From Poland: “My first year at the Sophia University”

Oct 7, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Małgorzata Szwarc (left) with her university friends.

7 ways to live a full life at 93

Oct 5, 2014 | Non categorizzato

The world is moving faster and I’m moving slower. Every time I figure out how a thing works someone comes up with something better and, of course, faster. The eyes are failing and the hearing’s shot. The joints are creaking and the digestive system isn’t doing much better, but I’ve discovered lots of chances to be creative in problem solving. Let me share with you seven ways that I have learned to keep living a full life at 93.

1. Giving

The space one occupies as we grow older shrinks, and I’m constantly eliminating things once thought to be indispensable. It’s easier to do this, when one is in the habit of keeping only what one needs. Recently, I gave something away that afterward I realized I needed. Then I thought that the person would make good use of it, and God would take care of me. In fact, a few days later I received from someone else exactly the thing I had given away. So I’ve just decided that giving as a lifestyle never ages, and the hundredfold is always new.

2. New friendship

Everyone is concerned about children when they start school and have to make all new friends, but no one even thinks about a 90-year-old moving into an assisted-living facility and having to start from scratch. She too has to make new friends, because the ones she knew have all died, and she can’t even go home at the end of the day! I’ve had to learn to listen to people who may think very differently and figure out just how each one wants to be loved. I make many mistakes and want to give up at times, but I always try to remember to start again.

3. Prayer

Something that actually gets easier as one gets older is spending more time praying. I used to be very active, so now I try to be just as active praying for everyone. I try to find out everything that is going on, so my list of intentions is up to date. I pray one rosary for my family, another for the Church and the Focolare family here and around the globe, and finally one for all of the problems in the world. I miss going to Mass and feel blessed whenever someone comes to take me, or the priest is able to come where I live. You might think that by 93 I would have worked out the kinks in my life, but I find myself doing the same things I’ve been trying to correct my entire life. Thank God I have learned how to start again in the next moment. Maybe that’s what keeps me young.

4. Health

I’ve found new ways to live the aspect of my life that deals with health and illness. Since it’s pretty clear that my holy journey is nearing its completion, it is still wonderful to be able to go to exercise class, to eat properly, to put in my eye drops and take all my medications as prescribed. I admit that I sometimes get a little downhearted when I see the cost of medications, but then I try to remember to trust in God. I have a pretty active relationship with those who have left for heaven. I entrust different things to different people and ask for strength when the going gets a little tough. I have also been helped by John Paul II’s Letter to the Elderly and by the example of his life. It takes a real act of faith to believe in the value of your life when many around you see things differently.

5. Harmony

I don’t need many clothes or much furniture, but I try to keep what I have in order. With my eyesight so poor, I’m not sure if the colors match, and I might be tempted to think, “Who cares anyway?” But then I remember that even at 93 I have to try to be an expression of the beauty of God in the way I dress and the harmony of my apartment. This gives so much meaning to the little things I’m still able to do.

6. Learning

I’ve always loved learning new things, so I study the documents of the Holy Father (when I can get them in big print) and watch DVDs on the catechism or other topics. I know I’ll never practice nursing again, but it’s part of my vocation to stay on top of the latest advances in my profession. So I keep up to date, and maybe something I read or hear might be useful for someone else. I love wisdom and pray often to the Holy Spirit to help me not say useless words.

7. Connections

I used to keep in touch with people by sending cards or by phone. Instead, times have changed, and, just as I needed to learn to drive at 50, I now have had to learn how to use email so I can get the news and stay in touch with everyone. It is slow going, since I only know how to move that mouse in one particular way. I almost gave up recently, but my family and friends helped me to keep up my courage. It almost seems like a miracle, but, notwithstanding my eyesight, I read every issue of Living City from cover to cover. I also watch the news every day to keep myself informed of what’s going on in the world. Reading about a world that tends toward unity helps me to be hopeful in the midst of so much tragedy. I really believe in a united world.

My conclusion? Yes, it is a little challenging to be 93, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a full and rewarding time.

Agatha O’Donnell

From Living City Magazine

The soul of Ethiopia

Oct 3, 2014 | Non categorizzato

With its 98 million inhabitants, Ethiopia is the second most populated country of the African continent, after Nigeria.  It has conquered peace for almost two decades now, after a terrible war with its neighbour, Eritrea, that lasted for 17 years and which brought the two nations to their knees.  Today it is considered the centre of Africa, and hosts the Headquarters of the African Union, where the interests of entire nations are at play. There are also all the embassies of the continent which represent 115 extra-African countries. Liliane Mugombozi, Directress of  New City Africa writes about the 10-23 August journey undertaken with two focolarini, upon the invitation of the Bishop of the diocese of Meki. «I have just returned from Ethiopia where I was invited together with Charles and Legesse, by Bishop Abram. For me now, the Horn of Africa no longer stands for terrorism in Somalia or the dictatorship in Eritrea; and neither is Ethiopia the only Airport of Addis Abeba where I stopover on my flights to Rome. Addis now for me is the smile of that boy who helped me with my luggage, and the welcoming look of that nun who took me in at the centre where I was able to rest before continuing my journey the next day. I found the country alive and full of heart in that priest who took the trouble to introduce me to the situation of this nation, in that leper woman, outcast of society, in that young man who wanted so much to meet me, and again, in that suffering caused by the walls that still divide the Catholic and the Orthodox Churches. The meeting with four bishops, among whom the Archbishop of Addis Abeba, Bernhaneyesus Souraphiel, had a strong impact on me. They have great hopes in the contribution of the Focolari. In those days we were able to share, from within the life of the small Catholic community: it was a really enlightening experience! The evangelical testimonial of the small group of catholics, reached not only to the Christians of the old Orthodox Church and various Pentecostal churches developing everywhere, but also to others present who were of other religions of the country, like the Muslims. We found a lively and committed Church that was able to imbue charity within the structure of society at all levels: in education, healthcare, farming… in a society that is changing and developing at a very fast pace. When walking through the streets, passing among the people, one has the impression of a country “vibrating” on all fronts: political, social, and in the field of communications, with enormous possibilities for development. The Bishops hope  to “find the pass key to enter this world with the values of the Gospel. Politics does not suffice, we have to do our part. We have long heard of how the Church needs trained laypersons. And you are among these… the Focolari Movement has to take part in the education of laypersons…”  I remembered the words John Paul II had said to Chiara Lubich a few years ago, inviting her to contribute to «giving Europe its soul». Also the words of the Bishops in Ethiopia echoed this, as if to say «also here we need to give a soul to this country. »

Myanmar, Thailand,Vietnam: Young people give hope

Oct 1, 2014 | Non categorizzato

The young people in Yangon

“Sport for Peace”(Vietnam)

Thailand: the welcome centre for youth from different tribes

The blessing of a long life

Sep 30, 2014 | Non categorizzato

On 28^th September, in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis met with elderly people and grandparents in the first international day dedicated to senior citizens, sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Family. The meeting entitled: “The blessing of a long life”, coincided with the Day of Prayer for the Synod on the Family, inspired by many of the Pope’s speeches when he several times recalled the tragedy of the “culture of waste” typical of “a people who does not look after its elderly,” discarding them “with attitudes that thinly hide euthanasia.” «We Christians, – the Pope said – together with all people of good will, are called to patiently build a more diverse, more welcoming, more humane, more inclusive society, that does not need to discard the weak in body and mind. On the contrary we need a society which measures its success on how the weak are cared for». The meeting was an opportunity to reaffirm that – as Monsignor Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, said “Old age is not a shipwreck but a vocation: our years of life have been lengthened, but an adequate reflection on this issue has not been carried out neither in politics nor economy, nor society and not even culturally.” “Old age should be re-thought and also the involvement of the elderly in the world must be reconsidered and the Church’s attitude towards them. In addition to all the civil aspects, there is a culture that the elderly can convey – not to see the weakening of life as the final tragedy but as a witness of hope in the next life.” The event of 28th September is part of the Day of Prayer for the Synod on the Family, “the fundamental and primary place where an elderly person can live within a web of relationships that sustain them” – continues Mgr Paglia – “and which in turn they are called to enliven and enrich. The elderly are not only the object of attention and care, but are also subjects of a new vision of life.”

The 2014 Assembly concludes

Sep 29, 2014 | Non categorizzato

On 28 September, at 12.30 a direct Internet link-up marked the conclusion of the work of the General Assembly of the Focolare. Everyone sets out with a commitment to live as “world men and women,” a phrase first used by Chiara Lubich and recalled by Pope Francis during the audience on 26 September: “Men and women with the soul, the heart and the mind of Jesus and because of this able to recognize and interpret the needs, concerns and hopes that dwell in the heart of every man and woman.” The exchange during the audience with the Christians of various Churches and people of no religious convictions present had been warm and open. His message to the Focolare found great resonance in the 494 representatives of 137 countries: and indeed in clear consonance with the conclusions to which the 2014 General Assembly had arrived after three weeks of intense work – beginning with more than 3000 proposals coming from around the world – and summarized in the guidelines that will direct the work of the Movement over the next six years. The focus of Francis’ speech was concentrated on three words: contemplate (“immersed in the crowd, shoulder to shoulder,” quoting a thought of Chiara Lubich), go out and educate, accompanied by a strong call to generosity, creativity and the art of dialogue, “that cannot be learned cheaply.” And there are also three words contained in the title of the guidelines issued by the Assembly: go out, together, properly prepared. These guidelines, which also have the specific aim of the Focolare in its title “That all may be one”, will be applied by the Focolare community spread throughout the world, according to the practical needs and the specific requirements of each geographical region. See also: Contemplate, go out, educate: Francis’ 3 words to the Focolare Interview with Maria Voce and Jesús Morán Focolare Assembly: a visible journey of unity Documentation of the Assembly  

Old age: a hidden beauty

Sep 28, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Photo: Antonio Oddi

Contemplate, go out and educate: Pope Francis’ words to the Focolare

Sep 26, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Full text of the Pope’s address

