Italy: Young People and Legality

Aug 11, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

One young woman wrote to her peers from the Meeting 20013 at Caserta, Italy: “I return home enriched with each of you in my heart.” “Working shoulder to shoulder, understanding one another, struggling, dreaming, working deep into the night, feeling discouragement and beginning again, believing . . . All of this done TOGETHER has deeply united us. It’s impossible to turn back!”. Meeting 2013 “Legality – the protagonists of our land” turned out to be a benchmark event for the 500 young people who took part, due to the deep awareness and involvement. The words of Pope Francis in Rio echoed over the miles: “The youth are the window through which the future enters the world. Don’t be left standing at the window of life!” The participants were convinced: “to trigger a change, we need to begin from ourselves.” For young people from northern to southern Italy it was an opportunity to face up to the wound of illegality that spreads throughout the country and heal it with love. Challenges and a call for proposals  emerged from the discussion with journalist Roberto Mazzarella.    Three afternoon sessions: “Legality and the Environment; Legality and Welcome, and Legality and Work, involved a close discussion between the young people and presenters who are on the front lines in giving their witness in the struggle for Legality. Among these was Enrico Fontana, in charge of the Ecomafia of the Lgambiente Party; Fr. Maurizio Patriciello, parish priest from Caivano and stron defender of legality in the “terra dei fuochi;” Dr. Antonio Marfella, oncologist, and Ivan Vitali, economist and director of the conVoi Association. “Legality is not the objective. It’s not a value, but an instrument for reaching the goal that is justice.” These words, spoken by national president of the Libera Party, Fr. Luigi Ciotti sent a thrill through the crowd. “How can love become connected to legality?” the young people wanted to know. Strong words followed: “There’s no legality without equality,” “if people’s personal human dignity is not respected, then legality becomes an instrument of power and exclusion.” He went on: “A well-founded allegation is also a proclamation of salvation,” but “the great sin of today is called delegating;” whereas, every individual “should assume personal responsibility,” which is the third leg of the democratic stool. “What are we willing to pay for our choices to remain faithful to our ideals?” asked the young people in a loud voice. The answers were measured against the events of the mornings in 11 work fields of lands confiscated from the mafia: we need to create community, to become an us that brings back legality. Temporary Procurator of the DDA of Bari, Giuseppe Gatti and RAI journalist Gianni Bianco gave testimony of this us in the book they co-authored, “La legalita del NOI” (The legality of “us”). Sociologist Vera Araujo, from the Focolare Movement, coined a term that summarized the experience and content of the Meeting: the culture of relationships, which pre-supposes and goes beyond legality, but demands action and interaction for the building of community wherever there are people on the fringes of life. The young people also signed a manifesto summarizing their commitments in five points. The next appointment is at “LoppianoLab 2013” (September 20, 2013 – September 22, 2013) for “Safeguarding Italy, creating the future together” and Project “Slot-Machine” which rewards civil virtues in regions that have given up gambling. This project will begin a tour of Italy at the end of September. A memento of the Meeting was left at Caserta, a 120m² mural which the young people took turns painting for 90 hours. It depicts an explosion of colour spewing from a simple pipe. Watch video on Youtube By Victoria Gómez

A carpet from afar

Aug 6, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

For years Mario has worked at a company that recently began to hire many Bangladesh workers. He recounts: “At first it wasn’t easy, but then things got better. They were making an effort to learn the work and were offered assistance when the language became a problem. Well, there was some lingering mistrust, especially in the departments.” Mario doesn’t talk much, but very observant and able to know what people are thinking. He sees their problems and listens with interest, this is why he’s a good man to work with.

Then one day something else happened that regarded a colleague at work. It bothered Mario and he talked about it with his wife, Silvia: “Hossain has to go back to Bangladesh for the holidays. He asked that someone accompany him, after being paid, to the airport. If only you knew how much grumbling there was then, everyone saying that he could manage it on his own, and should they lose a day of vacations in order to do him this favour?” Mario hesitated and coughed a bit, as Silvia moved cups and dishes around the kitchen. “You go, if you feel like it,” his wife suggested. “If you were the one in need, you’d be glad to find people who were willing to help, wouldn’t you?” “Yeah, I have thought about it. It’s a long trip, but I don’t want him to pay.” “You do well, and pay no attention to the criticism from others.”

The day came. Everyone said goodbye to Hossain with a certain joking and euphoria: “Don’t trust this one,” someone said, “you never know where he’ll take you!” “But go on,” says another, “you didn’t feel like taking him, but Mario yes, I’d certainly trust myself to him anytime!” Mario and Hossain departed and travelled for 200 kilometres, but when Hossain wanted to repay him for the ride Mario reiterated: “I don’t want anything, I’m glad to take you and wish you a good trip. I know it will be a bit tiring, but you’ll be happy once you see your children and friends!”

Hossain was visibly moved, he didn’t expect this! A hasty farewell, boarding and then Mario was on his way back home. A month went by, a quiet month, at lunch they often spoke of Houssain and his upcoming return. “And how will he get back?” the family asked. His return is taken care of, Mario informed them, because some of his countrymen who will be travelling with him will give him a lift to his house. When Houssain returned to the factory, Mario was waiting to meet him and listen to all the stories about his visit to another side of the world, where the daily struggles can even involve sharing in the emotional fatigue of having to leave and return to one’s family and loved ones.

He hadn’t long to wait. When he tracked him down, he found Houssain excited and happy. He told of his visit, how his children had grown and the feasts with relatives. . . Then he unrolled a large carpet before the Italian. Mario looked at it with curiosity but never expected to hear Houssain say: “A carpet for you.” Mario’s eyes widened as he thought of how Silvia would be surprised. She had never received a gift like this! It seemed like the flying carpet from those stories he read as a child when he had dreamt of flying on a magic carpet to faraway lands. He closed his eyes and dreamt again, but there was Houssain’s carpet still in front of him, a token of gratitude and a seal on a friendship that had the flavour of a fairy tale.

Annamaria Gatti

Chiara Luce at the WYD: “Until next time!”

Aug 4, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Franz, you wrote the book. What has the life of Chiara Luce left with you?

“Chiara can truly be a model for everyone, believers and non-believers alike, because what she believed in is the same as what every person of good will believes in: striving to love, being attentive to the person near you, living the present moment. Another important thing – and in this she is such an efficacious model for the times we are now living in – simplicity: she’s simple. Her way is not an easy one, but neither is it complicated. For her, of course, this meant going through something very painful, a narrow passage, cancer, one of the most painful cancers. But Chiara didn’t become a saint only because of what she went through with the illness, but because one baby-step at a time, from the time she was a small child she had learnt to  say her “yes” in doing God’s will: whether it was racing around on her bicycle, gathering mushrooms with her Dad, or going for chemotherapy. What led to the great moment of her beatification was undoubtedly the greatness and the lightness, the levity and the love with which she lived all these things.

It was also due to the small population of people that surrounded her from when she was small – her parents and her friends from the Focolare Movement. Moment by moment they shared in both her joys and in her sorrows. There was a mutual “nourishing” exchange among them. These people were enriched, but they also communicated strength and energy to Chiara to go forward.”

How has the reception of Chiara Luce’s life been among young people?

“Even those who don’t know her, who don’t know anything or very little of her,  I don’t know, in some mysterious way – they fall in love with this person. We can talk about her, write books, but my impression is that Chiara Luce doesn’t talk on TV or on the radio. She talks to the individual heart of each person. In some mysterious way she manages to create a personal relationship with her. And this is marvelous. This has been the case for her mother, her father and also for me. I have a stronger relationship with her now than when she was still alive.”

I asked Teresa Badano, Chiara’s mother, for her impressions after having been part of WYD in Brazil.

“It was all marvelous, perhaps because we arrived here with a simple attitude of awaiting, waiting to see what surprises would be in store for us, trying to live each moment in love. Then everything became beautiful. We lived a little bit of what Chiara Luce has taught us: to live in a normal way something that was not normal for us who never leave our house, except for the past several years. We tried to do the will of God that was presented to us in such a wonderful context.”  

Here you could sense the impact Chiara Luce had on the young people. . .  

“We certainly realized that she had a special grace for the young people. Her experience is valid for all children and teenagers like her. She offered her life for the young people. But all those faces, all those embraces that don’t want to let you go. . . for us who are nothing! They just overwhelm us! It’s marvelous. . . You see so much joy in the young, which comes from the heart. She transmits a bit of Heaven to them and they transmit it to us.”

