret this dimension while it inspires and motivates people of different generations and communities from countries across Europe to incarnate the values of justice, encounter, reconciliation and peace in their everyday life. Thus it contributes towards building “a Europe of leadership”, as described by Pope Francis when he visited the European Parliament in November 2014 and spoke of “a Europe which contemplates the heavens and pursues lofty ideals, which cares for, defends and protects every man and woman, which bestrides the earth surely and securely; a precious point of reference for all humanity”. The Munich event is under the patronage of UNESCO, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and the European Commission. Source: Press Release – June 27, 2016
Jesus Forsaken Highest Expression of the Father’s Mercy Jesus Christ reveals the true face of God (see MV, 1), the image of the Father, his expression, his glory, his beauty, the beauty of his love (see Jn 14:8-9). By accomplishing the Pasqual Mystery, Jesus conquers suffering, sin and death, and transforms everything into mercy (see Rm 5:20). God became man to love,” Chiara Lubich says, “not only with Divine Love, but also with Suffering. He took upon Himself “all the sufferings of the world, all the disunity of the universe and made it all: Love, God!” Co vered in our sins, He renders the suffering, love; He translates misery into Mercy (misericordia).” In a letter from 1945 Chiara admits: “I also fall, often, always. But when I lift my gaze to Him and see Him there, incapable of revenge, since He is nailed to the cross because of His boundless love, I let myself be caressed by His Infinite Mercy and I know it’s the only thing that must win out in me. What good would it do Him to be infinitely Merciful? What good would it do Him if it were not for our sins?” And with abandon Chiara exclaims: “I would like to bear witness to the world that Jesus Forsaken has filled every void, enlightened every darkness, accompanied every loneliness, annulled every suffering and cancelled every sin.” These are a few cardinal points of Chiara Lubich’s in a nutshell seen from the standpoint of mercy which this Holy Year invites us to consider. We can’t end without a brief mention of Mary, Mother of Mercy and Mother of the Work founded by Chiara and named by her “Work of Mary”. Chiara writes: “A mother never stops loving the son when he’s bad, she never stops waiting for him if he’s far away, she never desires anything but to find him again, forgive him, take him into her arms – because a mother’s love is scented with mercy. (…) A mother’s love is by its very nature stronger than death. (…) Well, then, if this is what the love of ordinary mothers is like, imagine what the love of Mary is like, the human-Divine Mother of a boy who was God, and spiritual Mother us all ! (…) But God deposited his whole design for humanity in Mary (see Lk 1:49): In Mary he reveals all of his Mercy for humanity.” Source: Centro Chiara Lubich Part One: Mercy in the Spirituality of Chiara Lubich Part Two: Chiara Lubich: Love of Neighbour & the Works of MercyComplete text by Alba Sgariglia (Italian)
“Here I learned how to dialogue with my children, and I shall surely return to know more,” remarked one of the mothers dressed in a sari. One of the fathers said, “I have decided to dedicate more time for my children.” The comments came from two of the 60 participants attending the course on parenting held at Udisha, which was entitled: “Children – the future of our nation”. After school, in the same facilities, their children are given a snack, toys and after-school activities. For some of the parents, the themes dealt with were a surprising novelty, while for others they were eye-openers to their own mistakes and the dangers and risks to which their children are exposed. But the course was not the only a promotion addressing the parents. In this 5th year of Udisha – one of the social projects of the Focolare for disadvantaged children, teens and families – there is also the opportunity to obtain a microcredit, thanks to which the economy of many families has decisively improved. Especially the women have gained access to an initial subsidy and many have been able to open small handicraft or business activities such as the production of crochet bags or selling cooked food. Already 52 mothers hold monthly group meetings to share their entrepreneurial experiences and solve some common problems together. Other successful activities this year was the prophylaxis against typhus, which was beneficial to 107 children and adults, and 72 adults and 95 kids were vaccinated against German measles. But the greatest efforts of the project addressed the kids who were involved in new activities. Independence Day on 15 August was celebrated with the flag-raising ceremony, accompanied by patriotic songs and poems. In September instead, on the occasion of the Bandra fair – one of the city’s most important events – children and parents had a field trip to the Mount Mary Basilica. Also in September, India celebrated teachers’ day and the children once again thanked their educators with a song, dance and theater performance. On 2 October, feast of the father of the nation – MahatmaGandhi – the celebration started with the thoughts of Gandhi on nonviolence and peace, and reflections on the poverty of many children living on the streets and the importance of sharing. Despite their extreme poverty, also the Udisha children wanted to share the little they had: some clothing item, a small toy, or some sweets. And discussing among themselves, they also listed many other things to share: their ideas, joy, and smiles. The Diwali (Feast of Light) is India’s most important feast that takes place for four days between October and November every year – during which the children of Udisha used all their creativity in painting terracotta vases and drawing pictures with coloured powder. It was their way of contributing to the project, mostly through a distance-financing from a nonprofit AFN organization. The intensity with which the children of Udisha absorb the “culture of giving” is really impressive. This inspiring idea is the core of the project and education they receive, and a value that is conveyed to them not only through words but through the concrete love of the volunteers onsite, and those across the ocean, whom they have never met but who care for them.
