Latin America Without Borders

Jan 27, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Seventy one students showed up atMariapolis Liain Argentina: from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Italy and Argentina. It was an opportunity to spend nine days together and explore answers to some challenging questions.

The academic approach of Summer School 2014, promoted by Sophia University Institute and the help of some Latin American professors, examined several disciplines from a new viewpoint.

Biblical Theology. Exploration of the authenticity of Gospel texts brought out the revolutionary and transforming message of Jesus’ words.

Economic Sciences. Trust and reciprocity were shown to be helpfully important to economic performance.

Sociology. The human person and society in the historical sociological context, and in the Magisterial documents of the Church, beginning with the idea of gift and interculturalism.

Latin America is calling for deep change: a return to its roots; a recognition of its wealth and the cultures of its first peoples; the challenge of social inequality; finding ways to transform its contrasting diversity into gift.

The Arts were celebrated as a valid way for promoting interculturalism, in a display of works from several countries and the concert Music of Hope: the world opening of the opera “Hablata Oblata Opus 265 by Costa Rican composer Mario Alfaguel. It is a combination of contemporary music with texts by Latin-American thinkers that delighted the audience. Students from the first Summer School presented 29 papers in seven academic areas, and 12 projects that demonstrated that it is possible to begin from a new paradigm: the culture of brotherhood.   

Daniela from Chile presented a project titled: “The new look of knowledge in the field of health care: what the same and what is different in Mapuche medicine and traditional medicine. Comparing traditional medicine and indigenous peoples.”

Christopher from Mexico presented his work titled: “Brotherhood between the lines: an approach for its use in Mexican political discourse”. He explains: “This project’s goal is to develop an analysis of the concept of brotherhood as an element of the present system of political discourse in Mexico.”

Carlos from Argentina: “We’re many, but we’re one. Today I feel as if Central America has become a land without borders, united from north to south by a single dream: universal brotherhood.”

They leave with great challenges ahead of them: to bring forward socially transforming projects in individual regions of the continent, which will be presented at the next Summer School in 2015.

Pasquale Foresi: At Chiara’s Side

Jan 26, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Chiara Lubich always saw Pasquale Foresi as someone with a unique design in the development of theFocolare Movement: the design of incarnating the charism of unity in concrete ways. For this reason she considered him, together with Igino Giordani, a co-founder of the Movement. In 1949 when he met Chiara and the Movement, Pasquale Foresi was a young man looking for his way in life. He felt called to priesthood and attended seminary in Pistoia, Italy, and the Almo Collegio Capranica in Rome. He recalls: “I was happy and satisfied with my choice, but at a certain moment I had second thoughts (. . .) I began to doubt that I could move toward priesthood with these thoughts in my heart, so I suspended my studies at least for the moment. It was then that I came to know the Focolare Movement (. . .) In the members of the Movement I found an absolute faith in the Catholic Church and, at the same time, a radically evangelical way of life. It made me see that this was my place and soon the idea of the priesthood returned.” He was the first focolarino to be ordained to the priesthood, followed by others who also felt called to serve the Movement in that way. Pasquale saw in the first steps of Chiara Lubich and her companions “an evangelical spring gushing forth in the Church” and he began a partnership with them that would lead him as a priest to make a fundamental contribution to the Movement’s development, as a very close associate of Chiara Lubich. He wrote about some of his basic tasks in the Movement: “As a priest I was in charge of relations with the Holy See. I also worked for the Movement’s growth and development throughout the world. I assisted Chiara in drafting the Statutes of the Work of Mary. I also helped in starting up some of the permanent fixtures in the Movement such as the “Mariapolis Centres” that provide courses for the members; the town of Loppiano in Italy; and Citta Nuova publishing house.” But there is one area of Fr Foresi’s life that perhaps represents his specific contribution to the development of the Movement. He explains: “It’s in the logic of such things that these new spiritual currents or charisms in the Church contain implications for culture as well. If you study history you’ll find that this has always been the case: the development of architecture, the arts, ecclesial and social structures, the fields of human knowledge and especially theology.” Fr Foresi has spoken and published numerous articles and books on the novelty of the spiritual and social dimension of the theology that emerges from Chiara’s charism. His words contain a keenness of analysis, breadth of vision and optimism for the future that is made possible by the wisdom that comes from a strong charismatic experience, as well as the abysses of light and love, humility and loyalty that can only be created in a person’s life by God.

Chiara Lubich: to be able to say at the end “I have always loved”

Jan 22, 2014 | Non categorizzato

«Today I am 46 years old. It’s twice the age I had when I started living the Ideal [the spirituality that radiates from the charism of unity, ed.]. I’m happy because from now on the period I have lived the Ideal will be more than without it.

But, my God, once more I need to throw my life into your heart. I need to burn my being in the ardent flames of the Holy Spirit, whom we have to thank for all eternity and from this moment for having indicated this way of love to us: to love, to love always, to love all. At the end of each day, to be able to say: I have always loved.» (Diary of 22 January 1966)

«Speaking of Jesus, St Paul writes: ‘… and he gave his life for me.’ (Gal 2:20).

Each of us can repeat those words of the Apostle: for me.

My Jesus, if you have died for me – for me – how can I doubt your mercy? And if I can believe in that mercy with faith which teaches me that a God has died for me, how can I not risk everything to return this love?

For me. Here is the formula which wipes out the solitude of the most lonely; raises into God every poor man belittled by the whole world; fills every heart to the brim and makes it spill over onto those who either do not know or do not remember the Good News.

For me. For me, Jesus, all those sufferings? For me that cry?

Oh! You will certainly not let my poor soul be lost nor many others, but you will do everything… if only because we have cost you too much.

You gave birth to me for Heaven, as my mother did for earth. You are always thinking of me, only of me, as you do of each and every person.

You give me more courage to live my Christian life than if I had the whole universe at my back to spur me on.

For me. Yes, for me.

And so, Lord, let me also say especially for the years that remain: for You.» ( Chiara Lubich, Knowing How to Lose, New City, London 1981, pp.3-4).

Gen Verde: Music Made To Be Played

Jan 20, 2014 | Non categorizzato

 Gen Verde

Music Made To Be Played

New Year, New Release! It’ s 66th album.

 These 14 original songs plus an instrumental take a fresh look at the challenges and choices facing individuals and society today. The album offers a clear and positive perspective on building relationships in a multicultural but divided world in order to go together towards a hope-filled future where all can live in dignity and peace.