“Yes, many times. There was one teenager who was undecided. It seemed he had a vocation, but he was really uncertain. Suddenly he felt that Chiara Luce was saying to him: “This is your way.” And he jumped into it. Now he’s a focolarino. Even those who have only heard talk of her or seen her photo have been touched by her gaze, by that interior beauty, but that fire she had within. For sure God wishes to fulfill the plan he has in mind for each one of these young people. As Cardinal Joao Aviz said while bidding us farewell, “This is only the beginning of what Chiara has begun to do. We’re only at the beginning here, because it’s going to be something huge, huge, and it will continue.”

We stand waiting. As Chiara Luce said in her last greeting to the youths and young people of the world: “Until next time!”

Compiled by Carla Cotignoli (Brazil)

Great Britain: launch of new Focolare website

Aug 1, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

This year the Mariapolis for Great Britain will be held in the beautiful setting of Cefn Lea in mid Wales during the period 29th July -2nd August. What is a Mariapolis? It is an event organized by the Focolare Movement and is characteristic of its spirit: it is a gathering of people of all ages and backgrounds, spending a few days together putting into practice the universal values of the Christian Gospel. The main guideline for these gatherings, which take place in many countries throughout the world, is the ‘Golden Rule’, which invites us to do to others what we would like to be done to us. It is an opportunity to experience what happens in day-to-day life when we have listening, gift of self and sharing as the basis for our relationships. During the Mariapolis in Wales, the new official website for Great Britain will be launched. Visit the new site at: www.focolare.org/gb

Pope Francis to the young people in Rio: “Go, do not be afraid, and serve”

Jul 29, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“Christ has confidence in young people and entrusts them with the very future of his mission, ‘Go and make disciples.’” These were the first words spoken by Pope Francis upon his arrival in Brazil, speaking before civil and religious leaders where there to welcome him. In his homily at the mass celebrated with three million people on Copacabana beach, at the conclusion of WYD, the Pope appealed to young people: “Jesus is calling you to be a disciple with a mission! Today, what is the Lord saying to us? Three simple ideas: Go, do not be afraid, and serve. Simple but engaging words, like so many other words spoken during the week in Rio de Janeiro. Now the young people return to their own cities and countries, families, groups, associations and congregations, invited by the Pope to “make some noise,” to stir up the waters, to take into account both their peers and elders, to live out the faith in its entirety. Donna from Lebanon: “The Pope’s language is simple and direct, language that is more adapted to today’s times.” Joaquin from Argentina, who followed WYD from afar: “’Making noise means’ being a force that pushes society. I really felt part of Francis’ equation: youths – elderly – adults. Today it’s the young people and so it’s up to me. I like this more general vision, which is the correct one.” Daniela (Italy): “This ‘reciprocity among generations’ to which we have been so insistently invited by Pope Francis, will be an explosive force, a mutual help. What I go away with from the WYD is the desire to live my life in a more radical way, and to go out every day, day in and day out, trying to be this window that allows the future of the world to come in!” Iggy, (New Zealand): “This WYD is push to make a revolution, to ‘win over’ other young people to a life like this. Especially because, in my country of New Zealand, there aren’t many people believing in God.” From young people of Rio de Janeiro who too part in the ecumenical and interreligious dialogue group: Fuminori (Catholic): “The WYD is the proof of what is happening in Rio among Catholics, Methodists, Baptists and others. Non-Catholics helped out foro this World Youth Day, welcoming young people into their own homes with fraternal hospitality.” Carlos (Presbyterian): “The WYD has brought a new spirit to the city. There’s music, celebrating and a tone of voice that is above institutions. These are young people of Christ. They bring a new form of religious identification that passes through institutional walls.” Fernando (Muslim): “I see the WYD as something very positive, because it allows young people from different places to talk about principles and values that are very important for everyone. It was also an encounter with God, and that always brings marvelous results for the renewal of faith in everyone.” Among the young people who have fulfilled their journey responding to the call of God, was Blessed Chiara Luce Badano. When asked if she had ever seen young people change their lives through contact with her daughter, Maria Teresa responded: “Even of those who only heard talk of her or seen her photo, they weren’t just touched by the lovely photo, but by what she was saying to them through that gaze, which expressed what was in her soul, by that fire she had within. Yesterday I was thinking to myself: ‘God certainly wishes to fulfill the plan he has in mind for each one of these young people.’ And so, let’s entrust them to her.” Maria Voce recently wrote a letter to the members of the Focolare in which she invited everyone to go to “the existential peripheries, to any place where people no longer find the centre of their being because they cannot find God. All of us, through God’s grace alone, have met Him. We are called to remain there, immersing ourselves in this disoriented humanity to bring it back to its centre,” and she went on to say: “I think that Chiara herself wanted nothing less, because since always she saw the ‘great attraction’ of ‘being lost in the crowd, in order to influence it with the divine life” [1]. Following the days in Rio, there is a new road for us to follow together. See you in Krakow! [1] Lubich, Chiara. Essential Writings (New York: New City Press, 2007), p. 213.

Learning Fraternity: the Schools in Northern Ireland

Jul 28, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

It is March 20th 1993: in Warrington, in the English Cheshire County, the IRA launches one of its bloodiest attacks: two bombs explode within minutes from each other downtown, wounding 56 persons and killing two kids, Jonathan Ball, three years old, and Tim Perry, 12 years old, who will die, after a five-day life-and-death struggle. Already before the bomb attack, two schools, one Catholic and one Protestant, on the two principals’ initiative, tried to overcome the rigid division between Catholic and Protestant students, that usually attend separate schools. What took place inWarrington left a deep mark, creating an outrage wave, but also the will to change things. As years went by, indeed the involvement widened, and it was the turn of Belfast, capital city of Ulster, where two schools of the same suburb, one Protestant and one Catholic, started to build a mutual collaboration and brotherhood relationship. These two institutes were quickly joined by a third one from EIRE. In this way a “circle of schools” was born, where the so-called art of loving is proposed by means of the cube of love. Kevin Mc Keague is the principal at St James Catholic School (Belfast): “I heard once from Chiara Lubich that of the three ideals of the French Revolution, brotherhood was the least developed … This is true here in Belfast as well, segregated as we are in two communities … Therefore I saw in my meeting with David (the principal at the Protestant School) the opportunity to build bridges and to bring in our communities an injection of love and brotherhood.” David McConkey is the principal at the Whitehouse Protestant School (Belfast): “I was deeply convinced that education plays a fundamental role in promoting peace, through a number of initiatives where students of different religious traditions can meet face to face”. Declan O’Brien, principal at St Conleth School in the Republic of Ireland: “At first sight, I was so struck by the unity between the two schools of Northern Ireland , and by the true testimony of unity and brothe rhood between Kevin and David, that I decided I wanted to share with them their project, introducing the cube of love in my school: in this way different schools could live together the art of loving.  In 2009 the Protestant school in Belfast was completely destroyed by an arson, a tragedy shared by the other two schools, which organized together a solidarity concert, whose title was “everybody for everybody”. A lot of students with their parents from the three schools took part, together with the unionist mayor and the parish priest, both representatives of communities clearly divided, and who would normally not be invited on the same stage together. Thanking all the participants for their presence, the mayor said: “You all are giving a strong testimony in your community and in the country”. A local newspaper wrote of kids that “show us a road map”. At a certain point the concrete possibility came out, that the school could no longer be rebuilt, also due to the lack of funds. This difficulty was immediately shared among students and staff of the three schools and it was decided to organize a decent but strong protest in front of theParliamentBuilding inBelfast. The Parliament Committee for Education, composed by members of different parties, was deeply struck by this proof of solidarity. On the same day the reconstruction of the Protestant school was officially announced. In these three friendly school it was introduced the art of loving, originally proposed by Chiara Lubich as an antidote to egocentrism, discrimination, bullying. The art of loving is the original collection of a number of genuinely christian ideas, that constitute an harmonic synthesis of the different requirements of love. At the same time it reminds the idea of exercise, continuous effort, in order to make it a living and active reality. O’Brien explains us that the students put this art into practice both at school and at home, showing how this art helps them in being more tolerant, broadminded and open to others: “One of the students was sistematically made fun of by two others. This all took place, without the teachers even noticing it. There was the risk of revenge, and also of broadening the circle of hate. The proposal of putting the art of loving into practice broke this mechanism up, giving the students the courage to positively change things. The situation quickly improved”. As time went by, the communities linked to the three schools found themselves more and more united, also thanks to events like “Drums for peace”, during which students read poems, sing and display art works, whose main theme is peace … besides drumming, of course! Originally these drums were used to announce opposing groups during political rallies, now they announce peace! During “Drums for peace” a winning poem is regularly chosen. In 2010 the choice fell on the one written by Aiden Doyle (eight years old) from Belfast. It was written after some clashes risked to plung Northern Ireland back into the dark years of civil war. In those days a policeman and two soldiers were killed. With the typical kids’ naturalness Aiden writes: “That policeman who died was somebody’s father…” and asked not to turn back in the peace process. These simple and convincing words by Aiden made news and reached the news programme of the national channel giving a strong contribution to promotion and education for peace. “This is not only an educational experience”- an observer tells- “but also a social one, that teaches how to overcome boundaries, not only between different communities, between North and South, but also barriers of religion, language and culture”. Source: Northern Ireland: An agreement among three Schools, in order to rebuild fraternal relations LEARNING FRATERNITY: international conference-workshop on Education Programme, information and registration ‘Good practices’ preparing the event Castel Gandolfo (Roma) , 6 – 8 September 2013

