In line with the hopes of Vatican II for many new ecumenical initiatives, towards the end of the 1960s the German Bishops felt the need to strengthen relationships with the Orthodox Church. Bishop Graber of Regensburg – assigned to intensify this dialogue – knew he could count on a highly competent person to carry out this task successfully: Albert Rauch. Ordained as a priest, Albert Rausch completed his theological studies at the Gregorian University of Rome and due to his outstanding sensitivity towards the Greek Orthodox rites, Albert decided to also achieve a Doctorate at the Russicum College, where he took up– among others – Modern Greek and Russian. During his stay in Rome he met the Focolare Movement and embraced its spirituality, and discovered its deep ecumenical dimension . He soon asked to be a member as priest focolarino. To further deepen his knowledge of the Eastern countries, Albert travelled to Greece, Turkey, the Lebanon, Syria and Israel. And to also be part of an official delegation he went to Constantinople, Sophia and Belgrade: and these were the first and important steps that helped the sister Churches to get closer to one another. Patriarch Athenagoras underlined that it was also important for the Eastern youth to go to the West to enrich this mutual acquaintance. This made it possible for many young people of many Orthodox Churches to travel to Germany.. He was entrusted with the newborn Ostkirchliches Institut [Istitute of the Eastern Churches] in Regensburg, role which he accepted humbly and with love. The Bishop asked Chiara Lubich to open a women’s focolare also in Regensburg to help him carry out this task.
Centro Internazionale dei Focolari, Castel Gandolfo (Roma) 2003- Conduce una preghiera alla scuola ecumenica
Albert, together with another priest, launched a thousand initiatives, and wove important and fruitful pan-Orthodox relationships and between the Orthodox faithful and Catholics, a dialogue he was qualified to undertake and which he himself described as theological dialogue but also a “dialogue of life.” Keeping in mind Athenagoras’s encouragement, he often brought his students, of various Eastern Churches, to visit Rome, organizing the tours with the help of the Focolare’s Centro Uno. For more than 35 years, these students took part in the Ecumenical Week programmes at the Mariapolis Centre. Many among them would have later held key positions in their churches. In the summer, during their holidays near Rome, they never failed to visit the Centro Uno, to share their projects and get updates on the activities of the movement. With time, Albert, or rather, Dr. Albert Rauch, started to cooperate also with the Abba School and the Sophia University Institute. His overwhelming desire to see the return of unity had pushed him to sow the seed of unity in the hearts of many people from different countries. His passing is a great loss for the ecumenical world. His example and passion for unity among Christians are a stimulus for those who want to contribute to making the prayer of Jesus “That all be one” come true.
Live streaming from Loppiano, 26 October, 5.00pm (Italian time)IUS president Piero Coda explained the official reason for conferring the doctorate saying that the Patriarch is well known as a convincing and active protagonist of the ecumenical journey toward full unity among Christians, and in the dialogue with people of different religions and convictions. Moreover, he has distinguished himself in his promotion of peace and justice, respect for the natural environment, in conformity with the vision of humanity, history and the cosmos that is guarded and actualised by the spiritual and theological tradition of the Christian East. The historyof the fraternal relationship between the Focolare Movement and the Orthodox had its origin in the extraordinary encounter between Chiara Lubich and Patriarch of Constantinople Athenagoras I. “It was June 13, 1967,” Chiara recounted, “He welcomed me as if he had always known me. ‘I’ve been waiting for you!,’ he exclaimed, and he wanted me to tell him about the Movement’s contacts with Lutherans and Anglicans.” Chiara and Athenagoras had twenty-five meetings. The relationship continued with Patriarch Demetrius I, and the contact continues in the same spirit with the current Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Meanwhile the spirituality of the Movement was also welcomed by Christians of the Ancient Oriental Church, and dialogue was developed with Syro-Orthodox, Coptic Christians, Ethiopians, Armenians and Assyrians. The honorary doctorate adds another important piece to relationship of harmony and friendship with the Focolare Movement, and will be part of the events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Focolare town of Loppiano. download invitationwww.loppiano.it
Video of the recent trip to Mae Sot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_jVpNjD1-g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ye7Au–vIc&feature=youtu.be It all began with a simple snack thrown into a rubbish bin and the surprise of the children who discovered that there are people who do not even have anything to eat: “Teacher, what are poor children?” they asked. This was how, in 2013 the students of the kindergarten and first grade of the primary school “G. Giuliano” in Latina managed to gather a truckload of goods to send to their peers in the Mae Sot Orphanage, in the north of Thailand . Then in April 2014, other 30 boxes full of toys were sent. Those who built this bridge are children: the school children of Latina and those of Mae Sot. The bridge will endure and will not break! Also read: Thailand calls and Latina reaches outFrom Latina to Thailand, a dream comes true
The city of Cannes is the winner of the 7th Chiara Lubich Brotherhood Award, because of its Vivere insieme a Cannes Project (Living together in Cannes), which involves laity and Religious from different faiths in projects and initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence. The Mayor put his signature to the candidate application on January 7, the day of the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris. Cistercian Abbot, Vladimir Gaudrat, member of the French delegation at the award ceremony, remarked: “There’s a symbol of hatred and there’s a symbol of peace, and we are here because we want to demonstrate the symbol of peace.” The ceremony was held in Rome, Italy, on January 17, 2015 during a conference on dialogue, community and brotherhood, which had been organised by the promoter of the award, the Associazione Città per la Fraternità (Cities for Brotherhood Association).Campidoglio was chosen as the venue for the award ceremony because of its connection to the person after whom the award was named. On January 22, 2000, her 80th birthday, Chiara Lubich was honoured by the citizens of Rome. Already in 1949, just arrived in the capital where she later lived for ten years, she wrote an article titled “Resurrection of Rome” in which she described the city that had been torn by war and misery. In that article she manifested her desire to bring light and love to its homes, streets, centres of learning, workplaces, Parliament and everywhere. She made those wishes again on January 22, 2000, indicating some paths that could incarnate her vision: the Art of Loving, so in line with the name of the capital city. In Italian, “Rome” is written “Roma.” By reversing the word you have “Amor,” which means “Love”. The Art of Loving emerges from values found in the Gospel. These few thoughts reveal Chiara’s vision of a city, and they inspire the Association that includes 140 Italian comunes. She sees the city as a place inhabited by a community which, in weaving relations between citizens and between citizens and its institutions, can widen its internal and external borders. “Cities,” explains Pasquale Ferrara, General Secretary of the European Institute of Florence, are forever places of pluralism and diversity, where diverse associations collaborate with local institutions for the solution of problems.” Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life, also offered his testimony on the importance of brotherhood in relation to cities, by recalling his experiences in Brazil. “I learned from the Focolare Movement,” the Cardinal recalled, “I learned openness to diversity, which I then experienced in Brasilia. Until I arrived in Rome, where, for me, brotherhood means open contact with everyone.” Lina Ciampi, Secretary of Città per la Fraternità said to the microphone of Vatican Radio: “In this moment that is seeing so many open conflicts – reflecting on brotherhood and dialogue in a community that is changing, with so many feelings, dedicating an entire afternoon to this topic and how to come up with a new cohesion, seems very important to me. Cannes has presented a multi-cultural and interreligious project, in which Buddhists, Jews and Muslims interface. . . It seems to me that it reflects very well what the Association proposes we should do.” Besides the French city of Cannes, awards were also given to the comunes of San Severino and Tolentinonelle Marche for their projects which were directed towards their most vulnerable citizens; Honorary Mention was given to the Comune of Trieste for its Educating For Peace project, which led to the installation of a Cube of Peace in one of its public parks.
The images of the recent trip of the Pope to Sri Lanka, first, and then to the Philippines, after, have circled the globe. His talks, gestures, phrases, were relaunched by many newspapers in numerous languages and by the social networks that have become powerful multipliers of his message of “mercy and compassion”, the central themes chosen by him for this historical trip.
«We made history again – they wrote us from Manila – surpassing the biggest gathering recorded in history in the inforgettable World Youth Day of 1995 with John Paul II. In fact, in the mass in Luneta Park, the almost 7 million present showed once more their faith in and love for the Holy Father».
On the second day, 40,000 participants at the meeting with the families at the Mall of Asia, along Manila Bay. Francis encouraged the Filipino families to “serve as sanctuaries where life is respected” and to proclaim the sacredness of life from birth to death.
«I expected a celebrity – Nidj, a youth of the Focolare said– instead, I saw a “servant”. I felt pure, simple, and authentic love as he spoke. He managed to stay humble and be himself in spite of all the attention directed towards him».
And Loli Funk: «There has been much wisdom like a blinding light with the novelty of the call to live an authentic Christian life but one does not even have to be a Catholic to appreciate his messages: they hit us right into the heart of where it hurts and touches us the most. If we are a family, a community that looks after one another, but each one integrally whole, we have better chances of making it».
Romé Vital: «When Pope Francis spoke to the young people yesterday at the University of Santo Tomas, he urged us to live in reciprocity not only to give and give but also to allow ourselves to receive love from God and from others. This is something new to highlight the value of reciprocity in our Christian life».
And still more, Jan Co Chua: «Reflecting on the events with Pope Francis these days, I feel like the apostles on the road to Emmaus… They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Lk 24,32)».
The most moving part of his trip was the visit to the survivors of the zones struck by typhoons, in Tacloban. «we are still in the euphoria of joy brought to us by the historical visit if our Holy Father Pope Francis», the members of the local community of the Focolare wrote to us.
