In Colombia working for a Better World

Dec 6, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Colombia, together with its many natural riches, it is also a Country with serious social wounds among which is the great inequality between the few who are rich and the many who are poor,  numerous families who are forced to leave their homes and cities due to violence, thousands of cases of abuse of minors ….

The Fondazione Mundo Mejor (Better World Foundation), a non-profit organization, was born in Medellín in 1996 started by a group of people of the Focolare Movement who found the strength to face the social emergemcies around them from the  Charism of Unity. No one could remain indifferent in front of these realities, on the contrary, striving to live the spirituality of  Chiara Lubich, gave rise to concrete answers: diverse social projects that integrate action and reflection.

The program of child services, for example, offers complete education for vulnerable children from 2 to 5 years of age.

That of social integration offers assistance to the destitute, by trying to create alternatives and livelihood projects that will allow them to re-enter into the social fabric and into the workforce. The program of re-introduction into the world of work, with the offer of professional training and assistance there where they reside.

A program on human rights, where strategies to strengthen the exercise of the principal human rights of children and their families are developed.

At present the  Foundation has 155 employees, including nutritionists, psychologists, teachers and administrative personnel, looking after the welfare of around 2,000 children and 400 homeless.

Steve Carty and his wife – Peruvian and with two children  – have dedicated themselves to work full-time in this educational-social project. “Our challenge goes beyond activism –Steve underlined – because we have understood that the first big social revolution is born in the heart of every person”.

Today the Foundazione Mundo Mejor (Better World Foundation) is an institution that is recognized as a valid voice in the fields of politics, art, social works and sports; it is the partner of other organization that have chosen it for its transparency and attention for the other, in the spirit of fraternity.

It has received important recognitions from the Town Council of Medellin, from the regional authorities and from the Senate of the Republic of Colombia. Recently, they have signed an agreement with the Club UNESCO Heritage, with headquarters in Valencia, Spain.

A young girl named Mary

Dec 5, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“The social revolution that marked the beginning of a new age began with a fifteen year old girl. It was a total revolution that comprehended not only the body, but also the spirit; not only time, but also eternity. This young girl was named Mary.

She was a Jew from an unfit village from which it was believed nothing good could ever come: Nazareth.

At the beginning of the great change there was a woman. She dwelt in a hovel and was familiar with the misery of families all crammed into caves like living sacrifices. She shared in their deep hunger and burning thirst for social justice.

From within the womb of this young maiden sprang up the maker of the revolution. The Son of God was about to be born as a man, as the Son of Mary. Perfect purity was taking flesh with blood of that same purity within the person of the one who was all worthy and without trace of the original fault.

Now, this girl who already represented the most amazing revolution as the humblest of creatures  was chosen for the highest of duties; the most unknown among women was to become the women invoked by all generations.

She was a humble handmaid and, at the same time, strong-hearted. She rested in the power of God. She is the perfect woman: the complete woman: without blemish and without fear.  Although prepared to sacrifice, she is certain of justice. She is all love and therefore totally free.

Her beauty has wrapped woman in a new light that has come to be revealed in her wake. Throughout the centuries Our Lady has raised up the woman and placed the mothering role in divinizing light. Her sweet motherhood is so boundless that all ages have called her Our Lady. Once the Father placed the Mother in our midst, life took on the atmosphere of a home and being there  a feast.

Since humankind’s degeneration began with a woman, when the Creator wished to purify it he once again chose a woman, and began again with her. He chose Mary of Nazareth, a woman without stain.”

Igino Giordani in: Le Feste, Società Editrice Internazionale, 1954.

A Message of Unity from Jerusalem

Dec 5, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

To bring back to one’s own Diocese and one’s own Church the riches of the experience made together: this was the intention of the 33 Bishops – Orthodox, belonging to the Ancient Oriental Churches, Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans and Catholics of the different Rites – at the end of the 32° Ecumenical Convention organized by the Focolare Movement which was held in Jerusalem from November 18 to 22. They contributed to the theme of the Convention which was “The reciprocity of love among the disciples of Christ, not only through the deepening of theological and spiritual topics but also through a fraternal and sincere exchange of experiences among the Bishops.

The central point of the meeting: a strong pact among them to constantly and always live their relationships with the imprint of the New Commandment: “As I have loved you, so too must you love one another”, because “By this they will know that you are my disciples: if you love one another’” (Jn. 13,31-35). The place that was chosen for this moment was very meaningful: the little “church” named “In Gallicantu” that lies along the pathway leading to the Cenacle at the Cedron stream, which according to tradition was the path that Jesus took after the Last Supper. Thus it is linked to his commandment of Love and to his prayer to the Father for the unity of those who followed him.

The Latin Patriarch S. B. Faoud Twal, greeted a group of Bishops during the preparation of the Convention. The meeting with the Greek-Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem,Theophilos III, was also significant. He considered the coming of the Bishops to Jerusalem as a blessing.  “For the Christians of the Holy Land – he underlined – it is an encouragement to meet Bishops who are united, even if they belong to different Churches. It is also a strong support for us, because it is a clear sign that we have not been forgotten. You don’t only talk about dialogue but you are a living dialogue”.

They studied in detail two recent documents launched within the ecumenical field: “The Church: Towards a Common Vision” by the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, and the document of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity: “From Conflict to Communion” looking at the commemoration in 2017 of 500 years since the Reformation.

The Bishops were also informed about the experience of communion and collaboration within the network of Together for Europe that, respecting the specific character of each one, gathers together around 300 Movements and communities of various Christian Chruches for activities in common. Together for Europe is seen as a source of real hope by specialists, because it is an expression of what is often called the Ecumenism of life, considered by Vatican II to be the basis for all types of Ecumenism.

On November 2, the Bishops shared their ten-year experience of communion with about 120 people, among whom were notable people from the religious field and representatives of Movements and communities from different Churches present in the Holy Land. For their part, the Bishops also heard about constructive initiatives, often initiated by lay people, to improve relations among the Churches and the non-Christian communities of their country.

The visit every day to various holy sites made the life of Jesus feel even more present. This was especially true in Bethlehem, where the local community of the Focolare Movement gathered for a small event which, in the words of Helmut Sievers, “allowed everyone to experience the luminous presence of the Saviour in today’s world.”