Alejandro: A Trail of Light

Jul 26, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

His friend Chava tells us that “Alejandro never waited to receive when he had an opportunity to give. He showed great patience with us, and waited for us as we tried to learn and live the spirituality of unity. Alejandro was killed while he was doing something worthwhile – visiting a cousin in hospital. He died while loving, as we would all like to die. I ask myself if I am really very radical in the way I live the Gospel, as radical as he was. His death is life, not darkness. It’s a strong push to live our ideal more radically, following Jesus all the way.”

On Saturday, 20 July 2013, Alejandro received the daily “password” via WhatsApp. The “password” is a brief slogan that Focolare members try to put in practice throughout the day. That day the slogan was: ‘Our final exam will be on whether we have loved our neighbour.’ He immediately responded to his friend Andrea who had sent him the password: “These are powerful words and, yes, you’re right, we have to live it.” Just a few minutes later he was at the hospital bedside of an ill cousin. Suddenly two assassins entered to murder someone, and the unfortunate witnesses of the crime were also killed.

For the Young For Unity Group in Torreon, Mexico – an area immersed in violence – it was a shocking blow, and yet they responded courageously “so that the spiritual richness would not be lost” of their friend’s life with whom they shared a commitment to give witness to universal brotherhood and to spread a culture of non-violence.

Alejandro met the young people of the Focolare in 2011. Right away he wanted to know more about the ideal that animated their lives, and he began living Jesus’ message with them. His life became a testimony of God’s love for others, in everything he did: in the family, with his friends, at work and with many other people as well.

“I knew him from when we first began this adventure,” Willie recounts, “I was very struck by his willingness and his ability to immediately put into practice every new point of the spirituality of unity that he discovered.”

“What struck me most about him,” says David, “was seeing the strong mark that he’s left in so many people. . . and also his great desire and thirst for God.”

The Gen from Torreon write: “We consider our friend, Alexander, as a martyr for the united world, and for this reason his blood is not a tragedy, but a blessing for anyone who wants to unite in the battle for peace in our region, in our country and in the world.

During these days when the World Youth Day is taking place in Brazil, Pope Francis has urged more than a million young people to be radical in the faith. Alejandro is certainly someone who did not step back, but took this invitation to heart. And he put into practice Chiara Lubich’s constant appeal to the young: “Aim high!” This is why he leaves behind such a trail of light!

WYD Rio. Holiness dressed in jeans

Jul 25, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Amidst a constant rainfall, wind, cold, and chaotic traffic jams the Carlos Gomes theatre of Rio de Janiero was filled with a large crowd of young people. They came from faraway places, speaking in French, Spanish, English and Brasiliera. They had come to know the beloved Chiara Luce Badano, who is described among the intercessors of the WYD as “someone who lived totally abandoned to Jesus.”

Blessed Chiara Luce Badano was born in Sassello, Italy, in 1971. The WYD website states: “At 10 years of age she had a powerful experience of meeting God, which changed her life and that of her parents. From that moment on she decided to live the Gospel in a more radical way, striving to love all the people around her. At 18 years of age she was diagnosed with bone cancer. She lived every stage of the painful illness with great courage. The prayer proposed to her by WYD: “Help me to conquer the challenges of my youth, so that I can give my life over to Jesus Christ without reserve.”

To make her better known 80 youths and young people – dancers, musicians, singers and the entire production staff – devoted themselves to the arduous task for a good six months previous to the show that was presented on July 24, 2013 at WYD Rio. They believed beyond hope that they would find the money to cover all the expenses, but the communion of goods among the Focolare community in Brazil covered the entire cost before the show was even ready.

The show is called “Holiness Dressed in Jeans,” (www.chiaraluce.org) and it presents the brief life of Blessed Chiara Luce with color, rhythm and explosions of the joy that are typical of the Brazilian land. During a few moments of such profound and unique depth, the hall fell silent as it admired this young girl who transformed suffering into love, thanks to the love of her “Spouse” – Jesus crucified and forsaken. This intense passage was represented in an engaging mime with images of personal and social suffering projected on the stage’s large backdrop.

Each of the evening shows lasted no more than an hour, leaving the young people with an incredible thirst to know more about Chiara Luce and about her life, which they could begin to do by reading the book “25 minutos” by Franz Coriasco, which they received, and by visiting the website www.chiaraluce.org.

Many in the audience left their impressions about the show: “I was converted,” “I’ve rediscovered my ideal in life,” “it was like reawakening to a more radical life,” “we are enchanted by the beauty of Chiara Luce’s life,” and there were many others.

Three shows were foreseen at the Carlo Gomes theathre, but the endless line of young people that reached around and encircled the entire block, prompted them to ask the WYD Local Organizing Committee to allow a fourth show! In a short time, in spite of logistic difficulties, and the tiredness of the actors, permission was granted. To everyone’s great joy the parents of Chiara Luce showed up at this final show – Maria Teresa and Ruggero Badano. They had been at St. Francis Hospital for the Pope’s visit, accompanied by Chicca who was a personal friend of Chiara Luce.

Each show ended with a standing ovation. But it didn’t end there. The Youth for a United World in San Paulo have asked for the show to be performed in their city as well.

Youth take the lead

Jul 25, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

On the eve of his departure for Rio de Janeiro, Pope Francis said: “Youth will be taking the leading role during this week”.  And this is precisely what is happening!  The young people are the protagonists of the extraordinary welcome given to the Pope, of the great joy that fills the “cidade maravilhosa” during these days, of the opening ceremony at Copacabana, of the various events that are taking place in different parts of the city. 500,000 were present at Copacabana, and  two million  are expected to be present during  the week-end. The young people of the Focolare Movement have been present with their stand at Vocations Fair since Tuesday, July 23.  This fair  is being held at  Quinta Boa Vista in a very large park and it is offering young people the opportunity to encounter and get to know deeper the various ecclesial realities present at WYD. At this fair, the youth of the Focolare are  presenting Chiara Luce Badano, the United World Project and Escola Civitas. They have also set up a tent at Largo da Carioca, at the  city centre, from  where they are distributing the book “25 minutos: a vida de Chiara luce”, the Portugese edition of the biography of Chiara Luce, written by  Franz Coriasco, an agnostic friend of hers. The foundation “Aid to the Church in need” has given its support towards this edition published by Cidade Nova. “A santidade veste jeans”, a musical about Chiara Luce’s life produced by group of young Brazilians, was held on Wednesday 24 at the Carlos Gomes Theatre. An extra fourth show had to be presented to cater for a number of young people queuing outside the theatre to the see the musical. Maria Teresa and Ruggero Badano, Chiara Luce’s parents, unexpectedly attended this fourth show. They arrived at the theatre to see the show after having taken part in the welcome given to Pope Francis on his visit to St. Francis Hospital. “On stage one could see young people enchanted with the simple and yet extraordinary life of Chiara Luce”, says Rosamari, a Brazilian. “Chiara Luce,  a young girl like us,  makes it clear  that holiness is not something of the past”. On the same evening, on the other side of the city at the “Riocentro” Conference Centre,   the Gen Rosso were presenting their show “Dimensione indelebile” (Indelibile Dimension).   And on the 25th, they were at Varginha – in the favela of Manguinho – together with 200 young people following a recovery programme from addiction through art – to animate the festive celebration prepared to welcome the Pope. July 24 was also the day when young members of the Focolare Movement, together with friends from the Religions for Peace Global Youth Network, were engaged in the organization of the interreligious meeting “Go and build peace in all nations”.  These young people were at Estácio de Sá, and from 18.00 to 20.00 they discussed dialogue and various forms of action as part of their common committment to promote peace. The highlights of this day were the Pope’s visit to Aparecida and  to St.FrancisHospital, where he inaugurated a new wing dedicated to integral  care. These were occasions where one could see gestures and hear words that touch the heart, penetrate the mind and urge one to follow them. At the end of the day, when the Holy Father spoke to the young people gathered at “Casa Italia”, he gave them a message that could be addressed to everyone. He told them: “Trust Christ, listen to him, follow his footsteps. He never abandons us, not even in the darkest moments of our life. He is our hope. Tomorrow at Capocabana, we will go deeper into this truth, which  brightens  our life.  See you tomorrow!” Press Release Focus: Youth Week kicks off with an interreligious meeting Focus: WYD 2013: Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro   Updated on July 26, 2013 BF – LH SIF – Focolare Information Service

Social School 2013: Where is your brother?

