Congo: The Gospel lived in the midst of armed conflict

Mar 28, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Nord-Kivu (Nord-Kivu (DRC). The inhabitants of Rutshuru lived as if they were hostages up to the time that the rebels were defeated. Freed from their presence, about a hundred members of the Focolare Movement were able to meet after a long time, at Rutshuru (North-Kivu). For the ocassione of the Mariapolis, they also arrived from Goma and Kinshasa. They wrote us: “Now, the fear and tension on the faces of the inhabitants, are gradually giving way to a new hope”.

J. S. works in a hospital as a nurse. In her department of orthopedics she saw many cases arriving of those who were wounded during the war or urgent emergency cases. This is her experience:

“One evening we admitted a woman to our hospital. She was about to give birth to twins and she was bleeding profusely. Since it was an extremely urgent case, she was admitted directly to the operating room. The doctors did all they could to save her and her two infants. But unfortunately what they feared happened: the woman died a few days after the birth of her two children, a baby girl and a baby boy. The father said that he would not be able to raise them without their mother, and also he did not have the means necessary to do so. When the doctor came to our orthopedics department and shared to us this information, I felt a great pity for these babies. I remembered that point of the spirituality of unity that we are trying to live in the whole Movement this year: the love of neighbour; and these babies seemed to me like the suffering face of Jesus in person

I said to myself that something must be done immediately. I thought: “Five months ago I had a baby girl, so I cannot take more than one of the babies.” But I had not yet spoken to my husband, who obviously had to agree with me. So I went home and I told my parents about this proposal of mine regarding this adoption. Everyone agreed with joy! Even our little child, seeing another baby, didn’t want to be breastfed anymore… We took this as a sign of welcome on her part, towards her new little sister.

Three days later, urged on by my example, another nurse offered to adopt the baby boy. My joy was immense! Together we went to the Town Hall to legitimize the adoptions. We gave the name: ‘Hope’ to the baby girl who became part of our family”.

As a confirmation,  Mons.Théophile Kaboy, Bishop of Goma, commented during his homily at the concluding Mass of the Mariapolis: “Hatred and death will never have the last word”.

Recife. The Chiara Lubich Chair

Mar 27, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Fraternity, in this case, is not “a romantic or solely religious value, but an appeal to the intelligence, a concrete project that accepts the risk of history,” of a country, of Brazil, which is “marked by serious inequalities, but also emerging as a country that occupies a strategic position in the world.” These were the opening words of Jesuit Pedro Rubens, Rector of UNICAP describing the significance of the Chair. Prof Paolo Muniz, Director of the Asces Faculty (the project partner) added: “These universities now turn their reflection and research to the work of Chiara Lubich who, aside from being a great spiritual leader, is also an inspirer of a new light that illuminates all fields of human knowledge.” Focolare president, Maria Voce was invited to give the opening address at the event, which was the heart of her visit to Brazil. During her presentation she described the anthropological vision of the human person that emerges from the spirituality of Chiara, which is firmly rooted in Scripture. Voce began by asking who the human person is. In answering this question, she examined the dynamic of Love in the Triune God, the reflection of this love in human life and in the cosmos and the call to be “Love-in-relation”. She recalled that “we are, if we are the other” which means “being empty of ourselves,” “total gift of ourselves.” The lifestyle that springs from this dynamic provides the “fertile ground for authentic humanism, concrete fraternity.” The Bishop of Palmares, Dom Gerival Saraiva, highlighted the social dimension of knowledge, which can be understood in more concrete terms thanks to projects such as this. The thought of Chiara Lubich has been the object of study and research in several universities, and in several different academic areas. The Focolare founder received 16 honorary doctorates and degrees, the 1996 UNESCO Peace Education Award, and the 1998 European Council’s Human Rights Award. In honour of the occasion, Cidade Nova published a new book entitled: Fraternidade e Humanismo: uma leitura interdisciplinare do pensamento de Chiara Lubich (Fraternity and Humanism: an interdisciplinary approach to the thought of Chiara Lubich).   For further reading: Opening Address by Maria Voce in Italian At the Catholic University of Recife, the Chiara Lubich Chair for fraternity and humanism – Radio Vaticana Universidades lançam Cátedra sobre fraternidade e humanismo – Cidade Nova UNICAP cria a catedra Chiara Lubich de fraternidade e humanismo – Rede Globo http://www.catedrachiaralubich.org/ Follow the journey on the  Mariapolis Journal – login required

International Happiness Day

Mar 26, 2014 | Non categorizzato

On July 12, 2012, the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 20th as International Happiness Day. UNRIC Italy has decided to bring this to the public’s attention with the help of Professor Luigino Bruni, Professor of Political Economy at the LUMSA University of Rome, and global coordinator of the Economy of Communion project which was launched by Chiara Lubich in Brazil (1991).  The project currently includes over 1000 businesses worldwide. The Economy of Communion proposes that entrepreneurs share business profits with development projects in different parts of the world, which is based on a model of reciprocity and gift. Prof. Bruni, you were one of the first to re-launch an Italian rendition of happiness that is different from the one that comes from the United States. Can you explain more about what lies beneath this vision of happiness? “The most distant origins of the notion of happiness are found in the ancient Greek and Roman culture, especially in Aristotle who had linked happiness to the virtues and had distinguished it from pleasure. It was a concept which today we would have to translate as “human blossoming” because it goes back to the idea that happiness is a general state of existence. The Greeks had understood that only the virtuous man could become happy by cultivating the virtues, even in the face of bad luck. This is where our responsibility begins, because it is possible to say that the main protagonist of my happiness (and unhappiness) is me, and not the external events which certainly are a burden on my wellbeing, but never decisive in determining my happiness.” Where does the idea of happiness in economic science come from? “Italian economists and philosophers from the 1700s placed happiness at the centre of their reflections on economy and civil life. They were thinking in Roman and Medieval terms of public happiness and then the common good. Throughout the 1800s the Italian school of economy was known for its focus on happiness as the main object of its study. Therefore, it is not surprising that Italian economists today are among the protagonists of the new movement on Economy and Happiness, which was re-launched in the 1970s. It mostly focused on the link between happiness and social relations, an obvious reference to the ancient tradition of felicitas publica.”  Which aspects would you say are most relevant for civil and economic life today? “The first element that seems of particular relevance to the state of the economy and the society today is the profound relationship between happiness and virtue. In a culture that underscores hedonistic pleasure and recreation as the values matched with happiness, the ancient Italian tradition of the felicitas publica invites us to keep in mind that no good individual nor social life exist without the cultivation of excellence and therefore the commitment to sacrifice. Secondly, in a phase of the West in which narcissism is becoming an actual pandemic, the tradition of public happiness reminds us of the unavoidable link between the good life and social relations. You can never be truly happy alone, because happiness at its roots is something relational.” Source: www.unric.org

Living the Gospel: Being generous with each other

Mar 25, 2014 | Non categorizzato

The blood

The car in front of me skidded, hit a wall and overturned. I was able to brake in time. There were people helping the wounded: an elderly lady, a little boy and a youth. But no one wanted to bring them to the hospital for fear of being accused of causing the accident. So in my case, even if the sight of blood would often cause me to faint, I took courage and loaded them into my car. Before the hospital would accept them they asked for a deposit, but they had no money. So I signed a cheque and made sure that the wounded were well cared for, happy that I was able to overcome my emotions, but above all because I was able to do something for my brothers in need.