Gen Verde: Music Made To Be Played

Jan 20, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Nancy from USA: Music Made To Be Played” began to take shape during evenings spent with thousands of people, most of them young, who visited our studio in Loppiano, Italy during the past two years. Alessandra from Italy: “The songs speak of today’s challenges; the desire to lift up the world;  the power of love that lies in each one of us and is capable of changing lives and history.” Colomba from Korea: “This new album includes the concert we are currently using on tour, along with new pieces that have emerged from the enriching encounters we have had with so many people over the past two years.” “The challenges of today are given centre stage,” says Adriana from Brazil. “They’re presented in a clear and positive light. We focus on human relations, integration, suffering and fear of diversity, hope for a peaceful future. In other words: daily life.” Gen Verde Band: 21 artists and professionals from 13 countries, each with her own cultural diversity that contributes to the band’s unique message. Over the past 47 years they have given more than 1400 shows, between workshops, concerts and educational workshops in hundreds of tours in Europe, Asia and North and South America. What is the purpose of the band? Raiveth from Panama answered: “To contribute to a global culture of peace, dialogue and unity through art.”

The Adventure of Unity / Building the Work of Mary

Jan 19, 2014 | Non categorizzato

<strong>December 7, 19443 is considered the day of the Focolare Movement’s birth, because on that day Chiara Lubich “married God” by consecrating herself to Him forever.

But the Focolare foundress had also been known to say that another date for celebrating the Movement’s birth was her October 1939 visit to Loreto where, according to a tradition, the house of Nazareth is preserved. The family atmosphere that was lived in that family was a “calling” for Chiara; a calling to silently relive the family of Nazareth, the greatest mystery in history, the life of God amongst His people.

Many exceptional discoveries followed upon that moment. But Chiara was never alone in these discoveries: Natalia Dallapiccola, Giosi Guella, Marilen Holzhauser, Graziella De Luca, Vale e Angelella Ronchetti, Dori Zamboni, Gis e Ginetta Calliari, Silvana Veronesi, Lia Brunet, Palmira Frizzera, Bruna Tomasi . . . and a few years later, Marco Tecilla, Aldo Stedile, Antonio Petrilli, Enzo M. Fondi, Pasquale Foresi, Giulio Marchesi, Piero Pasolini, Oreste Basso, Vittorio Sabbione . . . these were the first of many other who would follow Chiara. The personal lives of these men and women who followed the path opened by Chiara show how necessary each of them was to God’s plan in bringing about the Movement and its structures, as the charism took flesh. It couldn’t have happened in any other way for a charism characterized by a unity that is an expression of life of the Trinity. These companions were people from very diverse backgrounds and professions, all guided by the same voice to place their talents at the service of others.

The Focolare Movement’s development over these 70 years seems to explain the assertion of Gregory the Great that the Sacred Scriptures “grow with the one who reads them” and “Like the world, the Scripture is not created once and for all: the Spirit still “creates” it each day, you could say, little by little, as he “opens” it [to us]. Through a marvellous correspondence He “dilates” it according to the measure in which the intelligence of the receiver welcomes it”[1]. For the members of the Movement it was the sharing of how each person was living the Gospel that nourished the understanding of Jesus’ words. Living the Word and communion was a practice that would lead to a collective form of asceticism.

The life of Chiara and many others who welcomed and accepted the Word in times of epochal cultural transformations demonstrates what the work of their life had been: “to be partakers in God’s plans for humanity, to embroider patters of light on the crowd and at the same time to share in each neighbour’s shame, hunger, troubles and brief joys.” Today more than ever, the real attraction is to live “the highest contemplation while mingling with everyone, one person alongside others.”

Chiara’s early companions experienced what the Second Vatican Council explains regarding to the Church: “By the power of the Gospel [the Holy Spirit] makes the Church keep the freshness of youth. Uninterruptedly He renews it and leads it to perfect union with its Spouse” (LG, 4).

Vancouver: A Workshop of Unity

Jan 18, 2014 | Non categorizzato

In Vancouver the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is prepared by Christian communities from different Churches, building relationships of mutual understanding and cooperation through concrete action and looking upon one another as brothers and sisters to be loved.

These are the ideas that have marked the work of Marjeta Bobnar who has been in charge of coordinating ecumenical and interreligious relations or the Archdiocese of Vancouver since 2012. The region where she works is scattered with many Churches: Anglican, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Mennonite and more.

She recounts: “The first step was to establish new relations with the different communities, as well as to sensitize Catholic environments to ecumenism.” Marjeta was supported in this effort by Archbishop J. Michael Miller and by the Focolare community to which she belongs.

This effort already produced many fruits during last year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Marjeta explains: “The majority of Catholic parishes didn’t have any contact with the other churches in their area, but expressed their desire of inviting the members of neighbouring Christian communities. This led, for example, to a contact with one Lutheran pastor who was very open to ecumenical dialogue.”

During the moments of prayer many testified to joy of being together, and to the desire of dialogue and knowing one another better. Many wanted to stay in touch and to involve more people in successive gatherings.

Together with the Anglican diocese we’ve scheduled several events for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that will allow Anglicans and Catholics to share experiences, but also questions. At the beginning of 2013 a mixed work group of 3 Anglicans and 3 Catholics was formed. It turned out to be a beautiful experience in preparation for this year’s events.

We are also in constant contact with leaders from Lutheran Churches and ecclesial communities, the United Church of Canada, Mennonites, Pentecostals and the Armenian Apostolic Church.

As we prepare the moments of sharing and prayer, we are met with an enthusiastic response and also much gratitude for the unity we already experience.”

Young People Launch A Challenge in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Jan 17, 2014 | Non categorizzato

“Living together for something that can reinforce the good in the world is unifying and strengthening; it encourages us to keep pushing toward a more united world,” says Igor who is one of the Youth for a United World from the Northeast Region of Brazil.

What is Desafio?

St. Mary School

Igor explains: “Desafio (Challenge) is three days of encounter, celebrating and sharing many of the projects that we Youth for a United World in this region (with its seven states) have been bringing ahead in our cities. Every year around 350 young people meet at Mariapolis Santa Maria in Igrassu, Pernambuco. The programme includes discussions for delving deeper into topics of interest, reporting on the projects and other activities that have taken place in different cities, several workshops and forums. It was very helpful to learn more about some of the social projects that are carried out by the Focolare, and the concrete help that we were able to offer during those days, as a sign of love to the local people.”

