Lionello Bonfanti: a law in search of justice

Dec 6, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

“I didn’t know Lionello Bonfanti. Today, not only was I impressed by his life, but I was really deeply moved.” This was one of the impressions shared at the end of the conference, “Law in Search of Justice. The Method of Lionello Bonfanti,” an enriching afternoon that was held on November 28, 2014 at the Parma Industrials Union headquarters. The conference was organised by Communion and Law, a section of the Focolare Movement that promotes the centrality of the person in the field of law, the person’s full dignity, relational skills and openness to the transcendent – as someone qualified to give the world a look that reflects the aspirations of individuals and peoples. A debate on law and justice, “led back,” as explained by Professor Adriana Cosseddu, “to a common root where justice, the guardian of relationships, exceeds the practice of law so that it becomes a sharing and ability to identify with any situation of discomfort or pain. It has a universal breadth, because it is an opportunity offered to everyone to rebuild relationships that are not based on self-interest – to use   the words of the philosopher, Arendt – the capacity of entering in relationship with others and, above all, to place oneself in their place.” Magistrate Bonfanti demonstrated this right relationship between law and justice in his own life: “What emerges from his life,” states Focolare president, Maria Voce, in a message to the conference, “is how this search for justice always went beyond the mere application of norms. His seeking was focused first on relationships, on recognising the dignity of every person and placing himself in relationship with them, whether they were his own colleague, the lawyer, the chancellor, the offended party, or the one accused even of a serious offence. His commitment in seeking to apply the law in order to come not only to the truth of the case, but justice, guided him both in and outside the courtroom. Dr Mario Ricci dealt with the topic of respect for individuals and their basic rights. With entertaining stories, and constant challenges to the audience, especially those working in the legal professions, the Law Ordinary from the Intercultural Law School of the University of Parma underscored, among other things, how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is still not taken very much in consideration and seldom applied concretely. The conference was formative with an audience of magistrates, lawyers and notaries, accredited by the National Foundation of Notaries and by the Council of the Order of Lawyers. Many testimonies were given to show how the methodology used by Magistrate Bonfanti in his own career is still relevant and applicable today; these were presented by lawyer Maria Giovanna Rigatelli, Prefect Mario Ciclosi and Gino Trombi, friend of Lionello. An artistic performance about Lionello Bonfanti was an unusual touch, presented by filmaker Maffino Maghensani, who used the words of Magistrate Bonfanti and background music draw everyone into Bonfanti’s inner life, profession and decision to build with every person, authentic relationships that would last. “Today,” his sister Maria Grazia Bonfanti remarked, “Lionello has truly returned to Parma. The meeting in this prestigious hall was at the level of his life and his work.”  

Gen Rosso in Monza with 120 teenagers

Dec 5, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

During the concert tour of the Gen Rosso in Northern Italy (Monza and Brianza, from November 10 to 15) “it not only poured liters of water due to the never-ending rain, but also many graces that all those who took part in the project continue to share with us,” the 18 artists of the band upon their return wrote us. The students who were involved in the project were 120 coming from 11 different institutes: “For the first time we were able to involve so many schools.”

The project was requested and organized by the local community of the Focolare Movement, in collaboration with the “Fraternità Capitanio” (Capitaniano Fraternity) , a community of people who live the gift of fraternity according to their particular characteristic as desired by Bartolomea Capitanio, a teacher who lived in Lovere (Northern Italy) during the first ten years of the Eighteenth Century.The Capitanio Fraternity has existed in Monza since 1977 as a community that welcomes young women in difficulty who want to go through re-education and recover their personal dignity so as to become builders of life for themselves and for others. «We found ourselves immediately in harmony with them and a friendships was born that will surely remain for a long time», the Gen Rosso continued. «At the end of the project we saw that these young boys and girls understood and totally welcomed the values intrinsic in the musical “Streetlight”. They spoke of family, of inner strength, of a new faith in oneself and to see them crying upon pur departure really touched our hearts … But we left each other with an ‘arrivederci’ (see you again), certain that we would meet again!».

Some of the faces and the experiences of these teens were broadcast on channel TG3 national.

“I never thought that in one week one could really like these people a lot, and instead this is what happened,” wrote Giada. “Each one of them puts their heart into what they do. And so it is a very big grace because everyday with the mottos that they share with us, they always teach us something new and encourage us to believe in our dreams.” Giada was in the group of the hip hop combination: “If you would get the chance,” she continued – I would advice anyone to try because, according to me, it is one of the most beautiful experiences that could happen to you!”.

“In 2 days I was able to learn two choreographies and in 6 I got to know around 130 people who, putting it mildly, are stupendous, my second very much extended family.” another wrote. “You from Gen Rosso have made me grow and experience a part of my dream, you made me understand what these two words FRIENDSHIP and LOVE mean. Your teachings are like gold: unique and precious.”

Nostalgia for the experience lived, but also a great message of growth: this is what the “120 teenagers of Monza” carry in their hearts, recalling that – as the words of a song in the musical says – from now on “we will love one another’s journey”.

The Seeds of Economy of Communion in Taiwan

Dec 4, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

«In the waters of the Sun Moon Lake, the green mountains of the central-eastern region of Taiwan are reflected.This big and beautiful island of the South China Sea was rightly named Formosa by the Portuguese sailors. Its fame attracts millions of tourists every year, also from mainland China. The steep slopes are covered with lush vegetation in the midst of which I can recognize clumps of bamboo, maybe 15 meters tall.

James Liao, a man in his forties, of a slim build like many of his countrymen, was waiting for us at the entrance of a small pier where we can sit on the stern of the Holy Love. It is a motorboat that has been recently rebuilt and he is justly proud of it: it is the only one of the whole lake that is accessible by the disabled in wheelchairs.

‘The special access port, the ramp, the special hooks to anchor wheelchairs during navigation have cost a lot, and this was one of the reasons why it wasn’t understood at the beginning. But it had to be done, if it is true that this initiative was created to overcome all forms of discrimination. This way 200 disabled people have been able to reach our camp already.’

Another instant of discrimination that James wanted to overcome was against the minority of the indigenous people inhabiting these places: the five jobs created in the camp are for them.

The camp is located in a small clearing in the flat bottom of a lovely gulf, virtually inaccessible by land. The surrounding forest and the birdsong create a striking contrast to the opposite shore of the lake, occupied by houses, roads, shops and a huge skyscraper, where the best sights are dominated by flashy five-star hotels. In the middle of the clearing there is a simple wooden house, allowing thirty young people to stayin two dormitories, and next to it there is an open-air structure that serves as a kitchen. All around, from the mountain’s side, some white pointed gazebos have been placed offering shelter from the sun or rain, depending on the circumstances; a corner is occupied by rays of black plastic crates black piled up so as to ensure that the higher ones, filled with humus, are level with the hands of a seated person: all designed to allow the disabled to also avail of the “green therapy”. The plants are well aligned and sprouting from the crates in confirmation that the therapy has been recently practiced.