Jul 25, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“I arrived at a time of crisis, searching for answers to social and existential questions, and here I’ve found a powerful answer.” So says one of the many people who came from all over the Southern Cone (Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina) to take part in the School for Social Studies (EDS) that was held on July 6-8, 2013 at Mariapolis Lia, one of the Focolare’s small towns in Argentina.   

There were three days of intense reflection and dialogue, which took off from the life experience of people engaged in human development. Some had many years of experience and others were just beginning. They worked together, trying to give answer to that fundamental question that is put to Cain by God: “Where is your brother?” It is a rather disturbing question that happened to coincide in those days with the strong appeal made by Pope Francis while visiting the island of Lampedusa, Italy where many African migrants land in the hope of finding better living conditions, and where many are often shipwrecked.

“What has most struck me during these days is seeing so many people from so many different geographical areas working at all levels of society, but all working with the same objective in mind: to love. Everything was so important that I want to start applying it right away.” The projects and activities in which those attending are involved are geared towards restoring human dignity among garbage heaps, health and community centres, centres for educational training and assistance, projects for the preservation of indigenous cultures, the promotion of social tourism, centres for the disabled, volunteer programmes in several NGOs and State entities, project administration, homeless shelters, social centres, trade unionists, business directors, politicians. . . The very fact of having all these people together to share their experiences was already very enriching.     

The course was focused more on the social interests of the participants and their fields of endeavour rather than academic debates. And it favoured “gathering knowledge that was based on life experiences.” 

 “I take many tools and ideas with me, which I can apply to social projects in one of the high risk quarters where we are working.” “Expectations were amply met: I’ve attended previous courses and I feel that we are gradually growing in this call to social involvement in our cities.” “Thanks a million! Here we have learned to be in order to return home and do.”

A look at World Youth Day and the contribution of the youth of the Focolare Movement

Jul 23, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Teens for Unity: A burst of vitality

Jul 19, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“It was beautiful to see our generation working and sweating for an ideal of love and solidarity without receiving anything in return . . . And I hope this helps to change the common opinion that teenagers are just lazy and uncaring. Because we’re the living proof that even if we’re young, with love and a bit of will we can accomplish something that’s great, entertaining as well as significant by putting ourselves in the game!”

These were words shared by one of the 120 youths and teenagers (8-17 years of age) from several regions of Lombardy, Italy. On June 15, 2013 he and his peers performed in the Musical “Rays of Light.” The show was thought up and desired by these young members of the Focolare to be a musical rendition, through word and song, of the extraordinary life of Blessed Chiara Luce Badano who was a youth and teenager like them. They wanted the underlying message of her life to be conveyed to as many hearts as possible. The workshop gathered together 70 youths from northern Italy on June 26-30 at Sassello, the city where Chiara Luce was born.

These are some examples of the kaleidoscope of activities that Teens for Unity have been promoting throughout Italy as they take on the most diverse, demanding and also very current issues. There is always one common denominator: to build bridges in the midst of their cities that lead to a more united world. In Tuscany 45 youths between the ages of 9 and 12 “exercised.”  They began gradually, first setting in place columns of friendship and true values. . . Then they did the rest. It was a different approach, yes, but often it produced a wealth of unexpected results.

Their impressions express the intensity of the moments they shared: “During a period of much doubting, this experience has been like a trampoline for me to begin again loving and to rediscover the joy there is in loving others freely.” Another says: “Some of my friends were competing with each other to see who could be first at supper. But one boy was exhausted and just couldn’t keep up with everyone else. So I thought of our motto and went back to keep him company.”

In Umbria, Italy, 65 youths went “in search of happiness” with the help of some experts from the field of psychology who explained to them how it has been scientifically proven that loving makes you happy. Longs nature walks, workshops, sporting matches and musical sessions were opportunities to build and share deep friendships.

“Big Bang, an explosion that unites” was the title of another meeting in Calabria, Italy. It involved 150 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16 from Calabria and Sicily. Some of the distinguished guest speakers included the D’Agostino’s, parents of the police officer who was murdered by the mafia.The D’Agostino’s helped raise awareness among the teenagers, of the importance of legality. Meanwhile, on the other side of the peninsula, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, another workshop gathered fifty teenagers beneath a banner containing five slogans: “Always joyful,” “Stay on the ray,” “Love always,” “Begin again,” and “Live the present moment.”

There was “Stop’n Go 3,” the third Teens for Unity Camp in Lazio, Italy, on July 17-21, 2013. Daily activities alternated with moments for solidarity – like visiting a rest home or working on ecological projects – and moments for reflection provided by experts in the field of feelings and emotions, and in the field of dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

Not the usual holiday vacations, then, but 100% love!”affirmed one of the young protagonists. And from Austria to Brazil more new projects and activities are planned or already under way.

Until the next time!

In Slovakia an opportunity for the Economy of Communion

Jul 17, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

In June, in two cities of Slovakia, a book was presented about the life of deceased French entrepreneur of the Economy of Communion (EoC), Francois Neveux.

The first presentation took place on June 12, 2013 in Kosice in the Hall of the Panta Rhei Library, which was not able to contain the large crowd. People came not only from nearby cities but also from Poland, Ukraine and the Czech Republic. The participants had the most varied professional experiences as well. The audience included entrepreneurs and students, the unemployed and public workers. Also present were the local coordinators of the EoC in France,along with the wife of Francoise. In their presentation of him, they described Francois an “entrepreneur of relationships.”

Their testimony, in which they shared great and small experiences from his life, was especially appreciated, because “theories” can be argued and discussed, and different opinions emerge, but a life like that of Francois leaves no room for discussion.

On June 13, 2013 the presentationwas held in the capital city of Bratislava. It was attended by several political leaders who were interested in the EoC. A lively dialogue followed the presentations. One politician remarked: “The philosophy that lies beneath the EoC can help us to write innovative laws, and policies that are new. The EoC is the way.” The event was also covered by the Lux Catholic TV network in Slovakia, which helped in spreading the spirit behind the project.

In the capital of Slovakia there is also an historic business company that has adhered to the EoC. It is called In Vivo. For years it has produced ceramics and is widely known and appreciated for its originality. In Vivo began in 1991 just after the EoC began, based on the inspiration of Chiara Lubich in Brazil that same year.

“The relationships that were built certainly didn’t end with the presentation of a book,” writes Slovak Maja Calfova, “on the contrary, new relationships have begun and old ones have been strengthened,” bringing new energy also to the local EoC commission. One of its members stated: “We feel inside that we can’t rest until the EoC is incarnated in our land and in those around us.”

Vittoria Salizzoni, a biography

Jul 16, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

A book written with the heart. The testimony of one of the first young women from the city of Trent, Italy, who followed Chiara Lubich in a spiritual adventure that has gathered in millions of people. Vittoria Salizzoni (Aletta) was one those first companions along with Dori Zamboni, Graziella De Luca, Silvana Veronesi, Bruna Tomasi, Palmira Frizzera, Gisella and Ginetta Calliari, Natalia Dallapiccola, Giosi Guella, Valeria Ronchetti, Lia Brunet and Marilen Holzauser.

Aletta, as she was popularly known, lived with Chiara at the dawn of the Focolare. Her recollections – some published here for the first time – along with excerpts from talks and presentations, describe the exceptional adventure she lived; also her share for over twenty five years in building the Focolare Movement in the lands of the Middle East.

She shares her memories in a language that is simple and spontaneous not with the intention of sketching a history of the Movement, but with the desire of conveying the courage and vitality that accompanied the events. Now, at the age of 87 when asked how she feels, she responds: “I feel rich. . .”

We publish one excerpt from the book, Aletta racconta. . . una trentina con Chiara Lubich,  Citta Nuova’s Per Series, in which she tells of her years in Lebanon during the war (1975-1990).