Watch video (Franciscan Media Centre) “Love one another as I have loved you”—the 32nd Bishops’ Ecumenical Conference

Tenth Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Busan, South Korea

Dec 3, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

A considerable boost for the ecumenical movement was the impression of the Secretary General of the WCC, Rev. Pastor Olav Fykse Tveit at the conclusion of the 10th General Assembly of the World Council of Churches which is held every 7 years. The Assembly was attended by 2, 760 registered participants (Church delegates, councilors, partner organisations, visitors, journalists and guests). But more than 5000 people from Korea also showed up to take part in the unique ecumenical experience. Also among those present were Patriarch Karekin II Supreme Catholicos of all Armenians, Archbishop of Canterbury Welby, and Ecumenical Patricarch Bartholomew I who sent a video-taped message. Although the Catholic Church is not a member of the World Council of Churches, it collaborates actively through the Pontifical Council for the Unity of Christians which is represented in Busan by a delegation of qualified persons. Cardinal Kurt Koch read a message from Pope Francis. Joan Back from the Focolare’s Centro Uno secretariat for ecumenical dialogue represented the Focolare Movement with Reformed Pastor Peter Dettwiler from Switzerland, who is in charge of ecumenism for the Reformed Church in the Zurich canton. The Focolare has collaborated with the WWC since 1967. Chiara Lubich was invited three times to speak about the spirituality of unity at the headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This time the important and continuing contribution of the Focolare was once again recognized by Rev. Tveit as he thanked Focolare president Maria Voce for the message she had sent. “There was such a beautiful fraternal atmosphere among the Churches,” says Joan Back. “Even though they don’t share identical positions concerning ecclesiology or morality, they are still able to meet, pray and even work together.” A very important document was presented: La Chiesa: verso una visione comune (Toward a common vision of the Church) which was produced by the Faith and Order Department, edited by theologians converging ideas about ecclesiologies that are very different from each other.

Joan Back and Peter Dettwiler (centre) together with a group of participants at the Assembly.

Aletta recounts the beginnings of the Focolare

Nov 29, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

The narrative flows like a family story with a touch of the divine whose clarity and simplicity both edifies and arouses wonder. These are stories of the “early days” of the Focolare Movement from the lips of Vittoria Salizzoni, one of the first companions of Chiara Lubich. They are a testimony to the beginning of the adventure of believing in Love and leaving everything for Him in the full midst of the Second World War. More commonly known as Aletta, Vittoria, third in a family of eight children recounts:

“On her way to work every day my sister Agnes would pass by the friars hole, an air-raid shelter in Piazza Cappuccini (Capuchins Square) where Chiara Lubich would sometimes take refuge and read the Gospel with her friends. Agnes was totally taken by their new way of talking, by their contagious joy, and would share with me how it made her feel. But I don’t ever remember her telling me anything about their ideals. Therefore, knowing hardly anything about them really, I wasn’t very drawn to the idea of meeting the girls.

It was the persistence of a friend that led me to go and meet those young people, “but only because I was being polite.” And so on January 7, 1945 I was at Number 2 Piazza Cappucini in Trent. The first thing I noticed as I entered into that small house was a young woman standing by the kitchen sink. She was kneading some bread. She seemed like an angel standing in that room. They introduced her to me: ‘That’s Natalia, she’s making white bread with refined flour for one of us who has stomach problems.’ I was struck by the scene before me. I found it so pleasing. I felt love.

That was a decisive moment in my life. I’m not a person who decides things right away and am blunt and outspoken at times, but on that day I was totally changed. I was left speechless by the atmosphere in that place. I was enchanted by the way they introduced themselves, by their way of acting and moving about. In the adjoining room, a very modest bedroom with only two mattresses on the floor but appearing quite beautiful to me, I found Chiara intent on fixing Graziella’s hair. She was making a thick braid which she then wrapped around her head like a crown.

As I observed these peers of mine, I intuited that they had “grasped” God on an impulse. Their choice had nothing heavy or burdensome about it, nothing solemn or austere. Their life was animated by a strong momentum of enthusiasm and, being young, everything played out like a game. It was – if it can say it in this way – God as a youth. It all seemed grand and new and divine. Here there was Love. God was there and I felt Him.

One day Chiara explained to me how radical their choice really was: ‘See? Life is short, short as a flash. Bombs falling from one moment to the next and we can die. Therefore we’ve made the pact of giving everything to God, because we have only one life and when we stand before Him we want to already be all His. For this reason we’ve married God.”

This sentence went straight to the depths of my heart. I was certain that God was calling me to marry Him. It gave me wings, changed my life: I had also been called to such a beautiful adventure and to bring it to everyone.

8th UNESCO Youth Forum: Ideas in Action

Nov 28, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

For the first time the Focolare’s Youth for a United World and their United World Project take part in the 8th UNESCO Youth Forum held in Paris, France on October 29-31, 2013. Five hundred young people from 150 countries took part in a workshop by and for young people, which has been meeting biyearly since 1999. The forum, which is an integral part of the UNESCO General Conference, aims at creating synergies among United Nations organizations and other organizations and public institutions that work in the youth sector.

Main topics of the 8th forum: “Young people and social inclusion: civil involvement; dialogue and skills development,” which were chosen through an online survey of the 2500 young people. In line with the UNESCO operating strategy for young people 2014-2021, recommendations were presented to the 195 member states at the 37^th UNESCO General Conference which met on November 5-20, 2013. Moreover, this year the young people chose 15 action projects – IED from the five UNESCO “regions” – that were given the label Youth Forum UNESCO.

Contatti attraverso lo United World Project con l’UNESCO  c’erano già stati presso 11 commissioni nazionali negli scorsi mesi. Tutti passi di un cammino di conoscenza reciproca che continua.Stella from Hong Kong, Anne Cecile from France and Joaquin from Argentina were members of the Youth for a United World delegation (youth section of the New Humanity NGO), whose attendance had been propelled by the work that is being carried out with the United World Project, launched last year at the Genfest in Hungary, promoting universal brotherhood in various environments.

At the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Youth for a United World reported a “revolution” in putting up the organisation of the forum with an invasion of young volunteers. The work carried out in the work groups and in the plenary session was characterized by an exchange of experiences and good practices. Among the recommendations that were accepted was one from the Youth for a United World: “the promotion of intergenerational opportunities, as a fruit of living for fraternity,” reported Joaquin.

The conference concluded with the speech by the president of the Katalin Bogyay General Conference who spoke at the Genfest in Budapest about a traditional African teaching called Ubuntu (I am because we are). The next phase of the United World Project will be held on May 1^st in Nairobi and be called: Sharing With Africa.  Stella went on to say: “These words had particular resonance for us,” because “such occasions allow us to see that there is a path toward a united world here as well. Different, yes, but so involved in solving problems together, like one big family.”