M. S.-Argentina

Beyond tiredness

Many times, when I arrive home, I feel the emptiness that the death of my wife has left and I would prefer just to remain alone, peaceful; but I felt that I had to forget myself and increase the relationship with my children. It is difficult to be both father and mother. The other evening, coming home from work, I realized that everyone was still awake: I would have wanted to rest, but instead I started to play with them, forgetting my tiredness. To my surprise, one of them, with whom the relationship has always been difficult, came to me and with affection sat on my lap. He never did this before.

S. R.-Usa

Chocolates

I brought as box of chocolates for some of my very dear friends. In return they wanted to give me an even bigger box: “For your daughters”. On the bus, while I was on my way home, a gypsy couple came in with a child who was maybe five years old. The little girl was looking at my box of chocolates longingly. In the beginning I pretended not to look at her. But I was not peaceful. “Jesus help me to understand what I should do”. Precisely in that moment the litle girl came to me and held out her hand towards the chocolate. I couldn’t refuse and so I gave them to her. But as I went down from the bus I was a little disappointed that I was going home empty-handed. But as soon as I arrived home, my wife told me that a friend passed by to greet her and left a big basket of sweets. I was speechless and very happy.

W.U. – Rome

Taken from: Il Vangelo del giorno (The Gospel of the Day) , Città Nuova Publishing House

Off to Brazil!

Mar 23, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Stages of the journey  Brazil has the fifth most powerful economy in the world. It covers 8.5 million square kilometers, and its nearly 200 million inhabitants, descendants of European and Asian immigration and indigenous peoples, as well as other immigrants from every part of the planet, all speak a single language: Portuguese. It is a country the size of a continent, with varied climatic and geographical conditions, enormous natural resources and a powerful potential for growth. It is a country that is also marked by huge social contrasts, which are growing somewhat less, thanks in part to the efforts of the last governments. It faces the challenges of a young democracy, of a nation that has emerged from military dictatorship less than thirty years ago.

Mariapoli Ginetta

Chiara and Religions: Weavers of Unity

Mar 21, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Some words of Grand Buddhist Master Ajahn Thong became rather famous when Chiara Lubich accepted his invitation to share her Christian experience at a monastery in Thailand (1997): “When we are in darkness and someone brings us a light, we don’t ask whether the person is a man or a woman, young or old [and so it is with Chiara who] will speak to us of the light she has discovered.” What took place today was not merely a commemoration, but a step into the future, rooted in the experience begun by Chiara Lubich and now shared by many, despite their individual differences. Roberto Catalano from the Focolare’s centre for interreligious dialogue called it: “a choral witness that testifies to a common decision and commitment. We’ve been meeting in many parts of the world, discovering that we can become brothers and sisters. We are called to continue this path together, making it real in our daily lives.” The audience of 500 guests included 250 people who had previously attended a three-day interreligious convention at the Mariapolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo. Among these there was a group from 8 religions who had attended a private audience with Pope Francis prior to the general audience of March 19, 2014. Iranian Muslim theologian Shahrzad Houshmand remarked: “He’s a fatherly figure who increased the brotherhood among us.” She also presented a letter to the Pope in the name of all the Muslims attending the Focolare gathering, in which they expressed their “profound love and respect for him and for his outreached hand towards Muslims around the world”. Hindu Professor Kala Acharya said that she gladly welcomed the Pope’s invitation to continue this journey without ever stopping: ‘For us too, the joy of the journey is more important than reaching the destination.’” Then the Pope turned to all of them and said: “Pray for me.” Enriched by this experience, later in the afternoon, the interreligious convention opened its doors to the public. The venue chosen was the Pontifical Urbaniana University, which is known for its interest in world cultures and religions. The title of the gathering was: “Chiara and Religions”, but it could equally have been called Chiara and different religious paths. In her address, Focolare president Maria Voce stated: “Among her outstanding skills, perhaps the one that spoke most to today’s world was dialogue. Chiara had intuited that the path of the human family could be a different one, one directed towards peace. However, the condition for this would be a radical change of mentality, because ‘not only is the other person not a threat to me – but a gift!’” What was Chiara’s secret? Maria Voce explained it like this: “Love, the love which Chiara who was a Catholic discovered in the Gospel and in Jesus. But she also found the presence of love in other faiths and cultures.” This presence of love transforms a “potential clash of civilizations into an authentic encounter of men and women from different cultures and religions.” Cardinal Arinze (once president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue) presented the impact of Chiara’s charism on dialogue: “The focolarini and focolarine are a people on the march, in communion, on the move. They go out to the peripheries: they go out, encounter, dialogue, listen and collaborate.” The day concluded with a series of testimonies from Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Jews: Dr Waichiro Izumita, Japanese Buddhist from the Risho Kosei Kai; and Thailandese monk Phra Thongrattana Thavorn who prefers to be known by the name given to him by Chiara – Luce Ardente (Burning Light). He told of his first personal meeting with Chiara: “I was overwhelmed by her, by her eyes, her simplicity, concern and respect for who I was, her deep listening, that indescribable atmosphere. . . She talked to me about her Christian life, about her charism of unity. . . I also felt like one of her children, also because of the light that I received and the zeal to spread the light of unity among all.” Rabbi David Rosen from Jerusalem: “The commandment to love God invites us to follow the example of Abraham: to behave in such a way that God is also loved by others.  This is what we see in the Focolare Movement.” Then spoke Imam Ronald Shaheed from the Mosque of Milwaukee and close collaborator of Imam W D Mohammed; and Ahmer Al-Hafi, professor of Comparative Religions in Jordan: “Chiara has helped me to understand the Koran in all of its deepest senses. I understood from Chiara that love is the essence of God, and that the religion of love is one.” Vinu Aram, Hindu and honorary President of the Religions for Peace Assembly, met Chiara when she was a teenager and Chiara was a friend of her parents. As an adult she discovered Chiara’s great message, which now continues to inspire her on her journey to “build a more united world, a world in which everyone can feel at home.”