It was quite a demanding schedule . . .

“Obviously,” says Igor “there were also evenings and other moments for games and recreation. One evening is dedicated to ecumenical prayer for peace. This is always one of the most well received moments in the programme. You feel that we are all connected and that it would be enough to pause and make room for prayer which immediately creates like a spiritual bridge that unites us to God and with one another.”

This year you held the 4th edition with the slogan: Go towards others. What were the results?

“What was most evidenced was the importance of relationships: in the family, in society, in the virtual world and in the various initiatives and social projects. The great novelty this year was a project that we launched some time ago. Everyone felt quite strongly about this particular project which we named First the least. It involved the groups in each city in discerning who the least were so we could start living for them. Many concrete initiatives in favour of those most in need were born from this effort in several places in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Igor concluded: “Desafio is the moment in which we engage the greatest possible number of young people in building a more united and fraternal world.”     

The Joy of Discovering we are Brothers and Sisters

Jan 15, 2014 | Non categorizzato

You have had contacts with many non-Catholic Christians. How do you see them now as compared to before?

«When a bottle is three quarters full, you can have two different reactions. You can say, “Oh, a quarter is still missing,” or you can say, “It is already three-quarters full!”

The first expression describes how I used to view my non-Catholic brothers and sisters about 15 years ago, before I began to work for ecumenism with the whole Focolare Movement.

The second reaction is one which I have had in my heart during these last years.

In fact, I cannot thank God enough for having put me in touch with Christians of the most varied and important denominations.

They willingly established with us a relationship of mutual charity in Christ. So living and working with them and, above all, getting to know them better, has given me a great sense of awe and gratitude towards God’s Providence, which has watched over the many riches of faith, of hope, of other liturgies, of the value of God’s word within these Churches or ecclesial communities (Continue Reading)

When dialogue leads to welcome

Jan 14, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Three years ago I started a journey as a volunteer in a Community of Rome which takes care of addicts. The Centre, that started in 1978 as a support group for drug addicts, has today widened its scope of operation and is no longer limited only to drug addiction.

The journey of the clientele within the community includes not only those who have addiction problems but also their families or relatives who are involved in the situation which at times have reached the limits of human endurance. I do my volunteer work precisely for these least of our brothers, taking care of their basic needs, and also of their support or self-help groups.

In both these instances: welcome and self-help, I had the chance to concretely experience the importance and the validity of dialogue that is made up of communication and listening, that I bring ahead in the Focolare Movement among persons who have faith and others of different convictions just like me.

The welcome or reception is the most difficult moment for those who arrive feeling lost, confused and who, with great effort, try their best to open up and share their situation to a person that they have never met before. This is the most complicated step of the entire journey; if the person who tries with great effort to overcome the fear and the shame, does not feel listened to and welcome, then the work that follows could become useless.

Even in the diversity of situations, the dialogue allows – thanks to the reciprocity that arises from it – a union and an exchange from within that is truly profound. The positive points of one and the sufferings of the other confront each other in an enriching sharing. The burden in a person that in the beginning seemed to be unbearable, becomes lighter and the sufferings less heavy. There will be many difficult moments along the road, but knowing that one is not alone helps; when one falls there is a shoulder to lean on.

One morning, a lady arrived asking to talk with one of the staff. I was alone, so I offered to listen to her. Even before we sat down, she already set the conditions for our conversation: this meeting must remain secret (because if her son would come to know about it he would probably kill her); she would not tell me her name and even the name of her son; I cannot tell the police anything nor file a case.

My first reaction was surprise and then anger, many of her conditions irritated me. But when I was able to detach myslef from my role, I saw two people who were were definitely not trying to dialogue: one was weak and burdened with suffering and fear; the other was strong, but locked into his duty as saviour.

I perceived the impossibility of working and the incapacity of concretizing the theories that I had learned in the three years of my service in this community. The technical instruments are useless in this situation, the methods used by me in the past are fruitless, I had to change my strategy.

The moment had come to apply the dialogue that I usually carry out with my friends of the focolare! Only I can change the situation. The tone of my voice, my attitude changed; I invited the lady to sit down and I put all my technical knowledge at her disposition, but above all I lent my humanity, forgetting the many usual bureaucratic procedures.

There was a simultaneous explosion of tears and of joy; she sat down and begging forgiveness for her tears, she started to share with me her story. The need to share the drama that she was going through, finally found a space where it could be shared freely without shame or fear of being judged.

My opening finally became a listening that was able to welcome her suffering, process it, make it mine and give back to her my contribution in a mutual enrichment. (Piero Nuzzo)

The Focolare Movement and interreligious dialogue/2

Jan 10, 2014 | Non categorizzato

An interview with Maria Voce by Roberto Catalano, of the centre of the Focolare Movement for interreligious dialogue, on the occasion of the 9th World Assembly of Religions for Peace, held in Vienna, Austria at the end of November 2013. (second part) Chiara Lubich had understood that dialogue was the solution to many challenges of our time … «As I was also able to say in my talk here in Vienna, Chiara has placed us before a very clear and simple vision: we are all children of God and, therefore, all brothers and sisters to one another. In the beginning, it was not a prospect aimed at the great religions, but rather a consideration of the human person. This attitude then led to dialogue and relationship with the followers of other religions. I think this was prophetic. Indeed, Chiara began to open the Movement to dialogue even before the Second Vatican Council when, later, the dialogues were taken as one of the paths of the Church precisely because they were part of this prospect towards the human person. Moreover, Chiara prepared the means and tools for these dialogues. Becoming acquainted with people of other religious traditions, she understood that it was necessary to learn more how to continue these relationships. For this reason she founded some special centres, … where we try to go more in-depth so as to get to know  Christians of other churches, faithful of other religions and people of different cultures. In fact, a possibility of greater love and openness arises from a deeper understanding of one another. We discover the values and we don’t take a defensive position, but one of a dialogical attitude, as it should be. … Today we find ourselves with Buddhists, Muslims and people of other religions who are an integral part of the Movement and we cannot say that we dialogue with them. They are part of our Movement and so, together with us, they dialogue with others. We have, therefore, passed the stage of dialogue arriving at a stage of unity and full cooperation also with them.» What are the prospects of interreligious dialogue for the Focolare Movement? « We see that when we meet and dialogue, there are always new people of various religions who are attracted by the relationship they have seen between members of different faiths. This testimony opens up the possibility of extending the dialogue. This means that tolerance, understanding and friendship are possible, all aspects which are often compromised by many judgments. We need to drop prejudices so as to discover the beauty that there is in every person, especially highlighting that the most precious thing is to belong to a religion. This makes it possible to shed light on the relationship of each person with God. … The dialogues allow us to grow in the ability not only to understand those people with whom we live…, but also to take in others who come from spiritual traditions and inspirations that are different from our own. … Our Movement aims … at ut omnes [‘That all may be one’ asked by Jesus to the Father] and, therefore, must encompass all dimensions as much as possible. The Movement cannot be satisfied with the Catholic dimension in which it was born and which also has a universal perspective within itself, because Catholic means universal. In order to be truly universal, we have to discover all the beauty that there is in humanity». Read the complete interview on Città Nuova online (in Italian)