By the lake, near the pier, there are some twenty lightweight metal canoes arranged in good order. ‘It is titanium, recovered 30 years ago from the carcasses of the planes of World War II by the founder of the camp, Father Richard, an American from Wisconsin who has left everything to devotehimself to us Taiwanese, beginning with the most feeble ones. Before me he was the manager of Special Need Centers (centres for disadvantaged people) of the Diocese of Taichung, and he had thought of this place to give them the opportunity to make learning experiences from which they would otherwise have been excluded. Actually I have never met him, but a short time ago I was filled with joy when I discovered one of the old documents that was precisely about a boat accessible for the disabled.’ The figure of Father Richard has played a role also in the choice of faith of James, followed by the decision to leave a well-paid job in a bank and go to study pedagogy of the disadvantaged and then work for them.

Every word of James’ transmits enthusiasm for all that means respect for the environment, care for the spirit, hospitability, and attention to others. It is really fascinating! But this is also an enterprise, so I ask for information on its economic management. ‘It is a source of great pride for us that we are now already in surplus, thanks to the revenue from the excursions and sports activities that we offer to the general public (down in the city we have two people working for us, in contact with tourist agencies). And so, instead of the diocese supporting us, as in the past, it is now us offering our profits, namely 30% of the all we get. Another 30% goes to the Centers for Social Needs, 30% is reinvested in the company and the last 10% goes to the employees, in a pattern that we have adapted from the Economy of Communion, as we want to follow its principles.’ And in order to be clear, all this is written very visibly on the billboard posted at the entrance of the boat introducing passengers to the logic of Holy Love».

Source: EoC online

Teens for Unity: the greatest goal

Dec 3, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

A soccer tournament where the winner is not one team but two and from different parts of the planet sometimes very far from each other? Where Art Play is practiced and awarded? Where the sponsors are willing to donate an amount for every goal as a contribution to finance scholarships for teens from disadvantaged countries? Many initiatives and projects of solidarity? A “third playing time”…?

«This and many other things were part of the Super Soccer World 2014 – Federico Rovea, one of the organizers of the event shared with us. This sporting event was promoted by the “Teens for Unity” of the Focolare Movment and involved 56 soccer teams from various cities in the world».

Two teams win. Characteristic of the tournament is that the winners are the two teams of the twinned cities, which symbolically play together at a distance, giving the competition a planetary dimension.

Among the 14 twinnings: the teens of Bečej, a small city of Serbia, twinned with Tlencem in Algeria; those of Loppiano (Italy) with the teens of Florianópolis in Brazil, the Italian city of Rieti played simultaneously with Buenos Aires (Argentina).

This last twinning, just like all the others, was not just “ideal”. In fact during the tournament it was possible to have a telephone link-up with Argentina to share with the participating South Americans the same spirit of friendship and fraternity. The teens of Rieti shared – aside from the experience of the day – that also some projects of solidarity were born thanks to Super Soccer. And this was: the organization of a sports activity for disabled teens and fund-raising for those in need, through the sale of sweets. The parents present were also very much involved and enthusiastic about the initiative.

Art Play. On the sports fields, the teens put into practice – aside from their passion for the sport – also the spirit of Art Play. This meant four fundamental rules:

• Respect for the others

• Cooperation

• Responsibility

• Relationship

True cornerstones of the tournament that contributed to the points of the teams just as much as the goals scored. The referees watched out, therefore, not only for the respect of the rules of the game but also for the spirit which animated the players, giving a positive point to whoever distinguished himself in living it. «The teens were attentive to these rules just as much as they were to scoring goals. According to me, this rule must be inserted among the rules of the World Cup tournaments », affirmed one of the gymnastics professors involved in the organization of the event.

Scholarships. Linked to the tournament was also the project “Schoolmates”, with the proposal of finding a sponsor which, in every city, would be willing to donate an amount for every goal scored, as a financial contribution for the scholarships for teens coming from disadvantaged countries. The 367 goals scored gained € 2,370, for a total of 22 scholarships.

The “third playing time”. A moment of celebration shared with the participants to the sporting event and with the palyers, which contributed to bringing the spirit of the sports competition also outsied the playing field.

Super Soccer World, more of a celebration rather than a tournament, characterized by its being worldwide and by sharing, by solidarity and the respect for the other, that the teens had the possibility of experiencing within, and above all, outside of the soccer playing field. We’ll see each other again next year!

Turkey: What Pope Francis has left us

Dec 2, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

“It is true that the Holy Spirit brings forth different charisms in the Church, which at first glance, may seem to create disorder. Under his guidance, however, they constitute an immense richness, because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of unity, which is not the same thing as uniformity. Only the Holy Spirit is able to kindle diversity, multiplicity and, at the same time, bring about unity.” These words that Pope Francis spoke at the Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit of Istanbul in front of thousands of the faithful from diverse Rites of the Roman Catholic Church, produced great joy in all of us. Even more, they confirmed our conviction that the presence of the Focolare Movement in this land, although a small presence, has every reason to continue the journey begun many years ago when, in 1967, the focolare first came to Istanbul at the explicit request of Patriarch Athenagoras. But how did we spend these days? With a lot of joy and emotion! We were quite involved in the preparations both in the Catholic Church and, at the request of the Orthodox Patriarchate, collaborating with the press. Thanks to the close relationship we have with Patriarch Bartholomew, we were able to personally express to him our desire to accompany him with our prayers. And we were direct witnesses of his growing joy, his love for Pope Francis and his passion for unity! Two focolarine were in charge of the Holy Father’s lodgings and attended his private Mass on Sunday morning. Along with the welcome from the Movement in Turkey, we also presented the Pope with greeting cards and gifts from some of our Muslim friends. Then we attended Mass at the Cathedral (where a focolarino priest concelebrated) and Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning at the Fanar. The message of brotherhood and unity at all levels which Pope Francis leaves to Turkey, hits upon an underlying question of this land as the Gateway between East and West, and of the composition of its population. Undoubtedly, however, his message is primarily an ecumenical one, as he demonstrated at the ecumenical prayer service in the Patriarchal Church of St George where he asked the Patriarch and the whole Church of Constantinople to “bless me and the Church of Rome.” And it is precisely within the context of this ecumenical scenario between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church of recent years, at times marked by weariness and apparent immobility, that the Focolare Movement finds a place in these lands. We should say that we are the beneficiaries of a privileged relationship with the Patriarch and with many Metropolitans, which we inherit from what was sown by Chiara Lubich during her visits to Istanbul. However, our relationships of simple and sincere communion are not limited to the hierarchy, but interweave with many sisters and brothers of the Orthodox Church. In light of what has taken place during these days it seems that an unequivocal sign has been given by the two religious leaders: to push forward on the path towards unity and not to succumb to the effort it will take, and to accept the challenges in order to together offer answers and solutions that are required today. The Pope and the Patriarch have proven that they are beyond, although realistically. This was demonstrated in all they did and said, beginning with their joint declaration. During the return flight Pope Francis strongly reiterated that in this journey towards unity, only what “is of the Holy Spirit is correct, because He is [a] surprise; He is creative.” this mandate is both joyous and liberating, indicating a path that is clear: to be open, attentive to the signs that the Spirit will place within our reach; to use imagination, personal and group strengths; to take advantage of every opportunity that is offered in the complex and at times difficult context in which we live, so that He can act. Source: Focolare Turkey  