«Francisc is the first Pope to come and visit Tacloban. His visit made us feel the maternal love of God through the Church. We felt understood, consoled, after having suffered so much in the past. We were surprised by his spontaneity in loving: his decision, inspite of the typhoon, to celebrate the mass out in the open with winds that blew strongly. We were touched by his homily, by his humility, when he said that he had no words to say in front of these sufferings and when he asked our forgiveness since he arrived a little bit late …».
The community of the Focolare was fully involved in the preparations: «The local Church entrusted to us the preparation of the venue where the mass would be celebrated: the vast open field that could contain 120 thousand people, In front of this very demanding task we asked the help of adherents, sympathizers, friends, relatives, also coming from the other provinces, and we organized a plan which we had prepared for the past three months».
Von, confessed that for many years now he had not been going to mass: «When I was invited to work for the event, I put all my efforts into it. I found my faith once again and also the family of the Focolare».
Some women Volunteers who were in charge of organizing the places for the people, wrote us: «We could have chosen the best places for us to be able to see the Pope. But we chose the farthest places so as to give way to the others. But in the end we were able to greet the Pope up close just the same!».
The young Genworked in the sector of crowd control: «We tried to make love reign above everything else: giving preference to the elderly, to those who had come from faraway (walking for many kilometers) … We were very moved by the words of the Holy Father. We greeted him up close and he smiled at us. What a great joy we felt at this encounter with him!».
«The visit of Pope Francis – they concluded – was a unique experience: to be there with all the people, working together for 24 hours under the rain, the strong wind and many other discomforts. His words and the experience we lived will never be erased from our heart!».
Her life was nurtured by the concept of sanctity rooted in the Gospel. Chiara Lubich had written: «We will find sanctity in Jesus, it will flourish in us because of love … If we aim to reach sanctity for its sake alone, we will never achieve it. We must Love, and nothing else. We must forego everything, even our attachment to sanctity, and aim only to love.».
The importance of this ecclesial event is underlined by the choice of the cathedral of Frascati (Rome), as the venue where Bishop Raffaello Martinelli chose to initiate the “Process of documenting the life, virtues, signs and renowned sanctity” of Chiara Lubich. The diocese of Frascati is the diocese where the International Center of the Focolare Movement is established, and where Chiara Lubich spent most of her life, and where she died. Her body lies in the Chapel of the Centre intself, in Rocca di Papa.
The opening ceremony for the “Cause of beatification and canonization,” also called the Prima Sessio or Postulation, will take place on Tuesday , 27 January, 2015; and will start at 4 p.m. with the recital of the Vespers. There will be a reading of the Introductory Decree of the Cause and the nulla osta or permission of the Holy See, the designation of the Relator by the Bishop and the appointment of the diocesan tribunal and those of the postulation commission. From this moment on Chiara Lubich may be called Servant of God.
The ceremony will be broadcasted live on the internet.
In a letter to the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce communicated the news with great joy, and wished all those who live the spirituality of unity to be «living witnesses » of what Chiara lived, announced and shared with all, in the common commitment to «become saints together.»
The procedure for the initialisation of the Cause began on 7 December 2013, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Focolare, when President Maria Voce announced the decision to present a formal request to the Bishop of Frascati, Martinelli, through which she also stated that this was also the desire of many members of the movement, and aimed at boosting their spiritual and moral commitment for the good of mankind. In the months that followed the documents needed to carry out the canonical proceedings were gathered.
The fact that Chiara Lubich continues to be a light in these 5 years after her death is proven by the constant flow of people, to visit the places where she lived and where she has been laid to rest: more than 120,000 people from different continents and religious faiths, Cardinals, Bishops, scholars, politicians, the youth, members of associations and movements, people of non-religious cultures, children, adolescents and adults in search of hope.
We will become saints, Chiara further explained «if we put our mutual charity at the base of our sanctity (above all else, even before sanctity itself) – as the premise or principle, as the means for our sanctification and as its objective.»
According to the United nations, there are 700 thousand people who are forced to leave their homes due to the violence in the northeastern states of Nigeria. Precisely during the days of the massacre in Paris, Nigeria was again in the news, with the criminal escalations in the State of Borno due to the actions of the extremist group of Boko Haram. They even spoke of kamikaze children who were made to explode in two markets of the Country. The population is defenseless, while contradicting politcal analyses are given and very few reveal the heavy economic interests linked to the exploitation of the petroleum resources of the country. There is great expectations for the presidential elections in February. In Nigeria the Focolare Movement is present with two centers, one in Onitsha (in the south of the Country) and one in Abuja, the capital: «After the first trip that we made to meet the people who were displaced by the internal warfare, we realized what the true situation is: the misery, diseases, hunger, lack of clothing, lack of shelter but especially the children with no hope for a future», George and Ruth, the persons responsible for the Movement in that African nation wrote to us. And so they organized a second trip, during the Christmas season inviting their friends, relatives, co-workers to join in: «We truly experienced the generosity of our people, in Focolare all kinds of God’s bounty arrived: money, food, clothes, medicines. We even received a car with a driver who was an expert and knew where to pass to avoid the dangerous areas». Three of us went on the trip: a focolarina who is a nurse, another person and the driver. Bearing many gifts «so as to bring the joy of Christmas to those people who more than anyone else resembled the Baby Jesus who did not even have a suitable place to be born». The situation was precarious: the medicines were not enough for their many needs: «I am a professional nurse – Imma shared – I treated hundreds and hundreds of sick people: malnutrition, anemia, malaria and various illnesses. Then we helped the bishop to distribute food to more than 5000 refugees. It is a very painful situation, and everyday other refugees arrive». «May this be the year of the Yes»,Maria Voce wished for us in 2015, «a yes that is repeated an infinite number of times: yes to God who asks us for something unforseen, yes to that neighbour who needs our concrete love , yes to an unexpected suffering, yes to Jesus who is waiting to be welcomed by us in humanity, transforming suffering into joy, into life and resurrection». But what does this mean in situations of darkness, that seem to be without hope, like in Nigeria? «For us this is the everyday reality – Ruth and George continue – in the difficult circumstances in which we find ourselves in our Country. There are so many sources of Evil. In front of this situation we cannot remain indifferent. When we arrived there, where the people are suffering the most, we touched concretely that which Jesus repeats to us even today: “you did it to me”». And, on behalf of the whole Focolare community of Nigeria, they would like to convey to us their gratitude for the prayers and support that has reached them in many ways, «above all in this moment, and also before and after the presidential and legislative elections».
20150119MariaVoceTG1TG1, 8:00 edition, January 2015 (around 8:10)
With regard to the recent massacres in Paris, Nigeria and Pakistan, the Focolare’s president recently issued a statement and appeared in an interview on the Una Mattina show to give some thoughts on the topic of terrorism; she also gave an interview with TG1 at 8:00. “Dialogue between religions is the truly winning response against violence,” she had said in responding to a question by Letizia Cioffarelli. “Not only the dialogue with Islam, but the dialogue with anybody we meet, whatever their religious convictions, or ideology might be. We believe that we should spread a culture of encounter, of respect for others as our brothers and sisters, because they are our brothers and sisters, since we are all children of God as human beings. If such a culture were spread it would be possible to effectively counteract terrorism; otherwise, it will be a weed that has been allowed to grow out of control, because of a culture of indifference, confrontation and mutual distrust.” The cartoon has posed the question of freedom of expression. What is the correct way it should be defended? “There is no such thing as a freedom that allows you to offend others; that is never true freedom. Freedom is that which allows you to love the other by giving yourself completely. Therefore, if we see the possibility of a greater love for others in respecting limits, we leave others free and we are free as well.”
Uno Mattina, January 19 – beginning at 21:38 and from 28:33
She reiterated an idea that was already expressed in her interview with Uno Mattina, when the interviewer referred to the Pope’s remark: “if you insult my mother, you can expect a punch from me.” “The rather extreme metaphor used by the Pope expresses very well something quite basic,” Maria Voce said, “that is, that you cannot imagine that you have limitless freedom, because a person’s freedom has value inasmuch as it serves the common good.” “None of us,” she continued, “wants to be limited in freedom, but if this limiting is an exercise of a greater love because I limit what I could do (no one prevents me, but I limit myself out of love), then I am truly acting freely, I am truly free.”
The opening of the Cause was joyfully announced in a letter tothe Focolare Movement, in which president, Maria Voce, invited all those who live the spirituality of unity to be a “living witness” to what Chiara had lived, proclaimed and shared with so many; that is, the common effort of “becoming saints together.”
The decision to solicit the opening of the Cause of Canonization had been announced by Maria Voce on December 7, 2013, with the hope that such recognition would encourage many in their moral and spiritual commitment to the good of humankind.
The event on January 27th can be followed via the Internet 4.00 – 6.00PM (CET): http://live.focolare.org
Here, December 25 is not a holiday – a volunteer at the centre for children with disabilities told us. Nevertheless, informing ahead of time the families of these children with disabilities who are undergoing rehabilitation with us, we at least take a break for one day. And so, together with the youth in our team, we thought of spending Christmas at the Center by having lunch together.
They also invited other young people who have helped us during the year in our service in some orphanages and who were happy to share this moment with us. Some of them are Christians while others are not, just like the majority of the people around us, but the desire to be one family is in the heart of each one. When we greeted one another there was that look of joy in everyone in expectation of something beautiful.