The Focolare Movement and interreligious dialogue

Jan 6, 2014 | Non categorizzato

In occasione della On the occasion of the 9th World Assembly of Religions for Peace in Vienna, Austria at the end of November 2013, Maria Voce was nominated as one of the 62 co-Presidents of its World Council. For 43 years Religions for Peace has been promoting dialogue among persons of different faiths and cultures. At the conclusion of the Assembly, Roberto Catalano – of the centre of the Focolare Movement for interreligious dialogue – asked Maria Voce a few questions on the relevance of dialogue among followers of different faiths and the role which the Focolare Movement has and could have in this context. We publish the interview in two parts. Religions for Peace. What was your impression of this experience, given that the Focolare Movement is committed to this since 1982? «It gave me a very good impression. In fact, it answers to the need of the different religions to express support and aid towards peace. I think it’s very important that this inspiration remains: that is, religious principles are always important in building peace. … Peace must come from a vision of the human being and humanity as family, that only religions can give. … I find it right that our movement is also part of this.» What was your impression regarding the experience of dialogue of the Focolare Movement throughout the world? «An extraordinary impression. Wherever our Movement is present, there are also people of different religions forming part of it. I say wherever because we cannot think of excluding anyone from the sphere of our activity. In fact, as Focolare Movement the goal before us is ut omnes – ‘That all may be one’ as Jesus asked the Father – and in that ut omnes every person finds their place. The contacts we create in our workplace, in families, squares, everywhere, lead us to meet people of different religions. However, the most beautiful thing is that we establish a deep relationship with these men and women …. We’re amazed to see that, together with Christians, there are people of different religious traditions that form part of our movement. The Christians are the elder brothers and sisters because they were the first to start, but they welcome the others in the same family. … A large part of the Catholic episcopacy has great esteem of the Focolare Movement, because it realizes the possibility of establishing relationships with people of different religions. This is very important for bishops who are working in countries such as India, for example, or other parts of Asia. In fact, it means counting on someone who proposes a Christianity that is open, that is not closed in defending itself, a Christianity of dialogue and collaboration and not of conquest.»  (second part) Read the complete interview on Città Nuova online         (in Italian)

The Adventure of Unity / Awaiting approval

Jan 4, 2014 | Non categorizzato

Jerzy Ciesielski: An example of life

Dec 28, 2013 | Non categorizzato

Pope Francis had just recently recognized, on December 18, 2013, the exemplarity of the life of Jerzy Ciesielski (12.02.1929 – 9.10.1970), who was among the first to welcome and spread the spirituality of the Focolare in Poland. Born on February 12, 1929 in Krakow,  Jerzy Ciesielski finishes his degree in Civil Engineering and, in 1957, he marries Danuta Plebaczyk. The marriage was blessed by Cardnal Karol Wojtyla who accompanied them in their spiritual growth. Three children are born, Maria, Caterina and Pietro. Jerzy met Wojtyla while he was still a student at the Polytechnic of Krakow, and then after gaining his doctorate and a teaching position as a university professor, he joins a group of intellectuals who, together with the Cardinal goes ahead with a cultural and spiritual formation. In 1968, Jerzy comes into contact with the Focolare Movement.  Impressed by the evangelical life saw beng lived among the members of the first community, he embraced the spirituality and, together with Dr. Giuseppe Santanché, an Italian focolarino who came from the GDR, they go to Card. Wojtyla with the request for his blessings on the growing Movement. «He feels the call to give himself to God as a  married focolarino  in the summer of 1969, after a ‘week long vacation’ in Zakopane, a tourist spot in the Tatra mountains»: recalled Anna Fratta, a focolarina doctor who was a direct witness of some of the human and spiritual events in the life of Jerzy. The “week long holiday” was a clandestine Mariapolis…… An incident at the river Nile in Sudan, on the 9th of October 1970, took Jerzy and his children Caterina and Pietro away. Karol Wojtyla presided at the funerals; becoming the Pope, in the book entitled “Going beyond the threshold of peace”, he described Jerzy as a young man who decisively hoped for sanctity. «This was the programme of his life – wrote John Paul II. He knew that he was “created for great things”, but, at the same time, he did not have any doubts that his vocation was not the priesthood or the religious life». Wojtyla, in his writing, particularly highlights how matrimony and family life were considered by the young man as the answer to a call of God; and so were his professional committment, lived as service. 