(C) CSC Media

Together in dialogue with the world

Mar 19, 2014 | Non categorizzato

In her opening statement at the interreligious convention held in Castel Gandolfo on March 17, 2014 Maria Voce remarked: “Chiara Lubich had always wanted to see a gathering such as this, but it was never possible during her lifetime.” Voce went on to say: “Today we have the joy of knowing that she is watching us from Heaven, seeing us gathered here as brothers and sisters with such a wide array of customs, ethnicities, cultures, faiths and traditions.” Voce called it a solemn occasion for several reasons, but especially because it was the first time that Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Shintoists and members of Tenriism had joined together to meet.

The meeting was the result of years of commitment to deepening mutual understanding, “becoming friends and then brothers and sisters.” Voce described the steps that have been taken along this path since her election six years ago. The initial fears and concerns were legitimate: What would ever become of this dialogue after Chiara’s death? But only two months following Voce’s election a gathering of Christians and Muslims took place, which  was followed by a gathering with traditional religions in Cameroon, Africa; Jews in Jerusalem and Hindus.

Voce stressed that this journey of dialogue was the result of a charismatic experience: “We must thank each of you for your great faith in God and for the friendship that joins us. But we must be especially grateful for the gift of dialogue that Chiara led us to. Thanks to this mutual trust we have been able to continue the journey along the path traced out by her and others, who with their own religious faith gave life to this experience of dialogue: Reverend Nikkyo Niwano, Imam Barkat, Dr Aram and his wife Minota and others.”

During the six years since her election Maria Voce has visited Focolare communities in lands where Christians are a minority. In Asia: “I was impressed by how Hindus and Buddhists felt like full-fledged members of our family. We weren’t so much in dialogue with each other, but together in dialogue with the world”.

In these communities she met Christians, Jews and Muslims who are praying and working for peace; and she was touched by their daily experiences, reaching out to people who were different from themselves.

In Buenos Aires she met with Jewish communities and in Algeria she found a Focolare community that was totally comprised of Muslims. In Tlemcen she said she saw a “Muslim expression of the Movement inspired by the Ideal of Chiara. We were truly the same family.” Now this experience is spreading to other countries.”

“This is certainly a deep experience, not easy to convey and not without some questions. . . . But it witnesses to the fact that unity in distinction is truly possible, but you need courage to experience it.”

Chiara and Religions: On a pilgrimage towards the truth

Mar 17, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Buddhist-Christian Symposium at Castel Gandolfo (2012)

The opening session will take place at Castelgandolfo. Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Shintoists and members of Tenrikyo, hailing from various parts of the world will be participating. There will be 23 Jews from Israel, USA, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico and Europe; 69 Muslims, Shiites and Sunnis from the Maghreb and Middle East, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Europe and USA; 34 Buddhists of the Therevada and Mahayana traditions from Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Italy: 19, Hindu from India.

This is an unprecedented event in the history of dialogue of the Focolare Movement. In fact, in past years various symposia have been organized, but the mutual understanding and reflection took place between Christianity and one other religion (Muslim – Christian, Christian – Buddhist, Jewish – Christian, etc). This will be the first time that a plurality of religious traditions will find themselves together and highlight the richness of this dialogue, one of the most relevant aspects of Chiara Lubich’s charism of unity, thus taking up her call to “aim at keeping our sight on the one Father of many children” and then to “look at all men as  children of One Father”. Brothers and sisters of different faiths –  a varied piece of mosaic composed over the years in the Focolare Communities around the world will be together on the path of dialogue.

 The programme at Castelgandolfo will consist of moments of dialogue and of witness in homogeneous groups according to religion or in plenary sessions, allowing participants to open up to a 360⁰ dialogue, thus going beyond what is specific, without ignoring the inevitable difficulties and the reflections that matured in the course of time.

When confronted with new challenges that arise from history, current politics and economy and from the collective imagination, the path of interreligious dialogue does not appear only as a challenge, but as a “pilgrimage towards the truth”.

 This is the perspective of the conference, “Chiara and Religions. Together towards the unity of the human family”, to be held in honour of Chiara Lubich in Rome, at the Aula Magna of the Pontifical Urban University, at the conclusion of a meeting held at Castelgandolfo. It will take place on Thursday, March 20.

The conference  will offer a public and plural witness of Chiara Lubich. The  speakers will be the Buddhist monks Phramaha Thongratana Tavorn and the Rev. Waichiro Izumita, Dr. Vinu Aram, Hindu; Imam Ronald Shaheed and Prof. Amer Al Hafi, Muslims; Rabbi David Rosen, Jew. Cardinal Francis Arinze and Maria Voce, the current president of the Focolare Movement will open the conference.

Chiara Lubich

Mar 14, 2014 | Non categorizzato

On December 7, 1943, the young teacher, Silvia Lubich, would never have imagined that a few decades later so many personalities from the civil and religious worlds – including four popes – would have spoken quite striking words about her and her spiritual family.

She didn’t have any idea what she would live and see during the 88 years of her life. She didn’t have any idea that millions of people would follow her. She didn’t know that she would reach 182 nations with her ideal.

Could she ever have thought that she would inaugurate a new season of communion in the Church and that she would open channels of ecumenical dialogue that had never before been used?

Much less could she have imagined that her spiritual family would welcome in the faithful of other religions and people without any religious affiliation. Quite the contrary: She never thought of starting a movement.

On that 7th December 1943 Sylvia only had the sentiments of a beautiful young woman in love with her God with whom she was entering into a marriage pact, sealing it with three red carnations. That was all she wanted. Could she have imagined the crowds of people of all ages, race, and background who would follow her on her trips around the world and address her simply as “Chiara” (a name she chose in honour of the beloved saint from Assisi)?

Could she ever have imagined in her small little city of Trent that her mystical intuitions would create a culture of unity for a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious society? Chiara Lubich was a pioneer of her time. As a lay woman in the Church she had proposed themes and openings that were only later taken up by Vatican II. In a global society she pointed the way to universal brotherhood when no one was speaking of civilizations drawing closer to each other. She respected life and searched for the meaning of suffering. She traced out a way of religious and civil holiness that can be practiced by anyone and not reserved for only a chosen few.