“Universal brotherhood: a necessity for Europe”

Nov 29, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

We recall a thought from Chiara Lubich about Europe, part of her address to the first “Together for Europe” meeting in May 2004. Ten thousand people gathered in Stuttgart, Germany and more than 100,000 were linked up for simultaneous events in various European capitals. The gathering was supported by over 150 movements and ecclesial communities from various churches, from all over the continent.  «Universal brotherhood was also the project of people who were not motivated by religious motives, but simply by the desire to benefit humanity. The French Revolution’s motto: “liberty, equality, fraternity”, summarizes the great political project of modernity, a project which, in part, has been disregarded. While numerous countries have built democratic systems of government and have succeeded in achieving some degree of liberty and equality, the same cannot be said of fraternity which has been proclaimed more than it has been lived. But the one who brought fraternity as the essential gift to humanity was above all Jesus. In revealing the fatherhood of God, He broke down the walls which separate those who are “the same” from those who are “different”, friends from enemies. He loosened all people from the bonds that imprison them, from all forms of slavery and subordination, from every unjust relationship, thus carrying out an authentic existential, cultural and political revolution. (…) The instrument that Jesus offered to us in order to accomplish this universal fraternity was love, a great love, a new love, different from the one we usually know. In fact, He transplanted the way of loving of heaven here on earth. This love requires first of all that we love everyone, therefore, not only relatives and friends. It asks that we love the pleasant and the unpleasant, our fellow-countryman and the stranger, the European and the immigrant, those of our Church and of another, of our religion and of another. Today it asks the countries of Western Europe to love those of Central and Eastern Europe – and vice versa – and it asks everyone to be open to those of other continents. In the vision of its founders, in fact, Europe is a family of sister nations, not closed in itself, but open to a universal mission: Europe wants its unity to contribute, then, to the unity of the human family. This love asks that we love our enemies as well and that we forgive them if they have offended us. After the wars which stained our continent with blood, many Europeans were exemplary in loving their enemies and promoting reconciliation. Therefore, the love I am speaking of makes no distinctions and takes into consideration all those we meet in any moment, directly or indirectly: those who are next to us physically, but also those about whom we or others are speaking; those who will receive the work we do day by day, those we come to know about through the newspapers or television…. Because this is the way God our Father loves, making the sun rise on the bad and the good, and causing the rain to fall on the just and the unjust alike (cf Mt 5:45). (…) Furthermore, the love that Jesus brought is not an idealistic, sentimental love, made up of words. It is a concrete love. It needs to be expressed with deeds. And this is possible if we make ourselves all things to all people: sick with those who are sick; joyful with those who are joyful; worried, insecure, hungry, poor with others, feeling in ourselves what they feel and acting accordingly».

Argentina: YouthFest 2014 “double the madness”

Nov 27, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

Every year in September in the Citadel Lia, in Argentina, the YouthFest is held; this time it was entitled: “Let’s live this madness” which was expressed through a show wherein, in the midst of the celebration of Carnival, it showed how many people, by wearing masks, lose their identity, and become part of an unruly and faceless crowd.

The performance showed, through workshops, theatre, experiences, music and choreographies, the importance of the choice of a lifestyle that goes against the current, based on evangelical love.

The day was so beautiful and involving that it impressed and took in the 120 participants from Mendoza, a city at the foot of the Argentinian Andes, who left the Citadel Lia with the desire in ther heart to repeat the YouthFest in their city.

So as to transform this dream into reality they needed to work a lot: just imagine that they had to bring the almost 100 youth actors who formed part of the show in the Citadel Lia to Mendoza, a trip of more than 900 kilometers, and also to house them for three days.

The first show took place on November 10, in front of 500 people, among which were various class sections of a school, but also youth from the peripheries of the city. «We see many problems in our world – began the young actors on the stage – and some expect the others to find the solutions. Here, we are 90 youth from 20 Countries who have decided not to wait any longer. We want to be the protagonists of this change, and we have discovered the recipe: to work in building the unity of the human family».

The next day, the second performance was held, in a Convention Center 40 km. from Mendoza. Here too the tickets were all sold out, with 500 fully occupied seats and some people standing and also some teens who came precisely for this event from a school that is 250 km. away.

The young people who watched the show were positively surprised in seeing about a hundred young people their age coming from 20 different nations who, with great artistic talent, presented their way of life which was totally different from that imposed by society today.

In both shows the proposal of a lifestyle based on love that becomes concrete service towards the others, was welcomed and everyone left withtheir heart full of joy.

But also for the “actors” themselves, the teens that spend a period of their life in the Citadel Lia, this tour was important because it showed that it’s possible to live the “madness of love” if each one does his or her own part, without looking at what has been done or what is yet to come, but only aiming at the present, using it well.

One among the many messages received through WhatsApp: «EVERYTHING WAS VERY BEAUTIFUL! It was truly a moment to live the title of the day: “Let’s live this madness”, because these 3 days were unforgettable. Even my friends who came were enthusiastic and very much moved! It was special for me in that I was able to get to know the young people who came from Citadel Lia. Let’s continue to live this madness together!».

Read also: Argentina, a thousand youth for a folly

Giordani. Europe’s Roots

Nov 23, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

«Christopher Dawson, in The Making of Europe, scrive: “The influence of Christianity on the formation of the European Unity is a striking example of the way in which the course of historical develompment is modified and determined by new spiritual influences. […] Thus in the case of the ancient world we can see that the artificial material civilisation of the Roman Empire stood in need of some religious inspiration of a more profound kind than was contained in the official cults.” That need was met by Christianity.