In this period, some families with their children whom we are taking care of and who come from faraway, are housed near the Center, where we try to put into practice the spirituality of unity. They are passing through very difficult and painful situations, for many reasons. Even if we had suspended our services for the day we told them that whoever wished to join us to share a moment of celebration were welcome to do so. All of them said yes. A mother cried tears of joy at our invitation: “I know that Christmas for you is a very important celebration, if you have invited me it means that I too am important!”.
Another mother, just three weeks ago had taken the train to come to the city with her husband to search for medical treatment for their daughter who has a severe form of cerebral paralysis. She went to several places but everyone told her that it was not worthwhile and it would be better for them just to go home and accept things as they are. With great sadness in her heart, she already had the train tickets to return home in the afternoon. But then she remembered one of her Christian relatives who some time ago told her about a church that she had visited. Even if she was not Christian, she felt the push to go and look for this church. She found it and met a priest. He knew one of the youth in our team who sings in the church choir, and so he told her: “Look, just fifteen minutes from here there is a place where they take care of children like yours, why don’t you try to go there”. He explained to her the route and she arrived in our center. Even if she did not have an appointment, two of us welcomed her. After awhile she called her husband who was waiting at the hostel and she told him: “We will not leave anymore”.
Later we understood that their relationship was undergoing a moment of crisis because of their daughter: “When I arrived here, what immeediately touched me was the smile of the people. I found hope once again and my husband is also not as depressed”.
The invitation to the Christmas celebration was also exptended to them. Christmas… a God who made himself little so as to make us all brothers and sisters!
One asks today, after the murderous attacks in Paris and the massacres in Nigeria and Pakistan, whether there is need for dialogue between people of different religions and cultures.
“I beg to reverse the question”, Maria Voce says, and continues to ask: “Can we live without dialogue in a globilized world?” While speaking about the increase in the number of people who choose to emigrate and about entire populations who are forced to flee because of persecution,“uprooted from their environment and their future” and forced to live with others of different races, cultures, opinions and religions, the president of the Focolare Movement quotes the pressing question of Western Countries: how does one live with these people? “The answer is clear”, she affirms, “We either dialogue or fight with one another. But conflicts lead to destruction of both residents and immigrants, while openness and dialogue create life and lead to life”.
“I have noted this during my trips to places in the Middle East, Africa and Asia where dramatic situations are present”, she explains.“The brave commitment to dialogue is lived by children in their schools, by families in their neighbourhoods and by many people in their workplaces”.
She reminds that the most effective dialogue is the one “built on the sharing of everyday life”, which is “not generated through an immediate confrontation of ideas” but “ through getting to know the other person – and not his religion – to be able to discover the bond of brotherhood that binds all human beings”. Maria Voce is convinced that diversity does not necessarily cause opposition, but that it can be a source of mutual enrichment. And we truly enrich one another, because God is generous and he bestows his gifts on all men, whatever religion they belong to”. She reaffirms,“When we discover this, we all become richer and freer in our mutual relationship”.
She hints at what Pope Francis is manifesting through “his words and attitudes, emphasizing warmth, empathy, listening fully to others” . And “equally valuable is the Pope’s indication not to make concessions on our identity as Christians in order to prepare ourselves for this dialogue, because we can dialogue only if we are deeply and authentically Christian”.
In her conclusion, MariaVoce states “ A Christian or a Muslim become better persons when they walk on the road of dialogue and discover that they can progress together, and that this progress leads to common initiatives, starting from peace, that contribute towards the benefit of humanity”.
In the face of such a great tragedy and absurdity, beyond our understanding, we are in search of meaning. What is the answer to so much fear and anguish?
« As I watched those towers crumbling, hardly believing my eyes, and thought of this appalling tragedy, the shock of a superpower that suddenly discovers its vulnerability and personally experiences the crumbling of many certainties, as well as the threat of a war with unpredictable consequences, it was like reliving in Trent beneath the bombings of World War II. Everything was crumbling then and we felt impelled to ask ourselves if there was anything that no bomb could destroy. The answer was: Yes, there is. It is God. God whom we discovered as Love. It was a luminous discovery that gave us the certainty that he cannot abandon us, that he is never absent from history. On the contrary, he is able to direct the course of anything that happens towards good. I personally lived this experience in a surprising way.
And I asked myself: couldn’t it be that right now, at the beginning of this twenty-first century, God wants to repeat this great lesson and to give us the opportunity to put him in the first place in our lives, compelling us to put everything else in second place? This thought gives me hope for the future.»
But we can’t deny that there is also a growing anti-Islamic sentiment. What can be done to avoid these sentiments which criminalize the whole Muslim world?
«For some time now in our Movement – but not only in our Movement – we have established a profound unity in God with Muslims, and precisely in the United States with a vast African American Muslim Movement. I learned that in this moment they feel greatly helped by the fact that they are united with us Christians in the commitment to bring universal brotherhood in the world.
We must recognize one another as brothers and sisters, Christians and Muslims. We are all children of God. So we Christians must act accordingly.»
How can there be, in your opinion, so much hate on the part of some Muslim fundamentalists? What can we do?
« In my opinion, we are dealing here with Evil with a capital E. This is why I feel one thing very deeply, which is perhaps a little original: now people are mobilizing all the forces, on the political level, heads of State, and so on. But the religious world must also be mobilized for the sake of good. All the forces of good must unite. This is already being done. For example, last Sunday the Holy Father spoke very forcefully – and I saw that all the newspapers reported it – asking America not to allow itself to be tempted by hatred. He continually repeats his appeals for peace.
Our own Movement, in its more political expression, the “Movement for Unity in Politics,” promotes this idea of brotherhood, which is the harbinger of peace, through municipalities, through parliaments, in many parts of the world.»
The director of the French magazine, “Nouvelle Cité,” Dominique Bonnet, wrote: «Like all the French, we were shocked by last week’s events, a tragedy that led about four million people to rally in solidarity, on Sunday, 11 January 2015. «As a publishing house – he continued – we felt it was our duty to react to the attack and murder of the cartoonists of Charlie Hebdo, but to also give a positive message, that is, underlining the “coexistence” we want to build with all people and all religions. Because of this we chose to express our ideas through a cartoon that does not repeat the slogan, “Je suis Charlie,” but “Je suis avec Charlie” [I am with Charlie]. In fact we do not share the editorial policy of that paper. The four cartoonists who were killed appear on the top of our cartoon. Out of respect for their motivations as atheists, we thought that the phrase “Il ne vont quand même pas nous canoniser” [“They are not trying to make us saints are they?!”], as very fitting. The slogan at the bottom of the cartoon expresses our view of that idea of “coexistence.”» The cartoon was published on 10 January on the site of “Nouvelle Cité” and relaunched on Facebook and Twitter. The massive participation in the peace march in Paris was amazing, and reverberated across the globe. «The TV channels broadcasted many interviews of people in the crowd and some testimonials were really moving. [Like that Muslim woman with a veil, whose son, a military, had been killed by terrorists in the south of France, and who tried to console the Rabbi who had come from Tunisia to verify the death of his son. The Rabbi talked about how his son was afraid to wear the kippah, while the woman spoke about how her veil aroused the looks and comments from others. “Be strong – the Muslim woman said to the Rabbi – you have to muster all your courage, but we must stand firm. I am French and proud to be one, but we must overcome.” It seemed that the future lies in this painful dialogue.»] «The lights of “this togetherness” have been dimmed. Tomorrow we will have to coexist. But in the various interviews this term takes on different hues. In France people are seriously wondering: has religiosity been relegated to a strictly private sphere? To what extent can the freedom of expression be pushed? For three hours in Paris, under a winter sun, thousands of hearts warmed themselves by speaking to one another.» The members of the Focolare in Francenot only declare their commitment to remain faithful to the Time-out for peace action, that is done throughout the world at 12 noon every day, but also to take part in doubling our efforts in interreligious dialogue with actions of all sorts, like “Vivre ensemble a Cannes,” now at its fourth edition. The city of Cannes won the “2015 Chiara Lubich Award for fraternity.” The awarding ceremony was held in Capitol Hill in Rome, on 17 January: and the prize was received by a delegation of 15 representatives of interreligious dialogue.
Igino Giordanipresided over a conference of ecumenists in the autumn of 1967 at the headquarters of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa. Archimandrite Msgr. Eleuterio Fortino participated at this conference, and later gave this testimony: “Giordani, at that conference, succeeded by his inner serenity to appease the fiery tones of the debate; and clarified the theological and pastoral aspects of the decree of Vatican II Unitatis Redintegratio (1964), thus placating the last resistance of the Italian opponents to common prayer among all Christians in the Week for the unity of the Churches.”
For his part Giordani had followed this week of Prayer for Christian Unity since 1940, which to be more precise is actually an Octave: from January 18th to 25th each year. He explains this himself in a paper he wrote that year, where among other things he explains the significance of the two dates: the feast of the Chair of St. Peter’s in Rome, the first, and the conversion of St. Paul, the second.
“The practice of the Octave for unity, because it gathers millions of Christians at the feet of the one Father to make him one, choral demand, to make everyone one again, is itself a beginning of this unity, as well as a start in the right direction.
During the preparation of the Octave this year, news had spread, to begin with a little vague, that in a Trappist monastery of nuns in Rome, they were praying with particular intensity, for the termination of the divisions among Christians, whose image – which is the image of Christ bleeding – should not let us rest.
Sr Maria Gabriella Sagheddu
I came to know that, in that Trappist monastery, a humble nun, Maria Gabriella, had offered herself her life for the unity of the Church and that her sacrifice had deeply affected a community of separated brothers in England.