In 1977, at the Eucharistic Congress in Pescara, she stated: “The pen doesn’t know what it must write, the brush doesn’t know what it must paint, and the chisel doesn’t know what it must sculpt. When God takes someone into his hands in order to raise a new work in his Church, the person chosen doesn’t know what she should do. She’s just the instrument. And I think that this might be the case with me.”

And then she adds: “There were so many fruits and such wide spreading that seemed disproportionate to any human planning or effort. There were also many crosses, but also much fruitfulness. The human instruments that God uses generally have a thing or two in common; they’re small and weak. . . As these move in God’s hands, the Lord shapes them through countless joyful and sorrowful means. In this way He renders them more and more suited to the task they are to perform. Until they come to a deep awareness of themselves and an intuition about God that is certainty. With confidence they are able to say: I’m nothing; God is everything. When this adventure began in Trent, Italy, I didn’t have a plan, I knew nothing. The idea of the Movement was in God, and the plan was in Heaven.”

The Focolare Movement began with Chiara Lubich. She was born on 22 January 1920 in Trent, Italy. She died on 14 March 2008 in Rocca di Papa, Italy, surrounded by her people.

The news quickly spread to the members of her spiritual family around the world, who were united in prayer.

In the days that followed thousands of people, from plain working men to political and religious leaders began to arrive in Rocca di Papa to honour her. The funeral was held in the Roman Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, but was unable to hold the huge crowd that had arrived (over 40,000 people). Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone presided at the Eucharistic Celebration which was con-celebrated by 9 cardinals, 40 bishops and hundreds of priests. Cardinal Bertone read the message sent by Benedict XVI in which the Pope described Chiara as a “Woman of intrepid faith, a meek messenger of hope and peace”.

Some words spoken by Chiara resounded among the crowd: “At the end of time, when the Work of Mary is prepared in its compact unity to appear before the forsaken and risen Jesus, I would like it to be able to say: On your day, my God, I shall come to you. . . . I shall come to you, my God. . . . with my wildest dream come true: to bring you the world in my arms. That all may be one!”

March 14th with Chiara Lubich

Mar 14, 2014 | Non categorizzato

In the current extensive public discussion concerning the contribution of women to the life of the Church the name Chiara Lubich often comes up because of her spiritual, intellectual, and practical legacy. On March 14, the sixth anniversary of her passing, that challenging legacy still inspires those who remember her. In Pretoria, South Africa, Dr Kobus Gerber, General Secretary of the Dutch Reformed Church, will reflect on her contributions to ecumenical dialogue.  Similar events will take place in Perth and Melbourne, Australia. In view of the upcoming Synod on the Family, Chiara’s passion for the family will be the central focus of events in Luxembourg and Spain. In Perugia, Italy, Mayor Waldimiro Boccali will name a street after a teenager inspired by Lubich, Blessed Chiara Luce Badano. A similar ceremony will take place in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where an exhibit, “Chiara Lubich, Protagonist of New Times” will be mounted in the Hall of the Municipal Council.. There will be book presentations, concerts, and other cultural events throughout Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa. In small communities and in large metropolises many will pause to thank God for the gift of Chiara Lubich to the human family. In Sydney, Australia Cardinal George Pell will lead the community celebration, as will Archbishop John Dew in Wellington, New Zealand, and   Archbishop Jan Graubner in Olomuc, the Czech Republic. The Muslim Noor Center in Toronto, Canada, will host a discussion of her contribution to interreligious dialogue. On March 20, at Rome’s  Pontifical Urbaniana University, several prominent representatives from a range of world religions who knew Chiara will share their impressions at a conference entitled “Chiara and Religions, Moving Together Towards the Unity of the Human Family.” The event will conclude in Castel Gandolfo with an interreligious symposium among Christians and faithful of other religious traditions, including Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Shintoists,  and Sikhs. On this, her sixth anniversary, the preliminary phase of the Cause of Beatification of Chiara Lubich will begin.  On December 7, 2013 Focolare President Maria Voce made the formal request to open the process to Raffaello Martinelli, Bishop of Frascati. Voce commented, “This invites all of us to greater holiness, to build it up each day in our daily lives, in order to allow a ‘holiness of the people’ to emerge, which is what Chiara always sought to promote.”

Gratitude

Mar 13, 2014 | Non categorizzato

I love you
not because I learned to tell you so,
not because my heart suggests these words to me,
not so much because faith
makes me believe that you are love,
not even for the sole reason that
you died for me.

I love you
because you entered into my life
more than the air in my lungs,
more than the blood in my veins.
You entered
where no one could enter
when no one could help me
every single time no one
could console me.

Each day I have spoken to you.
Each hour I have looked to you
and in your face
I read the answer,
in your words
the explanation,
in your love
the solution.

I love you
because for so many years
you have lived with me
and I
have lived of You.
I drank from your law
and I did not realize it.

I nourished myself on it,
gathered strength,
I was restored,
but I was unaware
like a child suckling at its mother’s breast
but not yet knowing how to call her
with that sweet name.

Let me be grateful
— at least a little —
in the time that is left to me
for the love
you have poured upon me
and that has compelled me
to tell you:
I love you.

Chiara Lubich

“Essential Writings”, New City Press, New York 2007, pp132-133.

A year with Pope Francis

Mar 13, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Congo. Amani, the Language of Peace

Mar 12, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“Our land has been devastated by 20 years of civil wars, boy soldiers, violence, exploitation of natural resources, no proactive politics. We are young people who have never known peace. Is there any way we can respond to this challenge? And will our parents, friends and regional authorities be willing to follow us in this crazy adventure?” These ideas led to the formation of a group of Congolese young people who wanted to hold a festival that would send a message using the language of art that would reach highest international levels. A petition was also sent to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon.

“Our land is fertile, water is abundant and the subsoil a gift from God: North Kivu could be an earthly paradise. We young people would like to build it.” They called it their mission. Two years went into preparations and on February 14-16, 2014, the Amani Festival was held in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (amani means peace in Swahili). They sang of their suffering and hope, proclaiming their message to an audience of 25,000 people: politicians, international representatives and UN peacekeepers.

Young people from the Focolare Movement were among the promoters and animators of the event. Belamy Paluku is from the Gen Fire Band in Goma, and in charge of the artistic performances. He states: This festival has been the realization of a great dream: to gather many people and proclaim a message of unity together being advocates of the forgotten people in society. Not only did these artists offer their own points of view, but they come from countries that are at war with one another, and they gave a strong witness of brotherhood and peace from the same stage. I hope this will be the beginning of a new step.”

Many participated in the preparation of the festival, both onstage and behind the scenes. There were those who churned out biscuits and gouffres, those who served the food and those who served the drinks. Everyone worked hard and friendly smiles were everywhere,” says Jean Claude Wenga, who was in charge of communications at the festival.