It could be said that the religious divisions sanctioned by the cuius regio eius religio norm, were devised to permit political divisions, national isolation and, as a corollary, wars. Within the unity of religion wars and battles were considered fratricidal and there was an effort to avoid them. Then, when Christianity was divided, contflicts became signs of national glory. Yet, since the Christian conscience of Europe never died, to the spirits of many people those wars appeared as nothing more than infighting, and that the conscience of the Europen community never wavered.

A common beauraucracy is not enough.

The Russian, Soloviov, once wrote that just as the Church had at one time unified Europe, first with the French and then the Saxons, now it would reuinte it with social justice, bypassing the divisions of race, caste and class; that is, by eliminating the major cause of conflicts.

By social justice which according to the Christian meaning is contained in that communion of spiritual and material goods that sees all people as children of the same Father, equal to one another, and this is the view the Church awakens in view of peace in wellbing and in freedom. Hoping to obtain this rational order only with class war would be equivalent to repeating the mistake of Germanic and Slavic militarism. . . that claimed to unite Europe by the sole use of arms.  .Christianity represents a unification in freedom and in peace with the elimination of wars and motives for friction. The contribution of religion in this sense is not directed towards the structuring of institutions, as it is to the formation of spirits.

In religion today we see two unifying thrusts in motion: 1) the improving sense of the Mystical Body; 2) the rebirth of ecumenism by which the unity of the Church triggers the unity of the peoples. Two thrusts which, as they correct the direction of the currents and eliminate the passions from whence the vivisection of Europe happened, they also arouse spiritual energies capable of giving a soul to this political union; of infusing a supernatural inspiration into this human project; of popularising the application of unity. If this were left only to economic, political and military factors it would fail.

It is not enough to make Europe a common army or a common beuraucracy. It is not by chance that men of politics tend to incorporate ideologies; that is, giving the body a soul. Europe already has its soul: Christianity, its substance and its genesis.

Igino Giordani

(Rome: Città Nuova no. 5, 1972), p.23.

Josef Lux, a peacemaker politician

Nov 21, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

“I’ll never forget his smile when he would greet me as he returned home tired from work. . . Even though he would never get more than only a few hours of sleep, he never missed the early morning Mass. . . He never brought political problems into our focolare, although there were times when he would ask for our opinions. Actually, he had to go against the current quite often, but I never saw in him any hatred towards his opponents.” As he went off to work each morning, he would tell us goodbye saying: ‘Always, immediately, with joy!'” It was a way of telling us he was prepared to accept any situation, even the difficult ones that the day would be holding in store for him. This attitude was probably the secret behind his life, which made dialogue possible with everyone, often in very difficult situations.” This is how the two focolarini who lived in the same focolare as Josef Lux remember him.

Born on February 1, 1956, in the late 1970s he became acquainted with the spirituality of Chiara Lubich, in Cocen, Eastern Bohemia where he worked as a zoo technician in an agricultural cooperative. In 1986 he married Vera and felt the call to follow Jesus in the focolare. Chiara assigned him a sentence from the Gospel that gave direction to his life: “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mt 22: 21).

Josef Lux with his wife Vera

The events of November 1989, followed by the fall of Communism, changed his life. Right from the start of the political changes he was among the main organisers of the demonstrations in the square, and in 1990 he was elected to the National Parliament for the People’s Party. His decision to enter into politics was the result of deep reflection. He was strongly convinced that politics could be purified by people who were ready to make the personal sacrifice. He enthroned a large portrait of Jesus on the Cross, on the wall of his study. He wanted to have Him always in front of him, especially during the intense negotiations, and in the demanding work.

In September 1990, after a brilliant speech in front of the People’s Party convention, he was elected president. He worked for the transformation of this political group into a modern party with a Christian orientation.

In 1992 he was re-elected to Parliament and became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture of the Czech Government until 1998. For many people he was a sign of contradiction: esteemed by the people who shared his choices and rejected by political opponents.

Vera and his six children were of great support to him.

Josepf Lex with Vaclav Havel

In 1998 he was informed that he had a serious illness: leukaemia. That news gave rise to a chain of support: many Czech citizens as well as many others, offered bone marrow transplants. Although it was proving difficult to find the right fit, Josef was still pleased because that allowed the data base of possible donors to expand. Finally, an anonymous donor was found in Italy and the decision was made to have the surgery in Seattle, USA. The surgery went well, but during his recovery he developed an infection that worsened.

His children arrived in Seattle, accompanied by a focolarino priest who celebrated Mass in his hospital room. Josef continued to repeat that he offered his pain for the spreading of God’s Kingdom and for young people. Chiara Lubich followed him closely, assuring him of her daily prayers.

Vera and the children held hands as they sang Josef’s favourite psalm: “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust” (Ps 91:2). Well aware of the gravity of his condition, he was serene and continued to ask for prayers. Then he said some words that have become his testament: “Smile, don’t cry.”

In announcing his death on November 21, 1999, Chiara asked that Josef Lux be the protector of the Movement for Unity in Politics along with Igino Giordani.

His first little “miracle” following his death was a day of unity for the whole nation, a unity never seen since before the Velvet Revolution: on the radio, in newspapers, on television – everyone including his political opponents openly expressed their esteem for him and for the values he defended and spread during his time in public office. Many said they found in him not only a “statesman” but also a Christian who drew from his faith in God the strength and the courage to work in favour of his country.

Sicily. A Culture of Gift and the Common Good

Nov 20, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

Kheit Abdelhafid couldn’t find the words to bring the event to a conclusion: “Believe me, I’m speechless, I can’t find the words to bring this beautiful day to a conclusion. Last year, before the meeting on the topic of the family, we wondered if we would be capable to conduct a meeting together. And now that we’re concluding this second meeting, I realise that we are more than able and this day has demonstrated that. When I see our children together I know the future will be better than what we see now in the world.”

Niether was it easy for the Imam, who is very accustomed to large crowds, to find the words to conclude the second meeting promoted by the Focolare Movement and the Islamic Community of Sicily, on November 16th in Catania (Italy), titled A Culture of Gift and the Common Good. 450 people from several east Sicilian cities filled the meeting hall with an odd-sounding interweaving of languages and dialects.

A great contribution was given by the speakers at the round-table discussion that was moderated by the director of Citta Nuova, Michele Zanzucchi. Msgr Gaetano Zito, Episcopal Vicar for Culture in the Diocese of Catania, underscored the importance of a culture of friendliness and being together. Samia Chouchane, delegate at the interreligious dialogue of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy (UCOII), highlighted the motivation behind everything: “Motivations are at the heart of everything: Imagine, then, if the motivation is love for God. And this leads us not to be indifferent to what happens in the world right beside us.”