Nearly two months have gone by since Ecuador was hit by a disastrous earthquake. The Focolare Movement immediately began a fundraising effort to meet requests for basic necessities, and it set up a work group coordinated by the United World Association and the New Families NPO Association. The generous support of people from around the world arrived quickly, and we have now ready to send the first funds that will provide people of Ecuador with such things as food, sanitation and psychological support. This assistance will be directed especially to families from the Provinces of Manabi and Espmeraldes, which suffered the most damage. In partnership with the local NGO, Fondo Ecuatoriano Populorum Progressio (FEPP), the first six-month phase will focus on studying the reconstruction of infrastructure and returning local production. The study will work in collaboration with the international network of architects known as “Arquitecturalimite” which specializes in designing services in contexts where there is socio-economic exclusion. On November 9 – 13, 2016, while a course on peace is being offered to young people, a series of architectural workshops will be taking place to deal with possible responses to the earthquake disaster. How you can help Source: AMU – AFN Onlus
To New Life I’m a doctor working in emergency services. One morning I got called to help an elderly man who wasn’t feeling well. He was living in the midst of a lot of disorder, crushed by the death of his only son under mysterious circumstances. When I looked at his documents I realized that during the Communist Regime he had done a lot of evil things to people. I put aside all my judgements and tried to help that suffering man in front of me who was in need of affection. Beyond it all, now, for me, he was a neighbour that Jesus was inviting me to love. He spoke to me often of his past whenever I went to visit him at the hospital. Sometimes it was hard for me to listen to him, but when I was able to tell him about my own faith, I saw hope switch on in the man: It was as if he was being born to new life.” M. U. (Czech Republic) The Contract “I’m in charge of sales at the business I work for. We were competing for the contract with a major supplier and we had all the credentials to get it: design, price appeal . . . But to get the contract we would have to pay a bribe. Another Christian and I decided not to continue with the deal even at the cost of losing a significant percentage of that month’s sales. But the following month sales exceeded projections and covered the previous deficits. For us it seemed like a confirmation that it always pays to trust God. J. P. (Panama) The Translation “I had to finish a translation before the end of the evening. It was to be used for one of the presentations at a conference. Then, the telephone rang. It was a friend telling me that he needed my help right away, and it was urgent. I assured him I would help him. Only that when I received the text of the letter he wanted me to work on, I saw that there were certain technical terms that turned out to be difficult for me to translate. Only with the help of internet and several telephone calls to specialists in his field was I able to finish the translation for him, even though it was at the cost of my own work. Still, I was at peace for having helped my friend. At that point, I telephoned the association that had assigned me the translation, to explain that I would send it them on the day after, thinking that I could stay up all night and work on it. But they replied: “You can sleep soundly. That presentation has been postponed.” T. M. (Slovak Republic)
«These have been wonderful days, I found peace and security. The group dialogues were rich, especially those of the families.» «I thank God for the grace we have received also as a couple. There were some issues between the two of us, but here, many things changed. Now we are happy and ready to commit ourselves to any type of activities.» « For the first time I helped out with the children: a very special experience. From them I learned simplicity and how to live love in daily life.» «I felt that I had to accept the others as they are. I have refilled and am ready to go forward!» These are some impressions, among many that have come up during these months throughout the world where the 
“He was for many a true testimony of God’s infinite mercy,” 
The five coaches of 17-year-olds left Verona for Poland, accompanied by priests, animators and families. The camp in Krakow that was awaiting them was part of the World Youth Day and had been organised exclusively for them. There were also some Gen3 in the group, enthusiastic to be able to also participate in this experience. «The trip also included a stopover in Munich – recounted Fr. Stefano Marcolini of the Focolare, one of the priests accompanying the group – to visit the former Nazi concentration camp in Dachau. Upon returning to Munich in the evening, we decided to go sightseeing in the city, unaware that it would become the site of a terroristic attack. Thank God we were not in the vicinity of the mall where the shooting occurred, but there was such a great confusion that the entire city (the underground, bars and public places) were in a panic situation.It was really fearful and we also had a hard time gathering the group. Thankfully, we had our cell phones and Google maps. Finally at 3 am, we were able to find everyone, and were so generously helped by the local Church which offered us a substantial breakfast. We were contacted by the Local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and received the order to return to Italy, since the group was composed of minors.» 