The news, even though vague, widened immensely – to my eyes at least – the horizon of the movement for unity and opened new perspectives, in which, like a strip of blue between the cracks of a storm, showed the face of the sky above a quarrelsome humanity. It put, in short, in its true light the Octave and its aims.
Now these nuns probably knew nothing of all those debates and commissions and committees: and in any case – no matter how great the merits of those international conferences were – they did not think it had anything to do with them. Confronted with the problem of the division, they had contemplated with simplicity, by the light of the Rule, which never changes: that is, they saw that unity has to be sought where it is to be found: at the source, at the matrix: it had in other words, to be asked of the Father, in whom – as we had been taught with the parable of the prodigal son – and only in whom brothers and sisters can be unified.
This means that these humble creatures, who we will never meet in any congress, had seen immediately what to do and had put the movement for unity back on the straight road. […]
Unity is not the work of men and women but of God: not of study, but of grace. Accept, Father, these pure offerings, first of all for your Church, that you might deign to purify it, guard it and unify it ….”
From “The ecumenical journey of Igino Giordani” by Tommaso Sorgi – excerpt from Nuova Umanita, n. 199 – January / February 2012.
TRANSLATION OF LETTER IN ITALIAN (see below) SECRETARY OF STATE
Vatican City, 10 January 2015
Dear Madam, On the occasion of Christmas and New Year, you sent greetings to the Holy Father on behalf of your Movement, assuring prayers and bestowing upon him the gift of a Filippino Christmas crib and some traditional food products. His Holiness wishes to extend his gratitude for your show of affection and hopes that the birth of Christ, who came on earth to give us light, grace, mercy and the tenderness of the Father, may help us all rediscover the true joy of Christmas. Together with these sentiments, the Holy Father, while invoking upon yourself, and all those united with you in this courteous homage, the celestial intercession of the Our Lady, Immaculate Mother of Our Saviour, joyfully imparts his Apostolic Blessing Angelo Becciu Substitute
Europe continues to battle with economic uncertainty which is a real challenge for all enterprises, experts of economic policies and citizens. Christians from various economic fields and the entrepreneurial world will meet in Loppiano (close to Florence) from 6 to 8 March, to share their experiences and outlooks, so as to contribute to the diffusion of a prophetic message of hope. «Up to now, in Europe, only the institutions have stated their opinions – affirmed Prof. Luigino Bruni. Our dream is that in the ministries for economy, there may also be Franciscans, Focolarini and people who have chosen to stand by the side of the poorest of peoples… There is need for gratuitousness. Over the last ten years these voices have been silenced. An economy without a heart, without charisms that are able to include also the poor, is an economy without a future. What do all Christian movements have to say today, about the economic plan? At the start of the millennium we set out on our journey, “Together for Europe,” with Chiara Lubich. After 15 years of working together at the level of gaining knowledge, it seems that this journey has become a working together for a different kind of economy, a different type of politics. The time has come for us to voice out our opinions. » The idea of a convention was conceived on November 2012 in Munich, Bavaria, during the Together for Europe meeting. On that occasion, economy experts of some movements and communities of different countries and churches, made an appointment to hold a session for in-depth reflection, with the aim of giving a specific contribution in the field of economy, starting off from their own charisms. The programme provided for a moment of reflection on the “signs of the times” we are allwitnessing, with the sharing of experiences. The moments of reflection on the “signs of hope” were shared in a round table on the economy of sharing and “culture of giving.” The programme also included an experimentation work lab «of manual and not only mental work,» at the “Loppiano Prima Farm,” and an artistic workshop with the Gen Verde music group. The convention, entitled “Towards an economy for the common good” will be laid out in three work groups regarding poverty, enterprises and institutions. An expo will be installed with the works produced by each community. Not only banks, markets and finance will be involved – Bruni continues – but contributions from the lower sectors of society, starting from from solidarity, so as to allow the involvement of the poor and excluded people. We shall attempt to pursue this path with some Catholics and Evangelicals (John XXIII,Schönstatt, Focolare, Ymca and Vineyard) acting as the preparatory committee, and with the specific aim of allowing the charisms to voice their opinions on the economic crisis Europe is undergoing.». The idea, therefore, is to give a perspective to Europe starting from the economy of reciprocity and as a gift and not only in terms of interests and profits. It will be an economy which arises from cooperatives, and the social and civic sectors. «Europe’s economy –Prof. Bruni explains – was also created by Saints Benedict, Dominic and Francis (if we considered the the institution of the Pawnshops), not to mention the social charisms that invented the schools, hospitals, simultaneously with the world of commerce which progressed with the enterprises and the merchants. The new Europe will arise from this crisis, and to achieve a good Europe, it still needs today, the contribution of the charisms, modern charisms that speak the language of economy: there is a wealth of life in the European Christian movements that still have something to say that differs from that of the European Central Bank. We shall start with modesty, but our objective is to go to Brussels to address the institutions with our specific contribution. »
“Here in Taiwan there has not been much news about the Ebola outbreak, apart from when there seemed to be some danger that it might spread outside of Africa. For most people, it is a distant problem that has nothing to do with them. But we Youth for a United World (Y4UW) – both from Taiwan and some international students who are studying Chinese here – felt differently because we feel that every person in this world is part of the same human family.
Thanks to a friend who had been in Sierra Leone, we were able to get in touch with John who lives there and who belongs to Y4UW. He told us about the terrible situation that everybody is living: shortage of food, people who are dying, and a government that doesn’t have enough resources to help, and also about the efforts that he and others were making to provide some assistance to people in need.
So, we decided we had to take action, and set about organising a cake sale. Although it was only a small thing we all felt so happy because at least we were no longer helpless and passive in facing such a huge suffering. Spending time together baking the cakes also helped us to strengthen our friendship and gave us a renewed impulse to promote peace and unity in our everyday lives. There were also moments of doubt about whether we could really sell all the cakes that we had made, but we decided to go ahead, trusting that if we did it out of love then everything would work out.
On the day of the sale it was really amazing because we sold everything, and some people even donated extra money so that we made far more than we expected. Even more important, lots of people became more aware of the terrible suffering that Ebola is causing, and saw how Y4UW is truly living for the whole human family. By chance, three Africans happened to pass by and thanked us for what we were doing for “our Africa”. But one of us answered, “not your Africa, our Africa”, which really summed up the spirit of the whole occasion.
Two impressions from our friends: “When I heard about the Ebola epidemic,” Chung Hao says, “I didn’t know how to help them, but this charity event, even though it was something small, made me realise that when we young people are united, we are a potent force, not only in helping concretely, but also because in awakening the concern of friends around us.” And Xin Ci commented: “The cake sale was an important occasion to contribute something for those who are suffering because of Ebola. When I arrived and saw the tables covered in beautiful, tasty cakes I saw how much effort people had put into it and I was really moved. I always wanted to do something for the world, and these small acts, done with the infinite love of everyone can be communicated to every corner of the world. I really felt happy to take part in this event with my friends.”
“Since this article was written, the experience has continued,” Brian from Taiwan says, “as we had another sale involving students from Fu Jen University. We are now planning a further activity – making greeting cards so as to raise more funds. Apart from the important achievement of raising money for a very important cause, this activity has energised us and brought about a stronger sense of what it means to bring about a united world.
Pope Francis is putting all his energy into his travels, as he has always done. But this trip to Asia is forecasted to be a really demanding one. Besides institutional types of events such as the interreligious meeting in Colombo upon his arrival in Sri Lanka and the canonization of the Indian Missionary, Joseph Vaz, the Pope will have to face the sultry tropical climate, but above all, an entire population that is expecting a strong message of hope from the visit.
This will be for Francis, a full immersion in one of the many peripheries of the world, so dear to his heart and marked also recently by natural calamities that have inexorably impacted on the difficult social support path in those lands.
Expectations are high and the Pope Francis excitement is building up especially in Manila where more than the five million people who officially attended the Mass of the World Youth Day celebrated by Pope John Paul II in 1995 are expected to participate. The Filipinos have been snapping their selfies beside his life-size cutout image in churches and malls, while the children are preparing to dress up as Swiss guards to welcome the Pope.
During the Christmas preparations, the youth of the Focolare went to the Tacloban and Palo regions, where the Holy Father will pay a visit on day 17, to celebrate with the schoolchildren with games, songs and gifts for the typical ”Noche Buena” or Christmas Eve vigil. This initiative was conducted also in cooperation with the youth from various parts of the world, who are living a concrete community experience in the small town of the Focolare in Tagaytay.
This was their concrete answer to the invitation of the Archbishop of Manila, Card. Tagle, and the President of the Philippine Bishop’s Conference, Bishop Villegas, to prepare for the Pope’s visit by intensifying the works of mercy towards the poor and outcasts. This gesture was not something new for them. Since November 2013, that is, when the country’s historically strongest typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) wreaked its havoc, the Focolare has been organising a series of action aids for the struck population: from first aid to the distribution of food, clothing and prime necessities, repair of homes, moral support to families and those who had lost their loved ones, to the rebuilding plans with the construction of about 40 small houses. The specific program of the ”Start Again” project to help the schools, is still underway.
Besides this, the Focolare undertook to prepare the Holy Father’s visit to the Philippines through a word-of-mouth action and all the communities of Manila agreed to line the streets on January 15 from the airport to the city, to be with all the others in welcoming the Holy Father in person.
The community of Leyte took part in the Commission organizing the visit to the places where the typhoon had struck: to help in the security services during the Papal Mass in Tacloban, and also during the meeting at the Pope Francis Center for the Poor of Palo with about 200 aged people and poor children. A young Focolare member will entertain the participants before the Pope’s arrival.