Dialogue and the Rule of Law: Maria Voce in South Italy

Nov 26, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“It is suggestive that a city which recognizes a woman of such deep faith as Chiara Lubich, as a symbol of peace, finds itself ten years later with an administration of such diverse political leanings taking up her legacy.” With these words Archbishop Salvatore Visco welcomed the people who had gathered at the Garibaldi Theatre in Santa Maria Capua Vetere for a conference entitled Chiara Lubich, Woman of Dialogue.

“You can change the world beginning from your own city, because the facts that you have recounted here demonstrate the change that has taken place in many of you,” said Focolare president Maria Voce as she addressed the young people regarding their concrete commitment against illegality and other social ills; for their efforts in favour of the environment; for becoming directly involved in improving their cities. “This is not an abstract dialogue among people or religions,” Maria Voce pointed out, “but a lifestyle of dialogue; not an activity, but a way of being that needs to be nourished by love, mercy and an ability to forgive: because we are all brothers and sisters and children of the same God.”

A very keen reflection was given by philosopher Aldo Masullo who defined dialogue as: “the way for overcoming the desperation of solitude, for war is born of desperation; whereas peace is founded on faith that is rooted in authenticity.”

Nasser Hidouri, Imam of the Mosque in the municipality of San Marcellino, testified to the life that comes from “not fearing our differences” and from “not being conditioned by the problems that are created by a violent minority,” mindful that “the questions that remain unanswered for us today, will be inherited by our children tomorrow.”

Alberta Levi Temin of Jewish-Christian Friendship and survivor of the Nazi round-up in the ghetto of Rome when she was a child shared her vision of humanity: “a pyramid with three sides at its base comprised of religions, peoples and cultures all leading to the top where God is equally distant from each one of them.”

Then there was the testimonial of Antonio Casale, Director of the Centro Fernandes [Fernandes Centre] for welcoming immigrants, especially from the African Sub-Sahara: “More important than the beds, meals or medicine we provide is the human dignity that we try to restore to each individual.”

In the problematic economic and social situation of the region, the voice of anti-racket entrepreneur Antonio Diana, whose father had been murdered by the Camorra, had a positive message: “You can do business without adapting to the customs of corruption and without falling into compromise,” being willing to pay the price.

An evening event that showed the fruits of 360° dialogue helped to convey hope to the participants for a better future that is based on what each one accomplishes in the present.

On November 24, 2013, two thousand people from Focolare communities gathered in Naples. They came from Campania, Puglia and Basilicata, with some people from Albania. First there were some opening words from the Mayor of Naples, Luigi de Magistris. Then there was an open dialogue with Maria Voce and co-president Giancarlo Falleti. Some of the topics of discussion included: involvement in politics and civil life; making decisions in crucial moments when you are young; launching and prospective for the Movement as it reaches out in service to humanity and in contributing to the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer: that all may be one.

On November 25, 2013, Maria Voce presented the keynote address on Jesus Forsaken, A Light for Theology for the opening of the academic year at the St. Robert Bellarmine Institute of Religious Sciences. Bishops from several diocese of Campania also attended.

Acer Movement: a rich encounter

Nov 22, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Gabri Fallacara and Severin Schmid are welcomed at the headquarters of ACER-MJO Movment by the president
Cyrille Sollogoub.

“Friends of together for Europe!” in Paris

Nov 22, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

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One hundred and twenty five leaders of 46 movements and communities of different Churches and 13 European countries – from Russia to Portugal , Denmark to Slovenia, were present at the meeting which took place  in the historic setting of Montmartre.

The theme that had been chosen was: “Yes” to the poor and marginalized, as was expressed in the message of Stuttgart 2007. The many contributions revealed how much the Communities and Movements are linked to the commitment to and with the most needy. It is not just acts of solidarity, but of friendship and brotherhood.

An intense moment was spent with Jean Vanier, founder of L‘Arche Community. He opened the gift of his experience with these words: “Jesus says: “The kingdom of God is like a wedding feast” – but everyone is too busy – and the king who had issued the invitations sends his servants to seek the crippled and the lame in the hedgerows and at the crossroads – this is what I have tried to live in my life.” Jean Vanier is dedicated in particular to the mentally handicapped “the people most oppressed.” “They have changed me, I have seen that the Kingdom of God is theirs.” There are now 140 communities, ecumenical and interreligious, in which “fragile and strong” live together.

The prayers of Catholics and Evangelicals, which introduced the  work of the first two days, were followed by that of the Russian Orthodox with its choir .

In the days of lively exchange on the path taken so far by Together for Europe, with the big events in Stuttgart 2004 and 2007 and in Brussels in 2012, thought was given to what could be the next step to take. Recalling the expression of Chiara Lubich, “the score is written in heaven” you could sense in the  reciprocal listening to one another that the most valuable experience of this journey together is the deep communion that has developed between Movements of different churches. And it is precisely this “common witness of Christians” which has led to initiatives that Europe needs today, in the political and social fields, “so that the world may believe.”

At the same time, a further contribution is foreseen for 2016, in the form of a congress, which will probably take place in a city in Germany, in order to make visible the path of communion so far.

There was an solemn atmosphere when the new stage was entrusted to God in prayer and the commitment of mutual love  renewed.

In May 2014, the Steering Committee will meet again in Dillingen in Germany to receive the prestigious “St. Ulrich European Award” which is 2014 has been awarded to “Together for Europe”.

In Paris there was also a chance to live the “culture of visiting each other”: we went to the Chapel of the metro station in Montparnasse, which is entrusted to the Community of Sant’Egidio , to pray together and learn about their work in the heart of Paris.

And even before the beginning of the meeting, there were  those who went to meet the Emmanuel Community, and those who visited the headquarters of Acer-Mjo (Russian Students’ Christian Action – Orthodox Youth Movement).