Joy, emotions, surprise and also curiosity, were among the many, diverse sentiments and expectations of the 500 participants of the Focolari General Assembly with Pope Francis. The group, in fact, is composed of people coming from 137 countries: Catholics, Christians of other churches, and some also without any religious belief. Maria Voce took the floor to present the Assembly gathered in the Clementina Hall in the Vatican, and addressed the Pope with these words:  «Those present here today, are of various ages, cultures, vocations, are lay and consecrated people, virgins and married, and people who have lived an exciting experience of communion in which, due to continually renewed mutual love, have undertaken a journey of community awareness, in an attitude of listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, so as to identify the guidelines to be followed in order to respond to the sufferings and hopes of humanity today with our specific charisma of unity.» The fact that she cited the Evangelii Gaudium was significant: «It is almost like a school-workshop where we practiced sharing and thinking and working with Jesus in our midst, to rediscover our being a people born from the Gospel and, therefore, called to live and bear witness to our charisma and bring it to everyone. Your apostolic encouragement has been, undoubtedly, one of the spotlights that enlightened our work sessions.»  She added another important note that testified to the “ecumenical” aspect of the Focolari Assembly: «We felt the urge to seek with faith, new roads that could allow our Christian brothers and sisters and members of the Movement who belong to various Churches, to participate ever more fully in the life and organization of the Movement.» And Pope Francis exhorted all to live the charisma of unity without compromise, up to the end. (Vatican Radio) Half a century on from the Second Vatican Council, he said, they are called, with the whole Church, to follow a new path of evangelisation, witnessing God’s love to all and in particular to the poor and most marginalised. Greeting especially the Focolari president, Maria Voce, who has been elected to a second term of office, the Pope said the movement was born from a tiny seed in the Church and has grown into a tree whose branches spread through all kinds of Christian families and through all different religions as well. Pope Francis said the movement, which is also known as the Work of Mary, flowed from a particular gift of the Holy Spirit which is the charism of unity. The Focolari founder,Chiara Lubich, he said, was an extraordinary witness to that gift which she spread to so many different parts of the world. The Pope also offered three words upon which all members of the movement can base their efforts as they seek to contribute to the work of challenging task of evangelisation today. Firstly, he said, contemplation is an indispensable condition for effective action. Secondly, he said, they must go out in a spirit of dialogue, giving freely of themselves just as Jesus gave his life for us on the Cross. Finally, the Pope stressed the importance of forming young people, so that they too can serve the needs, concerns and hopes of men and women in the world today.

From Vatican Radio website

Watch Rome Reports video

Family, an endless resource

Sep 25, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Speaking before Bishop Maradiaga, President of Caritas internationalis, Bishop Paglia of the Pontifical Council for Families, and the 150 participants of the seminar (Rome, 18 September 2014) from various parts of the world, this family from Maddaloni (Caserta – Italy), a town defined as “at risk” – struck by the painful experience of the loss of their three-month old son – was asked to give their testimonial on how one can rebuild hope and solidarity in families today. Their third son, Giuseppe, in fact, died following the complications of a banal flu at the age of only three months. «When I got the news I thought I was dreaming, and then came a piercing pain and the certainty that we had to live this situation in unity, first of all between Gino and me. In those moments I felt the strong presence of God who, though permitting this suffering, was taking me in his arms. A family with which we were sharing a spiritual journey of faith suggested we spend a period of time in Loppiano, a citadel of the Focolari close to Florence.» For Gino it was different. When Giuseppe died, I felt defrauded not only as a father but also as a doctor whose profession is to heal sick people, whereas I was unable to do anything for my son! There was darkness and pain. But I let Elisa guide me and I accompanied her willingly.» Immersed in the life of the citadel, «we felt an inner strength growing in us, and which transformed our pain into Love.» Then two other children were born: «If we didn’t have the strong certainty that all that had happened, even the loss of Giuseppe, was part of the divine plan of God who loves us, we wouldn’t have had the strength to beget other children.» With a group of relatives and friends they decided to create a Foundation named after Giuseppe, the aim of which is to develop the culture of family custody «to respond to the appeal of Chiara Lubich, who invited families to empty out the orphanages and give a family to every child.» It «was not created in remembrance of our son but from the wish to continue living that love we could no longer give him. We wanted the “culture of giving” to be the Foundation’s drive engine.» Custody consists in the temporary custody of a child in one’s own family, for as long as the problems of the child’s original family have not been resolved. In the mid-1990s when the project was launched, it was an avant-garde concept in Italy. It started with the education of the family custodians, (presently about a hundred) giving them the psychological and material support, until the formation of a family-home for children who were abandoned. It was among the first structures of the Campania Region. Since then we operate in cooperation with the local administrations and religious institutions, asking each member of the Foundation for the spirit of custody and service. «We still remember the first time we were entrusted with a child – the Ferraro couple confided – a nine-month-old baby, Adjaratu. The words of the social service director at that time still resound in our hearts, “You can’t imagine what a dangerous road you are opening!” To tell the truth, we did not encounter any real danger. But there were difficulties and efforts, and every time these were overcome in the attempt to live evangelical love in a radical way, which had pushed us to operate and  become more visible in these 20 years, with incredible events to confirm our efforts.

An interview with Maria Voce and Jesús Morán

Sep 24, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“My wish for the new president would be that she might always listen to the Holy Spirit and, as a consequence, build everything “in unity”- Maria Voce had said a few days before her re-election, not knowing that these words would soon become the opening words of her second term. Taking advantage of a break in the General Assembly of the Focolare that is still in progress (it ends on 28 September), the different editions of New City magazine interviewed the newly re-elected president of the Focolare and Jesús Morán, the Co-President. The questions relate to the life of the Movement and the great challenges that await it. We quote below some excerpts; click here for the link to the full interview in Italian. How should we respond to what Pope Francis is saying to the Church and society today? Maria Voce: “We should take the charism of unity as our starting point: we also must think of the poor and the marginalized, but starting from our specific aim. I was thrilled when Pope Francis said in Redipuglia (Italy) that “war is madness.” It is a disease, so it needs to be treated. What kind of care can we, focolarini, offer? The only one we have is our charism, which asks us to build relationships of peace, of mutual understanding even among people who ignore each other, who hate each other, to contribute to the journey towards unity. ” Jesús Morán: “We are not renown for our frantic search for power, it is not our style. Rather we try to start processes. Pope Francis compares the Church not so much to a sphere as to a polyhedron, thus affirming that the most important trends have emerged often in the peripheries. All of this seems to me to be perfectly in tune with a work that has a very strong principle of unity. Chiara (Lubich) herself often started things in the periphery, as exemplified by the Economy of Communion which was born in Brazil, or ecumenism that gained new perspectives with Chiara’s meetings with Athenagoras in Istanbul, while Fontem [Cameroon] showed the inculturation “of the Focolare” … We can live this principle too, that is to go to the peripheries and be open to what emerges there which can then be universalised. ” How to respond to the great challenges posed by the situation in the Middle East, in which the focolarini are on the front line? Maria Voce: “I have the impression that the movement is doing much more than it appears. I received a letter a few days ago from the focolarine in Damascus who asked me for permission to go to visit the community of Aleppo, where there are already some focolarini. I said yes, even if the risks are undeniable: the charism of unity can and must be present in these places in order to build relationships, to bring a little peace. Obviously political solutions at the international level are needed, as well as the humanitarian aid which arrives and is more or less evenly distributed; the Movement tries to eradicate hatred from the hearts of men and women, an operation without which true and lasting political solutions will never be found.” “If there’s something that the charism can do is to spread the culture of encounter, mutual trust, love, helping those in need regardless of their religious affiliation or social status, or the border that divides them. We must also ask what the charism of unity has to say in the face of these conflicts, what effect can it possibly have … I remember that Chiara, citing a true episode that happened in Colombia, said that you can stop the hands of a terrorist simply by doing an act of love. We must do all of this, committing ourselves more and better, all together.” Jesús Morán: “It is basically a question of developing the dialogues that we are involved in. Over the past days in the Assembly in my study group there was a Muslim: to have a brother of another religion with whom to share everything is not a trivial matter, a brother who feels he represents the Muslim Focolare Movement. It’s a miracle! This presence of the Focolare Movement in the Islamic lands must therefore be developed, as well as fostering our inter-religious dialogue. Just a small thing? Maybe, but I think it is something fundamental. An opportunity to have direct contact with people of the movement in these places of suffering: it is important to give voice to the true reality, to what people are living through the words of the protagonists. This often means conveying a different view of the facts and problems than generally spread by the media. ” The Church and society are confronted with the question of the family. In this field the Focolare have a long experience to offer … Maria Voce: “The question of the family in the Church cannot be reduced to an exclusively sacramental matter. The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, but they are signs and there can be others as well. Someone wrote to me after hearing the introduction to a talk I gave on the Eucharist. She is separated and lives with a divorced man with children and feels strongly to be Christian and Catholic, but feels the discomfort of her position that, in a sense, puts her outside of the Catholic Church. But she writes: “I ​​have never felt out of it and continue to attend church. When I go to ask for the blessing of the priest who distributes the sacrament, Jesus also enters in me in that moment. I try to live, to do my part. I’m on a journey.” “God asks us, in fact, to help everyone to follow their own path to holiness, that is, to approach God with the means available (…). Chiara explained to us the “sources of God” in her time and did not put the emphasis only on his presence in the Eucharist, but also on other presences of God in the world, also in the Word and our brother. I think the movement can be an embrace for these families; but since it is part of the Church, embracing these people makes them feel less outsiders because they are embraced by a portion of the Church. Later other experiences, other ways may be found; let’s see what the Synod will say. I think it would be a mistake to expect that extraordinary solutions will suddenly emerge; what will come out are some credible and workable experiences, not so much universal solutions.” Jesús Morán: “The problem of the family before being a sacramental problem is an anthropological one. At stake is the very plan of God for man, on the relationship between man and woman, on the relational nature of human beings as such, therefore on the dynamics of gift, of relationships (which could be defined as “Trinitarian”). Certainly the stakes are high and the Pope has also said: we are not having a Synod to solve the problem of the divorced, that’s not what worries us because in the end you could find the solutions which were already tried out in past centuries. The problem is much more serious: what is happening to man today, how does he develop, how does he learn to relate to others and where does he learn this? This is the real problem of the family. We are comforted to know that also many secular voices, not necessarily Catholic, put the emphasis on this problem of relationships and the future of the family and of mankind. “