Kamel Layachi from the Scientific Committee of the Interreligious Dialogue Department of the UCOII challenged both communities to not only to interreligious dialogue, but also intrarreligious dialogue, in order to launch a reflection also within each of their individual religious experiences. Margareth Karram from the Focolare Movement in the Holy Land shared her personal experience as a Christian Palestinian who had been raised in a predominantly Jewish environment. She was literally born and grew in a world of dialogue, although it was often wearying and marked by setbacks. Nonetheless, it is always important to know one another, to know our differences, history and culture: “We need to know one another deeply, friendship isn’t enough, a deeper knowledge is necessary. It’s our ignorance of each other that produces the fear.” Giusy Brogna who is in charge of interreligious dialogue on behalf of the Focolare in Sicily expressed great satisfaction with the meeting: “That journey we began several years ago is bearing fruit. I am quite hopeful certain that both communities – that of the focolarini and that of the Muslims – will bring dialogue ahead not only in Catania but in other Sicilian cities as well.”

At the end of the meeting it was decided to contribute economically to the completion of a well in Cameroon, which is being promoted by one of the projects in the Action for a United World. “Water is life,” Kheit Abdelhafid remarked, “and that well we are building together will be the sign of the life that is here among us.”

The Tree of Emotions

Nov 17, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

“This has been an unbelievable experience. Now I’ve seen it all! Should I become a teacher in 20 years time, I’ll be telling my students: “I created this program with my former classmates.” And I’ll also tell them that it wouldn’t have been possible without those classmates or the great artist, Antonio”.

4,700 glass tiles were the raw materials that made it possible for a creative workshop to be held over 12 sessions. All the students described the experience as a “memorable” one, allowing them to unleash their imagination and to have respect for others by working alongside them. The workshop, inspired by the spirituality of the Focolare Movement, and designed by the Alessandro Mammucari Association – a partner of the “Let’s unBully ourselves” initiative promoted by the Latina municipality – used art as a medium to transmit the message.

Antonio Casarin, a glass artist, together with Patrizia Sarallo, his right-hand person, and Tatiana Falsini, coordinator and art history teacher, involved 120 young people in this creative project that lasted 2 days.

Delight, sadness, anger, fear: these are the basic feelings for our survival, chosen as the main theme for the workshop. It started off with an abstract introduction to art, stressing its connection with the world of emotions. How does it work? Tatiana, the coordinator explains: “The students are asked to study Antonio Casarin’s artworks in glass through the senses of sight and touch, in order for them to grasp their deeper meaning. We proceed from one bench to the other, while listening to a narration, after which we ask the kids to anonymously write on a piece of paper the emotions they have experienced; they are then asked to listen once again, but this time within themselves, in order to recognise their own emotions”.

The students are subsequently asked to experience making glass art in a creative workshop during which a panel is made for each class, two per school, which depicts a tree in its four seasons, symbolising the four emotions.

“Everyone receives a transparent glass tile,” Antonio Casarin explains, “and the kids have to paint the surface, arrange them in an interlocking fashion and glue them together, after which they are baked in a kiln. We ask them to do it in teams because it is a joint endeavour, and it helps everyone to work better, sharing both materials and abilities”.

One of the students wrote: “When we started to make the tiles I was terrified something would go wrong or that I may not even find the missing piece. But when they were brought back after being baked in the oven, I was so happy!”

The students were enthusiastic and entirely focused on their task. They worked non-stop even during recess and once their tiles were done, they immediately asked for more. The ones who finished heeded the instructions to go and help their companions who were still busy. Once the tiles were all baked, we came together to assemble the mosaic of the trees. When the panel was raised, there was a burst of applause. Everyone agreed that its beauty was a result of a collective effort which bore the characteristics and diversity of each one making it even more unique.

In conclusion the experts asked the students to write what the workshop meant for them. Together they were even able to come up with an anti-bullying rhyme!

Udine: Mosques should not create fear

Nov 14, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

Similar meetings had taken place in other parts of Italy and throughout the world, and it was the first time for the city of Udine (in north-eastern Italy), event also highlighted in the local newspapers: at the Balducci Cultural Centre on Sunday 19 October, 150 members of the Focolari and Muslims participated in an afternoon encounter, dialogue and prayer and – why not – a get-together. During the prayer session, the Muslims went to another room to pray according to their customs.  First the Imam had recited a prayer in Arabic, and then the Catholic priest said the “Our Father,” with the absolute respect and silence of all those present.

Two not-so-distant worlds, besides sharing the “golden rule” common to all the great religions, “Do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you”, «Christians and Muslims believe in an only God – underlined one of the leaders of the Movement, Franco Vasta – both are sons of Abraham, and have an impartial love for their brothers and outstanding sense of family.»

“Muslims and Christians have a lot in common – Mercy and solidarity,” confirmed the President of the Association  and head of the Udine Islamic Center, Errachidi Abderrazak, “And it is important that they unite forces. Let us think of the youth, and try to reach them to transmit to them the values of our common efforts, to help them avoid the wrong paths. The youth are our main mission.  We need to work together also for this.”

The friendship between the Focolari and the Muslim community was established in Triest, thanks to Imam Abdel Aziz El Barikhi, and also set roots in Udine. In the afternoon, all watched the film of the speech of Focolare Movement’s foundress, Chiara Lubich, in the Mosque of Malcom Shabazz at Harlem, New York in 1997, considered the starting point of this dialogue, and was followed by the sharing of experiences, testimonials, prayer and music, uniting Christians and Muslims in one voice also in a delicate phase like the current one: “The media is giving out wrong signals, accompanying images of ISIS with images of mosques, for example,” affirmed Fr Pierluigi Di Piazza of the Balducci Centre, “It is very wrong to draw this parallel since it creates the risk of people using religion to justify violence.”

The decision to join forces, however, is strong in Udine, so much so that Abderrazak declared to the media, that “Should an Italian enter our mosque, we would welcome him. Mosques should not create fear.  It is a place of education. It teaches us how to do good to others. It educates the youth to take the righteous path, which is not the path of harshness and intransigence.”

This meeting which deeply involved the participants, will not end here: to a journalist who asked if other meetings will be held, Abderrazak replied, “Certainly. These are meetings that open out to dialogue, help us to get to know each other. I admit that the path is not easy. But it is worthwhile to pursue, since knowledge and integration cancels fear.”