Gabri Fallacara

Austria: Religions For Peace

Nov 21, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Ninth General Assembly of Religions for Peace (RFP) in Vienna Austria (November 20-22, 2013). Approximately 600 delegates from around the world, representing religious cultures who express the desire for the Absolute in different ways: Baha’is, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, Jains, Hindus, Aboriginal and traditional religions, Muslims, Sikhs, Shintoists and Zoroastrians. The Assembly was preceded by a conference promoted by King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID ). This is an international Centre for interreligious and cultural dialogue founded through the initiative of Saudi Arabia, Spain and Austria, which also recognizes the important role of the Holy See as a a founder, although participating only as an observer. “Welcoming the other” was the motto of the Ninth Assembly, and this is the challenge of today in a world where the encounter between diverse peoples and cultures, belief systems and social customs is so common. The assembly proposes to contrast the growing tendency to consider those who are different with hostility, by promoting tolerance and acceptance of the other for the progress of human dignity. Maria Voce, currently the president of the Focolare Movement is as of this year, Co-President of the World Council of (RfP), along with 49 representatives from several religions and cultures including Rev. Nichiko Niwano (Buddhist President of the Rissho Kosei-kai in Japan), Rabbi David Rosen (Jewish President of the International Jewish Committee of Interreligious Consultation), Madam Cisse Hadja Mariama Sow (Muslim President of the Muslim Women of Guinea), Dr. Agnes R. Abuom (Anglican Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches in Kenya). “Welcoming the other – a multi-religious vision of peace . . . is such a timely idea in today’s world,” Maria Voce stated in her presentation. But she also emphasized that “there is need for a conversion of the heart . . . and this is where the crucial role of religion comes in. Religions need to offer from their innermost depths the spiritual strength to lead humankind toward solidarity and peace. They need to bring about projects that are capable of renewing relations not only at the individual level but also among people of different races, nationalities and cultures.” Chiara Lubich, whom I am representing today, and who strongly supported Religions for Peace, had spent her entire life for the building up of unity in the human family. She was inspired to this by the prayer of Jesus: “That all may be one” (Jn 17:21). Based on Chiara’s example, ever since the beginning of the Movement, we have looked upon every person, that other one who is different from us, as a companion on the journey, a brother or sister without whom we cannot go and present ourselves before God. Today Chiara invites us to: ‘Keep our gaze fixed on the one Father of many children. Then see all creatures as children of this one Father (. . .) To constantly strive (. . .) for universal brotherhood in one only Father: God.” She concluded before offering two helpful witnesses which confirm what Chiara Lubich believed: “Therefore, love of neighbor spreads its roots not just because of some philanthropy but because of the fact that we are all children of one Father. And if we are children of the same Father, we are brothers and sisters to each other.”  Chiara Lubich and the Religions will be the theme of a meeting scheduled for March 2014 at the Urbaniana University of Rome on the 6^th anniversary of her death. Religions for Peace, begun as a World Conference of the Religions For Peace, has been in operation since 1970 promoting peace processes and finding answers to the issues that challenge the human family today. _____________________________________________________________________________ Press Area:  Focus: “Welcoming the other” to build peace _____________________________________________________________________________

Developing the Relationship in Italian Prisons

Nov 20, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“I would share one particular incident. The guys were walking around the corridors. One of us noticed a new arrival. His eyes were weary and still. One of us went up to him and asked: ‘What is it?’ and the guy was speechless. He understood him perfectly: he had had the same experience. He said: ‘Go on, come to my cell and I’ll offer you a good cup of coffee!’ As he prepared the coffee, he continued: ‘Look! You’re doing okay here. Today the sun is shining, and you’ve made a friend. What more do you want from life?’ On visiting day they both happened to be in the same room. The wife and son of the new arrival stood up and went over to thank him for the goodness he had shown  their relative.” This was recounted by P.B. a volunteer worker in Padua Prison, Italy. It testifies to the dignity expressed in several stories that are born from small everyday gestures. It was collected during a workshop, the first such workshop for prison workers in Italy, organized by the Focolare’s New Humanity Movement along with the international Comunione e Diritto (CeD)[Communion and Law] network. The workshop was held in Castel Gandolfo, Italy on November 9-10, 2013. Fifty people including prison volunteers, teachers, social workers, ex-inmates, court supervisors and retired ex-court-presidents attended the workshop. There was also an Anglican priest and his wife who along with several others were interested in the topic. These were the main protagonists of this first seminar, a very timely workshop given the current state of prisons in Italy, which was recently denounced by President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano.    There are currently 65, 831 inmates in prisons with places for 45,647 inmates. An excess of more than 20,000 people living in inhuman conditions due to the lack of space and basic hygiene: not to mention the violence and abuse. “We have tried to enter into their suffering and oftentimes the human helplessness in these situations,” says social worker Francesco Giubilato. “We focused on the essentials: the human person and relationship. We considered the individual and his suffering, his needs and also the expectations of the inmates, the prison guards, the prison workers, their families and the community. We sought to create authentic relationships that alleviate loneliness and suffering, as well as bring healing. This meant being attentive to needs and creative in finding solutions that were in line with rules and regulations.” The workshop highlighted different experiences that are underway in Italy in response to this situation. One such experience was that of G.D. who has spent a year in civil service with the La fraternita Association [the Brotherhood Association] inside the Montorso Prison in Verona, Italy. Now he serves the Association at the Listening Centre for families of inmates and ex-inmates. Alfonso Di Nicola works in Roman prisons. Their experiences have highlighted the critical issues related to the difficulty in relating among the people involved. It has likewise shown how internment, when there is the dimension of brotherhood can radically change people and their environment for the better. Gianni Caso, Honorary Adjunct Chairman Emeritus of the Supreme Court has opened another front which is that of the information sector. Here honest information is made available to citizens, which moves them to work for the promotion and changes of laws and their application within a framework of justice, equity and respect for human dignity.

Rod Gorton: Loving one another is the culmination of charity

Nov 19, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Rod Gorton, married focolarino, left this world on November 14, 2013 following an accident while carrying out an act of love. He was born in Boston, USA in 1933 and became acquainted with the ideal of unity in the 1960’s. His childhood was marked by the separation of his parents: “At six I found myself without a Dad and, because of the family environment, without God.” During this period he was helped by his passion for music. At twenty years of age he joined the Naval Academy and became an officer of the United States Navy. Navy regulations required him to attend a church on Sundays and this is where Rod first heard about God. He began to have questions: “Are these people all crazy? Or am I the crazy one?” Following a long search and still plagued by doubts, he realized something had changed within him: “I believed!” But he soon discovered many contradictions in the new life, because he didn’t find anyone who took the Gospel seriously. He became a Navy officer and began to travel around the world. He was attracted by the missionaries that he met in several countries and after four years joined a seminary to become a missionary priest. But he was still searching . . .