Sierra Leone, beyond Ebola

Sep 23, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia. Nations that rarely appear in western newspapers were associated over the last months to ebola. These countries in fact are those that have been most struck by what has been defined as the most serious outbreak of the viral outbreak  since its discovery in 1976. «After the unending suffering due to the war, we are now again being put to the test with this ebola outbreak. There is a growing fear, but also the awareness that by taking the necessary measures – at times going against the nature and culture of the population, like staying in isolation – we can fight this virus. Everywhere the Church is trying to bring its help, as a sign of concrete love to all,” they wrote us from Sierra Leone. The suffering these days is the acuteness of the quarantine the population is asked to comply with: staying at home to stem the risk of contamination.  According to the World Health Organisation (report of 18 September) out of over 5,000 cases, more than 2,600 were victims of the virus that causes hemorrhagic fever. «They say we have to be prudent – a religious close to the Focolari said in June – at Mass we don’t even give each other the sign of peace to avoid contacts, but it is difficult to say precisely where the danger lies. Even we in the Catholic hospital had a suspected case who escaped from the hospital specialised in ebola at Kenema, and who came here to be treated without our doctors being informed. You can therefore imagine the anxiety in all of us. Also the meetings of the Focolare community have to be suspended, as also the activities programmed with the youth. We have started a chain of mutual support: phone calls, messages. To say what? “To stress our firm will to continue loving, and now we all have to bear the test once again.” In a letter to the members of the Focolari Movement in Sierra Leone, the President, Maria Voce, wrote to encourage all «to go ahead with courage, to bear witness to the Ideal of unity in all ways possible» and to thank them for their example «which is generating in your land many signs of brotherhood». She also ensured furthermore, of the support and prayers of the Movement throughout the world. «Personally, I try to remain faithful to the commitment and promise to continue living the Ideal of unity also here in Sierra Leone», J.K. confided, on expressing also her pain in having to suspend all the contacts, but also that she is finding support in the Word of Life, the commitment to live the Gospel that brings light even in the most desperate situations, like this. E Alfred wrote: «As you know, the situation here in Sierra Leone is bad. It is difficult for us not to be able to go out. But this will not stop me, but rather, it urges me to live the Gospel more. I am trying to live every moment for Jesus, offering all to Him during the day.  To be faithful to the Gospel is still my deepest desire. Thank you for all the love you have for us Gen in Sierra Leone. We feel that you are here with us. ». To conclude, Fr. Carlo, is thanking everyone for taking to heart also “this corner of the world,” when it seems that all around us “fear, anxiety, inactivity and at times disappointment that the authorities are so slow in helping the people”  seems to take the upper hand.  But slowly we are discovering that all these aspects are the image of Jesus crucified and abandoned and it is then that we start again to love. And this love seems to be newer and deeper. »

Focolari Assembly: a journey towards tangible unity

Sep 19, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Heinrich Walter, President of Schönstatt with Jesús Moran.

Maria Voce with Gerard Pross, leader of a network of over 100 evangelical movemements.

Inter-religious delegation (Christina Lee, Mustafa Cenape, Shahrzad Houshmand, Adnane Mokrani, Hiromasa Tanaka, Katsuotishi Mizumo)

Living the Gospel by serving

Sep 19, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Gambling “Every time my husband gambled there was an argument in the house. Thanks to the relationships I had built with the people at the community centre where I do the cleaning, I would return home with some new strength for facing problems. One day a group was reading the Gospel and talking about loving their enemies. I thought of my husband and how I was always arguing with him, so I tried to have a different view towards him. As months went by something also changed in him. One day he found himself in a fight over the game. He was about to kill his adversary when that small change that had begun in him prevented him from doing it. Since he didn’t want to be living a double life, he also gave up gambling.” A.R.- Philippines  Waiting for retirement “As I wait for my retirement letter, I’m gradually handing things over to my colleagues. I’m nearly finished and the letter hasn’t arrived and I don’t really have any specific work to do. What to do? Every day I have to invent some new job: first it’s taking care of those old papers that I never had time to look at; then there are those situatioins that were left hanging until I could speak to people in other offices. . . Then there was that colleague who had to stay home with her sick children. When she returned I  helped her to catch up with her work. In other words, there’s never a lack of things to do and the time left before retirement isn’t a time of rest, but an opportunity to live every moment well. I remember the period, just after I began working, when I discovered that the words of the Gospel could not only be read and examined, but lived, and this gave meaning to everything I did. Now I feel that the same enthusiasm should accompany me in this new period of my life.”   E.P.-Italy Free of charge Where we live money seems to be the most important thing in most families, often taking the place of more genuine values. But for those who believe in the Gospel and strive to live it, initiatives are born that no one would ever have imagined. For example, when our family group was asked to be involved in volunteer service, to contribute to the construction of a rehabilitatioin centre for the handicapped, the offer was enthusiastically accepted by all. We began by uprooting plants and cutting grass to prepare the terrain. The people in the area were surprised to see us working so hard and free of charge. Doing things free of charge is practically unheard of, since we have always been so accustomed to receiving.”  A. C.-Democratic Republic of Congo

Albania, awaiting Pope Francis

Sep 18, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“Next Sunday, with God’s help I shall visit Albania. I decided to visit this country which has usffered so much due to a terrible atheist regime and which is now creating a peaceful coexistence between its various religious components (…) I ask you all to accompany me with your prayers (…)”. Pope Francis reminded the faithful of his apostolic journey on 21September during the Wednesday audience, and with these words summarised the dual purpose of the “flash visit:” remembrance and dialogue, in a country which after 50 years of a painful dictatorship is now living a fruitful season of dialogue and interreligious cooperation, albeit in  serious social and economic conditions of poverty and unemployment. The Catholic and Orthodox minorities (which together constitute about  26% of the population, besides a big group of various evangelical Churches) maintain good ecumenical relationships between themselves and with the Muslim majority. Because of this the Pope wishes to help the Church and humanity  reflect on this successful interreligious cooperation while terror and violence continue to rage in the Middle East. Also in Albania there is a Focolari community which is actively involved in the preparations for this visit, with great joy and expectation. There are about 200 people of all ages and vocations. There are Catholics, Orthodox and also Muslim members, many of whom, are young, and who attended the Mariapolis, the typical annual gathering of the Focolari. “Recentely the community undertook ecologic activities, an aspect which is disregarded in our country, – of the focolarine un Tirana said. We are trying to communicate a culture of respect for the environment. During the last Mariapolis held in a city by the sea, we dedicated half a day to the clearing of the beach, On another occasion we cleaned a big park in the capital and repainted the garbage bins in another green area.” Also the New Families Movement and the Youth for Unity supported us from afar with around 60 children with the Schoolmates campaign, which paid for the studies of a group of young boys and girls. “The  Pontiff’s arrival is a historic event for our country –Nikoleta explained, – and we are infinitely grateful for having chosen usa s the first among the Balkan countries. He is coming to strengthen our faith in the Albanese Church and the message of peace which is an expression of his support,  is of utmost importance for all of us. Reegjina referred that this month there has been a great preparation in the parishes and communities with meetings to help us get to go in depth in Pope Francis’ ideas, and moments of prayer and collection of financial contributions to support the event. We each gave whatever we could. Donika,  a freelance journalist, affirmed that this visit is important not only for the Catholics but also for people of other religions, “or for those, like me, who do not refer to any religious faith, The values the Pope brings are universal, with no exception as to race, nation or belief. He has a big, great heart which tends to build up man rather than convert him and offers hope. This is the most important gift the Pope is offering to Albania.”

Jesús Morán Cepedano

Sep 17, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Jesús Morán Cepedano was elected co-president of the Focolare Movement on 13 September 2014, by the General Assembly convened at the Mariapolis Centre of Castel Gandolfo, Rome. He was born on 25 December 1957 in Navalperales de Pinares, Avila (Spain), of a merchant family that soon moved to Cercedilla, on the Sierra of Madrid. Shortly after beginning university he met the Gospel message brought by the Focolare Movement through the witness of some of his peers. He immediately threw himself into this new experience and the revolutionary demands that the life of the Gospel entails. He decided to give himself to God in the Focolare community in 1977. After a training period between 1979-1981 in Loppiano, Italy, he crossed the ocean to South America. From 1996 to 2004 he was the delegate of the Focolare Movement in Chile and Bolivia. He was ordained a priest there on 21 December 2002. From 2004 to 2008 he was co-responsible for the movement in Mexico and Cuba. In the General Assembly of the Focolare Movement in 2008 he was elected general councillor and given responsibility for the cultural formation of the members of the Movement. In 2009 he became part of the ” Abba School “, the Focolare Movement’s interdisciplinary study centre, for his expertise in theological anthropology and moral theology. He has a degree in philosophy from the Autonoma University of Madrid and a licence in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Santiago of Chile. He is currently completing his doctorate in theology at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. He has published various articles on Philosophical and Theological Anthropology.