The Amazon is a frequent topic of discussion today because everyone is worried about the deforestation and exploitation of its immense resources by unscrupulous politicians and economists. But very few are aware of the problems of the communities living on the banks of its immense river with the same name, so precious for our sick planet. There are great difficulties in accessing any type of healthcare. For example, in Óbidos (almost 50,000 inhabitants), the only hospital is that run by the Franciscan Third Order, which has only one doctor to tend to the most urgent cases, while for specialized cases the sick have to go to Santarém, a distant six-hour travel by boat. Anxious about the scarce spiritual assistance given to the deeply religious population, the Brasilian Bishops’ Conference (CNBB) called for a concrete response to this issue. This appeal stirred up the interest of hundreds of Focolare members (youths and adults from all over the country and also worldwide) who created the “Amazon Project” in 2005. Each year, during their holidays they set out on a journey to visit the region’s various riverbank communities. Made up of healthcare clinicians, but also of common individuals, they go to lend an ear to the problems of the people, treat the sick, and play with the children in a silent but explicit testimonial of the Gospel in action. In this month of July, there is an ongoing mission of this type in three different districts: Óbidos (Pará), Magnificat (Maranhão) and Barreirinha (Amazonas). 
![[:it]Insieme per l’Europa: l’unità è possibile[:de]Einheit ist möglich![:es]Juntos por Europa: la unidad es posible[:fr]Ensemble pour l’Europe : L’unité est possible[:pt]Juntos pela Europa: A unidade é possível](https://www.focolare.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/20160701_161752_9438MfE_Fr_Podium5_FotoFischer-e1467623076552.jpg)
Gulu in northern Uganda is now the second largest city of the country. Many immigrants and Ugandans have moved there to school and find work. Among them is Gloria Mukambonera who works in the computer field. When she arrived in 2013, she contacted the local Focolare community so that she could share her Gospel ideal of peace and unity with others. “I found a real family here” she recounts, “in which I could share my joys and sorrows. We also practice a communion of goods, following the example of the first Chrisitan communities, each person in their own way. The proceeds are used to help people in need and to care for the sick members of the community.” It is an experience that helps you to see the needs of those around you, which are many because of the war. “One day,” says Gloria, “a priest had asked us to visit the people in a parish that was 4 hours away, because – he told us – there was a conflict between tribes and we might be able to help them reconcile. He had suggested that we tell them about how we try to live the Gospel and of our experiences of peace and unity that flow from that. In particular we shared our experiences of forgiveness, of how we were helped to overcome the divisions among us by living the ‘art of loving’ that is found in the Gospel. There was quite a special meeting with all the young people of the place. We read the Word of Life and shared with them our experiences of trying to live it, and then we invited them to share. There was singing, games and mini theatrical performances. . . The dialogue that followed uncovered their desire to begin living in reconciliation with one another.” It was an opportunity to be “peacebuilders” as the bishop had invited us to be. For us it was a matter of “choosing the Gospel’s way of love for the reconstruction of the country, following the destruction caused by years of war.” 