Politics. Democracy for all: flip the pyramid

Nov 10, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

Young people from Cagliari, Pisa, Treviso, Prato, Macerata, Torino, Mantova, Pescara, Rome, fielded time, travel, and energy to construct the gathering titled: “Democracy for all: flip the pyramid.” The seminar was held on October 5, 2014 in the assembly hall of Sophia University Institute (SUI) following the enriching LoppianoLab 2014 programme, which focused on several important current issues in Italy.     The approach was the same one followed by all the other courses of the programme, whether theoretical lessons or practical workshops in the various regions of Italy: respecting, listening and sharing, in order to have above all an experience of fraternity, and from there to discover the validity and the dignity of the political paradigm at each of its levels.  The programme included a series of life experiences, practical involvement, projects and the need for a politics that is truly new and can already be seen in the experiences of administrators (two of them from North and Central Italy offered an encouraging contribution), informed citizens, young people actively involved and in positions of candidacy as representatives in institutions, and adults who generously placed themselves at the service of young people and their research. To summarize the interventions which were rich and diverse, we present a brain-storming session by the young people from the School of Turin. It is a set of their own comments on some of the main points of the discussions. Sovereignty. “Participating means to collectively exercise one’s own share of sovereignty, in a manner that is non-viloent, constructive and informed. (Chiara Andena) Duty. The duty to participate, to go beyond the crisis, defeatism, immobilism and refusal to fight and to give up.” (Matteo Dematteis) Growth and willingness. “The contrast between differing points of view, life experiences and cultural baggage brings personal enrichment which is indispensible for personal development, all of this joined to the willingness to search for ever-new perspectives.” (Katia Follina) Discovery. “If I look at the world from my point of view, I’m given three dimensions. If I look at it with the eyes of others, I’m given an infinite number of dimensions.” (Marco Titli) Competency. “For me, participating means getting down to work, each according to his or her inclinations, personal interests and personal knowledge. However, participating together means integrating each one’s talents in order to expand points of view and make them more inclusive and in accord with the perspective of fraternity.”  (Federica Mensio) Communality. “Realising that we belong to a greater whole empowers us. This new awareness makes us collectively active and capable of making a positive mark.” (Paolo Cataldi) Hope. “Discovering that a young person who is involved in politics with completely different political orientations from mine can still spend their lives for the same ideals, not only gave me hope for a better present and future, but reminded me that one should never close the door on dialogue, no matter how differing the points of view may be. (Elena Destefanis) Struggle and Resistence. “Resistence is a non-violent form of fighting where mutual listening, sharing ones thoughts and ideas, freely, without prejudgements are weapons of mass construction.”  (Matteo Bracco)

Prize awarded to Chiara Lubich

Nov 9, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

In this competition – promoted by the “Cities for Fraternity” Association – all local administrations from any part of the world may participate.

Projects and initiatives can compete if:

–       they institute and/or spread, principally within the local territory, but also on a national or international level, practices of universal brotherhood, according to the diverse  interpretations of the meaning of such a principle;

–       they stimulate the citizens to commit themselves for the common good and to participate in the life of civil society,

–       they encourage the growth of a culture of active and inclusive citizenry.

The project must be representative of a style of administration that is not occasional and always  more aware of the value of the principle of universal brotherhood.

On the side of the public adminitrations and other social, economic, cultural subjects, it is possible both to become candidates, and also to nominate the projects of others.

All the recommendations must be sent on or before January 9, 2015 , to the office of the Chairman of the “Cities for Fraternity” Association, c/oTown Council of Castel Gandolfo, Piazza Libertà, 7 00040 Castel Gandolfo (Rm).

You may download the notice (in Italian)

Living the Gospel. Finding Strength in God

Nov 9, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

A Fund for the Needy For more than twenty years I’ve been working at a university hospital. One day a patient arrived in my department of dermatology. None of my colleagues wanted to take care of her because of prejudice. Her blood tests had confirmed that she was suffering from AIDS. Since I couldn’t perform surgery on her, I began a different treatment using radiotherapy. Three months later she was doing better. Since we couldn’t keep her in hospital any longer and knowing that her children would not be able to care for her, I asked if she had other relatives who could help her. She had, but they lived in another state. So I asked my colleagues if they would contribute money for her ticket, since she couldn’t pay for it. We gathered enough money for the journey and also to help her family. When the patient left she was happy. Following this experience my colleagues and I decided to begin a fund to help out patients in need. How many people have been helped over the years thanks to that fund! (K. L.- India) The Prescription I’m forty years old and suffer from asthma. When I found myself expecting a child, the obstetrician proposed abortion. I said no. The doctor explained to me that I had to choose between my life and the baby’s, mine being more important since I have other children. I was disturbed and unable to understand how I could kill this innocent creature. Seeing my condition my husband left the decision to me. Then I was given the prescription for a medicine “very important for my health.” My husband bought it.  I don’t read very well, but a doubt came to my heart. I asked for more information. That injection would produce an abortion. I didn’t take it and entrusted myself to God. When the pains began I was frightened. I wrote my will, entrusting my children to relatives. I cleaned the house and went to hospital. This delivery turned out much easier than the others, with no complications. My husband wanted to take the baby to the obstetrician and show her. I preferred not: for me it was a personal experience of God’s love and I couldn’t gloat but only thank Him.  (D. A. – Costa d’Avorio) Falling in Love Again That day there was a lot of tension between me and my husband. “Is something wrong?” I asked him. He replied: “You don’t need a crystal ball to understand it.” In his opinion I didn’t understand his needs. It was true, but I said to myself: “But, is it possible that with so many beautiful things going on in our lives, he gets stuck in front of the one thing that’s not going well?” We went to bed pouting. The next day I thought: “We’re a team, to resolve him I have to work on myself, to soften my heart and ask forgiveness.” I couldn’t do it. To make him happy I postponed an appointment we had that evening, so he could watch the European Cup. But to truly begin again we had to clear the air. So, one night, despite our tiredness and other responsibilities, we went out and, little by little were able to open up and talk, which hasn’t happened in a long time. We looked at one another differently and understood one another. I’d say we fell in love again.  (G. S.- Italy)