First Paraguay EoC Conference

Sep 17, 2014 | Non categorizzato

The conference concluded on September 7^th in Asuncion. It was the first Paraguayan EoC conference, although it also included EoC business owners fromArgentina for whom it coincided with the 34^th annual spring meeting of the Argentine EoC.        The conference focused on the figure of the business owner who embraces the Economy of Communion Project. In one Skype link-up international project coordinator, Luigino Bruni, said that an EoC business owner is someone who chooses poverty.” Strong words that could seem to imply that wealth, or better, being well off and the EoC were incompatible. But German Jorge from Parana, Argentina, who owns a building materials distribution centre with 60 employees explained: “EoC business owners suffer because of poverty; otherwise, they wouldn’t be EoC people. They are not immune from poverty, but make it their choice in life and bring it into the business.” German went on to say: “In a capitalist economy the object of the business is to generate wealth. In our case generating wealth is a sign that that things are going well, but it is not the goal. The goal is communion, and the process itself is communion and we are regenerated as business people. And so the business is not a money-making machine, but a community of people.” Such a business style is successful and convincing, as the story of Ramon Cervino from Cordoba shows. He is the owner of a medical equipment company. He stated that the distinctive feature of a company with an EoC business owner was the choice of open communications across the board within that company. This does not put the poor before the company, but uncovers, accepts and embraces the diversity and need of the other. Many testimonies were offered by business owners who have embraced the EoC project, such as the story of a hairdresser, a shopkeeper and a street vendor who created micro-businesses with their families that turned them into stimulating examples of hard work and determination. There was also the story of a large Paraguayan company like Todo Brillo that was visited by the members of the conference. Todo Brillo is a leading company in the field of cleaning products, with more than 600 employees. It was begun thanks to the decision of Maria Elena to decline an offer as director of a prestigious bank. With her children she launched into the new venture, setting aside all the advantages and comforts connected with the previous offer. “We decided on this project in order to offer employment to people who were unable to go to school. For very many of them we are their only opportunity to become inserted in the working world.” They now return to their businesses more strengthened and committed to creating an economy that is more human and fraternal.

Maria Voce

Sep 15, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Brief biography

Maria Voce was elected president of the Movement on 7 July 2008 by the General Assembly of the Focolare and was re-elected for a second consecutive term on 12 September 2014. She was the first focolarina to succeed the founder, Chiara Lubich, who died on the 14th of March of the same year. She was born in Ajello Calabro, Cosenza, Italy, on 16 July 1937, the first of seven children. Her father was a doctor; her mother a housewife. During her last year of law school in Rome (1959) she met a group of focolarini at the university and was fascinated by their Gospel witness. Upon completion of her studies, she became the first woman lawyer in her city’s court system. Later she studied Theology and Canon Law. (more…)

Focolare General Assembly: Election of Co-President

Sep 15, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“Some asked me if I managed to sleep at all last night. I answered “yes” but this will probably not be so after the match of “my” Real Madrid team against the Atletico team!” On 13 September 2014, Jesús Morán Cepedano, newly elected Co-President of the Focolare for the next six years remarked on his election with this joke. The joy of the entire Assembly was evident, while Maria Voce thanked him for having accepted to share with her the responsibility for the Movement. Also the Holy See, as required by the Focolare Statutes, confirmed the new Co-President in a letter signed by Bishop Rylko in which he encouraged  the Co-President  to «carry out faithfully and generously his mandate, in deep unity with the President, for the benefit of the entire Work of Mary.» And of course Maria Voce did not fail to thank also Giancarlo Faletti, outgoing Co-President, «for having so generously shared this responsibility for six years,» words that were followed by a standing ovation by the whole assembly. In the Focolari Movement, the figure of the Co-President upholds the aspect of unity, as based on the words of Jesus «Wherever two or three are reunited in my name, I am there in their midst» (Mt 18,20).  According to the Focolari Statutes, the first task of the Co-President is «to be always in deep unity with the President, » symbol of the unity of the Movement, «which, together with her or her delegate, he will also have to serve.»

Jesús Morán Cepedano

Mary Desolate

Sep 15, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“While Christ and His teaching broke into history, tearing it in two, pushing humanity towards repentance and change and putting the new self into action in a new city, that tear was also at work in the heart of Mary who stood between those two ages and two mentalities, which sometimes made it a bitter effort to understand, follow and be one with Jesus. The lesson and the suffering didn’t end there. It reached to the point during her Son’s preaching that she wasn’t able to draw near to Him, to be admitted into His presence. Mary was becoming what Simeon’s prophecy had foretold, the Mother Desolate. The term “desolate” is meant to intensify for us the solitude in which she suffered when Jesus went away to begin His public ministry,  leaving her in Nazareth, a widow amongst hostile relatives; and when he later left her as His Mother, substituting Himself with the beloved disciple as her child.   She was alone among all, blessed among women, mother of the human family: the New Eve. Through her suffering the sorrowful Mary participated in generating the Church; that is, the People of God that was entrusted to her in the person of John, by Christ Himself. John, the beloved disciple, was given to her as a son, the son in place of Jesus, or better, an other Jesus. And so, the prophecy of Simeon that had initiated the martyrdom of the Virgin reached its culmination on Calvary as an iron lance pierced the breast of Jesus and that same lance pierced Mary’s soul. Beneath the cross, Mary is clearly the woman of the people who stands with God. One can truthfully say that Jesus was somehow in need of her not only to be born, but also to die. Then came that moment on the cross when He felt abandoned by the people of the earth and by His Father in Heaven. He turned to His Mother who was standing at the foot of the cross, to that Mother who had not deserted Him, overcoming Her human nature so as not to cave in beneath such a trial. And when the Son was dead, the Mother continued to suffer. He was placed on her lap, more powerless now than when He was but a child. A dead God resting on the lap of a widowed mother! Now she was truly the Queen because Jesus had recapitulated humanity, past present and future, and now it could rest as it lay guarded on Mary’s lap. In that sorrowful desolation Mary is presented as the Mother and Queen of the human family as it walks its own paths of sorrow. Her greatness was equal to her anguish, the suffering of a Mother who found herself watching over humanity as it swooned beneath its exile and guilt. When the Mother of Fair Love became also the Mother of Sorrows, and the seven gifts of the Spirit turned into seven swords, the wound that was opened in her heart, along with the wound of the Son, would convey the whole of humanity to the Father and return humanity to its source. Thus she was the collaborator of the Redeemer, but it was also precisely that work which made her more truly the Mother of Fair Love. There she united with us, there she identified herself with our fate. In this way humanity was reborn, and in this way the Church was born.” From: Igino Giordani, Maria modello perfetto, (Rome: Città Nuova, 2001), pp 118-127, Our translation.

Unity and Harmony in Asia

Sep 14, 2014 | Non categorizzato

It is not possible to construct peace without the contribution of the religions. In recent there have been many appeals from high level religious and civil leaders like Shimon Peres, with his idea for a “UN of Religions” as an antidote to global terrorism and violence, or the interreligious meetings like the one recently promoted by the Community of Sant’Egidio. Another important push was offered by the 8th Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP) that was held in Incheon, South Korea on August 25-29, 2014. There could not have been a better place for sending a message about unity and reconciliation among lands and peoples. In spite of its being the cradle of the main monotheistic religions, the container of a vast cultural diversity, Asia has been above all a theatre of war for many major conflicts. The Focolare has also offered a contribution: Christina Lee who is in charge of the Movement’s interreligious dialogue, presented a talk at a pre-assembly meeting on women. In that talk which was titled “Interreligious Prayer and Meditation,” she highlighted the role of women as builders of peace in the world and in Asia: “that we might dream as a community in dialogue, comprised of people from different cultures and relgions, who are experience suffering and poverty but desire a united Asia.” As a first step, she proposed a training itinerary for the different religious communities, to uncover the spiritual patrimony of Asia and to provide visible signs of unity and harmony. In her message, the Focolare president also expressed her wish that effort based on love, compassion, forgiveness and devotion might help in contributing to the realisation of unity and harmony in Asia and beyond. In his message, Pope Francis reiterated that dialogue and cooperation among religions remains the most secure path towards peace and “without fraternity the construction of a just society and solid peace will be impossible.” His words were both a warning and a desire for the 450 people who attended the ACRP, travelling from seventeen Asian countries, with representatives from Iraq and Kyrgystan. The title “Unity and Harmony in Asia” says a lot about the premise and expectations of the conference that has been operating for 40 years and representing the religious creed of more that two thirds of the world’s population. A fourth group was added to the three work commissions: educating towards peace and reconciliation; human dignity and welfare; environmental and ecological development, the unification of the Korean penninsula and peace in Northeast Asia. The fourth group, under the guidance of the Korean Conference of Religions for Peace (KCRP), formulated its own declaration in support of the process of national reunification. One member remarked: “The real work begins now in our religious communities and in civil society.” The final document, the “Incheon Declaration,” describes the tracks: the common commitment to peace; the call to work for the social cohesion of the continent; working for the unification of the Korean peninsula.

General Assembly Elects Maria Voce President of the Focolare

Sep 12, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“I accept.” These were the words the Assembly was waiting to hear from Maria Voce after she had been elected president of the Focolare Movement for the next six years. The Holy See immediately confirmed her election, as prescribed by the Statutes of the Work of Mary. Cardinal Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, wrote: “At the beginning of this second term we invoke the special assistance of the Holy Spirit for Maria Voce, and we entrust her service to the maternal intercession of Mary Most Holy whose Holy Name we celebrate today. “In declaring her acceptance, Maria Voce noted the happy coincidence of today being the feast day of the Holy Name of Mary: “Mary had to put her seal on this. I trust she’ll continue to do it.” She went on to say: “The Work of Mary around the world is growing in prayer and in love, and this is already a great fruit of the work we are doing together. Thank you, everyone!”