But for the moment, the happiest are the survivors. Here’s what Farah says: “I am offering all my sufferings for the Pope’s safety and health.” Mark adds: “I am happy to be able to have a close view of the Pope. I feel so privileged. We are very grateful for his visit.”
About ten members of the Movement have been chosen as group leaders for the works of the New Evangelization Convention to be held from 15 to 18 January at the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, with 5,000 enrolled delegates whom the Pope will meet on the 18th, before his departure.
Also on the last day, Pope Francis – who will start his trip to Manila with an encounter with families – will meet the youth gathered at the University’s sports field – and in the afternoon – will conclude his visit with a solemn Mass at Rizal Park.
What is a cardinal and what does he do? These are questions the common folk,, mostly Buddhists may ask, upon hearing about the naming of Bangkok’s Archbishop Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij. He is the second Thai Cardinal after Michael Michai Kitbunchu, instated more than 30 years ago in 1983. Also other two new Asian Cardinals: Mons. Charles Bo of Myanmar and Mons. Pierre Nguyen Van Nhon from Vietnam will be named in the next consistory set for 14 February.
To respond to the interest aroused by the nomination, the local Church promoted a press conference that gathered about 30 journalists and local Thai media operators, including some well known Asian newspapers.
One of the most frequent questions the new Cardinal had to answer was: “Does this nomination reflect the Catholic Church’s desire to diffuse Christianity more in Thailand?” Thirty years ago in fact, there were rumours diffused by a group of Buddhist fundamentalists, of a Vatican “conspiracy” to undermine Thai Buddhism. This is an issue which no one believes any longer. The Thai people are renowned for their tolerance and friendliness. Christianity is not deterred, even if the Christians constitute less than 1% of the population.
Mons. Kriengsak of Bangkok thinks that with these nominees, Pope Francis wishes to underline the universality of the Church, and in answering the many questions of the Buddhist journalists, narrated with simplicity that God is Love, and took flesh in Jesus who brought the life of the Trinity on earth – and that mutual love makes us brothers and sisters. He also stressed that all religions hold common values, such as the “golden rule” (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you“) and continued by stating that the Catholic Church promotes dialogue in all fields and, particularly interreligious dialogue in Thailand. Those who know the new Cardinal well, are aware that he has a deep friendship with a good number of Buddhist monks, along with lay people, always open to followers of all faiths. We are surprised by the fact that the person who had sent us a copy of the Thai newspaper with the photo and promotion of Archbishop Kriengsak on the first page was precisely a famous monk of the Buddhist monastery at the outskirts of Bangkok! “Together – Archbishop. Kriengsak said – we work for the good of society, peace in the world and unity of humanity.” He invited all, whatever faith they profess, to pray daily for peace in the world, and observe a minute of silence at six every afternoon for this purpose.
In answering the question on education for which the Thai Church is highly esteemed, he sustained that it has to be open to everyone, of all walks of life. He repeated Pope Francis’s appeal to “go out towards the outskirts of society,” citing the many charitable works the Church undertakes, highlighting the various initiatives to face a rather recent phenomenon: the flux of many refugees in Thailand. With regard to the challenges of the Church: “Secularism is a challenge for all religions. Also due to this, all religions have to cooperate to imbue society with positive values.” “The Church in our continent, though small, can give its contribution in promoting unity in Asia, in the perspective of a more united world.”
In answering the last question we posed on how this news is to be interpreted, he said that he was very surprised and had accepted the nomination to say yes to God’s will, entrusting himself to His grace, like Mary. He asked us to pray for him, confiding that he was counting on the spirituality of unity which he had embraced ever since he was a seminarian. He will keep his motto: “Verbum crucis dei virtus est”(The language of the Cross is the power of God).
Though part of a very poor society, also the Focolare Movement’s community in Savanette (Mont-Organisé in the North-East) immediately expressed its willingness to receive and help the evacuees arriving from Port-au-Prince, the capital which was immensely devastated. The local association, PACNE (Action Contre la Pauvreté du Nord-Est), thought of creating a centre to host the evacuees and with the contribution of many communities from various parts of the world and the assistance of the AFN associations (Action for New Families) and AMU (Action for a United World), was able to set up the community centre, “Maison de la Providence,” which offered employment and accommodation to evacuee families. On the whole, in its first two years of activities this centre supported about 500 people.
Foto: Dieu Nalio Chery/AP
At Port-au-Prince, two projects were conducted by AMU in close collaboration with the Scalabriniani Missionaries, as a sign of that “ecclesiastical communion” which has characterised the reconstruction of Haiti, in which many ecclesiastics or lay organisations were involved. The first, related to an urbanization plan for families who were without homes, consisted of the creation of a new electric line to service two villages, by which 41 families were able to connect to the electric power grid. Furthermore, to help complete the construction of the “Montebelluna-Bassano” village composed of 27 housing units for the benefit of 135 people, the contribution of AMU went to the laying of the village’s water and sewerage system and the electrical equipment of each house. The power grid was boosted through a production pole with a powerful generator, in such a way that many small enterprises in the area (cement blocks, carpenter workshops, a bakery, an industrial kitchen and a poultry farm) managed to increase their own production. Lastly, AMU supported the start-up of a poultry farm – with job opportunities for 10 people – through the construction of a water reserve tank, indispensable for the water supply of the 3,000 animals and slaughtering activities.
A community centre – school, recreation centre and big sports ground – was the second project AMU supported. Through AMU the Focolare Movement also supported other social activities for the Haiti population: at Carice (always in the North East), for many years a professional nurse was employed in the small clinic of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, while waiting for one of the religious to complete her specialization and be able to work in the clinic, one of the few healthcare centres at the service of the population. Lastly, with PACNE and the specific contribution of the Youth for United World, a study scholarship program was launched for around ten Haitian youth, to allow them to pursue their university studies in Haiti, and for others to acquire good professional skills in the Dominican Republic close by, to be placed at the disposal of their own country.
Together with Shanti Ashram, a Hindu movement inspired by teachings of Ghandi, the Udisha movement conducts and supports various activities such as the Piggy Bank, with the motto: The more you give, the more you get.
“Launched in March 2014, the project draws its inspiration from Chiara Lubich’s concept called the “culture of giving,” and which she held very dear,” one of the coordinators, Valentino Agri, wrote. “The project thus expresses the great desire to share with the children and their families, the discovery of God’s immense love for each one of us.”
The initiative aims at promoting the importance of savings as a way of meeting the needs of the poor. Practically speaking, this is a small personal piggy bank where every child can deposit his/her savings. At the end, the proceeds are divided into two parts: one for those children living below the poverty threshold, the other, for the family of the child who possesses the Piggy Bank.
“A few months ago, an interactive meeting was held with Mr. Vijay of the Shanto Ashram to discuss the problem of poverty, Valentino says, “which revealed the scenario on the poverty experienced by many children in the villages of India, in circumstances that differ from those of children in the cities. It stressed how our children in Mumbai, despite the daily difficulties of life in the slums, can still consider themselves lucky to have a family, and can go to school. Instead, thousands of minors have no one to take care of them, and often lack food and water, and have no education or healthcare. Mr. Vijay furthermore explained to the children how their own contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference for those who have nothing. “Our country will be a better place for each child if we all share what we can,” he affirmed.”
The kids committed themselves even more to keeping their savings in the Piggy Bank: “On Ghandhi’s birthday anniversary,” Valentino continued , “we broke our money box and gathered about 3,000 rupees, equivalent to 45 euro». A small fortune, in that context and considering the fact that we are talking!
“My mum usually buys a cake on my birthday. This time I asked her to give the amount for the cake, and I was able to put it in my piggy bank. I felt happy…”, recounts Alisha, 10 years of age.
“At times my mum gives me money to take the rickshaw to school, but sometimes I went on foot so I could save and put the money in my piggy bank…”, says Rachael, 11years. While Valerie, who is only 6 said: «My uncle gave me ten rupees to buy some biscuits. He saw that I put it in my Piggy Bank for my brothers and sisters who do not have mothers and fathers and who cannot go to school like me. So he gave me another ten rupees. » At times also a bit of slyness comes in useful. Nine-year-old Ryan narrated his experience: “Like all my friends at school I wanted to buy an expensive pen. I then remembered my Piggy Bank and I bought one that cost 5 rupees less, so no one would think of stealing it!”
«It is a small drop in the ocean, but it is a drop just the same – Valentino concluded -. We suggest you propose this initiative also in your environments, so that this drop can become a river!»