“In the midst of the hatred and the bombs we believed in the Gospel. In the midst of wounded and dead there was an oasis of people striving to live mutual love and communion of goods not only among themselves, but also with others, with Muslims as well.

There was so much mutual support, a veritable competition in offering flats, for example,  and dwelling places to people with nowhere to stay. Many families opened their homes to those who were living in the most dangerous regions. Then there were some who had houses in the mountains or in secure locations, who offered hospitality to the ones who were left homeless.

When food supplies were scarce those who had bread distributed to those who had none; the same with water. The ones who went to collect water for themselves said to the others: “Give us your water containers and we’ll fetch some water for you.” And this meant standing for many hours at a fountain, always fearful that a bombardment could happen at any moment.

There were certainly experiences of loss, but our spiritual support for one another seemed to lead to material assistance as well. Everything grew from there and not like a mutual aid society but as a society in which the Gospel was being lived out.

We were all living in the same conditions, and so the only thing we could do was love, and the war could never prevent us from doing that – on the contrary! You could even say that it was forming us. We felt the continual support of the Focolare and the nearness of Chiara Lubich who followed us from afar, during those very difficult and troubling situations in Lebanon.”

Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor Speaks of Vatican II, Focolare and Ecumenism

Jul 13, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Members and friends of the Focolare representing various denominations were present alongside local clergy and ecumenical officers.

“The ecumenical legacy of the Vatican Council” was the cardinal’s theme, which he delivered not so much as a formal lecture, but as a personal account of his insights into ecumenism.

I

The cardinal began by recognising the contribution of the Focolare spirituality of unity and its ecumenical work, which pre-dated the Council. He spoke of Chiara Lubich as “one of the bright luminaries of our century, of the centuries” and considered her “numbered among the blessed in heaven.”

Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor recalled the Council decree on ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio, and its bold proclamation that “there is no ecumenism worthy of the name without a change of heart … without inner conversion, newness of attitude and unstinted love.”

He cited suspicion, inertia and impatience as the three enemies of ecumenism. Drawing on his own experience both in his time as a priest and later bishop of Arundel and Brighton, and in latter years as archbishop of Westminster, the cardinal summed up the ecumenical endeavour as something that begins locally from a relationship with those around us believing that “ecumenism is blessed where people are.”

Among the milestones since Vatican II, the cardinal highlighted Pope John Paul II’s visit to Canterbury Cathedral in 1982, which he described as “a beginning of new life, new hope.” The cardinal also cited the importance of Pope Francis’ recent meeting with Archbishop Justin Welby.

The Cardinal concluded his lecture by recalling Pope Francis’ recent address where he urged that bishops might be ‘shepherds for the flock … to tend hope and have sun and light in their hearts’. In recalling the Pope’s words, Cardinal Cormac communicated an optimism reminiscent of the Vatican Council. This was not simply a looking back with nostalgia at the good old days but a looking forward conscious that ‘the work of ecumenism is God’s work’ and our joint task is ‘to communicate God’s love to his people with that same sun and light in our lives’.

Following a question and answer session, Bishop Robin Smith, retired Anglican Bishop of Hertford, offered a vote of thanks reiterating the Cardinal’s affirmation of personal relationships in ecumenism and underlined that it is on these that the future of the Church, not least the unity of the Church, depends.

Source: Zenit

http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/cardinal-murphy-o-connor-speaks-of-vatican-ii-focolare-and-ecumenism

From immigrants to brothers and sisters

Jul 12, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

They come from the most varied backgrounds, lands and cultures: Albania, Ukraine, Georgia, Morocco, Senegal, Romania, Nigeria and Belarus. Like many of their fellow countrymen and women they are leaving behind dramatic situations, as well as their loved ones in the hope of finding work and a better future for their lives.

They have landed in Acquaviva delle Fonti, a town of the Bari province which, like other southern Italian towns, has become the destination or crossing point for many who are dreaming of a better life. The Focolare community here has for some time felt summoned by their presence: “We had it in our hearts,” they write, “to see to it that these many foreigners/immigrants would feel welcomed in our city.” Personal relationships were established, bonds of friendship that overcame barriers and mistrust. “Three years ago,” they say, “we decided to organize a festival that we could all share during the Christmas season, so they could breathe in a bit of family atmosphere instead of the loneliness and marginalization that many unfortunately experience.” Our friendship became deeper and deeper.And now the Christmas festival has become an annual tradition. In what we call the ‘festival of the people’ our friends now feel free enough to extend the invitation to other foreign friends, and we are more than happy to welcome them.”

This year fifty people of all ages and religious backgrounds attended: “The family atmosphere that had been established in previous years was immediately renewed. Spontaneously people began sharing experiences about the journeyand arrival in Italy, putting in common both the sufferings and the joys.”

The proposal to live the Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you – as a basis uponwhich to build universal brotherhood and as a common point we could all share even amidst the diversity of our religious beliefs was immediately accepted by all because we had already experienced how “mutual love demolishes every distance. At the buffet which was served in the evening, alongside dishes that were prepared by the local community, there were also dishes from a variety of other countries that our friends had prepared. What gave everyone the most joy that evening was certainly the fact that we had experienced what it means to be a family.”

At the end of the evening, Abdul from Senegal invited some people from the community to take part in a prayer meeting in a neighbouring town: “Great was his joy and surprise when he saw us arriving. There were 200 Senegal Muslims there, barefoot and seated on prayer rugs, reading the Koran. Abdul introduced us to his spiritual leader and, then, two days later he was again deeply moved as he thanked us for our visit.”

Another concrete gesture was the opening of a listening booth that is carried ahead by the entire community in order to identify people’s needs and to provide expertise, offering Italian lessons to children and their parents, for example, or assistance in resolvingbureaucratic problems, finding medical treatments, and so on.

“This experience of family,” they conclude, “and the fruits that have grown from it make us certain that a united world is no utopia, but a reality already very much alive amongst us.”

Switzerland. Muslims and Christians in dialogue

Jul 11, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

A young Turkish man named Fathi, living in Basel , intoned Surah 134 of the Koran: “And Allah loves the doers of good!” With these words he took everyone right to the heart of the day’s message: love for neighour. Imam Muhammed Tas, also fromBasel, told of his weeklong ski holiday with parish priest Ruedii Beck and two others: “Together we cooked for each other. We saw where it was most comfortable for each other in the apartment, for our prayer. We were like a family where you learn from each other. Thanks to these friends I learned to ski much better. In Autumn we plan to have another holiday together, this time inTurkey.”

Abdul Jabbar Koubaisy, vice-president of the Muslim League in Poland, also expressed his admiration of the following Muslim saying: “Anyone who does not know how to thank God’s creatures will neither be able to thank their Creator.” Paul Lemarie from the Focolare Movement’s International Centre for Inter-religious Dialogue told about a Mariapolis in Macedonia with 35 Catholics, just as many Muslims and a dozen Orthodox Christians. Finally, a young Catholic woman offered her following testimony: “This gathering has deeply changed me. Up until now I only took my own faith into account and refused all the others: atheists, Muslims, even Orthodox Christians. Now I understand: God let’s his Sun rise on everyone.”

The focus of the dialogue on June 23rd in Baar was the experience of community that is already possible when there is respect for the diversity. As a way of delving into this topic Imam Mohammed Tas introduced a video recording of a talk given by Chiara Lubich in 2002 at the congress for Muslim Friends of the Focolare Movement in Castelgandolfo, Italy. “Love is quite an important thing in our religion,” Tas emphasised. “If a person doesn’t love, it means that he or she has a problem in their heart . . . Thirteenth century Muslim poet Yunus Emore, states: ‘I love you for love of the Creator!’ With these words he expresses the deepest love that can exist in a human being.”       

And speaking with the words of Chiara Lubich: “What is needed is love for neighbour, that love that you find in many different religious environments, in forms of mercy, benevolence, compassion, or solidarity. Love of neighbour which, for us Christians, isn’t merely a human sentiment, but enriched by a divine spark, is called agape, love of a supernatural origin.”

There followed in the afternoon  a period of prayer in different locations according to religions and then group meetings for  a deep and enriching sharing on the art of loving, forgiveness and the Golden Rule. Imam Mustafa Oezturk, president of the association that groups the most mosques inSwitzerland, stated in his final remarks: “We’re learning a new grammar here. The traditional one begins with the word “me,” then comes “you” and then, lastly, “him” or “her.” But the grammar of love for neighbor begins with the word “you” and then comes “I” or “me.” And “He” or “She” possess a right that must always be respected; that you only speak well of them.”