Fraternity and public administrations

Sep 12, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Capodrise (Italy) – Angelo Crescente and Emilio Donnarumma are, respectively, the mayor and city clerk of a city of the South of Italy, an area that is not easy to manage and has an image in the collective national and even international mind associated with corruption and organised crime. Emilio – who has decades of experience in public administration and is a convinced promoter of the values ​​of brotherhood and participation in politics – since 2011 is at Angelo’s side, who was elected mayor that year. They share with other friends of the Focolare values ​​of fraternity also in the political sphere and want to give themselves for their own people, guaranteeing the possibility of respect for the principles of legality in the interpretation of the law. Among the most urgent tasks that await them, is the revision of the municipal budgets that are in serious deficit. Refusing shortcuts, as well as the temptation to blame the failures of previous administrations, they choose to build the future of their city along with all the political forces and with all the citizens. “These efforts were rewarded with a good result for the town council and good relations with our counterparts,” says Angelo. Then there was the case of a group of families that saw their houses taken from them because they had not been built with proper planning permission. This time Emilio tells the story: “Although they had built illegally, we could not refuse the request for help of these people who would have been abandoned in the middle of the road. We looked for a way within the law for them to have their houses back. The solution was found by the regional administration that, at that particular time, passed a law allowing the return of possession (though not ownership) of the houses themselves. ” Nothing out of the ordinary for those involved in local government, it could be thought; but it is true that there are many different ways of doing things. Emilio and Angelo have chosen the “method” of fraternity: “First of all we try to live this among ourselves – Emilio concludes – it is a daily effort that requires commitment but if lived with consistency is far-reaching, even beyond our city limits.” Salto (State of Sao Paulo – Brazil) – Milta Alves Ribeiro Maron is the town councillor for education of her city, and still remembers vividly the eve of the Ninth Congress on Education organized last year in her town. Outside the windows of her office winds of war blew, or more precisely of protest by teachers, students and school employees, against the anti-waste and privileges campaign that the town council was carrying out. “The congress consisted of three days of conferences, workshops and mini-courses and we were wondering if we’d ever be able to do it, because of the threat of protests. Some of my colleagues advised me to cancel everything in order to avoid any danger to the mayor or to myself.” Milta continues, “The presence of Maria Luisa, my co-worker who shares with me the vision of a policy based on fraternity, gave me the strength to act in respect for all: that of the public administration who had organized the conference, but also the right of the protesters to protest for their own ideas. ” Milta confesses that in those days she also strengthened her relationship with God and with those collaborators who share her political values, working together on the opening speech of the conference that she was due to give. “I wanted it to be tuned in to the values of universal brotherhood, for the common good.” On the morning of the conference Milta arrived on foot, practically “escorted” by many who wanted to show her their support. And despite the presence of the protesters there was no violence. The speech was greeted with some booing, but ended with the applause of all. “A speech – explains Milta – which marked the beginning of a change. I was able to talk with the teachers, listen to their problems and this triggered a relationship of trust between us. At the end of the conference we all felt like winners, or rather, fraternity had won.” Source: www.umanitanuova.org

A space for solidarity in Central Africa

Sep 11, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Net-working at the meeting for priests and seminarians in Loppiano, Fr. Justin Nary, 42, from the Central African Republic, spoke in subdued tones about his country which was in the news headlines more than a year ago, following the bloody civil war between Muslims, Christians and Animists. It is a conflict almost forgotten and no longer gathers so much attention, but which continues up to today, triggering serious consequences in the daily lives of the population. “For over three years, I was a parish priest in a big city which was living in the fear of an imminent ethnic-religious conflict, like other cities in the whole country. When it all started, I realised with pain that even among ourselves, we priests, pastors and imams did not even know one another. I felt I had to do something because the lives of our people were at stake».  This was how Fr. Justin involved the religious leaders of the other faiths, and held regular meetings where they could share their experiences and together find a way to guide the faithful towards a peaceful lifestyle. The coup d’etat by a minority Muslim group quickly made the situation plunge and the massacres of the non-Muslim population began. But this was not all: a faction of rebels composed of Christians, atheists and military men belonging to the local traditions again overturned the situation, took power and implemented a fierce revenge towards the Muslims. Those who could, left the city, but about 2,000 Muslims ran to take refuge in the parish and Fr. Justin opened the doors to them.  After a short time, the rebels who had learned of this went to the parish to kill everyone, if Fr. Justin were to oppose their ultimatum. Fr. Justin continued: “I had done all that was possible to try to seek for help from the army, the authorities, but in vain. And while I was saying Mass, I understood that God was asking me to give Him the most precious thing I had, my own life. I then decided to remain with my Muslim and non-Muslim people, up to the end, conscious that I was running the risk of being massacred. Seeing my determination, also my priest-brothers who had come to take me away, decided to do the very same thing.” Just a few hours before the expiry of the ultimatum, Fr. Justin’s cell phone suddenly rang: it was the chief of the African Union Army who was ensuring him of his help by sending the army which arrived exactly 17 minutes before the rebels, and thus saved everybody’s lives. “After a failed raid attempt, most of the refugees managed to emigrate to the Cameroon – Fr. Justin concluded – while about 800 of them still remained in the parish. What gave me the strength in difficult moments was to ask myself what the friend of the Focolare and Chiara Lubich would have done in my place. I remembered the meetings with the Muslim friends, how much she loved them, and it was immediately clear: she would have given her life for them.”

Summer schools and workshops

Sep 10, 2014 | Non categorizzato

It has been a really warm summer with regard to the initiatives undertaken by the Economy of Communion and Civil Economy organisations. The latest in order of time was the recently concluded workshop in Arny, France. This was an international Summer School of the Economy of Communion (EoC) held from 26 to 31 August. Forty young people from Europe, Asia and Africa participated. The lessons, held by four EoC “experts” – Professors Luigino Bruni, Benedetto Gui, Vittorio Pelligra and Anouk Grevin – focused on themes related to social business, employment, development, poverty, reciprocity, and happiness in light of the new paradigms underpinned by the Economy of Communion. Hope and communion in economy were the keywords of this workshop, one of the participants explained: «The challenge we are facing is not held on a battlefield, but on the university chairs, and the desks of multinationals, or as leaders of a company, this is where we are called to build a more righteous world.» The next EoC appointment will be the Workshop programmed at the Business Park Lionello Bonfanti (Loppiano – Italy) from 1 to 3 October. “Regenerating Institutions, Common Good, Employment” was instead the title of the 5th Summer School of the Civic Economy (SEC) held in Taranto (Italy) last July. Forty-five young people took part, in search of a people-oriented, environmental-friendly economy and employment, an entrepreneurial style which takes into account civic economy that can create a homo oeconomicus model – in the words of the economist, Stefano Zamagni – and which is based also on relationships, incentives, and trust, oriented more toward the common good than the quest for individual satisfaction. These are concepts which the entire world is focusing on more and more, and which resounded in the words repeated several times by Pope Francis on the tyranny of money as highlighted by this financial crisis, characterized by the rejection of ethics and solidarity, and by the negation of the primacy of man. To conclude the experience, the young participants declared that they were more than convinced that carrying out a business through the principles of a Civic Economy would mean undertaking a courageous path to contribute to bringing relief to difficult situations of the southern part of the country. The next appointment for the followers of Civil Economy will be in Siracusa (Italy) from 11 to 14 September, with the workshop “Civil entrepreneuring: nature, incentives and perspectives for the development of a new welfare state.”

Involvement in the Local Church

Sep 9, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Her parish community helped her raise funds for her plane ticket to Italy. She represents many young people in Brazil who were not able to attend but, like her are very involved serving the local Church at the parish level with the spirituality of unity. Natalia is from Portugal. She became acquainted with the spirituality of unity through her parish priest who is with her and five other young women at the meeting in Benevento. They are here because of an experience of communion that began several years ago and has spread to 3 other parishes, drawing in dozens of other young people. There is also a group of 7 Slovakian young people, along with their pastor. Their 50-member parish youth group had to choose who would attend the meeting because there was not enough money for all of them to attend. There are 14 Slovenians. Among them is Lucka, a very young pianist with a promising future. He one day realised that music was not the most important thing. He placed God first in his life and everything changed, his relationships with colleagues, family and, above all, himself. Now he is much happier. Italy was represented by people from north to south. The people from Gaeta were especially lively. Their group began ten years ago and soon spread to neighbouring cities. There were also people from Vallo Torinese, following on the trail of Servant of God, Maria Orsola Bussone, a young woman of the Focolare Movement who was very involved in parish life. Not everyone at the gathering was involved only at the parish level, a large number were also involved at the diocesan level. It was a beautiful week in late August with the Focolare’s Parish Movement and Diocesan Movement, at the Mariapolis Centre in Benevento. The programme included moments of reflection, prayer, recreation, relaxation, hiking and social involvement in the local Caritas projects around the city of Benevento. The local television reported on the event, which then led to several local residents going up to visit the Mariapolis Centre to know more. A conclusione, una domanda pratica: come fare a declinare l’esperienza vissuta a Benevento nella quotidianità e nella pianificazione delle attività delle parrocchie e diocesi? Molte sono state le proposte: periodici collegamenti telematici, più momenti da vivere insieme, calare l’operato nelle “periferie esistenziali”, aiutare il proprio territorio con iniziative ambientali, l’impegno per la pace e molto altro.The concluded with a final question: How to take the experience they had lived in Benevento to the daily life and activities of the parish and diocese? There were many proposals: regular telephone link-ups, more moments together like the one held in Benevento, involvement in local environmental projects, focusing work in the “existential peripheries,” assisting local environmental projects and promoting world peace. The responsibility now rests in the creativity of all, together with the local parish or diocesan community belong to. They now return to those communities as companions on the journey of making the parish more alive and humanity more fraternal.  