Rod with Chiara Lubich in Loppiano at 1971

The Gorton family

Perù: a school in the Andes

Nov 18, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“Upon my departure from Lima, I had in hand only a piece of paper where a friend had written down the principal stages of the journey: Trujillo, Cajamarca, Celendin and finally Bolívar. A total of 31 hours of travel, the last 12 along an excavated road. The bus, filled with people crowded together amidst sacks of rice and other things, reached its destination at 10:30 in the evening. While we disembarked, a group of people started to sing; it seemed like a welcoming committee and with great surprise I realized that it was for me! The final hours of the trip was made in total darkness, I couldn’t make out where I was. The next day, when I woke up, I found myself in front of a marvelous panorama. I told myself: I am in Paradise!”

It is Walter Cerchiaro, an Italian, who has been in Perù for 6 years who related this. After this first trip, he went to Bolivar  several times to meet the community of the Focolare Movement. Now that some of the roads have been fixed the trip only takes 25 hours!

In this little city at 3,200 meters above sea level, a new project of the AMU (Action for a United World Onlus) is being launched. The inhabitants of Bolívar are around 2,500 , who are spread out in 30 communities throughout a very vast territory. The parish priest of Bolívar, Fr. Emeterio, a priest “of the frontier”  and the originator of the project, goes to visit  them 1-2 times a year. Sometimes it takes him 2 days of travel by donkey, which is their equivalent of a car (in Bolívar you can count the cars with the fingers of one hand).

“Some people live by agriculture, Walter relates. They grow potatoes, hay for the animals; there are also some dairy cows. Some of them also find jobs in public places (school, town hall) but the majority of the adults look for work along the coast: the men as farmers and the women as domestic helpers in some families. The consequences of this situation is immediately apparent: in Bolivar there are only children and the elderly”.

«Fr. Emeterio knows everyone and he realized that many of the children did not attend the public school. The reason is evident: their parents live in chacras (small pieces of land) and they need strong hands to work the land, even the arms of the children are needed. Two years ago the parish priest began a school in the area of the  parish. He started the detailed task of going from family to family, assuring them that he would also provide one meal for each child. Then he rented a house because the space that he had was not big enough; and in a short time there were 80 children who came! Some of them have to walk for hours and hours everyday just to reach the school.

In Perù the government assures the payment of the salaries of the teachers even in the private schools, if they can give sufficient guaranties; the school already receives this subsidy. But there is the need to stabilize and secure the carrying-out of the scholastic activities, and the fact that the premises being used is rented does not help matters. After the first 3 months of activities, for example, they had to move out because the owner needed the premises. The AMU project aims at guaranteeing the continuity of the scholastic activities; for this reason a new school will be built, made up of 11 classrooms and a room for the secretary.    It will be able to accomodate around 250 children and teens and will include the elementary and highschool levels. There is already the land that belongs to the parish, for the building. It is quite vast and is very suitable”.

“There is no competition with the public school because they are aware of not being able to reach everyone. They do not have the staff available to go from family to family to raise public awareness the way Fr. Emeterio did”.

«Then –  Walter concluded – we can already foresee another objective. There is a strip of territory that is bigger and further away, wherein the children are not able to reach the school even after walking for long hours. What is needed for them is a protected environment, a home-family that can house them, with qualified personnel to take care of them. A dream? Maybe, or, simply the second phase of the project, We’ll see!”.

Source: AMU News n. 4/2013

Info: www.amu-it.eu

799

Philippine Emergency/2

Nov 16, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

The victim count of the displaced and injured, left behind by Typhoon Haiyan in many areas of the Philippines, continues to rise. “We had strong winds in Manila that carried away the roofs from our houses. Many people’s homes were completely destroyed, but this is nothing compared to what happened in Tacloban City and Cebu City. We’re trying to offer some concrete help to them.”

These words were written by Tita, regarding the Bukas Palad Project (New Families) that is carried out in the Tramo and Tambo quarters of the capital. Begun in 1987 with a group of doctors, dentists and nurses from the Focolare, with the help of local people, it currently runs 12 childhood development projects (kindergarten and elementary schooling, nutrition, health care and recreational activities). It also provides support for families, psychological care, micro-credit for home improvement and it runs a social centre with a clinic and several types of labs. “We’ll go to distribute food, clothing and first aid supplies in the cities of Sigma and Aklan,” writes Ding, a focolarina from Cebu. “We felt it was important to begin by rebuilding the homes that have completely destroyed in these two cities.” This project will be taken ahead with the help of the Focolare’s New Families Movement and  Action for a United World (AMU).

“We would like to inform those who support the children in the Distance Support project of Tambo, Tramo, Sulyap and La Union that fortunately Metro Manila and Luzon were spared from the typhoon. Our local communities are helping the victims through several projects: a concrete expression of love and solidarity among all.”

“We were just recovering from the earthquake when this terrible typhoon hit!” Gina writes. She works for the solidarity project of Mabolo in Cebu. The islands of Leyte and Samar were especially hit by the typhoon, with real devastation. There are countless dead . . . and everything is lackcing, everything!! In Tacloban there are many Focolare members in the headquarters of the island of Leyte. With gratitude to God, we are finding them all still alive!”

“We haven’t had news from some people yet,” Alessandra informs us. She is also a focoalrina from Cebu. “But we continue to search. It’s not easy because there’s no communication, transport, and it’s just not safe. People are desperate and many have raided stores in search of food and necessities. The strongest experience for me has been to share such suffering with so many people, the painful suspense of not having any news of loved ones, the loss of everything. Against this sorrowful background the love between us emerges so strongly, the concrete help that we can give to others.”

In Tagaytay, Salib is the contact person for a project providing food and preventive care. it is also active in nursery schooling and a Social Centre: “Thanks for all the prayers, beginning with that of the Holy Father, we are safe and sound. Many people have lost everything, and are in need of food and water.

“In Davao, Southern Philippines, we are all well,” Mercy assures. She coordinates a project in the San Isidor quarter. “We heard this morning that some of our friends are save, but we haven’t heard from everyone yet . . .”