The Ebola prison, and signs of hope

Nov 7, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

“It’s like being in prison”, hostages in their own homes, without a chance to meet. This is one of the most common feelings in countries affected by the Ebola virus, and shared by Antoinette, one of the young members of the Focolare Movement in Sierra Leone. “This virus seems to make us more selfish and distrustful towards each other; it does not allow us to go freely to meet our friends.” That’s why Antoinette has plucked up her courage and decided to prepare meals for some families, neighbours who were left with nothing to eat during the three-day quarantine that prevented them from going out. A very difficult human drama is unfolding: “People see their loved ones die or taken to specialized centres for Ebola. These are places far from here – Father Carlo Di Sopra of the diocese of Makeni writes – and many, once they leave, do not come back. The families do not know anything more about them or they about their families. So we can understand why some are hidden and others prefer to die in their own villages. But like this the virus spreads and kills even more victims.” Yes, because what must be defeated is not only the virus, but also ignorance: people are asking themselves: is there really Ebola or is it just propaganda? Who has caused this illness? Maybe they just want to sell us the vaccine to make a profit? – writes Carlo Montaguti, a doctor Focolarino in Ivory Coast who conducted a study on the Ebola epidemic which is published in the latest issue of Nouvelle Cité Afrique. To this we could also add the so-called healers, such as the Liberian woman who attracted patients from neighbouring Guinea, contributing to the spread of the epidemic in Liberia. And the failure of the national health systems, their failure to respond vigorously to such an emergency and especially the lack of means. “In cities like Monrovia (the capital of Liberia), with 2 million inhabitants, the majority of hospitals and health centres are closed for fear of contagion. So it is not only difficult to treat Ebola, but all other diseases as well.” A situation that should be taken on by the international community, as Pope Francis suggested in his recent appeal. “We are establishing an ‘Ebola Fund’ to help those most affected” – continues Father Carlo. “We received material help from the Focolare Movement in the Ivory Coast that we are now distributing. There are many orphans: the virus is decimating at times whole families. Another religious priest, Father Natale, is desperately trying to find a foreign team that has a laboratory that can test for the virus and that can come here in the north.” He continues: “In these days two of our religious have had a high fever. It was probably malaria, because the fever has now gone, but at the beginning there is always a certain apprehension and you feel unarmed, right in the hands of God. There are more and more cases and some not very far from our house. The area of Kabala that had not yet registered any cases now has some. News arrives that the virus is out of control, especially as it has taken root in the cities. There is great uncertainty.” In addition, it is not possible to travel as before, because the district is quarantined. And over the weeks Father Carlo confides that he has understood that “this is not just a remote corner of the world, as I called it before, but it is ‘the heart of him that Chiara Lubich called Super-Love’.” Jesus Forsaken, who on the cross cannot find answers, but continues to love. It is the only weapon left, powerful, because it helps us not to lose hope, to remain united, praying for the sick: “they can take away the possibility to meet each other, but the presence of Jesus among us can be established beyond the closed doors of homes,” writes a young man. And another: “Yes, this is our impression. It’s like being in prison, but even there we can still love.”

An interview with Christian Krause: “Going to Christ together”

Nov 6, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

31 October 1999 – Signing of the Joint Agreement

Art Exhibition: From Loppiano to Macau

Nov 3, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

Some of the original sculptures included in the display at the Macao Exhibit are “Silk Road Symphony,” “Promised Land,” “Brother Sun, Sister Moon,” and “Matteo Ricci.”. They are the fruit of the personal expriences of Lau Kwok-Hung, in Hung art. Born in Hong Kong in 1953, the artist has been living in the international town of Loppiano since 2000 where he works at his studio and draws inspiration from the spirituality of unity. Instead of the traditional scalpel, Hung uses an oxy-acetylene flame at 3000 ° C. Drop by drop: that’s how Hung creates his sculptures, which seem to mimic Chinese calligraphic brush strokes, but a closer look reveals a tangle of rebar forming human figures in motion.      Each of the works on display in Macau has that andante quality which is the title of the exhibit. A term that plunges us onto  a musical landscape where there is metre and rhythm, but also an outgoing movement, the discovery of the other. We met up with Hung on his return from Asia. How did this rather extraordinary experience of your solo exhibition in China come about?“In February of this year, I was in Macau. I was invited to the Seat of the Government by Madam Florinda Chan (Secretária para Administração and Justiça), to meet the leaders of the Instituto para os Assuntos Cívicos and Municipais. At the end of my presentation of the artistic process I use, the leaders unanimously decided to hold an exhibition of my work within the year. The place they proposed for the exhibition was the prestigious Taipai-Houses Museum. Moreover, they decided to arrange the trip, the publication of an exhibition catalog in three languages ​​(Chinese, Portuguese and English) and the shipment of my sculptures by plane.” Is it your first solo exhibition in China? “I’ve done group exhibitions in the past, but this is the first solo exhibition in Asia. Many people were working behind the scenes. I’d especically like to mention Nico Casella who followed the beaurocratic process for obtaining the required documents and went the extra mile to ensure the safe arrival of the shipments. Then there’s Julian Andres Grajales who works with me at the studio, but there are so many others I should mention. . . The private viewing took place on September 25, marking the opening of the event that will last a month. On that occasion, Madam Florinda Chan invited me to conduct a guided tour, briefly presenting my work to the invited guests.” How long did you stay in Macau? “I was there for ten days, during which I was able to meet many people and dialogue with them, both at the conferences and during the private tours I conducted. One particularly interactive meeting was the one with 700 students from Colegio Mateus Ricci who expressed genuine wonder and gratitude; but were also interested in the practical technique, the inspiration and the style.” Were there any surprises? “Yes! One of the many surprises was when the Administration of the Colegio Mateus Ricci decided to purchase one of my works for the 60th anniversary of their institute in 2015, the sculpture is dedicated to Matteo Ricci, man of dialogue.” Has anything remained with you from this Asian experience? “I have great gratitude in my heart for the many relationships that were begun with so many people. . . unity was the protagonist.

Burkina Faso. Pray for Peace

Nov 2, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

“Having heard of the uprisings in Burkina Faso, I telephoned the focolarini in Bobo-Dioulasso for some news, and to assure them of my prayers and unity. I spoke with Dominique who assured me that the situation is tense, but calm,” writes Augusto Parody Reyes, Spanish medical doctor who spent 24 years in Africa and now works at the Focolare’s International Centre. Here is a brief description of the constantly evolving situation as reported by the Missionary Service News Agency (MISNA). Recently, in Ougadougou and other major cities there were unprecedented protest marches to block the nomination in the 2015 elections of President Blaise Compaore who has been in power from 1987. But the protests in the capital worsened on October 30th continuing in the afternoon after an assault and the burning of the parliament. Local news sources reported at least one dead in clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers. There were also reports of lootings of shops and banks. In the afternoon, the demonstrators also surrounded the Presidential headquarters. Proclamation of a state of emergency, dissolution of the government and appeal for negotiations with the demonstrators were the key elements of a radio message given by the Head of State following hours of disorder and violence in the heart of Ouagadougou. Then it was learnt that president Blaise Compaore had not resigned and had cancelled the national state of emergency which was declared a few hours earlier. Those latest measures were announced in a television speech by the president. The president’s statements added further confusion to an already complicated and uncertain situation. It is currently uncertain who holds power in the capital city of Ouagadougou. A few hours earlier the chief of staff of the armed forces had made it known that the “executive and legislative powers would be entrusted to a transitional body that would be constituted through consultation among all the active forces of the nation.” Moreover, the goal of the transition would be “the return to constitutional order within 12 months.” The military also declared a national cease-fire between 19:00 and 6:00. This was the situation on October 30th which is continually developing. Meanwhile the president resigned and his whereabouts are unknown. The military has divided in two groups: the army and the presidential guard, each with its own leader.       Focolare members in Burkina Faso say that they felt expressed in the appeal made by Cardinal Paul Ouedraogo bishop of Bobo Dioulasso and president of Caritas Burkina Faso: “We are praying for peace. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to limit the damage during this critical period for our country.” Updated November 3, 2014