“I wanted to see what was happening in the culture outside my country and how we might build relationships through cultural exchange,” explains Aurelia from the Focolare, “that’s why I wanted to take part in this event.”

Even adults were not indifferent to the event: “Andre Katoto, the father from one local family commented: “Amani means peace. With this festival we wanted to celebrate peace here in our region.”

Haiti: Towards a culture of encounter

Mar 8, 2014 | Non categorizzato

After a year of preparation from a distance via internet, five experts coming from different countries (Argentina, Perù and Cuba), arrived in Haiti two days ahead of the beginning of the Seminar, so as to get to know and to immerse themselves in the reality of the people and of the local Church. “We visited Radio-Tele Soleil – they shared – which transmits from a temporary office at Port Au Prince, since the building of the Archbishop’s House, wher ethey used to have their office, was destroyed by the earthquake. In that disaster unfortunately some of their collaborators lost their life. Theirs is the most important Catholic broadcasting station, with a national coverage. We were able to visit also the city center of Port Au Prince, with the Cathedral that is sstill in ruions but which remains as the symbol of the suffering of this people. It was a strong experience, which helped us in the succeeding days to establish relationships in an adequate way with the persons we met.”   “From the life of the Word to the need to communicate. Towards a true culture of encounter”. With this title, from February 17 to 23, the Interdiocesan Seminar on Communication, organized by the Office of Communications of the CELAM was held in the Diocese of Anse à Veau et Miragoane (Haiti). The 79 participants were coming from 8 of the 10 Haitian Dioceses: Les Cayes, Gonaïves, Cap-Haitien, Jeremie, Hinche, Port-aut-Prince, Port-de-Paix and from the diocese that hosted the convention. The Seminar was requested by Mons. Pierre A. Dumas, Bishop of Anse à Veau et Miragoane, and was brought ahead by a team of NetOne in Latin America (Latam), a network of communicators who take their inspiration from the spirituality of the Focolare. The Seminar went beyond all our expectations: 5 intense days, imprinted with the “trinitarian vision” of communication, with the proposal of the life of the Word even before the communicative event itself.  Everyday began with an exchange of experiences on how each one tried to live the phrase of the Gospel that was proposed the day before, and then a meditation on the new phrase chosen for that day. Then, the different means of communication were tackled, through theoretical explanations and moments of specific workshops: radio, print media, theater, television and internet. The dialogue, the questions, the group work, were very much participated and inclusive. The themes were given in Spanish, the texts of the powerpoint presentations and written copies of the themes were in French, with Creole translation… Nevertheless language was not a barrier for anyone! In conclusion, the Mass celebrated by Mons. Pierre Dumas, was really a moment of joy and emotion: we felt that during those 5 days a piece of renewed humanity was built among the participants. “For us – relates the group of NetOne – it was the possibility of seeing this marvelous people in a new way, who often are not presented in this way by the means of communication of our countries. We were conquered by the simplicity, the joy, enthusiasm and hope of the Haitians. We realized that we are one family, wherein we live as brothers  the reciprocity between Latin America and the Carribean. We left Haiti with the awareness thar we have received so much more that what we came to give”.

Instruments of His love

Mar 4, 2014 | Non categorizzato

New music among us

“When I came to know the Gospel, I understood that I had to love. Where do I start? From my music teacher. who I couldn’t stand. In class I have repeatedly expressed what I thought about her  and because of this she had repeatedly called my mother and complained to her about me. One day, after the lesson, I asked to speak to her. Thinking that I was going to argue with her about the grade she gave me, she refused to see me.  I answered that I only wanted to ask for forgiveness and that I have understood that in life we have to try to love everyone. Even if in the beginning she misunderstood me, I continued to tell her about me, of my new relationship with God, even if I knew that she was a non-believer. Our talk continued and I was truly happy. From then on we have established a good relationship and I am discovering in her many positive things that I never imagined before”. (Veronica, Czech Republic)

The beauty of going against the current

“I work in a beauty parlour, with other hairdressers and stylists. The parlour is always full of numerous clients. There are a lot of conversations going on and sometimes one can also hear complaints or discussions. Even here I try to live what I have learned from the Gospel, I help a co-worker who is doing a heavy job all by herself, I hold the hairdryer for another. When it becomes too hot, I prepare something to drink for all the staff. Sometimes some rich ladies would come in accompanied by their maid, and they leave them outside in the heat. So I invite them to come inside and wait in a cool corner and offer them something to drink. Once in awhile someone looks at me curiously, because no one ever does this in the parlour. But the Gospel gives me the courage to go against the current. Then I see that no one has ever complained about me. Silent love does not disturb anyone”. (Razia, Pakistan)

Social Ice Cream

“Ice cream to socialize: last year everyone liked this formula! All the residents of our street were reunited around an ice cream. This year we said: why not extend the initiative to all the families around? In our neighborhood there are families coming from other countries. We are always so busy and in a hurry. But it would take so little to get to know each other, to exchange a greeting, to build a neighborly relationship.

As we were personally inviting each family, knocking from house to house, we could feel in the air the desire to get to know one another. On that evening gathering which was held in the open air on our street, more than seventy people of all ages came. Aside from the ice cream, each one brought something to share, in an atmosphere of friendship, as music played in the background, which were chosen from the melodies of the various ethnic groups pf the participants.

From then on, along the street or in the shops we greet one another with affection and knowing smiles. We know each other better, sharing news, whether beautiful or less so. One of our neighbors, when he came to know that some families needed furniture, gave them his dining set, which was still in very good condition. All it took was an ice cream to create a small community”.  (Vince and Maria, Canada)

Chiara Lubich and World Religions: Hinduism

Mar 2, 2014 | Non categorizzato

The Focolare Movement’s first contacts with Hinduism were marked by warm friendship that led to sharing life and dreams and ideals. The main protagonists of this friendship were Natalia Dallapiccola who was one of the first witnesses to the beginnings of the Focolare in Trent, Italy, and Dr Aram, a Hindu who now stands among the presidents of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) of which the Focolare is also a member.

Following the death of Dr Aram, the Shanti Ashram and representatives from several Gandhian groups in the State of Tamil Nadu, invited Chiara Lubich to India in January 2001, to receive the 2000 Defender of Peace Award. The explanatory statement affirmed: Chiara was tireless in her role of spreading peace and love among all, continually strengthening the fragile vision of peace, for the wellbeing, prosperity and spiritual life of the world.” At the award ceremony, which was attended by over 500 Hindus and members of other religions, Chiara spoke of her Christian spiritual experience, highlighting common elements between the Gospel and the Hindu Scriptures.