For anyone who would like to contribute financially:

Associazione Azione per un Mondo Unito – Onlus

presso Banca Popolare Etica, filiale di Roma

Codice IBAN: IT16G0501803200000000120434

Codice SWIFT/BIC CCRTIT2184D

Causale: emergenza tifone Haiyan Filippine

AZIONE per FAMIGLIE NUOVE Onlus

c/c bancario n° 1000/1060

BANCA PROSSIMA

Cod. IBAN: IT 55 K 03359 01600 100000001060

Cod. Bic – Swift: BCITITMX

Pope Francis visits the Quirinale Presidential Palace

Nov 15, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

News of the Pope’s visit to the Italian Government on November 14, 2013, where he was welcomed by Giorgio Napolitano, has filled the headlines of news agencies around the world. The meeting which took place in the Quirinale Palace was cordial and simple and marked by the shared values that were expressed in their speeches. There was a noticeable presence of leaders from the civil sector, as well as hundreds of Italian citizens who were in front of the presidential palace to welcome the papal automobile. Inside, to welcome Pope Francis, there was a government delegation and representatives from the business and academic world, as well as several representatives from the world of solidarity who are actively involved in projects for the poor, suffering and least. Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti also attended, representing the Focolare Movement. Maria Voce recounts: “Everything took place within an official and at the same time cordial atmosphere. I especially liked the President’s opening remarks, both for how he cited the Pope for his particular ability to reach people’s hearts and for that personal dimension that he brings to the relationships he establishes. The president felt that he had to underscore also the Christian heritage that can be seen in the values that have formed Europe, and the situation that Italy is undergoing in overcoming the tragic situation that is overwhelming politics. He expressed his expectation that a message of the Pope would help to move beyond particularisms in view of the common good. Both men spoke of the fact that we find ourselves in front of questions that call on us to work together and for which there are also common answers, even if in different frameworks and through different methods.” Co-President Faletti mentioned his impression of finding himself inside “a page of human history,” which is certainly linked to the history of Italy. It was evident from the words and testimonies of Napolitano and Pope Francis that having an impact on history will fundamentally depend on the ability to enter into dialogue with others.” As he cited the “distinctive characteristic” of the Pope’s pastoral approach, the Head of State stated: “See each person one at a time.” Pope Francis invites us to “a strong consideration of the human person,” knowing how to “communicate with simple people,” transmitting to “each individual and to all the values of Christ’s message, “above all, love for others” to prevent the “spreading of egoism.” The Pope concluded with wish for Italy: That the country “drawing on its rich patrimony of civil and spiritual values,” would find “the creativity and the unity necessary for its harmonious development, to promote the common good and the dignity of each person, and to offer on the international stage its own contribution to justice and peace.”

First ‘Combined’ Doctorate in Theology

Nov 12, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

The Great Hall of Sophia University Institute, on the morning of October 8, was filled and festive, as on great occasions. In fact, the conferring of the first joint doctorate granted by two academic universities: the Pontifical Lateran University and the SUI, was taking place.

It was about the first combined doctorate in Theology, in virtue of which,  Fr. Stefano Mazzer, a Salesian, has contemporaneously obtained doctorates in Theology conferred by the Lateran, and in the Culture of Unity conferred  by the SUI. He passionately defended the dissertation of his thesis:  “He loved them until the end”. For a theological phenomenology of the non-being of love: historical pathways and systematic perspectives.

Through a rigorous and engaging historical overview re-proposing the outline of the Western philosophical thought from Parmenides to Schelling and that of Christian mysticism from Frances of Assisi to Chiara Lubich, Mazzer, in fact, was able to illustrate the novelty of the love lived by Jesus Forsaken on the Cross as the opening of a new relational space between the I and his other, in God and in the world.  He argues that – it is – about that “trinitization” (as defined by Chiara Lubich) of ties, which is at one and the same time. «gift, coming from the trinity in virtue of the incarnation of the Son and of his death and resurrection» and «real experience of the participation in the life of God himself» in the living out of interpersonal relationships.

Underlining the singular academic value of this event was the presence of the Co-president of the Focolare Movement, Giancarlo Faletti, Mons. Brendan Leahy, professor of Ecclesiology at the IUS and Bishop of Limerick, in Ireland, as a few months ago, and Andrea Bozzolo, rector of the Turin section of the Faculty of Theology of the UPS, along with many others.

As the Dean of the SUI, Mons. Piero Coda, underlined, the weight of the research and its existential and interdisciplinary, as well as the theological quality, make Mazzer’s thesis, which will soon be published,  the happiest and most appropriate debut for doctorates in theology, in synergy between the IUS and the Pontifical Faculty of Theology such as the Lateran’s.

Similar agreements of combined doctorates are already in effect,  with the  Theologic Faculty of Central Italy (Florence), the Pugliese Theologic Faculty (Bari), and the Faculty of Theology of San Miguel (Buenos Aires, Argentina).

Source: Sophia University Institute online

Typhoon Haiyan devastates Philippines

Nov 11, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“We’re in need of everything, because the city of Tacloban practically no longer exists.” This news arrived directly from the Focolare community in the Philippines during the dramatic hours following the passage of typhoon Haiyan and the destruction it caused on November 9, 2013 especially on the islands of Leyte and Samar. It was one of the worse typhoons in history: communication and electrical power were down in many regions and with the passage of time the death toll continues to rise.

Tacloban is the was the worst-hit city. It is the capital of Leyte Province, an island in the central southeast. 10,000 of its 200,000 inhabitants are thought to be dead, and the number continues to grow. As in many of the islands, there is a Focolare community also in this city. Many of the inhabited regions are unreachable: “We’re trying to make contact from the other islands and take supplies, but communication is still quite difficult.,” write Carlo Gentile and Ding Dalisay from Cebu. “One focolarino doctor, Himmel, along with Rey and Ladyliz attempted to rech Tacloban through the port of Ormoc, on the island of Leyte, but that city was completely destroyed and the roads were unusable.”

On the evening of November 10, 2013, some young people (Gen) from Tacloban, who were in Cebu at the moment of the typhoon, went with a coast guard boat to see how their families were, and check out the local situation.” “Also other relatives of persons with whom we are in contact on the island of Panay, in the path of typhoon, had their homes destroyed or greatly damaged.”

The central region of the Philippines, with the large group of Visayas islands was most at risk both because of the frequency of tropical storms and the construction of dwellings. The devastating typhoon hit the poorest islands of this region, the ones that are most difficult to reach. Aware of the risk, the government evacuated over 600,000 people and collaborated in the construction of refuges. Archbishop of Cebu, Jose Palma, invited everyone to pray, to ask for God’s help. Thanks to all this it seems that human damage was minimal compared to other times, even though the number of deaths is going to rise.”

Assistance arrived from around the world, thanks also to the prayer offered by Pope Francis at the Sunday Angelus. “In Cebu we are already receiving help from all over the Philippines and also from overseas (Hong Kong, Jordan).”