Source: http://www.fokolar-bewegung.ch

Rio 2013. Moving closer to WYD

Jul 10, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“This is an invitation to be with the Pope as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.” “We willingly and joyfully respond to this invitation.” Wherever the Church is, that is where we must be. The WYD broadens your horizons. It changes you and helps you grow in the faith. And so we are strengthened in our daily difficulties: at school, at work, at home and so on. The WYD leaves a permanent mark in the hearts of all the youths who’ve ever attended one, and we are certain that the same will happen here as well.” The speakers are Maria and Leandro, two young people from the Focolare in Rio de Janeiro. They are on location and actively involved in the preparations of this grand world event, but they express a commitment that involves the Focolare in various ways around the world.

What awaits the pilgrims who will be there on July 22-28? There are five main events planned for this pilgrimage:

• July 23: The World Youth Day Opening Mass in Copacabana.
• July 25: Welcoming Ceremony with the Pope on the shores of Copacabana, first encounter between Pope Francis and the millions of young people from five continents.
• July 26: Way of the Cross in Copacabanapresided by the Pope in the main park. The fourteen stations will retrace the path of Jesus with readings based on the great problems of today’s youth.
• July 27: Prayer Vigil with the Pope at the Fidei di Guaratiba Campus. Among the fifty artistic groups that will animate this prayer vigil, there will also be the Gen Rosso international band that will present its musical “Streetlight” involving two-hundred youths from the Fazenda da Esperanca and other communities. Gen Rosso has been on tour in Brazil since May 2013: seven cities and more than a thousand youths have been involved on stage, in the presentation of the show to another ten thousand spectators.
• July 28: The “sending out” Mass at ten o’clock, celebrated by the Holy Father, marking the end of the World Youth Day and announcing the location of the next WYD.

WYD week will be filled with many other events: the Vocations Fair where the Youth for a United World will also have a stand, along with many others who will be gathered together at the Youth Festival with a variety of presentations expressing their willingness to share the way they live the faith.

Among the more than three-hundred official events, on July 24 there will be a show presentation on “The Life of Chiara Luce,” the young Italian who was recently beatified and is one of the “intercessors” of WYD. The show has been put together by young people from the Focolare in Rio together with friends from other Catholic Movements, other Christian Churches and others who do not know much about Christianity. There is even a young Buddhist girl. They see the show as an opportunity to acquaint the WYD participants with the experience of Blessed Chiara Luce Badano who shortly before dying wrote: “The youth are the future. I can’t run anymore, but I’d like to pass my witness on to them, like in the Olympics. You have only one life, it’s worth it to spend it well.” Cidade Novahas published Franz Coriasco’s book on Chiara Luce (“Dai tettin in giu”) in collaboration with Aid to the Church in Need. Five-hundred-thousand copies will be distributed to the young people at WYD. On July 25 a prayer vigil and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be animated by the young people of the Focolare.

Pope Francis has many other activities scheduled for Brazil besides WYD. Among there is a visit to the Shrine of Aparecida; inauguration of the Integrated Care Campus at São Francisco da Tijuca Hospital, a center specializing in addiction recovery which is one of the main social focuses of the Rio WYD; a visit to a favela in northern Rio with the Varginha Community.

For more information on Gen Rosso in Brazil:

show at Aparecida with young people from the Fazenda da Esperança

Rede Globo (World network) presentation on the “Strong without violence” project

Rede GLOBO (World network) presentation on the show in San Paolo

New City Press Philippines wins International Award

Jul 6, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

In a letter dated June 24, 2013 from the International Christian Organization of Media (ICOM) based in Geneva, Switzerland, it states: “Today we are happy to announce that you have won an Honorable Mention in the category of the International Award for Interreligious Dialogue. The jury took the decision considering the value and the relevance of theme you have submitted. We hope that your efforts and contributions through the more and more challenging world of journalism will help better the humanity worldwide and the environment.” The letter was signed by Jean-Marie Scheerlink of the ICOM directing committee.

The international award for inter-religious dialogue honors and recognizes the services and contributions of a media professional, institute, publisher or publication (including a book) in the field of peace and co-existence among members of various religions and cultures. The award brings to light initiatives of media professionals or their institutions for the peaceful, happy and harmonious co-existence of peoples belonging to all types of religions and opinions. The award encourages the use of media for inter-religious dialogue and harmony by media professionals.

The Focolare New City Magazine writes articles and issues from the perspective of universal fraternity. It is committed to interreligious, ecumenical and cultural dialogues. It features profiles and interviews with people who are making a difference in the field of arts, economics, science, education, medicine and cultural life. It promotes peaceful co-existence, and respect for differences in religious and cultural beliefs. It plays the role of a catalyst in pursuing a peaceful and harmonious society particularly in the Philippine and Asian context. For his entry submission, Aranas submitted two e-book magazines of New City: January 2013 issue with its theme on the fragile peace process in the Southern Philippines in Mindanao (to see articles you may visit: http://newcityph.com/archive/1301/issues.asp); and the June 2012 issue with its theme on dialogue: a call for an education towards a culture of dialogue, one that build bridges and promotes peace: http://newcityph.com/archive/1206/issues.asp

The triennial awards honor outstanding media professionals, publications and institutions worldwide, and recognize their exemplary contributions irrespective of all differences. The international awards enhance and make journalistic and media works more valuable in diverse fields, and acknowledge the efforts of all participating journalists and media professionals as well as their milieu. They help guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of the media at all levels in spite of all types of pressures especially from political, business and religious leaders and authorities. The awards are recognition for lifetime and reference for professionals to consult issues that concern nations, continents and our world. They reconfirm the competence and consolidate the authority of the winners on their domains and topics that are of major relevance and extreme importance in the world affairs.

There were more than 2,000 entries and candidatures worldwide that participated this time. But only 25 winners were chosen for the awards and honorable mentions in eight categories: The Titus Brandsma is won by Anto Akarra (India): the Cardinal Foley for David Lindo (Panama), and honorable mention for Fr François Lespes (France); Jose Rebelo (Portugal);Christopher Lamb (UK): Robert Duncan (USA); Photojournalism: Francis Wong (Hongkong); Interreligious Dialogue : Yassine Mohellebi (Algeria); honorable mention: Andrea Krogmann (Germany): Jose Aranas (Philippines); Women Issues : Roselyne Sachiti (Zimbabwe); honorable mention: Sanga Boureima (Burkina Faso): Aftab Alexander Mughal (Pakistan); Educommunication: Italian Association for Media Education (President: Gianna Cappello, Italy); honorable mention: Franco Montesino (Argentina); Josephat Kioko (Kenya) : Victor Khroul (Russia); Solidarity with refugees: Juan Carlos Giraldo (Colombia): honorable mention: Jean-Baptiste Sourou (Benin): Reji Joseph (India), and Excellence in Journalism: Anne Matho (Cameroun): ;Christian Locka (Cameroun): Damian Avevor (Ghana): Sally Mbilu (Kenya) and Benita Sambu.(Congo DR)

The awards will be conferred to the winners at the World Media Congress to be held, for the first time in Central America, in Panama City, Panama from 29 September to 6 October 2013.

To get to know the faces of the 2013 recipients of the awards you may visit this link in ICOM: http://www.icomworld.info/aw/2013/aa.htm

Romeo Pelayo Vital

Van Thuan: ‘My Testament’

Jul 5, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

François-Xavier Nguyên Van Thuân (1928-2002) was arrested in 1975, a few weeks after he had been nominated coadjutor bishop of Saigon. He spent 13 years in prison, 9 of which were in solitary confinement. After he was set free he became president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. (http://www.vanthuanobservatory.org/?lang=en) The following lines were written in 1980 in prison, 15 km from Hanoi. They are a kind of ‘spiritual testament’.

Beloved children,

I find I’m at a new stage:

tough, dark, endless. I meet here others who are also pilgrims; I look on them as friends, and on all the things that happen as priceless experiences. Because everything is grace.

In my night, populated by silence and solitude,

I think of each and every one of you, offering you all to God. God has given me the most beautiful moments of my life. Never were my prayers so heart-felt, nor mass so fervent, nor so favourable the chances to be united with God’s love and show love in the midst of hate and sow hope in the midst of despair. You can lose everything materially but, if God remains, you still have everything. God is Love. Love gives me courage to love as God loves.

I have nothing more.

But every day I offer the love of God to all in the heart of Jesus and Mary. I am by your side, caring for you and loving very deeply, because you have a prime place in my heart. I have left a few modest experiences in The Road of Hope. Read my most intimate thoughts in the light of the Word of God and of Vatican II. Meditate, read, work so that your heart may be filled with love and wisdom… Dry tears and cover over the weaknesses that come from circumstances and all that is lacking.