Youth: May the fires of war become just a vague memory

Dec 26, 2013 | Non categorizzato

«In the name of the all Clement and Merciful God: may suffering be forgotten, may happiness and peace reign in the 4 corners of the world, may the hearts of all men be linked , may love burn in their hearts and may unity gather them together in a single track of light. God, make the fires of war become just a vague memory. God, in your infinite clemency and mercy, help us to be more patient, and make us instruments of love and peace. Glory to God, there is no power nor strength except in Him». This is from Naim, a Muslim of Algeria. It was exactly a year ago when, precisely during one of their meetings, the need to reinforce prayer came out, in the face of the imminent conflict in Syria, and so the Time Out for peace was launched. And today too their yes is repeated, to become instruments of peace in their environments, from Central Africa to Lebanon and Algeri, from Salvador to Argentina, among their nations of origin. Experiences are shared, in the 4 days in Rome from December 19 to 22, like that of a young Buddhist who, after his meeting with the gen felt the push to go deeper into knowing his religion. He decides to spend one year in a monastery, making the same experience of the monks. Or like that of those who are asking themselves about their choices for the future, the courage to start a family, their entrance into the world of work. But the strongest witness comes from the Middle East – with representatives from Lebanon and Algeria – who underline the hope that never dies, even if the horizons of heaven remain closed. And for everyone, among whom are many from the various European nation, Maria Voce invites them to go out. She talks with strength to the young people present: «The gen are in the universities? Are they there where the other young people are? Or are they always among themselves? Are they doing something for the others? The Pope continues to tell us to go out, to go out of the sacristies, to go out of the fences, not to lean on securities, not to say “we have always done things in this way, so we go ahead like this”». What shall we do? Maria Voce reiterates: «Risk something, have the courage to open yourselves up to something new, have the courage to do something daring, even extreme, to try out new roads, to build new relationships with humanity». And, opening yourselves up, to bring that which could be the characteristic gift, the joy of being followers of Jesus, fruit of his presence, where two or more are united in his name. The motto of the congress of the youth is in fact, “From this they will know…”, a passage from the Gospel that continues: If you have love for one another. [Jn. 13.35]. «We want to give all our strength to build fraternity together with everyone» – one impression on the spot of the youth. A small fact. «A car collided with mine exactly in the same spot where sometime ago I had already experienced the same thing – Francesco relates. I could have made a ‘cunning move’ not to say anything and just ask for the person to pay for the damage, but instead I went down from the car, I reassured the awkward elderly man who collided with my car, and I told him the truth. Was I stupid to act in this way? Maybe, but instead I felt the joy of having acted correctly and with mercy». «I was very impressed by the sincerity with which Maria Voce spoke to us, truly with an open heart – Tomaso, Italian, explained. We left with “our blood boiling in our veins” – he concluded – just as Chiara said in a video to the gen in the’70s. We are more decisive than ever in bringing to everyone the fire of the Gospel lived, “the greatest revolution”, that which will never pass away».

Christmas, the power of love

Dec 24, 2013 | Non categorizzato

A Christmas of gratitude

Dec 23, 2013 | Non categorizzato

The Adventure of Unity / Openness

Dec 22, 2013 | Non categorizzato

In the Focolare Movement dialogue is not a matter of personal opinion.Even a brief glimpse at the stages of its development (see timeline) would show that the Movement was not born at a planning table but by an inspiration, through a charism that the Holy Spirit had bestowed on a young woman from Trent, Italy. Since the earliest days of the Movement numerous incidents concerning Chiara Lubich and her first companions show a total acceptance of others, and acceptance is the first step in dialogue. The spreading of the Movement throughout the world, the rapid growth of the spirit of unity cannot only be attributed to words that were spoken by few a people into a microphone, but to the love that was based on the art of loving, which Chiara had always proposed as the “method” for spreading the Gospel: “making yourself one”. This term is borrowed from Saint Paul who writes: “I have become all things to all people”. For the Movement, this has always been the main method of evangelization. Observing the vast spreading of the Movement, it seems obvious that the spirituality of unity conquered hearts and souls of people of every social category, due to its uncompromising openness to the human family; openness expressed primarily through an attitude of dialogue in all fields, times and places. In the Focolare dialogue is meant to be understood in its strongest sense, in its Gospel sense. We do not sacrifice our own identity for the sake of any sort of compromise, but precisely because of our identity, we are able to reach out to another who is “different” from us. On January 24, 2002 Chiara and Andrea Riccardi (founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio) were invited to Assisi. They were to speak on behalf of the Catholic Church in front of the pope and other religious leaders of the world, following the collapse of the Twin Towers. Chiara emphasised that dialogue is the main attitude of the Church. She recalled the Church’s four dialogues: dialogue within the Church; ecumenical dialogue; dialogue with the faithful of other religions; and the dialogue with people who have any religious affiliation. These are the four dialogues identified by the Church during the Second Vatican Council in the Encyclical Letter Ecclesium Suam. In 1991 Chiara had written: “Jesus considers as allies and friends all those who battle against evil. Without being aware of it they work for the coming of God’s Reign. Jesus asks for a love from us that is capable of becoming dialogue; that is, a love which, far from closing us proudly within the safe boundaries of our own little worlds, is capable of openness towards everyone, and capable of working with other people of good will for the building of peace and unity in our world. Therefore, may we try to open our eyes to the people we meet, may we admire the good they do no matter what their beliefs may be. May we support them and encourage one another along the path of love and justice.”

The Lure of the Christmas Mystery

Dec 21, 2013 | Non categorizzato

Christmas is that sublime mystery of God’s love, who loved us so much as to become one of us. As it is written, the mystery of the Incarnation tells of God’s excessive love. In order to envelope everyone in this love, God was born in a grotto amongst livestock and cattle, putting himself beneath his creatures where the poorest of the poor contemplated Him enveloped in their own wretchedness. Celebrating Christmas means reawakening to consciousness the love brought from Heaven to earth by Jesus, a love He shared through life and word. Nowadays there is a special need to revive – and polish – the concept of love, because the human community risks becoming sadder and sadder due to its lack of love. Love connects a person to the level of Christ. In fact, the good (or the bad) done to a neighbour is judged at the Final Judgment as done to Christ. Out of this shortage of love, incapacity to love each other, only boredom and sadness will be distilled. Returning love to our brothers and sisters today is to return joy, peace and life, and this is perhaps why Christmas resurrects a taste for innocence and simplicity. It uncovers that font of gladness which is Christ in the midst, as at the manger in the midst of Mary, Joseph and shepherds. The Lord was born so that we might be reborn. He is the life and we were – and are in the darkness. We pass from darkness to life because we love our brothers and sisters. Christian commitment requires heroism levied against mediocrity, the victory over compromise. It wants life in freedom, which is freedom from any form of evil; form: lack of physical strength, financial failure, disappointment in human relationships, and desolation in the midst of the world. The important thing is to never give up. Perhaps no one will tell you “Well done!” The medals will be pinned on other chests. Perhaps some will call you fanatical or naive. You’ll have to squeeze out of the desolation you feel, a more fervent longing for God, and this will motivate you even more. There are some profound and simple words drawn from the depths of the divine life that describe your mission. They are the words of Jesus: “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.” Salt flavours by hiding itself in the food. Light illuminates by silently penetrating. A Christian’s behaviour should add flavour (salt) to life (if not, you don’t know what you’re living for) and the direction to life. You cannot ignore the misery in the world that is due largely to a lack of love. Love is the life of humankind. In Jesus, it was Love who was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and took on our humanity and inserted us in the life of God. Igino Giordani in: Città Nuova, December 25, 1967 – No.23/24

Youth for a United World: Christmas of mutual welcome and peace

Dec 20, 2013 | Non categorizzato

Christmas in Bethlehem! “It’s a unique opportunity to crown this year through our meeting with the Holy Land Youth for a United World”, shared Maria Guaita, Andrew Camilleri and Claudia Barrero, from the Y4UW international secretariat.