“I came here today to see, to be silent as much as possible,” she wrote in his diary that day, “Above all I discovered the rules: tolerance, love! Perhaps our dialogue has a place here.”

On the same occasion, Professor Kala Acharya from the Somaiya Sanskriti Peetham Institute, was deeply impressed by Chiara. In a matter of days she decided to organize a gathering at Somaiya College of Mumbai. Six-hundred people attended. These events marked the beginning of a dialogue with Hinduism both in Mumbai and in Coimbatore.

A deep dialogue was begun with university professors in Mumbai. In order to continue along this path it was decided to hold an academic symposium. The first was held in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, in 2002. The title was: “The Bhakti and Agape as a way of love towards God and neighbor.” Professor Kala Acharya from Somaya College of Mumbay called the meeting: “a deep spiritual experience.”

In the name of this common journey, Chiara Lubich visited India again in 2003. At the Centre of Indian culture Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Natalia Dallapiccola touches one of the aspects of the art of finding love in the Gospel: “becoming one” with each other as the key to the box: unity and of universal brotherhood. And she shows what Chiara said about an aspect of the art of loving which she discovered in the Gospel – making yourself one with others – as the key to dialogue: “In the moment that we meet someone, we need to place our self on their level like a partner, no matter who they are. And this calls for detachment from everything, even from the richness of our own religion.  And at the same time we need to become empty within ourselves, in order to allow our brother or sister the freedom to express their thoughts and for us to be able to understand them. This is such an important attitude, even indispensable, which has two leading effects: It helps us to enter into the world of our brother and sister, to know the language and culture, the belief system, and so on. And then it predisposes our neighbour to listen to us. Then you move on to a “respectful proclamation” where – because of your loyalty to God and sincerity toward your neighbour, always respecting what your neighbour thinks – you can say what you think and believe about a particular topic, without imposing anything, without desiring to win anyone over to your own way of thinking.”

“This marks the beginning of a journey that will take us far,” commented Professor Dave, honorary president of the institute. “There is something in her words that goes to the very roots of human thought, the very roots of our santhana dharma, the universal religion.”

This experience of dialogue highlights what was said by John Paul II when he was in India: “Through dialogue we allow God to be present in our midst, because as each of us opens in dialogue, we also open to God. And the fruit is union among men and union of men with God.” (John Paul II, Talk to the various representatives of religions in India, Madras,  February 5, 1986.)”

Dialogue with Gandhian movements characterized this experience from the beginning, and it continues in Coimbatore where each year since August 2001, roundtable discussions are held to examine and discuss spiritual and human aspects of the Gandhian outlook and the spirituality of unity.

On March 20, 2014, there will be an event at the Urbania University of Rome, dedicated to Chiara Lubich and Religions: Together for the Unity of the Human Family. The gathering will highlight her efforts for interreligious dialogue, six years after her death. The event also coincides with the 50^th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions, Nostra Aetate. Leaders from the hinduism  are also expected to attend.

Related articles:

Video: Minoti Aram

“On the journey to the unity of humankind – Christian and Gandhian views”

Christians and Hindus in Dialogue

Minoti Aram, pioneer of interfaith dialogue

Sicily: From “Neighbourhood X ” to “New Neighbourhood”

Mar 1, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“ We’ve been married for several years and have three children. A few years ago we had to move from our home because of our choice of life marked by fraternity. We decided to move to a disadvantaged quarter of the city, which was lacking in everything. We wanted to share the lives of the neediest among us, their everyday problems and needs.

The city of Gela is known for organized crime, violence and homicides. Worry and fear generate indifference and closing, leading everyone to live in isolation within the walls of their homes. Quartiere Fondo Iozza has now become our family dwelling. Dirty streets, filled with mud, without streetlights… There was need for a change. Rosa and Rocco felt it should begin with them.

One night during a storm, the telephone rang. Several garages were being flooded and a carpentry shop was about to be covered by water and debris. The landowner, who was our neighbor, was desperate. “I ventured out into the mud with the car,” Rocco explains. “We worked until five o’clock in the morning, doing everything we could to remove the water from the buildings, while encouraging the owner of the carpentry shop. Others came to give us a hand and solidarity suddenly began to make some headway. Then, little by little, we had the feeling that we had blocked the problem. If we hadn’t done something, the damages would have been much worse.”

The families of the quarter began discussing some of their problems with each other: the lack of a sewer system, which was causing serious health problems; the conditions of the roads and the water supply. “We were able to dialogue about these things,” declares Rosa, “because first we tried to create a relationship among all the families, and this made us look at the relationship with the administration also differently. With time we were able to move past the logic of protest to that of dialogue with several mayors who, from that moment, have been more open to working with us.”

A committee was formed and Rocco was elected to be its president, because of the trust he had gained “on site”. Primary objective: restore hope to people who have been discouraged by broken promises. Everyone slowly began to feel politically involved, because of their active participation in resolving issues. This didn’t go unnoticed and the group received an allocation of funds for the restoration of the quarter.

At the Fondo Iozza Quarter – previously called the “X Quarter”, many things have changed: there is water and sewer system, natural methane system and public lighting. Now they proceeding with plans for secondary infrastructure (parish church, sport area, community centre) so that the community that has been born will have a place to live. The quarter has been renamed Quartiere Nuovo (New Quarter). It is seen as a pilot neighbourhood where there are daily efforts to humanize the living area.

Conversations from a few years back with Rocco Goldini, deacon and Chief Inspector of the municipal police in Gela, Sicily, known for his efforts in promoting active citizenship.  A commitment which still today, even after his death, continues to produce positive results.