Forgive us our (and their) trespasses

Sep 9, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“It was bound to happen to us. In today’s Italy with its crisis, and where the media records a rise of thefts in the streets, in homes and in cars, our case goes to add itself to the list of thousands of people who find that their homes or cars have been burgled with such mastery. Upon returning from a beautiful outing in an aquatic park with our little girls, we noticed that someone in the parking lot had sneaked into our car. A quick check and our summary of losses was done: key lock was forced, the house keys were gone including all the documents. Furthermore, the thieves – evidently professionals – to make sure that we would notice the theft as late as possible, had forced the left door and left the sat-navigator in the dashboard drawer, after they had moved it to take the documents that were below. We immediately followed the usual procedure: called the police first of all, then called the neighbours to keep their eyes open for strange movements around our house, and the next day, started changing all the door locks of the house, which was quite an economically painful process which we were able to face, however, thanks to an unexpected extra help we had received just the day before: an unexpected reimbursement from the school where my wife, Sonia works. The sum spent for the substitution of the door locks practically amounted to the same sum deposited on our account. Of course the girls also took part in all this hustle and bustle, and so we decided to discuss it with them. Remembering a phrase of the Our Father,“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” the discussion naturally focused on the theme of forgiveness.  We said to one another that this was our occasion to forgive not only with words, but with our hearts and without keeping any grudges. Also the Word of Life of the month was a big help. We recited a prayer together for “our” thieves, leaving the girls free to participate or not. The girls immediately accepted. We prayed that these people be converted. It was a strong and intense moment of unity for the family, and a good dialogue then arose regarding justice and the sense of forgiveness. For us, as parents, it was the occasion to be credible witnesses. A few days later, after noon, while the girls were praying for peace, one of them asked us: “Can we still pray for the thieves?” Source: New City online

First Stage of Focolare’s General Assembly

Sep 8, 2014 | Non categorizzato

The General Statutes of the Movement calls for a three-day retreat preceeding the elections of the President, Co-President and General Council members, so that the electors united in the name of Jesus  […] might be more docile to the graces of the Holy Spirit in deciding what is best for the Work of Mary. That is quite a challenge considering the great variety of Assembly members: focolarini, families, young people, priests and religious. Several bishops are also invited to represent the Bishop Friends of the Focolare. There is also a sizeable representation of members from other Christian Churches.  Metta, a Buddhist, and Racim, a Muslim, will represent the faithful of other religions. A group of people with no religious affiliation who arrived a few days ago, represent the universal reach of the charism of unity. The three-day retreat was deemed necessary by many, so that the choices to be made might be the result of a collective discernment. During the retreat one point of Focolare spirituality was presented: “The Eucharist Mystery of Communion” which will be offered this year for reflection by all the members of the Focolare. It is potentially an awkward point considering the ecumenical and interreligious membership of the Movement, yet it has already become a topic of deep and positive dialogue and discussion among all. The presentation of the theme was preceeded by a reading of the High Priestly Prayer (Jn 17) by a group of men and women focolarini from several different Churches. Some of them then offered their thoughts. Heike, a Lutheran explained: “For Luther, the Eucharist was a mystery, so the title already puts me at ease. Something still remains that divides us, but I believe there is still more than 90% that we can live together.” Cathy, an Anglican, admitted: “Not being able to share at the same table gives me the opportunity to recognise and accept the suffering of division, and so to love more.” Metta, a Buddhist from Thailand, feels like a member of the Focolare family. “How can I live this point of the spirituality?” he asked himself. I realised that I have to purify myself every day, to be nothingness in order to be able to welcome my brothers and sisters.” Algerian Muslim, Racim, recounted how Chiara’s words on the Eucharist remind her of one Hadit of the Prophet in which it is said that God enters into the heart and into the body of every person. Present and future challenges will be discussed in over thirty work groups, comprised of people from around the world of every age and calling. There will also be other opportunities for participation and dialogue during the plenary sessions where stories, testimonies and the daily challenges from different national and cultural contexts will be discussed. Jean Paul from Burundy, studies in Algeria. He shared about the daily challenge of living in a Christian minority in a land that is 90% Muslim. He also expressed his satisfaction for the recognition given to young people who are taking part in the Assembly. One important moment of the first week was the Presidency’s report. Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti presented a recap of the path of the Movement from 2008 to the present. Many things were mentioned ranging from the impact and spreading of Chiara Lubich’s thought in many fields to the official request to the Catholic Church for the opening of her process of Beatification; the distribution of Focolare members by geographic region; the sufferings, which echo the evils of society; dialogue with other Churches, religions and cultures; the youth; prospects for the six years that lie ahead, which will be examined by the Assembly. One plenary session was dedicated to a facilitated discussion by the Abba School Centre for Studies, on the current cultural landscape. They talked about the globalisation of technnology and the environment, human relations, the question of God – all issues that were offered in the more than 3,000 suggestions from Focolare members from around the world. Many members of the Assembly responded: Eddie, from Hong Kong spoke about the search for ways to bring God to the East, highlighting the necessity of concrete facts from daily living.    This week the work groups will continue their discussions on cultural challenges and openness to society, catechesis, the life of local Focolare communities in diverse cultural contexts, families and the new generations, interreligious dialogue, dialogue with the modern culture, relations with the Catholic Church and other Churches. This week the President and Co-President will be elected.

Mariapolis in Scotland: unity above all else

Sep 7, 2014 | Non categorizzato

«It was important for me to participate in the Mariapolis here in Scotland (the annual meeting of the Focolare Movement), before the referendum for independence – one of the participants wrote – I managed to listen to various points of view. I hope and pray that we can stay united in love.» It is not mentioned too often, but as far as Great Britain is concerned, the 18^th of September appointment is really important: the referendum for the independence of Scotland is in fact the issue focused on by the public opinion of the over 63 million inhabitants of the United Kingdom. The “water mark” is rising, with the risk of a serious social rift. This is why the theme of mutual love appeared to the 500 participants of the Perthshire Mariapolis (Scotland) last August, as a sign of hope for their personal lives, and also for the social and political challenges the population will soon have to face. And the mix of cultures, peoples and conditions typical of society today, were represented more than ever in the Mariapolis: while standing in line at the self service for meals, you could easily run into a Cheshire magistrate, a Copto-Egyptian refugee, an agnostic eco-activist or a Scottish bishop… The daily meditation themes on evangelical love and the numberless stories and testimonials shared with openness and sincerity brought about a continual dialogue between the participants of all ages and conditions: the youth and families, children and adults, and people from different countries of the world. «One of the best things about the Mariapolis is the opportunity to be with all types of people, regardless of their ages» – said Sam (21). Also the ecumenical aspect was important thanks to the four Catholic Bishops and a Bishop of the Episcopal Church. «Listening to the strong testimonials of some Christians in Syria, or in the Republic of Central Africa, – said another participant –  made us one, and gave us the certainty that mutual love is the trump card to play even in the most difficult situations.  This is why none of us will easily forget the exchange of ideas on the next referendum, during meals. We parted with a decision which seemed more like a solemn pact: the shared commitment to be builders of peace and unity in our cities so that God could use us to build a new society here on earth.».

Sweden, Bishop Åke Bonnier’s testimony

Sep 6, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“Just after I was nominated Bishop of the Diocese of Skara (Sweden) in 2012, we decided to hold an ecumenical meeting in the Bishopry on Pentecost day, which is also the anniversary of the 1,000 years of the founding of the Diocese. This event,  inspired by Pope John Paul II and as oftentimes solicited also by the Catholic Bishop Anders, would reunite the representatives of the various churches and Christian movements in the diocese, following the example of other events the Catholic diocese had organised, precisely during the feast of the Pentecost. When I proposed the project, I was quite surprised to see that none of my new team members opposed the idea, but rather – all the directors felt that this experience would be an indispensable step to preparing our millennium celebrations. The reactions of the members of the various Churches, however, revealed to be a conquest.  Many were busy and out of town. Furthermore, the celebration would have coincided with the National Swedish Day. I discovered that Pentecost day plays an important role in the Orthodox tradition, and is a sort of “All Souls Day.” This meant that a single Orthodox member alone could represent the entire family of his Church. We sent the invitations way ahead of time and publicised the event several times. The effort was decisively fruitful. So the meeting was held, and more than 300 Christians of different churches and movements attended, among which, the Focolare Movement. The theme was “Let them speak a thousand tongues” (referring to the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 2 and to our 1,000th anniversary). Two of the main speeches were given by Swedish theologians like Ylva Eggehorn and Magnus Malm. On Pentecost morning, when I arrived at the Cathedral before the start of the program, many people had already assembled in Church. To my great joy I had the chance to greet the people I knew and meet new friends, comrades in faith. After a brief introduction on the morning’s program, we divided into mixed groups to discuss and reflect about the importance of prayer. The afternoon groups were based according to the cities of origin. The day ended with a celebration in the Skara cathedral. Many were struck by the possibility to meet, regardless of their various faiths and discovered that really we all have a lot in common. We could say that we all needed to communicate more with one another. The communities present were: the Swedish Lutheran Church, the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and some free churches. It was of no importance what Church we belonged to, what mattered was to meet, be together and share our experiences on prayer, and more. It was fundamental to spend this day as brothers and sisters, and beyond all things, with Jesus in our midst. The day instilled in me a new driving force towards the future and we can say that we have taken a step forward in our journey towards unity and that we will continue to walk with the Crucified and Resurrected Lord! Let me underline once again the motto of this meeting, which is a way to reach unity of the Church, unity in our diversity: “Let them speak a thousand tongues.”