What significance does it have for you to spend Christmas in the Holy Land? We have welcomed this invitation as a proposal to all the Youth for a United World spread all over the planet – narrates Maria Guaita -. The Gospel narrates that Mary and Joseph found no inn to lodge: “the Word came to his own and his own people did not accept him.” We wish to welcome him especially in the lonely ones, the marginalized, the poor and the homeless. Therefore, we commit ourselves to transform each of our cities into a small Bethlehem that hosts the nativity crib that offers a cradle to baby Jesus.”

How have you organized this activity? “We propose to all the Youth for a United World a Christmas that is characterized by mutual welcome and peace. On daily basis, the mass media offer us images of violence and suffering, exclusion, and we want to respond to this with an even greater love: taking advantage of this Christmas Season to carry out concrete acts of love in favour of our brothers and sisters.”

We wish to get as many people as possible involved in this initiative – concludes Maria – also parishes, institutions, other associations and movements, according to each one’s creativity and possibilities – as Chiara Lubich used to say – “nothing is small that is done out of love”.”

One may post photos or short films of these initiatives on the “Youth for a United World – Holy Land” Facebook Page.

“All these fragments of fraternity – adds Claudia -, will give witness and document an important step in the fulfilment of the “United World Project”, thus paving the way to universal brotherhood.”

For more information:

Youth for a United World

Evangelii Gaudium (EG), Some Thoughts From Maria Voce

Dec 19, 2013 | Non categorizzato

What does Pope Francis mean by Church-Communion? This can be found in four points of the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (EG) in the section called No to warring among ourselves. The key phrase is found in (EG, 99): “I especially ask Christians in communities throughout the world to continue to offer a radiant and attractive witness of fraternal communion.” This request, Maria Voce says, is extended “to the Christians who find themselves in communities of the Church. It is a request for the witness they give within the various communities in which they live, “a witness of mutual love and care for one another, a witness of fraternal communion.”   

But what community is the Pope talking about? Maria Voce points out that one could at first think that the Pope is referring to specific groups, but then she offered a wider view: “these communities can also be where Christians find themselves in non-Christian communities or in communities in which the Gospel is still to be proclaimed; as well as in convents, associations and families.”

Why this request? “I think he explains why in his concluding statements: “May this fraternal communion become radiant and attractive.” Beneath this witness lies a longing to evangelize, that this be the ‘primary’ form of evangelization or the ‘new’ form of evangelization. Fraternal communion among Christians must attract others simply by its witness.” Then the Pope offered some concrete expressions of this vision. “He invites us to begin. Let’s begin by praying for that person whom we don’t like at the moment. He invites us to take the first step, even just a small step;  simply remembering someone in prayer. This helps to overcome all the obstacles that stand in the way of living fraternal communion . . . it makes it possible even for someone destroyed by grudges and hatreds, someone who suffers because of enmities and betrayals, to make a joyful return.” Joy is the characteristic that pervades the entire Apostolic Exhortation: “You give witness to the Gospel in joy.”

What are some of the impediments? Maria Voce refers to the preceding paragraph. The obstacle is spiritual worldliness which consists in “seeking not the Lord’s glory, but human glory and personal wellbeing” (93). Egoism: looking at yourself rather than at God and those around you; seeking security in the things of this world, in money and power, in self-reliance rather than complete trust in God.” This “prevents Christians at the very roots from enjoying fraternal communion.”

“The Pope particularly stigmatizes the contention, envy and jealousy that can arise among Christians, especially if they are in religious communities or communities of people involved in witnessing to the Gospel in some way.” Voce deduces that it is not possible to think about evangelizing in such a way: “There’s no possibility for fruitfulness, if these Christian communities don’t give an authentic witness to fraternal love.”

In conclusion, Maria Voce confided: “A thought of Chiara Lubich comes to my mind. While addressing some animators of parish communities in 2005, she stated: ‘The Lord has given us a charism for the world of today, the charism of unity. I’m certain that it can also help in the renewal of parish communities, so that they become what they are meant to be: the living Church, where everyone can find Jesus. We therefore feel the responsibility of having received such a gift from God and we have the courage to spread the spirituality of unity, especially now when John Paul II presented it to the entire Church as the spirituality of communion (NMI, 43).’” Thus it’s an invitation for us today, to “be conscious of the fact that we bear a charism and can contribute to creating bonds of fraternal communion in all the communities we belong to, both within our Movement and beyond.”

Source: Città Nuova online

Maria Voce, women, Church and equal dignity

Dec 16, 2013 | Non categorizzato

Maria Voce, one of the most influential women of the Church, gave a quiet laugh when asked whether she regrets not being able to be a priest, and added: «You see, I know women Evangelical-Lutheran pastors connected to the Movement. They are my friends and exceptional women who do very well in their churches, but I never thought that the possibility of becoming a priest would increase a woman’s dignity. It’s only an extra service. The main point is something else: as women, what I think we should aim at is equal dignity and equal opportunities being recognized in the Catholic Church. Service and not servitude, as Pope Francis himself says….» Since 2008 Maria Voce guides the Focolare Movement, two and a half million adherents in 182 countries. This is the only Movement that is guided by statute by a woman. She succeeded the founder, Chiara Lubich, who called her «Emmaus» and is buried not very far, in the little chapel of the International Centre at Rocca di Papa, with large windows facing her house between the pine trees and in front of the tombstone there is a mosaic that represents Mary as Mother of the Church. On December 7^th, 70 years will have passed since Chiara’s «consecration to God». A lay woman who anticipated a few topics of the Vatican Council. «The Church as an opening, communion, mutual love….»

What role do women have in the Church today and how much are they listened to?

«The role is the one every human being has, either man or woman, who belongs to the Church as mystical body of Christ. Whereas, how this is considered by others is something a little different. It seems to me that women don’t have much say in the matter yet. Many times they are acknowledged with the values of humility, docility and flexibility, but this is a bit taken advantage of. However, the Pope said that he’s sorry to see the woman in servitude, not the woman in service: service is a key word of his pontificate, but as a service of love. Not in the sense of service because you are considered inferior and therefore submissive. I think that there is a lot to be done in this.»