This is my testament,

following the example of Paul VI. ‘My programme is to fulfil the Second Vatican Council.’ Strive to set alight the flame of hope in the places that you live.

Like John XXIII

I consecrate the rest of my life to prayer, to sacrifice, to service. May Jesus, Mary and Joseph strengthen your footsteps along the road of hope. Excerpt: François Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, Vivere le virtù [Living Virtues] (Rome: Città Nuova, 2012), 7-8.

The courage to be educators

Jul 4, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“Today there is a real and urgent need to remember those who have done good. This is the much needed response to a culture that only has a memory for the aggression and negativity of the human person. These are the words of psychotherapist and educator, Michele De Beni who stresses the positive and important influence that educators can have on the development of a personality and its potential.

These issues are dealt with in the book, “Essere educatori” which is edited and published by Citta Nuova and was presented on May 3, 2012 at the University of Bergamo (Italy) – Department of Humanities and Social Sciences – where the figure of Chiara Lubich the educator was remembered and celebrated.

The book traces the unique teaching experience of the young Silvia Lubich (more known as Chiara) and deals with pedagogical issues that are very relevant today: the value of the tradition and innovation, the formation of conscience, the fields being opened by new knowledge, the need for new types of skills, the need for educational renewal, the centrality of the educational relationship, inclusion and dialogue.

The book comes with a DVD titled: “La maestra Silvia non aveva la matita rossa” (Miss Silvia the teacher didn’t have a red pencil) by Donato Chiampi. It contains reminiscences and previously unpublished events from ex-students and colleagues.

From Castello in Val di Sole where Chiara taught during the 1938-1939 school year, Caterina, Carmela, Dolores and Edda recall that in Chiara’s class which was comprised of 42 boys from all five classes, the teacher didn’t limit herself only to didactic activities.. In her class you also learned education, brotherhood and . . . how “to love one another.”

There were also students who were “failing” – they recall – but “until they reached the same level as the others, Chiaa would continue to repeat things for them and wait for anyone who was lagging behind. During her last week with us she continued to encourage us to remain united, to help each other, especially the elderly.” When the school year ended, Chiara continued to remain in lively contact with them through notes and letters.

Capuchin Father Contardo Zeni, an ex-student from the Institute for orphans where Chiara taught: “Miss Silvia was truly a mother for us! When she wanted to ask us a question she would say, ‘And you? What do you think? What do you say?’ Then she would respond based on the things you had said. She respected the personality of each boy. I now realize that she saw beyond human appearances, she saw the presence of God in each person. I will never finish thanking God for having allowed me the grace to have known such an exceptional human being.”

Brotherhood and the centrality of the human person are paradigms that should be brought back into the discussion about education. These will be the double tracks along which the international “Learning Fraternity” will move. The gathering will take place on September 8, 2013 in Castel Gandolfo, Italy and will welcome anyone involved in education: families, schools, catechists, group leaders, researchers and students of all ages.

The liturgy of the neighbour

Jul 2, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“In my childhood my family instilled Christian values in me but with a specific Franciscan tinge. Thus when I felt that God was calling me to religious life as a Conventual Franciscan, my response was enthusiastic. During my novitiate and theological studies, which I completed near the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi, I was enriched with new awareness of the fundamental aspects of Christian life as incarnated by our Seraphic Father Francis. During those studies I was attracted in a special way by the Eucharist as a fundamental value for us in our Christian life.  I considered the Eucharistic celebration to truly be the climax and the source of my Christian life. My study of theology and liturgy had confirmed this conviction.”

My contact with Chiara Lubich’s spirituality enhanced in me the contemplative dimension of my life, because it opened up for me new possibilities in living my union with God. In addition, Chiara helped me rediscover the value of neighbor, that is, my brothers and sisters individually and together – as a ‘gift’ (just as Francis says). This helped me feel more in tune with the Church, my Franciscan community, and my missionary aspirations.

After twelve years of missionary service in Indonesia, “I returned to my native country because I needed to rest and re-charge my spiritual batteries. I was fortunate to be able to go to the Focolare international spirituality center for men religious in Loppiano, near Florence. There, one evening during supper, I had a fierce discussion with another missionary about the value of the liturgy. I came out of the dining room with a troubled heart, and I found it hard to calm down.  I felt that there was now a great distance between that brother and me. Then a thought came to my mind: “How can you say that you love God whom you do not see if you do not love the brother that you can see?” Therefore I asked myself: “Is the brother more important than the Liturgy? Yes, my brother is more important than the liturgy.” Before going to bed I went looking for that brother and I asked him to forgive me. I found peace again and our relationship was strengthened. It was on that day that I understood that the ‘liturgy of my brother’ is more important than the Eucharistic Liturgy.”

In June 2012 Fr. Tarcisio returned for the second time from Indonesia after only three more years of missionary service. “This time too I was quite exhausted. I was welcomed again at the spirituality center of religious. In the peaceful little town of Loppiano I gradually regained my physical and spiritual health. Notwithstanding the fact that I was living in that serene environment I kept thinking about the difficulties I would have to face in Indonesia with some of my brothers in community.”

“My provincial superior had invited me to forgive, and I thought that I had done that. However, the root of that suffering remained within me and sometimes I had negative thoughts about that brother and about myself too. Sometimes I felt like the spirituality center; the contrast between the sentiments within me and the environment around me was too strong. It was only after trying to live out the theme of the year which was ‘love of neighbor’, as presented by various Words of Life regarding charity, especially that of seeing Jesus in the other to the point of experiencing union with God, that I felt that my grudges and anger were starting to melt away. I experienced not only a new kind of peace but also a union with God that was truer and more profound.  I was full of joy for coming out from that dark tunnel of my relationship with my brother.

Now, whenever I think about that brother, I feel that I have truly forgiven him completely.  Not only that, but if God so wills it in the future that I should happen to be together with the same brother, I will do my best to show my gratitude for having been moved by God to journey along this new path of reconciliation to arrive at union with God.”

Fonte: Unità e Carismi, 1-2/2013.

Honesty, an added-on value

Jun 30, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Around two years ago, in a timespan of about three months, my teeth began to deteriorate in a dramatic way. So I went to a dentist and asked for an estimate of the cost of the work that would have to be done. Heart attack! It was going to cost a good 10,000 Swiss francs. I discussed the decision with my wife and, given the urgency, we decided to accept the doctor’s estimate and proceed with the treatment. The cure lasted a few months and that gave us time to prepare for the important investment. On the second to last visit the dentist informed me that there were further complications and the cost would be raised to a total of 11,280 francs. To stay within the estimate, he proposed that I pay 1000 francs in cash. This proposal by the dentist probably came from his desire to help me save some money, since I’ve been one of his patients for a long time. I asked if I could give an answer at my next appointment, because I wanted to discuss the decision with my wife first. The amount already foreseen was already a lot for us and 1,280 more francs was quite a bit of money. The temptation to save some money was strong! The thought took over in my mind that a part of the money could be used to help someone, or that it could be given to charity and many other such excuses. In the end, however, we decided as Christians that it would be more correct to pay the full amount. As we gave our answer to the dentist, we tried to show love toward him, thanking him for his kindness toward us in order not to embarrass him, explaining to him the reason for our choice. Providence didn’t keep us waiting! Last April as I filled out my declaration of earnings report, I included the dentist’s bill. On June 8th the answer in the “Give and it will be given to you” arrived right on time, with the tax return for the fiscal year 2012. In the summary of the various items: federal, cantonal and communal, I saw that for the fiscal year 2012 my taxes were 1.611,25 francs lower than the year before. When I calculated the difference (1. 611, 25 – 1. 280) I had saved 331, 25 francs!”

Trent, City Of Peace

Jun 29, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Video on Vimeo

10 years ago the children of a class started with their teacher to throw “the cube of love.” Today, 10 years later, doing so are the children of all the classes of Trent. Their “acts of love” published on the municipality’s newspaper reaches the homes of the families in this city. Even this year the appointment for everyone was in Cathedral Square.

Let’s watch the news report with images taken by Paul Holnaider and Donato Chiampi.