“I am a coordinator for ecumenical and interreligious relations in the Diocese of Vancouver, Canada. In January 2014, the prayer service was planned jointly by the Anglican Diocese, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Mennonite Church, the United Church of Candada and the Armenian Apostolic Church. There was a solemn moment for the exchanging of gifts, and everyone felt how much the Churches had to offer. The musical interludes were also gifts to each other. We invited the choirs and cantors from five different traditions to enrich the prayer service with their harmonies. The joy of being together and recognizing the power of common prayer was very tangible, as well as the willingness to open ourselves to each other.” A project was also born from this experience: an ecumenical concert involving choirs from different traditions. The concert included three choirs (Ecumenical Fatima Choir, Armenian Apostolic Church choir and the Focolare choir), as well as a cantor from the United Church of Canada. The Focolare choir offered two songs that described the joy we experience when Jesus is in our midst. The variety of the programme that included both traditional Christmas carols and contemporary music, interspersed between readings from the Second Sunday of Advent, drew people in from many denominations in Vancouver. The service concluded with the lighting of candles as a symbol of carrying Christ into the world. People were very pleased and appreciative of the event, especially the possiblity of gathering members from diverse churches and Christian communities during the Advent season, to give glory to God with hymns from different traditions. The Advent Ecumenical Service was only one of several events. The Catholic Church in Vancouver will mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of the Decree on Ecumenism, with a conference titled: “Unity of Christians: Have we answered the call?” The conference will be held on January 17 and be one of the events of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Vancouver. Speakers will be from the different Christian Churches; the programme that was prepared and sent to all the Christian communities of the city, has been widely appreciated, and many have said they will attend.” Marjeta (Focolare, Vancouver)
One night my husband, Toni, made a joke that just shocked me. I had never realised that he was harbouring inside so many grudges and misunderstandings. I thought: “What? He had all this inside him and never told me?” I was completely downcast. We had tried to have a Christian marriage, and I always admired his transparency, but this time Toni proposed going to his parent’s house for the holiday. Even though the thought was a bit burdensome (since we needed to be alone with one another), I said yes. Nevertheless, we agreed to find as much time as possible for ourselves: to begin over, to regain our communion. So, while my in-laws took care of the children, we went out. I was feeling a bit fearful of what might come out. We went to a nice little place, had something to eat and, first he and then I, opened up in complete honesty. Since that had not happened in such a long time, we both tried to put aside our own point of view, in order to embrace the other. We understood one another and were able to choose one another again, along with those differences that had made us fall in love.
I’m Muslim. I come from Afghanistan. I applied for asylum in Holland, for me, my wife and two sons. We lived for nearly three years in a small room at a refugee camp. Once in a while I went to the city to look for friends. It was in vain. We have a saying: “If you want to pray, look for a mosque. If you don’t find a mosque, then go into a church because both are places of prayer.” There was a church beside the market. I went in and came to know a family, through whom we met other Christians. We never felt alone again. Since then we learned to put love into practice, beginning with the refugee camp, a place of misery, problems and wounds. We ourselves were seeing a psychiatrist specialised in war trauma. But after meeting these new friends, we gave up psychotherapy. Because of my work as a writer and translator, I had received an electronic typewriter as a gift, which I then gave away to someone who had been a journalist back home.
Even though I’m only seven, I can do something so that the world can be more good. For example, when someone gives me some money, I share it with the poor, and my heart feels happy. As I was thinking of the children who don’t even have one toy, I looked through the ones I had; I fixed them well and put them in a box, for them. It’s not so easy to give away your own things, but when I knew how happy they would be, I was happy too. Just as I was about to finish preparing the box, a telephone call arrived from Grandmother: she told me that one of my cousins had left some toys for me, that she was no longer using. I jumped for joy. It was God’s answer to me.
“NetOne, the worldwide association of journalists and communications operators promoted by theFocolare Movement, strongly condemns the despicable attack against the editorial staff of Charlie Hebdo. NetOne expresses its solidarity and closeness to the colleagues, relatives and supporters of the victims. Nothing can justify the senseless killing of journalists because of their job. At the same time we wish that the work of many journalist colleagues and of many communications operators who are already committed in studies, in learning and in the mutual recognition and enhancement of cultures, religions and far off worlds may continue with more effectiveness. Indeed, we wish that it may be supported and encouraged also by public institutions and civil society. The journalists and communications operators who adhere to NetOne are convinced that the way of violence is a dead end. Only a true, respectful and sincere dialogue could avoid the growth of a barbarism without end, while the way of mutual regard and an authentic universal brotherhood should be taken with courage. NetOne commits itself to work in this direction, in the respect of freedom of expression and the conviction of those who work in the media and of the public.”
“I discovered that I can live the Scout Promise at every moment.” “It was very beautiful to spend time together and realize that we’re living for the same goal.” “Thanks to everyone who came to this truly unique afternoon.” “Thanks to everyone, a super-ingenious project, filled with smiles and teachings! We have to continue this.”
These are but a few on-the-spot impressions given by youngsters as the sun began to set on one of the public squares in the Argentine city of Bahia Blanca where Scouts and Gen 3 (teenagers of the Focolare Movement) had gathered for an afternoon of getting to know one another.
But perhaps what best describes the joyful event was a message posted on the social network by Clarita, a teenager who is both a Scout and a Gen 3. With her brother, Juanfra, and her mother, Rose, she was one of the main promoters of the event. Clarita writes: “Finally, the dream happened! We put together two movements who use different methods to accomplish the same goal: to be “always ready” to ‘do to others as we would have them do to us.’ Happy, that’s the best word to describe how I feel.”
The afternoon was an occasion for both Scouts and Gen 3 to learn, respect, be open and listen to others, but it was also an afternoon of many games, activities and laughter. Clarita continues: “Thank you to everyone who attended. I saw how the Gen 3 and the Scouts mix together so easily. Now my fellow Scouts know the Golden Rule, and will have another arrow in their bow to practice the Scout Law in their daily lives.” And the Gen 3 know the Scout’s motto: Be prepared, which will encourage their serving spirit.”
This afternoon together was also an opportunity for the leaders of both movements. The Scout leaders responded to the proposal of doing something together, saying: “We put the adventure and the service, and you put the spirituality and the unity.” But, as time went by “us” and “you” gradually faded away, leaving all the space for “Us” where everyone felt actively involved in a single effort.
As a memento of the event everyone received a bookmark. On one side was written: Do to others as you would have them do to you” and, on the other side, “Leave the world better than you found it.”
That afternoon will not remain an isolated event. Now the experience will continue through the creation of a “solidarity business” at the service of the community. The united world makes way when we are walking together!
The Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, nine months after the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. This date corresponds to December 25 in the Julian calendar. The feast of Christmas is preceded by a period of fasting for 40 days, starting on November 27th.
“For historical reasons – Sergei, an Orthodox focolarino from Moscow, tells us – after the revolution of 1917 and until the nineties, Christmas was no longer celebrated in Russia. In its place New Year celebrations were introduced, with the tree and Santa Claus, Ded Moroz in Russian, literally ‘Father Frost’.”
“I found out about Christmas and the whole ‘history of salvation’- continues Sergey – when I met the Focolare Movement. At that time I was not even baptized, so the meeting with the Focolare coincided, for me, with the encounter with God.”
According to custom, Christmas Eve is known by the name of “Sočelnik“, because of the food called sočivo, which consists of fruit and boiled corn, the only food allowed on that day. Fasting lasts until the evening, and is not broken until the Christmas hymn is sung. Then a candle is lit, symbolizing the star of Bethlehem, and this marks the end of the fast.”Despite these traditions, for many people in Russia – Sergei points out – Christmas still does not exist. Practically Jesus has been completely ‘exiled’ from their lives. Consumerism, so well known to the West, has also done its part, exploding with strength as soon as communism collapsed.”
“That’s why we strive every day,” Sergey concludes, “so that as many people as possible can find this child, whose birth we celebrate these days. That they can see him ‘born among us’, through mutual love (Mt 18:20). My wish for this Christmas: that we Christians are capable of giving Jesus to the world, through our concrete evangelical love, and so bring him to everybody.
Merry Christmas! С РОЖДЕСТВОМ.
This is a greeting which we want to extend to our brothers and sisters of the Church in Serbia, the Coptic Church, the Church of Jerusalem, Macedonia, Ukraine, Georgia, and some Churches in Greece.”
“Mercy”, and that is forgiveness, which leads to peace, “for a new world”: this is the invitation to the youth of the diocese of Bobo-Dioulasso – the second largest city of the country – as a reflection for the coming year. Burkina Faso lives an important phase of transition, after the riots of last October, when the capital Ouagadougou had been hit by demonstrations of the opposition and civil society, so much so that there was talk of a ” Burkinabé Spring “.
And it is an experience of forgiveness that is offered by Fidèle during the day for young people on 7 December: while he was going around looking for work, he was convinced by a friend to pick some fruit from a tree for an old lady who was sick, thus arousing the anger of those who had misappropriated the tree. The story ends for Fidèle with a broken nose from a stick in the face. “The anger inside me grew as I pondered revenge. I was going home to treat the wound when I was approached by the boy who had hit me. He had his mother with him who was very upset. I did not want to give in, but then I remembered the words of the Gospel where Jesus says we must forgive 70 times 7 … The next day I bumped into him at the store and I greeted him first, showing that I had forgiven him. Since that day we became good friends.”
David and Laetitia, on behalf of the Youth for a United World of Bobo-Dioulasso, tell us about the initiative: “This year we decided to change our usual way of doing things in order to facilitate work with others. We got involved in coordinating the activities of the Youth Chaplaincy. Amazed by the previous experience of the Youth Festival, the leaders of the Chaplaincy asked us to organize a day of friendship among all the youth movements of the city, on the theme chosen for this year: “Young people, be merciful so as to build a new world. ‘”
“The time was short,” they continue, “and the hardest thing was to work with people who have a different way of seeing things. The difficulties in agreeing things were not missing, especially when it got to drafting a program for the day; but our goal was primarily to establish unity among all, even at the expense of the quality of the organization. But the common desire to work together, to get to know each other, to have mutual esteem won out … And finally we got to the long awaited day. “
There were testimonies on forgiveness, including that of Fidèle, dancing, singing, “This day allowed us to get to know each other better. There have been many exchanges of contacts and we understood how the contribution of each one, however different, was necessary. We understood how the different movements are complementary and called to work together for the realization of unity, the same one that Jesus always teaches us. “
“This – they conclude – encourages us and gives us the desire to work together again. In a year’s time the next edition!”