The Pope said that we need to think of a «theology of the woman». What does this mean for you?

«I am not a theologian. But the Pope gave the title: “Mary is greater than the apostles.” It’s great that he says so, it’s very strong. But complementarity should emerge from this. Also participating in the teachings of the Church, in a certain way….»

In what way?

«Chiara saw Mary as the blue sky that contained the sun, the moon and the stars. In this vision, if the sun is God and the stars are the saints, Mary is the sky that contains them, that contains even God: precisely because of God’s will he was made flesh in her womb. This is the woman in the Church, she must have this function and she can exist only in complementarity with the Petrine charism. Peter cannot guide the Church alone, but there must be Peter with the apostles and sustained and surrounded by the embrace of this woman-mother: Mary.»

For Francis we need to reflect on the woman’s position «also where authority is exercised». How can this come about?

«Women could guide the Curial departments, I don’t see any difficulty in this. I don’t understand why, for example, at the head of a department on the family there necessarily should be a cardinal. There could very well be a lay couple who live their marriage in a Christian way and, with all respect, they are certainly more informed about family problems than a cardinal. The same could be said for other departments. I think it’s normal.»

What else?

«I’m thinking of the General Congregations before the conclave. The mother superiors of big congregations could participate in them, perhaps elective representatives of the dioceses. If the assembly were vaster, it would also help the future Pope. Besides, why should he only confer with the other cardinals? It’s a limitation.»

Could this also be valid for the Council of Cardinal Advisers wanted by Francis?

«Certainly. I don’t see only a group of women being added. A mixed organism would be more useful, with women and other lay people, and together with the cardinals they could give the necessary information and prospects. This would arouse my enthusiasm.»

And women cardinals? Mother Teresa was mentioned, how would you have seen her?

«I would like to understand how she would have seen herself! A woman cardinal could be a sign for humanity, but not for me nor for women in general, I think. It does not interest me. She would be an exceptional person who has been made cardinal. All right, and then? Great persons, saints and doctors of the Church were appreciated. But it’s the woman as such that does not find her position. What should be recognized is the female genius in daily life.»

The famous complementarity….

«Certainly. I mentioned Petrine charism and Marian charism. But in general I’d say between man and woman, the complementarity written in the divine plan. Human beings in the image of God, “male and female he created them,” otherwise this wouldn’t be fulfilled. The same can be said for consecrated people: even if a person renounces a sexual relationship, relationships in themselves cannot be renounced, the rapport with the other.»

Gian Guido Vecchi

Source: Corriere della Sera, 30.11.2013

Read also: Women and Church, a challenging issue  (interview to Città Nuova)

The Adventure of Unity/Summer of 1949

Dec 15, 2013 | Non categorizzato

In the summer of 1949, the deputy in government Igino Giordani, who had met the spiritaulity of unity just a few months before, joined Chiara Lubich who had gone for a rest in the Valley of Primiero in Tonadico, in the mountains of Trent, in northern Italy. Together with the small community of Trent, which was now swarming in several other cities of Italy, he had lived with intensity the phrase from the Gospel of Matthew concerning the abandonment of Jesus on the cross. Chiara would later write about that special summer: “While 1943 marked the beginning of the Movement, 1949 was a giant leap forward. Some unexpected circumstances – but foreseen by Providence – meant that the first little group of us who had begun the Movement should spend some time away from the “world” in the mountains. We had to spend some time away from people, but we couldn’t distance ourselves from our new way of living, which gave meaning to our existence. A tiny and rustic little mountain hut welcomed us into its poverty. We were alone, alone among ourselves, with our great ideal that we lived moment by moment with the Eucharistic Jesus, the Bond of Unity upon whom we drew each day. We were alone to rest, in prayer and meditation. And that is when a moment of particular graces began. We had the impression that the Lord threw open the Kingdom of God that was among us, to the eyes of our soul. It was like the Trinity living in one cell of the Mystical Body: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name (. . .) so that they may be one as we are one” (Jn 17:12). And we were given to understand that the Movement which was being born would be nothing less than a mystical presence of Mary in the Church. Naturally, we would never have left those mountains, little Tabor of our soul, if the will of God had not been otherwise. And it was only because of our love for Jesus Crucified and Forsaken living in humanity, which is so immersed in darkness, who gave us the courage to come down from the mountains.” (1) On another occasion Chiara said: “A particularly luminous period began in which, among other things, it seemed that God wanted to make understand something about his plan for our Movement.” In the years that remained, Chiara never did anything but try to realize what had been given to her during that summer of light. (1) Chiara Lubich, in Scritti Spirituali/3, Rome 1996, pp 41-42.

Chiara Lubich: to become saints together

Dec 14, 2013 | Non categorizzato

Lucia Abignente is part of the Chiara Lubich Centre: A documentation Centre, also a study centre, a centre of scientific research and promotion of the historical figure of the foundress of the Focolare Movement. Saints are witnesses of the faith who are recommended as examples by the Catholic Church: what is the example that Chiara Lubich gives? Abignente: […] her life has always stood out due to the passing on to others of the purest joy of faith. In the beginning of the ‘40s, a priest told her: “God loves you immensely”. This certainty, that became the foundation of her life, was immediately shared by Chiara: not only “I” am loved by God, but he loves all of “us” immensely. Hers was never an individual journey but it has always had the character of universality. This is also what happened in her journey towards sanctity. “To become saints together” she repeated to us. Because of this she has always made us participate in whatever God made her understand, so as to walk together towards Him. “That all may be one”: this was the desire and the goal of the life of Chiara up to the end […] The President Maria Voce explained that from all over – even from representatives of other churches and religions – the hope was expressed that this process could be initiated … Abignente: The ecumenical dialogue, that of interreligious dialogue and the one with persons of other convictions were born quite naturally in the Focolare Movement, determined by circumstances rather than by a theoretical intention. The first to enter into dialogue were the German Evangelicals in 1961. They were touched by the experience of Chiara, of how she lived the Gospel, eversince 1944, during the war, in the bomb shelters, when she would read the Gospel with her companions and together they tried to put it into practice. Chiara was especially close to Athenagoras, the Patriarch of Constantinople […] The persons of other confessions or religions and also those with no religious convictions felt the humanity of Chiara which attracted them and rooted them in her life of the Word. For this reason, we too look at the starting of this journey as something that does not divide, even with its external signs, respect for brothers of other faiths or other experiences because the sanctity based on the Bible must invite others to a more profound joining in the journey towards God or towards the non-religious moral values that we share with persons of other convictions. How will you accompany the journey that starts today? Abignente: We have undertaken a great task beforehand, of gathering all the published writings of Chiara that will be examined in the beatification process. We are dealing with thousands of pages. We must also include the research documents, also documents that have never published before, that come from the different sources of the archives of the Movement. In these years after her passing, the memory of Chiara has always remained alive and on the anniversary of her death, March 14, there have been many Eucharistic celebrations often presided by Bishops and meetings and initiatives of all kinds. There is a “reputation of sanctity” that surrounds her person all over the world which are accompanied by signs of graces received that have been communicated to us. We don’t know how things will evolve but what seems clear to us is that this journey (…) can help each one to deepen his or her relationship with God. Source: Chiara Santomiero, Aleteia, December 9, 2013