WHERE TO SEND YOUR DONATIONS

FOCOLARE MOVEMENT IN CEBU – see also Emergency Aid poster

Payable to : Emergency Typhoon Haiyan Philippines

METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST COMPANY

Cebu – Guadalupe Branch

6000 Cebu City – Cebu, Philippines

Tel: 0063-32-2533728

Bank Account name:  WORK OF MARY/FOCOLARE MOVEMENT FOR WOMEN

Euro Bank Account no.:  398-2-39860031-7

SWIFT Code:  MBTCPHMM

Payable to:  “Help Philippines– Typhoon Haiyan“

Email: focolaremovementcebf@gmail.com

Tel. 0063 (032) 345 1563 – 2537883 – 2536407

Association for a United World (Associazione Azione per un Mondo Unito – Onlus)

BANK:  Banca Popolare Etica, Rome branch

IBAN: IT16G0501803200000000120434

SWIFT/BIC CCRTIT2184D

Payable to: “Emergenza tifone Haiyan Filippine”

New Families Movement (AZIONE per FAMIGLIE NUOVE Onlus)

c/c bancario n° 1000/1060

BANCA PROSSIMA

IBAN: IT 55 K 03359 01600 100000001060

Swift: BCITITMX

Great Britain: 50 years on the ecumenical journey

Nov 9, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

On Saturday, 26 October, Liverpool Hope University welcomed a 400-strong gathering to mark the 50th anniversary of the Focolare Movement’s arrival in Great Britain in 1963. The participants came from Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle and Wales representing various christian denominations and faith beliefs.

The story goes back to Canon Bernard Pawley who had just returned from the Second Vatican Council, which he attended as an observer. He suggested to the Dean of the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool that he invite the founder of the Focolare Movement, Chiara Lubich, to speak at the Cathedral to a group of Anglican clergy. He had already mentioned the idea to Paul VI during a private audience and gained papal approval for this event which took place in November 1965.

Reverend Kirsty Thorpe, Moderator of the United Reformed Church, pointed out to those present: “It’s easy for us, 50 years later and living in such a different climate for inter church relations, to underestimate just how radically unusual this event was.  For a woman to address a gathering of men was relatively rare in those days, wherever it happened …  and in early 1960s, clergy were not known to sit and listen to a lay person as a main speaker …”.

In her diary, on that November 17th, Chiara Lubich remarked on the poignancy of the name, Hope Street, which connects the Anglican Cathedral to the Catholic Cathedral (still under construction at that time) and expressed a heartfelt prayer that, with faith, the ‘mountains’ of lack of understanding between the churches might be moved (cf Mt 17:20).

Professor Gerard Pillay

Today too, the word ‘hope’ continues to link Focolare very much to Liverpool.  In his keynote address to Saturday’s gathering, Professor Gerard Pillay, Vice-Chancellor of Liverpool Hope University, reminded those present that the last honorary doctorate Chiara Lubich received, just two months before she died in March 2008,  was from Liverpool Hope in recognition for her work of dialogue in ecumenism, in interfaith and with contemporary culture.

He paid tribute to her work describing the Focolare as “not institutionally focused, not empire building but part of the spreading out goodness all over the world … Chiara Lubich, from the very  beginning was outward looking.” He recalled the words of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople who said: “There are some people whose life touches lives so universally that upon their passing away they remain an indelible inspiration of grace. One such life, a life worth living and well worth remembering is that of Chiara Lubich”.

Professor Pillay went on to outline the strong bonds between the University and Focolare’s charism saying: ‘We at this university are drawn to a charism of seeking unity because of our ecumenical commitment (…). It is a peculiar Liverpool achievement for which we are all grateful (…). Chiara Lubich believed that dialogue (which for the university is rational discourse and living in peace) is the privileged way to promote the unity of the Church among religions and non religious people, without syncretism.  It is not just a muddling together of everything for something palatable.  It is the openness to all people while being faithful to one’s own identity.  That is the deep wisdom of Chiara Lubich’s vision.” 

Brazil: Solidarity in Action

Nov 5, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“Existential peripheries”: these two words had particular significance during the two-day seminar held during 21-24 October in Brazil. The seminar was attended by participants from 12 Latin American countries representing 40 social welfare organisations inspired by the Focolare’s charism of unity. From the exchange of experiences it appeared that the encounter with those on the peripheries, for whom Pope Francis has appealed, seems to have been underway for many years: where drug dealers were sewing death, very often among young people; where children of tender age were spending their lives on the streets; where farmers were being forced to migrate to cities for lack of work, increasing the number of favelas. The stories were deeply moving of those working in many different social organizations under great hardship because of a scarcity of human and material resources. This led to the need for a permanent network, for an ongoing exchange of experiences, problems and resources. The social organisations from Spanish-speaking lands launched the website www.sumafraternidad.org  so this network could spread more widely; also in other expressions of the Focolare that have begun in the fields of economy, politics, education, law, family and youth. Sumafraternidad.org is far more than a simple crowd funding platform, say the creators of the digital support; what we are really aiming at is generating connections that are transformational. The fraterntiy in action: basis for social cohesion in the 21st century seminar addressed the socio-political landscape of the continent that even until now is plagued with a lack of social cohesion, resulting in exclusion and profound inequality, claims Argentine political scientist Juan Esteban Belderrain. With Uruguayan Susana Nuin from the Communications Commission of the Bishops Conference of Latin America (CELAM), elements of the Church’s social doctrine were examined inasmuch as they relate to the problematic situation of Latin America. The transformational potential of the charism of unity rooted in the thinking of Chiara Lubich, refocused on making yourself one, and was described by Brazilian sociologist Vera Araujo. She defined this as the indispensable evangelical method for building relationships; the horizons of fraternity that imposes a removal of inequality; Jesus crucified and forsaken, “who became identified with all the crucifixes of the world and opened new areas of resurrection.” “It is this cry,” said Father Vilson Groh, who has been involved for many years in helping children on the peripheries of society, “that makes us enter into the abandonment of those who are excluded, makes us capable of entering into communion with them, and prevents us from becoming accustomed to social injustices.” Some disturbing questions emerged from the chorus of voices: “Do we take it to be normal that strong social imbalances continue to exist? Have we silenced our own consciences, because others are already directly involved in finding solutions to these dramatic situations? There was a strong call for collectively assuming social responsibility.     

Jerusalem: the Mount Zion Award 2013

Nov 3, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Margaret Karram (centre) and Yisca Harani (right).

October 31st: Reformation Day

Oct 31, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

On October 31, 1517 in the university city of Wittenberg, Germany, theology professor Martin Luther presents 95 theses on indulgences “out of love and concern for the truth, and with the object of eliciting it.” This date marks the beginning of the Protestant Reform and the division within the Christian Church of the West.