Gonzalo Perrín would never have thought that at the age of 29 he would become a partner and manager of a biscuit factory. He was still taking up Hotel Catering sciences when he got to learn about the Economy of Communion (EoC), and was so deeply struck that he put aside his studies to put the ideals of the EoC concretely into practice. “n 2008 – he recounts – I gave up my job and returned to my country, and at O’Higgins I started to produce biscuits, at home to begin with, while I was setting up the factory and buying the suitable machines.” Today he runs “Pasticcino”, a factory that is part of the Solidaridad industrial park in the Argentinean little town of the Focolare, and where 2.5 million biscuits are produced yearly, distributed to 25 chains of bars and cafes. He is currently considering the possibility of opening a branch in Brazil, at Spartaco, the EoC hub of the Focolare centre close to São Paulo.
To keep in line with the spirit of the EoC and share the company’s profits with the poor, Gonzalo even got to the point of asking the banks for a loan. Another particular experience is that among the staff of the “Pasticcino” there is a visually-impaired employee, Charley. During a visit, some pointed out to Gonzalo that Charley was an extra expense for the company: “In fact, it may seem a bit costly,” he replied, “but what you don’t see on the balance sheet is that he represents a great asset for the company because of the ideas he proposes, and for the good atmosphere his presence imbues among the colleagues.” In fact, today Gonzalo considers Charley not only as an employee, but more as a consultant and friend.
To those who asked if this was all worthwhile, and if he did not wish to earn more, he answered: “At times when I get into a friend’s car, I say to myself: what a great car! But I myself have never been in need of anything and the important things in life are relationships, which are things money cannot buy. I don’t know how long the company will last, but if it doesn’t, the relationships will remain, and these are the most precious things I possess.”
Recently, Gonzalo had to conclude a big business deal with a new client: “We have already met five times. Ten days ago I attended the sixth and it seemed like things were really moving ahead. But since then I have passed my time looking at the telephone and waiting for it to ring. I was going crazy, when, during my dad’s birthday, my grandma who is 82, asked me how the company was faring. I told her all the details of this new business and she answered: “Don’t’ worry Gonzalo, if this new deal with that company doesn’t pull through, it will be for the better.” I don’t know how, but with those words, my worries vanished somewhat.”
After a few days it was grandma’s birthday and “precisely on that day the client I was talking about accepted me as his supplier!” The Pasticcino factory is expanding!
“Today, due to an ever-increasing number of interconnections in today’s world that has made society powerfully aware of the common destiny of nations, slavery, an offence against human rights, has formally been abolished in the world. The right of every person to be free from slavery or oppression has been recognized in international human rights as an irrevocable norm. And yet, despite the fact that the international community has adopted numerous agreements to put an end to slavery in all its forms and undertaken various strategies to combat this phenomenon, still today millions of people – children, men and women of all ages – are deprived of freedom and forced to live in conditions similar to that of slavery,» Pope Francis wrote in his message for the World Day of Peace, celebrated on 1 January, feast of the family.
And as he writes, he remembers all «the many men and women workers, also minors, who are enslaved in different sectors,» and also recalls “the living conditions of many migrants who suffer hunger, and are deprived of liberty, stripped of their possessions or physically and sexually abused. My thoughts go to those who are dominated by fear and insecurity upon reaching their destination after a difficult journey, and are at times detained in inhuman conditions.”
Mohamed comes from Mali and has passed through a shipwreck and a life of poverty and suffering. Today, he strongly desires to express his gratitude. This what Flavia Cerino, a lawyer, tells New City. “When he was just fifteen years old, Mohamed decided to leave: a long journey through the desert in Libya (prisons and abuse) and then, finally, Italy. The Mare Nostrum operations saved him from the shipwreck but on touching ground, he was immediately handcuffed: his co-travellers had identified him as one of those engaged in the human trafficking business, but in reality he was not involved. In fact, he had distributed some food and drinks on the boat because the real traffickers had threatened to throw him overboard if he did not do so. Since he was just an adolescent he was not sent to a real jail. The long wait for the hearing which would confirm his arrest, took place in a small and cramped room in the city Court, but many people were there to take care of him: the policemen were kind and the social workers took interest in his life, health, and family. For months nobody had given him so much attention. Usually he only received commands, not questions. And then, since one of the policemen spoke French, and he was able to thoroughly explain the real facts.”
The hearing to confirm his arrest ended well: he would be assigned to service in the community, and not to jail.
“He will not be free, but it was undoubtedly better than jail. The structure was pleasant, in a small sunny town further south. Mohamed managed to gain the respect and affection of all: he was always willing to help in the housework, ready to learn new words in Italian, loved soccer but also silence and solitude. After some months, the time came for him to appear before the Court: for him this meant a return to the past, the brutal experiences he wished to forget. Though time had passed, his memories were still there, also the beautiful ones. And at the end of the hearing, he had only one wish: to return to the last floor in those dark and gloomy rooms, only to say thanks to that policeman who spoke French and those kind social workers. He would remember them forever. Unfortunately, none of these people he knew were on duty. But his ‘thanks’, quite a rare event, will be passed on to them by their colleagues.”
“We know that God will ask each of us: “What have you done to your brother?» – Pope Francis concludes. “The globalisation of indifference weighs on the lives of many of our brothers and sisters, and calls out to us to become the architects of a globalisation of solidarity that can give them hope and new courage to undertake the journey through our time and bring along with them new prospects, a task which God has entrusted to us.”
«A soul in love, » Enzo «lived constantly in God’s presence, always one with Him. Always.» This was how Chiara Lubich described Enzo Fondi, just after he passed away all of a sudden, silently and serenely on 31 December 2001. «Enzo Fondi has gone to Heaven,» Chiara wrote to all the members of the Movement: «It is a great joy, even if in my lifetime […] we have never felt such great pain. The joy is because we cannot only say that Enzo has died, but that he gently passed from one “room” to the other. When they found him after the Te Deum, the expression on his face was one of great peace, without the shadow of anxiety at all, giving us the impression that he was “received” by Mary, our Mother, whom he loved in a particular way, with such tenderness. In our hearts we had the common impression that if we have been deprived here on earth, of this “gigantic figure” of the Work of Mary, we have, on the other hand, a saint in Heaven. This was how we considered him over the last few years, when his illness had refined and prepared him for this step.»
As an enthusiastic promoter of unity, he was especially guided by one particular sentence of the Gospel: “As you, Father, are in me, and I am in you may they also be one in us” (Jn 17:21).
Enzo Fondi, a doctor from an affluent family, was born in Velletri in 1927. In 1951, he joined the first Roman focolare. He was a part of the first group of Focolarini doctors who, at the start of the 1960s, crossed the confines of the socialist block to work as an assistant surgeon in the Catholic Hospital of Leipzig in Eastern Germany. From then on the spirituality of unity spread throughout Eastern Europe. In 1964 he was ordained priest at the service of the Movement, and later was assigned to the United States.
In 1977, the year in which Chiara Lubich received the Templeton Prize for the progress of religion, Enzo was assigned the task of developing interreligious dialogues of the Focolare, and with one of the first focolarine, Natalia Dallapiccola, gave his fruitful contribution to this end. On hearing the news, our Muslim friends in Algiers wrote: «With great simplicity Enzo taught us all the rules of the “art of loving” and opened our eyes to the universality of Chiara’s work and to what degree the miracle of unity is daily within our reach!» For years, Enzo was in charge – together with Natalia – of the spiritual formation of the members of the Focolare Movement. There is, therefore, a big archive of his answers, writings, and talks, with which he helped many to acquire a deeper comprehension of the charism of unity.
«Enzo had spent his last years on a cross,»Chiara wrote again. A serious disease, in fact, had more than once led him to the brink of death. «But – we had the impression – that he had embraced Jesus Forsaken in such a perfect way. He was never impatient even for a moment, and never complained to his co-focolarini. The drama he was living was a matter between him and Jesus. Though rarely, he had confided to me about his physical condition, always with a smile on his face. And in this way, in the last period his life was an uphill, relentless climb, embellished with virtues, and God bestowed the grace of union with Him.»
This is testified to by Enzo’s last thoughts dated 15 December 2001: «My last will and testament. For me, it is the last will of God, the last thing he wants of me now. There will be no other. I must fulfill this last will to perfection, whatever it may be, and this is my last testament. I don’t know what will really be the last will of God I shall undertake in life. The only thing I am sure of is: for that last and this present moment, I will have the actual grace to help me do it, inasmuch as I have practiced in exploiting this grace, by living the present moment.»
A few days after December 31, he went from this earth accomplishing the final will of God.
“It was not a conference, but an experience and, to be more precise and in-tune with the event, I would call it an experience of tikkun, reparation, as explained in the Jewish tradition,” writes Roberto Catalano, from the Focolare’s Centre for Interreligious Dialogue on his return from Salerno.
The three-days of “study, listening, prayer” (24-26 November), looked at several topics, from anti-Judaism throughout the centuries, to the recognition of Israel, the Holocaust, the improvement in Jewish-Christian relations since the Second Vatican II, and the Way to the Tikkun Olam. All the presentations were done in two parts: Christian and Jewish. An occasion, the first of its kind in Europe, which marked a step of “reparation of relations between the Jewish and Christian traditions that in these last two thousand years have experienced tragic moments,” writes Catalan. “The relations between Jews and Christians have for centuries suffered the consequences of these events that guided the history of humanity towards tragedies culminating in the Holocaust. Recently, as we know, the conciliar declaration Nostra Aetate and, then, people like John Paul II and Cardinal Martini, who is repeatedly cited by Jews and Christians alike, have taken up the threads of the relationship and have contributed to a decisive rapprochement by the Christians.”