One Sign of Peace at the Heart Of the Protests in Argentina

Dec 11, 2013 | Non categorizzato

Cordoba is a city of 1.2 million inhabitants in the heart of Argentina. Provincial police began protesting for higher wages, leading to strikes that left the streets without police protection. Two people died and more than a thousand commercial centres, private homes and a Caritas warehouse were assaulted by groups of organized criminal delinquents on December 13^th and 14^th. A curfew was enforced on the citizens who remain locked in their homes, public offices, schools and universities. Public transportation was no longer in service. The mediation carried out by Comipaz (interreligious committee), through the intervention of Auxiliary Bishop Pedro Javier Torres, Rabbi Marcelo Polakoff and religious leaders from several other confessional groups helped to re-establish calm. By noontime on December 4th they reached an agreement between the parties, following which the police slowly regained control of the city. Once this agreement was announced the Young for Unity stepped into action, as Anna Maria Martinez recounts: “We were watching all the violence and sacking with a sense of fear, keeping hidden in our homes. But we didn’t want to remain passive in front of what was happening in our city. We felt a strong desire to show the people that something good could emerge from all this anger, madness and institutionalized corruption.” “Through the social networks we agreed to meet in one of the city’s squares. At 16:00 the first young people began to arrive and there were already thirty of us. Some journalists and television channels were also on hand. As time went by other groups of young people began arriving, who had also been advised of the meeting. In the end there were a hundred of us, plus many others who joined us in cleaning up the square, their buildings and the surrounding streets.” The previous night had been awful: gunshots, sirens, alarms, sacking of shops and homes, many shop-owners left to fend for themselves. There was much work to be done to clean up after the burnings and remove the ruined barricades . . . “But beyond the physical work, the basic idea was to talk with the people, to offer them a moment for dialogue and listening. The response was immediate: some brought food for the Caritas warehouse; others brought water to us workers, along with gloves, brooms and mops. So many joined in the work with us, so touched to see us who didn’t even live in the area arriving to help in the cleaning of their quarter.” We never foresaw the repercussions this would have in the news where they reported on the actions of us young people. “We feel that we’ve done more than just clean streets; we’ve realized that it depends on each one of us if we want to do something out of the ordinary. Just yesterday there was a spreading of delinquency and opportunism; today there is a spreading of good will, strength and working together to begin a change.” The situation in Argentina is not yet resolved. Protests and clashes continue to spread in other provinces, but the desire remains of not being overcome by violence, but finding peaceful paths. Video  

Lucia Degasperi, ten years since her death

Dec 10, 2013 | Non categorizzato

Eversince she was little, Lucia was a child who radiated an uncontrollable and contagious joy. The youngest after eight brothers, she grew up in a very poor family in Terlano (Bolzano-Italy). Inspite of the economic difficulties, the Degasperi couple always maintained a strong faith. As the years passed, nevertheless, Lucia was convinced that love does not exist on earth and the thought of loving without being loved in return frightened her. When Lucia was twenty years old, her brother Carlo suddenly changed his way of acting at home: he started to make the beds, shine the shoes. She became curious and asked him to explain why he was acting that way and so she found herself invited to go to the Mariapolis, a meeting of several days of the Focolare. Lucia is profoundly touched by the many concrete experiences based on the certainty that God is love and that He loves everyone personally, so much so that, frightened, she leaves the meeting early. But a sentence remains imprinted within her: “Whatsoever you do to the least, you did it to me” (Mt 25, 40). She started to live it seriously. And consequently she felt that God was calling her to follow him in the focolare. From 1964, when the spirituality of unity started to spread in Germany, Lucia was in West Berlin and afterwards in the early ‘80s she was in the GDR, a land where the situation of the regime forced many adherents of the spirituality of the Focolare to meet in a semi-clandestine way and with much difficulty. Lucia also had to spend a month in a Military Camp, before moving to Leipzig. The other inmates were soon touched by her love: she rearranged the common room and offered them the coffee that she was planning to bring to Leipzig. Gradually many others started to follow her example and on her last day there one of the guards confided to Lucia:  “I have never had a group as beautiful as this…”. With the telephone being monitored and with the hidden microphone in the car,  Lucia uses her creativity, inventing a thousand strategies to meet the people that have been entrusted to her: She invited children to lunch, organized parties for the youth, made many visits to families. In 1989 the focolarinas and the gen girls (the youth of the focolare) of the GDR celebrated the fall of the Berlin wall by taking a long trip to Trent and to Rome, where many of them, meet Chiara Lubich for the first time. What followed were years of a great launching, but unexpectedly in 1994, Lucia was diagnosed with cancer. It was a very painful suffering for her as she would share years later: “It was a death sentence”. It took time for her to understand that “the moment had come to re-entrust my life to God”. Living the present moment was a great help for her and she became a source of light for many. The years passed, and as her physical strength diminished, her spiritual strength increased. “I won’t tell you ‘take courage Lucia’ – Chiara Lubich wrote to her on the 3rd of December, 2003 – you have all the graces that you need and even more. Just be happy”. On the 10th of December, Lucia leaves for Heaven in great serenity. “Thank you for the concrete love that you have always had”; “Thank you for your smile that always created the family”; “Thank you for your strength”, these were just some of the many, many messages that rained down from all over in the days that followed her passing.