Source: New Humanity online

The Church’s Challenge is Communion

Feb 28, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“Society today is in great need of witnesses to a lifestyle from which the novelty given to us by the Lord Jesus shines through: of brothers and sisters who love each other even in their differences. . . . This witness enkindles the desire to be involved in that great parable of communion which is the Church.” With these words Pope Francis welcomed the Bishop Friends of the Focolare Movement on February 27, 2014, whom he received in a private audience in the Sala Clementina, during their annual convention. Pope Francis called the opportunity of a fraternal annual meeting, in which to share spiritual and pastoral experiences in the light of the charism of unity, “a very good thing”. Bishops, he told them, you are called to bring to these meetings the wide breath of the Church, and to ensure that what you receive there benefits the entire Church.”      Quoting the Apostolic Letter Novo millennio ineunte of Blessed John Paul II, he remembered the duty of “making the Church into a home and school of communion” to ensure “the efficacy of any and every effort in evangelisation.”  He then emphasised that it is necessary to promote the “spirituality of communion,” to make it emerge as an educational principle wherever a human being or Christians is being formed, and that “cultivating the spirituality of communion contributes as well, to enabling us to live the ecumenical journey and interreligious dialogue.” There was an opening greeting in the name of all the bishops by Francis-Xavier Kovithavanij, Archbishop of Bangkok, Thailand and moderator of the convention. He then mentioned their experience: “Chiara Lubich has made us discover Jesus crucified and forsaken as the ‘super-love’. In him we have an ever available source of joy for our witness in today’s world.” Like everyone, “we find sufferings in our lives, failures and setbacks, contradictions,” but we try to embrace them “as unique occasions for being similar to Christ . . . in favour of his body, which is the Church.” A long line and handshaking, brief conversations and a festive group photo concluded the audience with Pope Francis, leaving a sense of a living collegiality in all the bishops. Sixty bishops from four continents met from February 24-28, 2014 at the Mariapolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo focusing on the theme: “Mutual Love Amongst the Disciples of Christ.” Focolare president Maria Voce gave a presentation on this central point of Focolare spirituality. This was followed by an open discussion, comments and personal testimonials. The voice of the lay people was quite appreciated especially that of a family and a group of lively youths. There were two round table discussions focusing on two important topics: “Ecclesiological themes that emerge from the first year of the pontificate of Pope Francis: this was presented by Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation of the Consecrated Life and Archbishop Vincenzo Zani, Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education; and the presentation on “Synodality and Primacy, in the light of the teaching and practice of Pope Francis,” by Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, Bishop Brendan Leahy, bishop of Limerick, Ireland, and Bishop Cristof Hegge, Auxiliary Bishop of Munster, Germany. This dimension attracted the interest of many in the media who amplified the message, gathering testimonies of bishops who shared in the meeting – especially those from countries affected by war, political, economic and social instability – and their experience of “affective and effective collegiality”. Four days in Rome with the spirituality of unity was also an opportunity to hear about the efforts and commitment of Christians from the Universal Church around the world. By Victoria Gomez See video of the private audience and related articles

A look that truly sees

Feb 26, 2014 | Non categorizzato

The enemy

“Our youngest daughter has a very strong character and certain attitudes that are irritating. One evening, after repeated requests for her to go to sleep, I went to the room with the intention of giving her a good scolding. While I was walking towards her I was thinking that this child is becoming a threat to my nerves, because of the relationship with my wife who cannot stand to see me agitated and nervous. Well, she was my “enemy”. But when I was in front of her bed, I changed my attitude: I bend down towards her and I start to listen to what she wanted to tell me. Then I told her a story, I sang her a song: everything seems to have disappeared. The child fell asleep and I too found the peace that comes from love” F.S. – Switzerland

In prison

“Antonio, our young friend from Paraguay, ended up in prison for drug traficking; in reality it was a companion of his who during their trip together put the drugs into his knapsack where the police found it. So he found himslef together with delinquents considered to be dangerous, without any legal assistance. We contacted his mother, we went to visit her often and we got him a very good lawyer. Finally after many months, the judicial process took place which we were following with a group of our friends. Before the sentencing, we prayed together. Antonio was serene.When the judges declared him innocent, there was an explosion of joy in the chambers. One of the lawyers had tears in his eyes. The two prison guards who accompanied him were also moved. Now we want to help him start to live a normal life once again, after the experience lived”. A.F.-Argentina

Nadine do you mean me?

“After a year of being married we found out that we could not have children. And from here the problems with the parents and relatives of my husband started., who already considered me an outsider since I come from another village. We would have wanted to adopt a child but in the town no one would have understood our choice. One day a friend called m and said: there is a newly born gorls whose parents have died in an accident; her grandparents could not take care of her… We went to get her. All our relatives were against it, but we were happy to have Nadine with us. After awhile, they too started to love her and she group up peacefully. Often I would tell het the story of  Nadine with Amet and Haila: and she would say, “Nadine means me, right?” I would answer her yes. Now she is five years old  and she told me: “Mama I would like a little sister”. I answered her that, as she knows, I cannot have children. And so she made it clear: “I want a little sister who has lost her parents during the war, one who is like me”. My husband and I looked at one another: she understood very well in what way she was “our child”. Now in the village, other families, like us, have adopted a child”. A.H.K. – Syria

Taken from: Il Vangelo del giorno (The Gospel of the Day) , Città Nuova Publishing House

In Search of a Divine Harmony

Feb 21, 2014 | Non categorizzato

«Our earthly experience continually unfolds in relationship with others. When you come into contact with children, a light is unleashed from their eyes, which has its source in other constellations. So too when servants of humanity who live solely by their ideals, or labourers of every class who are enlivened by their sense of justice draw near – an atmosphere is unleashed that comes from somewhere above and beyond the material world.

Perhaps human nature unconsciously searches for Divine life. It just has to find it, and this requires searching. Search and you will find. Human life – with its virtue and blows, weariness and glad moments and experiences of every sort – is in itself a search for that good which we call God (even though we may not realize it.)

However, if we open our sight and take advantage of events in life to peer into the mystery of life, then we will find an explanation and peace in God. The way God reveals himself to the soul resembles the way parents educate a child with caresses and admonishments amid smiles and tears.

This is how it is with the Eternal Father. Intimacy with him grows as the purification grows. You feel closer to him inasmuch as you love him. The Lord says: “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8). Purity of heart is the condition attached to the love that sees God.

People with such love are able to perceive the flow which gives life to the soul and conveys both poetry and art, knowledge and health, victory over evil, longing for affection, awareness of a vitality that is wider than the galaxies. Perhaps we don’t realize it but this is almost the breath of the Lord that raises molecules and planets, thoughts and feeling. It is the joy that breathes in the child and the peace in the old woman or man.

Someone with a pure heart is carried along by love as if by a current that endlessly draws everyone in. God takes everyone, wants everyone because everyone is a member of his generation. It’s a matter of ousting the obstacles, which are quickly removed if we love one another. By this the world will know that you are my disciples if you love one another – the requirement that Beethoven liked most because it seemed to be the most basic simplification of the Divine harmony of the universe. Of course, disagreements are always surfacing between people, but Christ teaches harmony. He asks us to stop the spiral of offences and revenge and reset the circuit of communion through forgiveness. Giving forgiveness to the people who have done us wrong is giving what is good, it is giving a gift to God who loves us. This means that living is loving, and that loving is understanding».