Planned initially for bishops and diocesan delegates for ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue, it was then opened out to all the coordinators of dialogue, and others, Jews and Christians, secular and religious. There were more than 400 present, including 50 priests: there were Christians mainly from Italy, and Jews from Italy, Israel, and the US.
“The conference of Salerno was an important step on this journey. We have spoken very clearly on one side and the other without ignoring history but being realistically optimistic. It was impressive to see Catholic priests, bishops and cardinals sitting next to rabbis. The Jewish kippah mingled with the red caps of the bishops. Fraternity was the queen of these days: the impression was to have begun a joint project. Speaking with Joseph Levi, the chief rabbi of Florence, we were saying that even just ten years ago it would have been unthinkable to hold an event like this.
The story goes on and, contrary to what the media would have us think or what still tragically happens in different parts of the world in these times, the tikkun of the world has begun or perhaps progresses because it is now enriched with a new dimension, the common contribution of Christians and Jews. It is necessary to have the desire to work together for fraternity: to recompose that family to which we all belong. This was stated so effectively in Nostra Aetate: “All nations are one community and have one origin, because God caused the whole human race to dwell on the whole face of the earth. They also have one final end, God”(NA 1).”
Fr Fabio Ciardi of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate has been assigned the task of explaining the Word of Life 2015. In an interview with New City published in the 25 November edition, he himself explained the reason for this: “It may be because I worked with Chiara Lubich for years, especially in the field of spiritual theology. During the last period of her illness, I helped her to prepare the comments on the Word of Life. I hope that my long stay in the Abba School – the team that studies the “founder’s writings” on the charism of unity – has helped me to assimilate some of her wisdom and express it also in these new comments.”
Generations of Christians have lived the Word of God. What did Chiara Lubich introduce that was new?
“One usually stops to pray or meditate on the Word. Here, instead, one is asked to put it into practice, and transform it into life, as St James exhorted: “… be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1.22). Authentic listening, with one’s heart and not only with one’s ears, means assimilating and internalizing the Word, so that it imbues one’s whole Christian existence. Chiara furthermore focused on the Word of Life’s social dimension: it should generate a Christian community, that is, its effects should have an impact and be shared among those who live it, so that members of the community may discover its potential.”
“It is not so much we who live the Word, in reality, it is the Word that gives us life,” he continued. “The destiny of the Word, Chiara said, is to be “devoured” to generate Christ’s presence among us.” On recounting the experience at the start of the Movement: “In every instant of life, it was our nutriment. Exactly in the same way as the body breathes in order to live, our soul, in order to live, lived the Word.”
Fr Ciardi stressed in the interview: “Following the tradition set by Chiara, we are called to continue, precisely in the same way she did, and look to the Scriptures because it always has new answers to the most different situations.” And added: “Her comments are a precious treasure chest from which we will continue to draw inspiration, and will always be something we will always meditate on.”
He concluded by saying: “I am aware that my comment will only be a small introduction to the Word of Life, and this, and not the comment is what remains in the heart of the reader, and will bear fruit.”
“You left in silence, almost on tiptoe, without disturbing anyone. Perhaps you wanted to celebrate your Christmas in heaven, the Christmas celebration of Life…” wrote one of the focolarini who had lived with him in a focolare community over the last years in Rocca di Papa.
Born in Vicenza (Italy) on 22 February 1927, he met the Ideal through the group in Pisa in ‘52, where he was studying Medicine. After a few years in Rome, Pescara and Turin, came the turning point of his life: Africa.
This occurred at the start of October 1962, when Chiara Lubich and Don Foresi asked him, and Nicasio Triolo, another focolarino doctor: “Are you ready to leave for Africa?”.
On 11 February 1963 they landed in Cameroon together with Danilo Gioacchin, a vet and Venetian, like Lucio. Life over there was a daily query on the reality around them, in an attitude of crystalline and open respect for the culture of a people that was completely new to them. Wonder, uncertainty, discoveries and deep perceptions of their limits in face of a mystery, but above all always open to the plans of God who would have transformed their experience into a fantastic “love song” that developed simultaneously with the founding of the Movement and the spreading of the Ideal of unity in the black continent. Lucio would have lived that particular time in close contact with Chiara Lubich who later visited Cameroon in ’65, ‘66 and ‘69. Much later, in ‘92 Chiara went to Kenya and again to Fontem (Cameroon), where in the meantime, in 2000 the first Focolare citadel in Africa was built. Lucio was so happy to see that in “a span of 35 years Chiara’s dream had become a reality, that God exists, that love is real, and that mutual love is the secret of happiness; and that all was made possible because Our Lady has embraced us all as a sole family.”
Da sinistra: Lucio Dal Soglio, Georges Mani, Dominic Nyukilim, Teresina Tumuhairwe, Benedict Murac Manjo, Marilen Holzhauser, d. Adolfo Raggio, Nicolette Manka Ndingsa.
Lucio did not speak much about himself, and he never wanted to show off, or be in the spotlight. But for those who were lucky enough to have known him, Lucio was like a “huge Baobab” tree – as some African friends wrote recently. Numberless echoes have reached us from Africa: “We shall never be grateful enough to him for what he has done for the Work of Mary here in Africa!!!”. “His love for people was infinite, because he saw in each person, Christ, whom Lucio loved with all his heart…”. “We remember above all, his radicalism and sincerity in living the Gospel, a big brother, a true friend who has always walked with us along life’s “holy journey.” “I see an African Mary’ with her arms open wide to welcome this special son of hers, along with many others who have lived, suffered, worked and endlessly loved to bring the ideal of Unity to the lands of Africa. This is not a time of sadness, but of profound thanksgiving to God for the gift of having walked alongside Lucio on this holy journey, and who was our father, elder brother and friend.”
The world of the Gospel Chiara Lubich had given him as a guide and lighthouse for his life was: “”If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” (Mt. 18,12).
“We are praying to him –Maria Voce wrote to the Focolare members –and asking him to help the entire Work of Mary to fulfill the God’s plan “that all may be one.”
In line with the hopes of Vatican II for many new ecumenical initiatives, towards the end of the 1960s the German Bishops felt the need to strengthen relationships with the Orthodox Church. Bishop Graber of Regensburg – assigned to intensify this dialogue – knew he could count on a highly competent person to carry out this task successfully: Albert Rauch. Ordained as a priest, Albert Rausch completed his theological studies at the Gregorian University of Rome and due to his outstanding sensitivity towards the Greek Orthodox rites, Albert decided to also achieve a Doctorate at the Russicum College, where he took up– among others – Modern Greek and Russian. During his stay in Rome he met the Focolare Movement and embraced its spirituality, and discovered its deep ecumenical dimension . He soon asked to be a member as priest focolarino. To further deepen his knowledge of the Eastern countries, Albert travelled to Greece, Turkey, the Lebanon, Syria and Israel. And to also be part of an official delegation he went to Constantinople, Sophia and Belgrade: and these were the first and important steps that helped the sister Churches to get closer to one another. Patriarch Athenagoras underlined that it was also important for the Eastern youth to go to the West to enrich this mutual acquaintance. This made it possible for many young people of many Orthodox Churches to travel to Germany.. He was entrusted with the newborn Ostkirchliches Institut [Istitute of the Eastern Churches] in Regensburg, role which he accepted humbly and with love. The Bishop asked Chiara Lubich to open a women’s focolare also in Regensburg to help him carry out this task. 
She reminds that the most effective dialogue is the one “built on the sharing of everyday life”, which is “not generated through an immediate confrontation of ideas” but “ through getting to know the other person – and not his religion – to be able to discover the bond of brotherhood that binds all human beings”. Maria Voce is convinced that diversity does not necessarily cause opposition, but that it can be a source of mutual enrichment. And we truly enrich one another, because God is generous and he bestows his gifts on all men, whatever religion they belong to”. She reaffirms,“When we discover this, we all become richer and freer in our mutual relationship”.
In answering the question on education for which the Thai Church is highly esteemed, he sustained that it has to be open to everyone, of all walks of life. He repeated Pope Francis’s appeal to “go out towards the outskirts of society,” citing the many charitable works the Church undertakes, highlighting the various initiatives to face a rather recent phenomenon: the flux of many refugees in Thailand. With regard to the challenges of the Church: “Secularism is a challenge for all religions. Also due to this, all religions have to cooperate to imbue society with positive values.” “The Church in our continent, though small, can give its contribution in promoting unity in Asia, in the perspective of a more united world.”
This afternoon together was also an opportunity for the leaders of both movements. The Scout leaders responded to the proposal of doing something together, saying: “We put the adventure and the service, and you put
«A soul in love, » Enzo «lived constantly in God’s presence, always one with Him. Always.» This was how 
“The conference of Salerno was an important step on this journey. We have spoken very clearly on one side and the other without ignoring history but being realistically optimistic. It was impressive to see Catholic priests, bishops and cardinals sitting next to rabbis. The Jewish kippah mingled with the red caps of the bishops. Fraternity was the queen of these days: the impression was to have begun a joint project. Speaking with Joseph Levi, the chief rabbi of Florence, we were saying that even just ten years ago it would have been unthinkable to hold an event like this.