Honour the Holy Spirit

Sep 5, 2014 | Non categorizzato

The Holy Spirit. I’d like to take up the same subject again today; so that by getting to know this “Unknown God” better, we may love, honour, and obey him. The Holy Spirit can do incredible things! Just look at the Apostles! The Church had been founded by Jesus on the cross, yet they were dumbfounded, hesitant, scared, hiding behind locked doors. Then the Holy Spirit came down upon them, and they were filled with courage. They went out into the streets and squares, and spoke with such fire, that people thought they were drunk. Later, they bravely faced persecution and set out to bring the Good News to the whole world. This is just one important example of what the Holy Spirit can do – not to mention all that he has done in the Church throughout her twenty centuries of life: miraculous outpourings of light, grace, transformation, and renewal. Think of the Councils, and of the various spiritual movements he raised up, always at just the right moment. Isn’t something of this sort also happening with us, because of the fact that the Holy Spirit has bestowed one of his charisms on us? Before this happened to change our lives, weren’t we just like all those people who don’t see beyond their own neighbourhood, whose thoughts and affections are limited almost exclusively to the small circle of their family; who are bent solely – as we were – on acquiring a profession, or on owning a car or a house. Then the Holy Spirit intervened and gave us this wonderful new life. He helped us break out of our own self-centeredness, and start thinking about our neighbour. He gave us hope – and often proof – that, with his help, many of the problems that afflict the world could be resolved.He gave us the courage to speak in front of crowds, which we would never have imagined possible. He also gave us the strength to spiritually – and often literally – leave behind, not only our own  neighbourhood, but our own country and our own culture, to bring the fire of his love to the ends of the earth. He gave us the strength, day after day, to overcome difficulty and misfortune; and often with joyful hearts. As a result, we have often experienced the Father’s extraordinary providence; and we have seen the fruits of our labour: many people all over the world, united in one big family. If, to a greater or lesser degree, things around us have changed for the better, this is the work of the Holy Spirit, who renews the face of the earth. Yes, for his task is to instil drive and motivation; to enable grace – the divine life Jesus has obtained for us – to operate in our lives; to give us strength and courage. Since we owe him so much, he should hold a much more prominent place in our spiritual lives. Last time we focused on the fact that the Holy Spirit lives in our souls; that we are his temples; and that each of us must listen to his voice speaking within us. He is also present in the soul of every neighbour we meet, who is also a temple of the Holy Spirit, or destined to be one. If this is so, don’t you think this is an added reason to love our neighbour even better? Just as we show the proper respect before a tabernacle where Jesus is present in the Eucharist; similarly, we must have proper respect for all our sisters and brothers, because they are tabernacles of the Holy Spirit. Here, then, is a thought to illuminate our path: Let’s honour the Holy Spirit, by loving, respecting, and serving every neighbour. Chiara Lubich (taken from Journey, Spiritual Insights, New City Press, New York 1984, pp.117-119.) Centro Chiara Lubich

Surviving after typhoon Yolanda

Sep 3, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Minx and Alfred, live in Kalibo, a Philippine island in the Province of Western Visayas, particularly affected by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), on 8 November 2013. Ever since they met the Focolare Movement, 29 years ago, their life has changed: “We started to serve God in every neighbour,” they tell us. “The day before the arrival of the typhoon – they recall – we were warned by radio and TV but we listened to the news as if it was one of the many already suffered in the past. Our 4 children were home for the holidays at the end of the semester in school so we were all together when the strong winds and the rains began. It was the first time we experienced such a powerful storm: the windows shook, the roof began to peel off piece by piece and the big mango tree in our garden was uprooted and fell without, thankfully, hitting the house. The water from the rain began to come in everywhere and flooded the entire house. When the second floor began to shake, we thought everything would be destroyed.” “In the midst of the disaster – Minx remembers – in my heart I said: ‘It is You, Lord, this tragedy is a face of your abandonment and I want to love you. Please, spare us all … ‘. That night, in the midst of darkness because of the black out, in bed, I thought about what surely must have happened to those who live in wooden houses. As the tears flowed, I prayed for them. Early in the morning, after seeing that we were all right, I went looking for our neighbours. There was only destruction and frightened faces everywhere. I tried to put aside my pain to welcome every suffering person I saw. A little girl, a friend of the family, weeping, told me: ‘Auntie Minx, we no longer have a home … paano na kami?’. Her innocent words broke my heart. I hugged her and I said, ‘Let’s not lose our love and faith in Jesus, let us pray and continue to love Him in others … Jesus will help us.’ Our prayer has been heard, because the next day aid started to arrive, first from family and friends and then from many parts of the world, through the Focolare. Now we even have a generator so we can carry on a small family business, given that the electricity has failed for many months. I tried to be always available at any time to give help. One of my sons said, ‘Mom, do you prefer to help others when we have nothing to repair our own house?’, because the water continued to come in when it rained. I reassured him: ‘Jesus will remember our kindness.’ After a few months we were surprised and happy because our house was included in the project of repair and reconstruction for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. It has now been repaired and even if other typhoons continue to arrive we feel more safe and secure. We are so grateful to God and to the Focolare, which has supported the project.” A reconstruction project for the victims of the typhoon. The Focolare Movement in the Philippines, with the support of Action for New Families (AFN) and the Association for a United World (AMU), is conducting a reconstruction project for 60 families. In Tacloban, 6 houses have been built and documents and permits are being prepared to begin construction of another 5; furthermore, a substantial contribution has been given to 7 families who had already begun work. In Baybay, a piece of new ground is being purchased on which to build. In Panay Island, in addition to the 5 houses already completed, another 7 are under construction, while negotiations are underway for the purchase of land on which twenty terraced houses will be built for families who did not own land. The houses are built with solid materials: concrete roofs with eaves, foundations and masonry walls, one or two floors (according to need), each one about 50 square metres in size. WHERE TO SEND YOUR DONATIONS: FOCOLARE MOVEMENT IN CEBU – see also Emergency Aid poster Payable to : Emergency Typhoon Haiyan Philippines METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST COMPANY Cebu – Guadalupe Branch 6000 Cebu City – Cebu, Philippines Tel: 0063-32-2533728 Bank Account name:  WORK OF MARY/FOCOLARE MOVEMENT FOR WOMEN Euro Bank Account no.:  398-2-39860031-7 SWIFT Code:  MBTCPHMM Payable to:  “Help Philippines– Typhoon Haiyan“ Email: focolaremovementcebf@gmail.com Tel. 0063 (032) 345 1563 – 2537883 – 2536407 New Families Movement (AZIONE per FAMIGLIE NUOVE Onlus) c/c bancario n° 1000/1060 BANCA PROSSIMA IBAN: IT 55 K 03359 01600 100000001060 Swift: BCITITMX

Sport and religions together for peace in the world

Sep 2, 2014 | Non categorizzato

In audience with Pope Francis

Maria Voce leads the opening of the Focolare General Assembly

Sep 2, 2014 | Non categorizzato

«I officially declare the Assembly open.” With these words Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement, gave the start signal on 1 September for the morning working session of the long awaited appointment in which the participants will discuss some fundamental issues of the life of the Movement and elect the President, the Co-president and general councilors for the next six years. The word of life of the month cites a phrase of Paul to the Romans: “Accept one another, just as Christ has accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Rm 15,7) and Maria Voce invited all those present to assume this attitude. It is a commitment which should not to be taken for granted, since many of those attending have arrived from every corner of the world, bringing with them the tragedies of populations at war, struck by natural disasters, and put to the test economically. Some messages were read, like that of the Evangelical Gerhard Pross, of the YMCA of Esslingen, who wrote: “I send you my warmest greetings on the occasion of your General Assembly. I am most aware of the importance of this moment for all of you: singly and all together as the Focolare Movement. I shall be with you in these days with a special prayer, and pray that the Holy Spirit be in your midst to guide you. » «Encouragement and support» also arrived from the Fon of Fonjumetaw (Camerun) «also on behalf of the “Fon-Friends” of the Focolare Movement». In his message he prayed that all would accept his best wishes «for the outcomes of this important spiritual meeting, aimed at bringing ahead Chiara’s heritage of mutual love for the achievement of universal brotherhood. » Dr. Walter Baier, Secretary General of the network of Leftist Europe intellectuals “Transform!europe,” wrote: “What unites us is the objective for a just, solid and fraternal humanity, in which differences are not considered divisions, but enrichment. […] I wish you would possess wisdom: so that you may translate your specific ideals into society today, and I ensure you that I am with you. » The participants were called to focus their attention on the “heritage” of the foundress, Chiara Lubich, who on many occasions, upon answering the question on the future of the Movement after her death, had answered, saying that she was absolutely sure that the presence of Jesus among those who loved one another in His name (Mt 18,20), would guide and bring ahead the Movement itself. On this premise, the first “operations” started off from the approval of the regulations of the Assembly. The spiritual retreat will take place from 2 to 4 September.

Living the Gospel: overcoming distrust

Sep 1, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“I work as a guard in a Church in Montevideo, and sometime ago, upon opening the door every morning I would always find a boy dressed in rags, who would enter the church with the typical beverage we drink here. My first reaction was one of suspicion and distrust, due to his appearance. I thought: “I hope he is not here to steal!” After some time, however, I remembered the Word of Life … so I started to greet him and speak to him. He told me that he was homeless. One morning, seeing that he was all neat and dressed with new clothes, I asked him if he had found a place to stay. “No,” he answered, “I wash myself in the square with soap the Ministry for Social Development distributes. I don’t like to be dirty.” Then he recounted that he was a Catholic and went to Church ”to speak with God.” He had received his First Communion as a child. So I said, “Why don’t you come to Mass and then speak to the priest.” From then on he started attending Mass every day. Since I had gained a bit of weight, I had many clothes that no longer fitted me. “Perhaps they would fit him” I thought. So I filled a bag and brought it to him. “Oh no, that’s too much!”he exclaimed on seeing the bag. “I need so little, since I live on the streets.” From then on also other people of the community started to help him, convinced that every man is “Christ in person.” It was then that this man, who was now a friend, managed to find a good job (he works really hard) and rent a room.”