Pope Francis’ video message for Loppiano’s 50th anniversary

Nov 1, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

The Holy See Press Office released the text of a video message from Pope Francis on the 50th anniversary of the founding of Loppiano, the Focolare movement’s first “little town.” The town, located in north-central Italy, has 2,600 residents from 70 nations.

“Dear brothers and sisters, inhabitants of Loppiano, good evening to you all.

I also wish to greet all those who today populate the citadel which Chiara Lubich had created, inspired by the Gospel of brotherhood – that universal brotherhood – and all those who from every corner of the world have linked up to participate in the Loppiano’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Loppiano is at the service of the Church and the world, and I thank the Lord for this little town which is a living and effective testimonial of communion between people of different nations, cultures and vocations, and who make sure, especially in daily life to keep alive among you, mutual and constant charity.

I am glad that you chose to celebrate your anniversary on the same day in which the entire Church celebrates St Francis of Assisi, testimonial and creator of peace and brotherhood. It is really a happy coincidence also for me.”

The inhabitants of Loppiano, those who are permanent citizens and those who pass a period of training wish to become experts in mutual acceptance and dialogue, operators of peace, and generators of brotherhood,

Continue with renewed enthusiasm along this path, and I pray that you remain faithful and continue to incarnate more and more the prophetic design of this citadel which blossomed from the charisma of unity, exactly fifty years ago. All this was in harmony with the profound message which the Second Vatican Council was announcing in that period, to testify to the light and wisdom of the Gospel with mutual love towards all. Loppiano is, therefore, a school of life, where there is only one Teacher: Jesus.

Yes, a school of life, that makes the world hope once again, and that bears witness to the Gospel is truly the yeast and salt of the new civilization of love. And to do so, by drawing from the spiritual sap of the Gospel, you need to imagine and experience a new culture in all fields of social life: from family to politics, to the economy. In other words, the culture of relationships. The basics of wisdom is the sincere desire for education, and taking care of education means love. Therefore it is not surprising that Loppiano has for some years now become the seat of the Sophia University Institute established by the Holy See. There is an urgent need for young people, men and women who, besides having a qualified training in various disciplines, are at the same time imbued with the wisdom that springs from love of God.

Dear friends, my heartfelt wishes for all of you and Loppiano, to look ahead always, and aim high with faith, courage and creativity. No mediocrity! I entrust you all to Maria Theotokos, Mother of God, who embraces you all in the shrine which is the heart of the little town. And I ask you to pray for me. I bless and greet all of you.”

Video in Italian

Μελέτες e Μάθε να χάνεις: First books by Chiara Lubich in Greek

Oct 30, 2014 | Focolare Worldwide

“Meditations” (Μελέτες) (1959) is the first published collection of meditations by Chiara Lubich. Now Greek has been added to the long list of translations of that book and “Knowing How to Lose”, (Μάθε να χάνεις), a book on Mary at the foot of the Cross. In his preface to the books, Patriarch Bartholemew writes: “We hail the publication of these books, which coinicides with the 50th anniversary of the encounter between Blessed Pope Paul VI and Athenagoras I in Jerusalem, and we hope that Meditations may become a favourite that will bring benefit to all who seek the path of love and peace in today’s world. . .” I personally knew the memorable founder of the Focolare Movement for over fifty years when she had been invited by our predecessor, the unforgettable Patriarch Athenagoras, and I followed closely her sincere efforts for unity and restoration of full communion between the ancient Churches and the new Rome, in the context of the dialogue of love. . . ” Chiara’s love for the Orthodox Church is well known: from 1967 to 1972 she had 25 audiences with Patriarch Athenagoras, a relationship that continued with Patriarch Demetrios and the current Bartholemew I. In Thessaloniki and Athens, Greece, two events were held to make Chiara Lubich more known in the Orthodox Church and in the Roman Catholic Church in those cities. It was significant that the Orthodox Metropolitan Chrisostomos of Messinia, in charge of relations with the Catholic Church in Greece, was sitting at the same table as member of the bi-lateral theological commission, Jesuit Father Kontidis who saw to the publication of the book, Dimitra Koukoura Orthodox professor of Homeletics, and Florence Gillet, theologian from the Chiara Lubich Centre. Nikos Papaxristou, an Orthodox journalist, moderated the presentations with a bit of autobiographical detail: “The first time I heard of the Movement was from Patriarch Bartholemew.” Universality, “femininity that is of Mary,” spiritual depth, ecclesial and social renewal from the charism of unity were some of the topics discussed. Metropolitan Chrisostomos affirmed: “There is a prophecy in Chiara that has given a new start to the age of ecumenism.” “The Ideal of Chiara is at the service of humanity,” he continued, and “is an examplary living spirituality that appeals especially but not only to the laity,  opening a path of faith for so many people. . . ” Cipriot, Lina Mikelliddou and Greek Orthodox Anna Kuvala, from the Focolare Movment also gave their testimony: “Knowing this Ideal,” Lina said, “my life changed: every person became a candidate for unity.” Among the attendees in Thessaloniki, Archimendrite Ignathios, representing the city’s Metropolitan Nnikiforos, Abbot of the Orthodox Monastary of Vlatadon. Also present were several professors from diverse faculties of the Aristotelean University of the city, including Dr. Vassiliadis, Deacon of the Faculty of Theology. Bishop of Corfu-Zante, Bishop Spiteris who was unable to attend, sent a message. Also in Athens: several personalities from the Orthodox Church: Father Thomas, Vicar and representative of Archbishop Ieronimo, Metropolitan of Syros, Polykantriotis, Archimendrite Sotiriadis responsible of Diakonia (for charitable works) of the Holy Orthodox Synod (episcopal conference). From the Catholic Church: Apostolic Nunzio Bishop Adams, incumbent Bishop Foskolos, and Don Rossolatos, newly  nominated Bishop of Athens. Another presentation of the two books will take place on  October 31, 2014, in Nicosia – Cyprus.