Igino Giordani in L’unico amore, Città Nuova, 1974

Chiara Lubich Award for Fraternity

Feb 17, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Lampedusa, symbol of immigration: of suffering and of welcome. The news of disembarkations never stop, just as the commitment of the Town and its inhabitants. It was here that “The Charter of Lampedusa”, was signed on the Island by hundreds of international associations and hundreds of citizens. A real and true handbook of respectful welcoming of the human rights of all the inhabitants of the world, “in all the Lampedusas of the world”, as the Mayor Giusi Nicolini affirmed.

This is the reason why the Town of Lampedusa was chosen by the Association Cities for Fraternity, as the winner of the 5th edition of the “Chiara Lubich Award for fraternity”. Inspired by the thoughts of Chiara Lubich, foundress of the Focolare Movement, the Association was born in 2008 proposed by the mayor of Rocca di Papa, Pasquale Boccia, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Focolare Movement. Today it is made up of 133 Italian towns, and other local authorities, who adhere to the initiative, and have expressed the desire to create a network of dialogue and discussion between the towns and the local authorities with the fundamental objective of promoting peace, human rights, social justice and above all fraternity, through their actions and administrative deeds.

The Foremost Citizen of the Island encouraged the promoters to continue their actions that reinforce fraternity, because “we need to create and cultivate the sensitivity to these very important themes”. The aim of the Award, in fact, is that of highlighting every year, a Town that has particularly distinguished itself through actions and attitudes of fraternity.  The awarding took place in Ariccia (Rome) at the Chigi Palace, Saturday, February 8, 2014. Hosts of the event were, Emilio Cianfanelli, mayor of Ariccia, and Pasquale Boccia, mayor of Rocca di Papa and president of the Association Cities for Fraternity. The other promoter of the event, the Movement of Politics for Unity Italy, was represented by the President of the Italian chapter Silvio Minnetti.

Just as in the other editions, the awarding ceremony was preceded by a convention of reflection and formation. The themes that were presented this year included: “Economy and the Community rhyme with Fraternity? A comparison of the thoughts of Adriano Olivetti and of Chiara Lubich”. It was an excellent occasion to highlight the extreme relevance of some principles that are common to both Movements, the Community of Olivetti and the Economy of Communion.

The interventions of Melina Decaro, of the “Adriano Olivetti Foundation” Study Center and professor at the Luiss University of Rome; of Luigino Bruni, professor of Economics at the Lumsa  of Rome and coordinator of the International Commission of the Economy of Communion; and of the entrepreneur Giovanni Arletti, Vice President of the Association of Entrepreneurs of the Economy of Communion (Aipec) generated a great interest.

Lithuania: Trust brings out the positive in people

Feb 15, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“During one of our long winter evenings, following an abundant snowfall, the courtyard of our school was completely covered in snow. I realized that neither the teachers nor the suppliers of the school canteen would be able to park their vehicles. I telephoned several companies, also a few private ones but they all responded that it would take another few days until they were able to shovel the snow, and at a considerable cost. Following a few more attempts, I accepted the offer of a neighbour who was willing to lend me his truck that had a snow plough.

As we began the job, we noticed that quite a bit of snow was accumulating along the edge of the snowplow that had to be removed manually.   At that hour of the night there was nobody to help us, only the elderly woman who cleaned the school. She informed me that there was a group of boys on the other side of the building, who had gathered to smoke. They were known to be the school daredevils, frequently absent, reported for thefts, fights. They were on the verge of being expelled.

When I asked her to go and ask for their help she was a bit shocked and refused. She feared that those delinquents might do her some harm. So I decided to go myself even though I didn’t expect them to help. I had already accepted that I would be the one cleaning away the snow from the snow plough.

At first the boys were a bit confused seeing me there, but they gave me a cordial greeting. I told them that they were my only hope, and that the school they also loved, would not be functioning the next day. Before I could finish my sentence, they began to shovel the snow, and they worked for over an hour! When I thanked them for their help they said: so, we’re not as bad as some teachers think. . . .

It confirmed again that there is something positive to be appreciated in every person, and it’s only a matter of finding the right opportunity for it to come out. A more trusting and open relationship has begun among us.”

This has been the experience of Paulius Martinaitis, a Focolare volunteer from Lithuania, who is  director of a high school in Vilnius.

“I learnt that offering young people an area of trust enables them to come out of those cages of transgressive behavior that sometimes imprison us with the labels we give to them.”

Italy:”The Visitor” Inspires Dialogue

Feb 14, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“It was a special evening, rich in meaning;” I felt enveloped in such a family atmosphere, also in the simple fact of sharing supper together, it made me feel so at home;” “It was a spectacular performance that responded to the needs of our time;” “My only regret is that of not having invited many more people:” “We shoot short films and know a bit about acting. The directing was phenomenal. Recitation of the lines with such quick rhythms enlivened the performance. It wasn’t heavy at all, even though the themes were very challenging!” These were but a few of many comments by actors and others who witnessed the performance on the evening of December 14, 2013 in a theatre of Prato.

Directors and actors explain: “The piece we chose is quite unique: The Visitor by the French Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, with its humour and irony and originality that challenges every viewer concerning fundamental questions of life. And so it was quite adapted to creating dialogue.”

The performance which was conceived as forum theatre was organised by a Focolare Movement’s dialogue group for persons with no religious affiliation in Prato, along with the non-profit organisation La Sveglia, which has been in operation for 35 years and brought this performance to the stage.

“The crucial point of the play, which is set in Vienna, Austria, in 1938, is the dialogue between Sigmund Freud and a mysterious visitor who is taken to be God: a dialogue that was never banal and which everyone could identify with.”

The audience sat mesmerized for two hours, enjoying the passionate interpretation of every word.

At the conclusion of the performance the forum was opened, and unfolded in a family atmosphere with reflections on the piece. People spoke who were already involved in this type of dialogue, but also others who were new to the experience.

Also those directly involved in the presentation of the comedy described what it meant to them, the genesis of taking to the stage and their enjoyment of presenting it within such a context.

The outcome was truly the result of everyone’s effort: dialogue across the board! Some worked on  publicity; some on the presentation of some thoughts from Chiara Lubich which were offered during the evening meal; some brought trucks for transporting props and scenery; a chef from the dialogue group prepared pasta sorrentino for the theatre company’s lunch; someone else took care of videotaping the event; others contacted the theatre and the SIAE (Italian Authors and Editors Society) for copyrights; not to mention those who contributed with their cultural expertise toward the success of the discussion at the end of the performance.

Given that the company has offered to give other performances, one viewer who is engaged in working with prisoners, proposed a presentation in a jail. Someone else suggested that La Sveglia stage other equally meaningful texts.