J. B. (Montevideo – Uruguay)

«A few days ago, on my way to the market, I saw a woman rummaging through the garbage bins and selecting the things inside. I stopped for a moment to look at her. She then said “The rich people throw away so much… but these things are still useful.” She simultaneously showed me a pan, saying: “This is made of good material.” “You’re right!” – I answered, really surprised at what she had found. It was a good pan, you could see that it had been used, but it’s one of those things that last forever. So we continued our conversation. “… this could serve to make pudding, and that other thing to drain…” and we went on and on. She then showed me a holy picture of Our Lady which she had found in the garbage, together with a statue of Our Lady of the Valley, one of those tiny and really old lead statues of Our Lady.  “Do you know what this means for me?” – I said – “It means Our Lady is with you.”  “Yes!” she said. “God and Our Lady are always with me. They are always by my side.” Then on seeing that among the objects, there were plants that I liked, she shared them with me and asked me to choose a branch, and still another… On arriving home I put them in water so they would germinate and be transplanted. In my heart I prayed:  “Thank you Jesus for allowing me to meet you out in the streets. Thank you for coming to see me. Please do not tire of looking for me, if I do not search for You in the outskirts of life.” T.S. (Cordoba – Argentina)

A temporary focolare in the Holy Land

Aug 30, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“Arriving in the Holy Land at the end of July when the broadcasts on TV were full of dramatic events, was described by many as just plain crazy! This project of a “temporary Focolare,” that is, a one-month Focolare in Palestine, was supposed to be undertaken in spring, when all was calm. But then weeks before our departure, the situation plunged: “What shall we do?” we wondered. And the answer was: “This is the right time to go, on the other hand, to bear witness to love that overcomes fear.”  Surely the Focolare’s ten-year presence in that region was our warranty. And so, on 30 July we settled in a small apartment in Bethlehem. Waking up in the city of Jesus’ birth was really very impressive. “Is this a dream?” we wondered. Soon we started visiting the families, priests, and the youth: all were surprised and happy to see two men focolarini from Italy, and a third who came from Jerusalem to stay with them. As in the Mariapolis in Nazareth, there had also been strong encounters  with a big number of participants (despite the situation), where we received a letter with photos from the members of the community residing in Gaza, who could not physically attend. Then on 8 August, right in the midst of the battles, we held an interreligious meeting in Jerusalem with Christian Arabs and Jewish friends together with Muslims: the objective was to pray for peace. It turned out to be a really poignant moment of “intense light” in the black night of the war. A Rabbi surprised us all with his really moving prayer for the children of Gaza. There were 80 participants in all, a tiny miracle, given the situation. We felt the deep change in three aspects: pain, love and prayer. The first, the pain for the stories we heard, aspirations to be a State, and for a true and lasting peace, water freedom of movement a better future for our children and above all, the aspiration to live in harmony and peace with all our neighbours. The second element was love: we have received so much love in these three weeks! Much more than what we gave. And the third, prayer: long moments, at times entire days passed in silence, praying for all those dying and those shooting; a there was also prayer for the arrival of mutual forgiveness in this blood-soaked land. The characteristic of the whole experience was life in the midst of the population lost in the crowd. Not being in a comfortable apartment in the big city, we learned to ration water which was scarce, for example. This is practically part of the life of the Palestinians. We wanted to and are still experiencing what it is like to pass through the check-points,  what it means to smile and greet a soldier with a machine gun on his shoulder; or to be nice to an old lady, trying to sell her mint plants under the burning sun. In all these things we felt God’s presence. And you could feel God in the Holy Land walking at your side once again, down these roads. We lived this experience with all those who are here to contribute to making Jesus’ dream come true: ‘that all may be one’ (John 17,21). That prayer which Chiara Lubich gave her life for. The day will come when the united world will dawn on the Holy Land: it will be the world of mutual forgiveness, the true water that will quench this thirst for peace. And on that day, all of us together will have to be here to continue loving.”

Luigi Butori (Italy)

General Assembly of the Focolare Movement about to start

Aug 27, 2014 | Non categorizzato

The Mariapolis Centre in Castelgandolfo, Rome, will gather 494 world representatives of the Focolare Movement; they will come from different geographical regions. These are lay and consecrated persons, adults and young people, men and women, an expression of the diversity that characterizes the Movement. Another 49 participants belong to other Christian Churches. Also invited are members of other religions and persons of no religious affiliation. Focolare Communities all over the world have participated very extensively in the preparation for this event, and this resulted in a number of reflections and proposals being tabled for an assembly which is expected to give its views on key topics relating to the life of the entire Movement. The introductory part of the Movement’s General Statute states that “the norm of norms, the premise to every other rule” is mutual love, as this is the base for the action of Holy Spirit; and it is this  the “logic” that guided all consultations made in preparing for this Assembly. This preparatory work has brought to the surface questions, challenges and demands that show the vitality of the life of the Focolare people. Matters that have emerged in a very particular way are loyalty towards the Movement’s charismatic identity, attention to young people, to the elderly and to families, and the need to look beyond the Movement and move towards the pains of humanity, offering privileged care to those gripped by the most diverse needs. Therefore, here is a call for further action, together with an adequate and updated spiritual formation, in line with the spirituality of communion typical of the charism of the Focolare Movement, so that Jesus himself, present among those united in His name, (cf. Mt 18, 20), may walk in the streets to meet the men and women of today. Contributions from the preparatory work have been summarized into twelve major themes. During the Assembly these will be discussed by the groups of participants and in plenary sessions so as to direct the Movement in the coming years. After a few days of spiritual retreat and some work, the Assembly will elect the President, the Co-President and the general councillors for the next six years. The participants will be received by Pope Francis  at the Vatican. The General Assembly is the main governing body of the Focolare Movement and ordinarily meets every six years.

Angels with only one wing: the challenge EOC in Mexico

Aug 26, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“The Economy of Communion is a different way of thinking, feeling and acting!” Galo Pozo, a business consultant in Ecuador, doesn’t mince his words in defining the EOC project, inviting the young participants to “risk their lives, in the best possible sense, for this project.” Galo Pozo seems to be saying these things first of all to himself: he is one of them, one of the participants at the Economy of Communion (EOC), “Summer School” which was held from 11^th -15^th  August in “El Diamante“(“The Diamond”) , the little town of the Focolare a few kilometres from Puebla, Central Mexico. Pozo is one of them because, as Luigino Bruni, Coordinator of the International Commission of the EOC, said, “Here there are no teachers or students, but people who learn from each other in communion.” And so 60 people, including students, entrepreneurs and specialists of the Economy of Communion flocked from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador as well as from France, Switzerland and Italy, in order to deepen the different aspects of the theory and practice of this economic project. The school’s programme included plenary lectures thanks to the contributions of the aforementioned Bruni and Gozo, but also Swiss economist Luca Crivelli, Anouk Grevin from France and Brazilian entrepreneur Armando Tortelli (members of the International Commission EOC). There were visits to the concrete realities in the area that already operate  in the spirit of the Economy of Communion, like the Santa Maria School, in the nearby town of Actipan, which gives a strong witness of what can be done: in a context of extreme poverty and degradation of all kinds,  a school was established, attended today by boys and girls from different social and economic conditions, who enjoy an harmonious coexistence. Here the whole school community is actively involved, starting from the families, they all teach and each learns what is most important in life, experiencing a fullness as people in all dimensions: physical, intellectual, psychological and spiritual. A concrete application that shows how our behaviour in corporate life, characterized by creativity, innovation and a strong love for the poor, can really transform the reality that surrounds us. The moments of communion and sharing of experiences were fundamental, and helped to create networks of collaboration among all, in order to strengthen and develop each one’s  business ventures, their heartfelt  “dreams”. The initiatives which have emerged because of  the centrality given to the communion of goods, social commitment and the centrality of the person include: digital platforms to find funding, production of clothing, art galleries, a training school for trades, online shops. “We came here with very different ideas, professions and national realities”, write the young people in their Final Manifesto, “The Economy of Communion invites us to look at all these differences with fresh eyes and beyond borders, to perceive the multiple dimensions of poverty and to engage freely in changing the world every day. (…) Not allowing ourselves to be limited by borders, we want to find alternatives to the current economic model which does not respond to our deep desire for a just and more fraternal society, where love is the greatest instrument of transformation. We are “angels with only one wing” that in order to fly must embrace one another.”

Experiences from Iraq / 2

Aug 25, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Photo: S. Baldwin/UNHCR

The Amazon Project continues

Aug 24, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“Words cannot express the great joy and the change that I feel.”; “These days have marked my life”. These are the spontaneous impressions of two young people, Eduardo from Abaetetuba and Leticia from Curupaiti del Parà (Northern Brazil), after an intense week spent with “Amazone Project”. Initiated by the  Focolare Movement, the project hopes to be an answer to the appeal launched by the Bishops of Brazil to the different expressions of the Church for the evangelization of this vast piece of land, where Catholics are decreasing in number, the priests are few, while there is an increase in membership in the sects. Abaetetuba is one of the cities at the center of this project. Immersed in the forest, it rises on the shores of the Maratauira River.  It is spread among 72 islands where half of its 150,000 inhabitants live. The majority of the population has to face many difficulties daily due to their great poverty, but these people are gifted with a joyful character and a strong fighting spirit, always ready to give to others the best that they have to offer.  The 45 “missionaries” of the Focolare, coming from all over Brazil, together with the members of the Movement in that place and the parishioners of three communities, went from house to house (around 1,900 people), receiving a warm welcome wherever they went. “When visiting a family,” Laiane of Maranhão shared, “I met a woman who was going through a huge trial: during those days a young boy was killed, her neighbour whom she considered as her son. She took care of him since he was small and she did everything to help him to overcome his drug problem, without success. She greatly needed someone to listen to her. When we greeted each other as I was leaving, she didn’t stop thanking me: “You have been a gift from God”. “In another family I found a paralyzed elderly man. I gave him the Word of life of that month: ‘I am with you everyday, up to the end of the world’; I met his gaze: he agreed with all his heart”. “Sometimes I let myself be defeated by the difficulties, but listening to these people I was struck by by how their faith helps them to overcome very big problems”, Eduardo affirmed. The “Project Amazons” is not only evangelization in the spiritual sense, but concrete service. “In partnership with government agencies  – Natalia (Rio de Janeiro) and Manuela (Sergipe, Northeast) shared –  we have collaborated in a social action to respond to the request for documents for those seeking employment, to facilitate access to health services and the participation in social programs of the government”. This project has been going on for eight years now. There have been many fruits: revitalization of the community, a growth in the relationship with the civil authorities, a new protagonism of the population for the social and spiritual development of the city.