500 years have passed and that moment in history is no longer considered simply a dark moment. On the contrary, we now celebrate this anniversary with 50 years’ experience of theological dialogue among Lutherans and Catholics. On October 21, 2013 a delegation from the Lutheran World Federation was received by the Pope, to whom they handed over the latest results of that theological dialogue with the meaningful title: From Conflict to Communion. The Lutheran-Catholic Interpretation of the Reform in 2017. The Holy Father underscored the commitment to progress in spiritual ecumenism that constitutes “the soul of our journey towards full communion,” and “it permits us to have a foretaste of some of that fruit already now, even though imperfectly.”

How can we transmit this necessary something for a life with God, for which it is worthwhile to struggle and fight? How can we transmit to our contemporaries the traditions that they might be the supports of an intense Christian life, without digging ourselves into new trenches? These are some of the questions posed by the document From Conflict to Communion. We begin with Heike Vesper, Lutheran focolarina from Germany, now residing in Italy where she works with Centro Uno, the Focolare Movement’s secretariat for ecumenism.

“For 35 years I have been living the spirituality of unitytogether with Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran friends. This has brought me into contact with other Churches and their life with God. It’s been extraordinarily enriching. I am surprised by the greatness of God and the action of the Holy Spirit that my Church alone could never fully express. I was around twenty years old and had known the Focolare Movement for several years when I felt that God was calling me to give witness to the unity that was possible, precisely in the diversity that went along with community. Despite the fears and differences I saw with respect to Catholics, I felt the courage to respond to God’s call and entered the focolare community in Leipzig. The experience of these twenty years was exactly what the Pope underscored on October 21^st when he met with Lutherans: “In the measure to which we humbly draw near in spirit to the Our Lord Jesus Christ, we are sure to draw nearer to one another also; and to the measure in which we invoke from the Lord the gift of unity, he will surely take us by the hand and be our Guide.”

There were also difficulties, perplexity concerning some forms of Catholic traditions that were unfamiliar to me. As I began again, I always felt that I had to look at what we had in common and I often discovered this in the most unexpected places. This would encourage me and allow me to be guided by Jesus, by Jesus in the midst [see Mt 18:20].

The first of Luther’s 95 thesis on indulgences states: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, “Repent” (Mt 4:17 ), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” This means being able to forgive. God continually gives me a new chance, because on the Cross, Jesus also takes on all of my failures and those of every person. That’s my penance: being able to forget, to be reconciled!

The document From Conflict to Communion concludes with 5 ecumenical imperitives that invite Catholics and Lutherans to reflect on prospectives of unity, to give visibility to the Body of Christ. This confirms my experience in the Focolare Movement:

• The first imperative: “Catholics and Lutherans should always begin from the perspective of unity and not from the point of view of division in order to strengthen what is held in common even though the differences are more easily seen and experienced.”

• “The second imperative: “Lutherans and Catholics must let themselves continuously be transformed by the encounter with the other and by the mutual witness of faith.”

• The third imperative: “Catholics and Lutherans should again commit themselves to seek visible unity, to elaborate together what this means in concrete steps, and to strive repeatedly toward this goal.”
• “The fourth imperative: “Catholics and Lutherans jointly should rediscover the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for our time.”
• “The fifth imperative: Lutherans and Catholics should witness together to the mercy of God in proclamation and service to the world.”

Drawing closer to the Word of God I’d like to be able to experience and affirm with Martin Luther: “Then I felt literally reborn and brought through the thrown-open gate of Heaven itself. The entire Scripture suddenly acquired a new face for me. Later I read The Spirit and the letter by St. Augustine, where, against every hope, I discovered he also interpreted God’s justice in a similar way, as the justice with which God clothes us when he justifies.”

Schönstatt’s 100th Anniversary

Oct 30, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Fr Joseph Kentenich

Longstanding friendship between Focolare and Schoenstatt.

Families with Pope Francis

Oct 29, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

The families came from around the world for their appointment with Pope Francis on October 26- 27, 2013, for an event that was part of the Year of Faith. The title of the meeting had been promoted by the Pontifical Council for the Family: Family, experience the joy of faith. It was a festive St. Peter’s Square that welcomed 100,000 people from 75 countries. Mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandchildren, countless children . . . all listening to pope Francis, amidst the applause, song and hundreds of colourful flying balloons. Families from several parts of the globe shared their stories. Among them: a family belonging to the Focolare Movement’s New Families, a movement that collaborated with many others in bringing about the event. Three European couples expressed their intention to marry “despite everything;” a married couple with their son in their arms, announced the arrival of a second child; a family shared its courageous choice to join the missions; another well-known family on the island of Lampedusa in southern Italy assisted in saving several Eritrean refugees; then, one Nigerian shipwreck survivor on the same island; another family was forced to flee because of the war. . . “Life is often tiring, many times it is tragic. . . ,” commented the Pope after hearing them speak. But what is really burdensome is the lack of love.” The pope invited families not to believe in the ‘throw-away’ culture,’ that chops life into pieces. “Christian spouses are not naïve,” he pointed out, “they know the problems and the dangers of life. But they are not afraid to assume their responsibility.” There are three key words that should never be missing in a family, said Pope Francis: please, so as  not to be intrusive; thank you so as to communicate love; and sorry so as to be able to forgive and begin again each day (see full text). Nineteen songs composed by young people who took part in the Family Talent Contest and 4,200 drawings by children in the Present Your Family to the Pope project. A gesture of support for the families of Syria also went out from St. Peter’s Square with the collaboration of Caritas Italy and Caritas Syria. Holy Mass was celebrated on Sunday, October 27, 2013 amidst an atmosphere of deep recollection and prayer. The Pope invited all to rediscover the dimension of simplicity of joy in prayer. “Pray in the family, for one another,” he said. Regarding faith: “Let’s not keep it of ourselves as if it were our bank account,” but share it through our witness and openness to others, urging us to go out to the peripheries (complete text of Pope Francis’ homily) The event had been preceeded by the 21st Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family (October 23-25, 2013). “The family is founded on the indissoluble matrimonial unity between a man and a woman, and it is open to life, it is the engine of the history and of the world,” the Pope affirmed, but “but we should want to be near to couples in crisis and near to those who are separated.” This is the reason and goal for the 2014-2015 Synod on the Family, “not to redefine the theology of matrimony and the family,” specified Bishop Paglia, “but to welcome and listen to families, living in various and complex situations.” For more: www.familia.va

Video on CTV Romereports http://youtu.be/AIo6T_uCNg0