Holland. The importance of listening

Jun 27, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

On June 14-15, 2013, a group of 48 focolarini from 13 Christian Churches examined some important points of the spirituality of unity in relation to ecumenism. During the meeting we listened the story of Hanneke, a Dutch focolarina from the Reformed Church. “I grew up in a family that belonged to the Dutch Reformed Church. When I was 13 years old my mother passed away and a rather difficult period in my life was begun. None of my family members went to church anymore, but I felt that I didn’t want to leave God. I always kept in contact with the local church community. When I was 21 years old I made the ‘profession of faith,’ which is quite an important step in the Reformed Church. There I committed to give my all for the building up of the Kingdom of God in the Church and in the world. On that day too, just as when I was very young, I felt that God wanted something more from me.   In my searching I met the Taize community where I discovered a Christianity that was different from what I had known up until then, one that could be lived together with others. Shortly afterwards, through a colleague at work, I came to know the spirituality of the Focolare. My colleague never spoke about it directly, but I could understand from the way she lived that her life had a very strong spiritual dimI began to visit the focolare in Amsterdam. Once I arrived during a birthday party, something very simple. But there for the first time I experienced that spiritual presence of Jesus, and began to better understand the significance of the words: ‘Where two or more are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’ (Mt. 18:20). There I saw mutual love being practiced, and I began telling myself: I want to live like this too. At first I didn’t feel the difference between me (from the Reformed Church) and the majority of the others who were Roman Catholics. Only after a few years did I realize that we were different in the way we professed our faith, and many questions began coming to my mind. At times I didn’t feel understood. The key to continuing along this path I found in Jesus Forsaken. I recognized his countenance in the wounds of division between the Churches, in our different way of thinking, and this helped me to go ahead. I was transferred to Eindhoven in the south of Holland where most people are Roman Catholic. On the one hand I experienced great openness and, on the other hand, I learned to express my questions or difficulties when I saw things that didn’t that didn’t click with the mentality of the Reformed Church. This helped me in building truer relationships. Also within the Focolare Movement as a whole there are many of us from the Reformed Church in different vocations and callings. We have had beautiful experiences of coming to know each other, some trips to Rome for example. We also became aware that ecumenism is a journey that is common to us all, whether Protestant or Roman Catholic. For some years Christian leaders from several Churches and movements have been asking how they could give a witness of unity to Holland, rather than one of division. So a committee was set up that was called ‘We choose unity.’ A day of reconciliation among all the Churches was proposed, and 4000 people took part in the event. This work is being carried on today in the Dutch Global Christian Forum. What I find to be very important for Christian unity is listening, listening deeply to others. You really need to be empty of yourself in order to listen. Sometimes you think you know what the other person is trying to say, but first you must hear them out, listen well to what they’re trying to say. It’s living that teaching of St. Paul, putting yourself in the other person’s skin, in order to accelerate unity.”

Brazil: Travelling Exhibition on Chiara Lubich

Jun 24, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

A travelling exhibit entitled “Chiara Lubich:protagonist of a new age” to commemorate the founder of the Focolare Movement five years following her death.

Some of the exhibition sites include the airport, public market, town hall, the legislative assembly and some charitable organizations. There is also great expectation for the exhibit in Redemption Park just one week before the World Youth Day.

The first exhibit took place on May 13-25, 2013 in the Main Hall of the Central Library at the Catholic Pontifical University of Rio Grande do Sul. The life and work of Chiara Lubich were presented by seven banners that portrayed the origins of the Movement, its first steps and the evolution of the evangelical lifestyle that today is manifested in numerous social activities.

One banner presented the ecumenical dimension of the Movement, its deep relationship of mutual love with other Christian and non-Christian churches and with people of no religious convictions.

Another banner presented the young people in the Movement. It showed a new generation of youths who are coming up with concrete proposals for the renewal of society, convinced that the daily practice of universal brotherhood will lead to the true human fulfillment that young people are frenetically searching for in so many ways in today’s world.

The family is also key to the transformation of society for the preservation of genuine values that give meaning to life and social relationships.

The exhibit also put on display the Economy of Communion project, which was launched during a visit of Chiara Lubich to Brazil in 1991. The proposal of the project is to operate economically sound companies while simultaneously seeking to combat social inequality and encourage a new business mentality.

From economy to politics. The Movement is also engaged in the field of politics, working to promote the common good by focusing effort on the political dimension of universal brotherhood. It sees politics as a service, which Chiara once described as the “Love of loves.”

Also in the field of social action there is the Family Solidarity Association which helps hundreds of children in one of the poorer quarters on the outskirts of the city. Similar projects have arisen around the world and are a source of great hope to many families that are spiritually and materially deprived.

A video presentation on the history of the Movement was projected on a large screen. There were exhibits displaying projects by individuals and groups of people based on the Golden Rule which is present in nearly all religions.

The exhibit continues in other cultural spots in the city of Porto Alegre, showing the figure of Chiara, “protagonist of a new age” and the implications of her charism of unity in various Church and social environments.

Giuseppe Maschi: a witness of concrete love

Jun 21, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

The Verona, Italian city, had been struck with bad weather, placing waterways in danger of overflowing and flooding. On May 17th while in the basement of his home, Giuseppe was swept away by a mass of mud and water that had built up in the Mezzane Stream, causing it to burst its banks. Along with local civil volunteers and law enforcement workers, many members of the Focolare Movement were also among the first to respond in saving Giuseppe and his wife, Maria Grazia. They had both belonged to the Movement for many years.

This immediate and spontaneous response, shoveling and clearing, was also an expression of gratitude towards Giuseppe, who had given himself out of love for his wife and two daughters, for other families, at work and in the parish.

“His was a life (. . .) given in love. We would like to live this moment in the company of God who is a Mystery of Trinitarian Love. We would allow ourselves to be comforted by His Word of truth.” These words were spoken by Bishop of Verona, Giuseppe Zenti during the funeral Mass at the cathedral on May 21^st.

On that day the entire region of Lavagno gathered around Giuseppe and his relatives. Bishop Zenti purposely returned from Rome where he had been working for the Bishops Conference, in order to preside at the Mass that was concelebrated by 14 priests, in the presence of the Prefect of Verona, the President of the Province, the Mayor and numerous representatives from Law Enforcement.

Giuseppe was a generous man, full of love,” Bishop Zenti said in his homily, “his family can testify to this, the parish where he helped out especially as a catechist with his wife and in civil society as well. All of you who have come here in such great number can testify to this. The inspiration behind his life given in love was the Focolare family to which he belonged, whose charism is precisely the concrete actualization, in the ordinariness of life, the Lord’s own command: ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ I’m here with you,” the bishop continued, I am also enveloped in the dark silence of the soul, like the one that enveloped Jesus on the Cross: The earth grew dark. . . My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Upon this silence let us allow the Word of God to resound, as a lamp that illuminates our steps before this great mystery for man, especially before the great mystery of death.”

In a letter read by the Prefect, President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano expressed his “nearness and affection to the Maschi family who have been hit with such a great loss. With them, also all the citizens of Lavagno who have suffered loss and damage because of the flood that struck the region.” The same sentiments were expressed in the telegram from the President of the Council of Italian Ministers, Enrico Letta.

Korea. A workshop among bishops

Jun 20, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

On the heels of Pope Francis’ continuing invitation to allow ourselves to be surprised by the love of God that is always new, thirty-two bishop friends of the Focolare from Korea, Mongolia, Philippines, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Japan, Taiwan and Sri Lanka, gathered to meet in Seoul, Korea on May 22 – 25 in order to immerse themselves in a living experience of the “Church-communion.”

The nations of the Asian continent vary in language, ethnicity, religion and traditions, and the situations being lived by the Church also vary widely. The bishops saw in this variety of forms and situations an opportunity for mutual enrichment: “We gave much time for spiritual communion and getting to know each other,” they write. “It revealed a great wealth of life that is producing many concrete experiences that arise from living the Gospel in many different settings: seminaries, parishes, among the marginalized, the disabled and the poor. Love for Jesus in our brothers and sisters was the motivation that urged us to draw near to our neighbours, seeking to soothe their wounds.”

They also reflected on the New Evangelization. This asks us for a personal conversion and a new proclamation of God’s love to the Asian people through dialogue with the wide range of religious traditions. It also calls for radical openness to those who suffer.

The final Mass concluded with a solemn pact of mutual love and the commitment to love the other’s diocese as one’s own truly seemed to crown the sharing they had experienced. Many of the bishops promised to make better use of the rapid means of communication such as Skype and video-conferences.

Moderator of these gatherings of Bishop Friends of the Focolare, Archbishop of Bangkok, Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, described how the experiences made in the daily conquests of life created brotherly relationships of deep communion among the participants, allowing them to experience the presence of the Risen Christ among all. This presence gave new joy and strength for taking up the ministry of service in each one’s diocese, with the love of pastors who are near to their flock, following the example shown to us by Pope Francis.