Youth space: Courageous decisions

May 7, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“I’ve known the Focolare movement since childhood, but in the last two years I’ve had the occasion to rediscover my relationship with God through the experience of my parents’ separation. They were tough years in which I saw all my certainties crumble, and on various occasions I questioned my faith in God and His love for me.

Being the eldest girl, I found that the gravity of the situation weighed mostly on me. My parents spoke with me for hours over the telephone narrating their anger for each other. I felt really alone in that period, without any points of reference. I felt God distant from me: I only experienced His silence.

One day, when by then I had thought that the situation could not have worsened further, my mother called saying what her advocate has suggested: to get me and my sister to testify in court against my father, because she felt that it was the only way to quickly conclude the separation case.

My world fell apart! I felt torn within: in fact, my father had treated us badly and then unfortunately I had never been able to establish a strong relationship with him. Besides a few days earlier, he had done something really mean: it was my birthday and he called me not to wish me (he had forgotten about it) but to give vent to his feelings and complain as usual about my mother.

However, in that moment of great desperation, after months of ‘silence” I felt once again God’s voice clear and strong within me. It told me not be overwhelmed by anger and to think only of loving, always and in spite of everything,  without expecting anything in return.

I took courage and told my mother that I wouldn’t testify against my father. She reacted badly by getting angry and accusing me of not wanting to help her. We didn’t speak again for many days, during which I suffered a lot, notwithstanding the conviction that my “no” to her was a “yes” to God.

Unexpectedly, from that moment onwards, things began to get better. Little by little all the various issues got resolved and above all my parents realised that they shouldn’t involve us children in their problems. When the crisis was over, my mother understood and accepted my decision, and our relationship was further strengthened. Things improved even with my father because he learned about my decision and was “struck by my courage”.

Now I experience within me a completely new strength, serenity, and faith, stemming from the certainty that I’m not alone, even in moments when I don’t feel His voice, He is always besides me. And if it’s true that God asks one to leave everything to follow Him, what he finally gives in return is much more valuable than anything that’s given up. It is truly the promised hundredfold!”.

(T. – Italy)

In Germany: building bridges to heal wounds

May 6, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Berlin – Among the representatives from the various cultures and religions, there were the Apostolic Nunzio, Mons. Jean-Claude Périsset, the emeritus auxiliary bishop of Berlin, Wolfgang Wieder, the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Clementina Shakembo Kamanga, and Sona Eypper, president of the International Convent of the Christian communities in Berlin. By means of video clips and some interviews on stage, the organisers of the evening gave a brief vision of the Focolare Movement’s commitment to dialogue on various fronts:  between cultures and religions, in the fields of economics and politics, among generations. In her address, Maria Voce recalled some important challenges facing today’s society – in Europe and all over the world: material needs aggravated by the financial crisis, reservations in the face of increasing migration, social tensions provoked by cultural diversities and insufficient integration. “We have discovered dialogue as the highway which can be travelled with hope for success for all those who want to contribute to bring about universal brotherhood”, explained the president. “Dialogue is a style of life, a new culture, which the Movement can and wishes to offer to today’s men and women”. If every person allows himself or herself to be guided by the consciousness of being the child of the same Father, and as a consequence of being brothers and sisters among themselves, then there would be the chance to reach a true “dialogue among persons, and not between ideologies or systems of thought”, an exchange characterised by mercy, compassion and love. Maria Voce regards the media as the most suited means to promote this kind of dialogue, provided the contacts don’t remain “brief, fleeting, lacking sense, restricted exclusively to the virtual domain”. Instead it’s about “transforming contacts into relationships, i.e. building true networks of fraternity”. The speech was followed by a lively and profound dialogue with the audience: What does one do when the other person does not show any interest in building a fraternal relationship? Is it right to condemn social networks as superficial means within personal relationships? Maria Voce replied in a very practical way, giving examples from her own life and inviting all those present to always take the initiative. “For me Berlin is a city that displays the wounds of history. However, out here walls were broken down too. And you, citizens of Berlin, offer these wounds and invite others to share the fruits”. This echoes her first considerations on the German capital. “Maria Voce does not limit herself to theory alone” – affirms Nuncio Périsset, who had received the Focolare president that same morning. “She invites us to break down the walls, to build bridges, and to take the initiative. This is important even in my work as a diplomat. God redeems the world in us and through us. And I have witnessed and lived it this evening”. Andrea Fleming

Give and it will be given to you. It works!

May 3, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“Sandro told me one of his experiences. He, his wife, a 14 year-old son, a 12 year-old daughter and their two year-old son went to the market for some groceries. One day they were selling artichokes for 3 Euros and everyone in the family agreed that they should buy some!!!  

After buying all that they needed, the family met a poor woman on their way home. She spoke to the Dad: “Would you give some artichokes? I don’t have anything to eat.”

In agreement with the family, his wife Joy gave the woman 5 artichokes.

The daughter of Sandro spoke up to her father: ‘If this woman asks for artichokes from lots of people. . . maybe it wouldn’t be so fair. . .’  Her father responded: “We try to do good to others. Then she’ll have to answer to her own conscience for the way she acts.” With that they returned home happy with their purchases.  

The next day while Sandro was in church making a little visit to Our Lady and asking for her help because he had to buy eyeglasses for his son and didn’t have any money, his telephone rang. It was a total surprise: an old acquaintance to whom he had lent some money many years earlier. The friend wanted to return the money to him now!

The amount was exactly the amount need for the eyeglasses. The Gospel says: “Give and it will be given to you.” But the One who exchanges the gift is truly a gentleman, the  Lord.”  (A.DN – Italy)

“This Word of Life is really true! The other day I was on my way to work. One of the employees asked me for a small amount of money, which I willingly gave. These days we’re working (I’m a teacher) even though the schools are closed. When I went to receive my salary, I was surprised to see that the administration had paid us an amount that we hadn’t expected. It was 5 time more than the amount I had lent to that other employee.”   (K. – USA)

Expo 2013 in Chicago: an assessment

May 2, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Nearly 500 people attended the event that was held at the Sheraton Hilton Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. They came from North America, Santo Domingo, Australia and Europe. An additional thousand participants were linked up via internet.

Expo 2013 put on display the creative, industrious and courageous spirit of America, of both individuals and of communities who have put themselves on the line. It was a moment for knowing one other better and sharing in a common purpose. No speeches, reports or roundtable discussions were part of the plenary sessions; only a series of brief expriences as a way of introducing  the eight workshops that took place on Saturday afternoon. Workshop topics included: music, work, art, faith, health, education, ecology, media and comunication.  

“This is change that begins from the relations, from the relationships that are created among people that construct the social fabric,” declared Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of the city who stopped in to greet the assembly. “And this is the wish that I have for you from here on: that you will continue to build unity at all levels, even if it will be necessary to risk because this is what will most serve today’s society.”

This was the experience of Carol Spale who lives in Chicago. In a difficult family situation, she received free assistance from her neighbours, which provoked a chain reaction that today continues to involve her entire neighbourhood and city administration in an effort iin fovour of the needy in her city. This is also reciprocity.

Marisol Jimenez, who runs the Cafè con Leche School in Santo Domingo that not only provides education and daily meals for more than 500 children, also plays a fundamental role in re-establishing social harmony in the city’s poorest quarters.

The same is taking place in Canada and in the entire North America that came together in Chicago to see each other face to face, take stock of the situation and draw new courage to begin again in bringing ahead a variety of projects in many regions of the land.

Expo 2013 – Photo Album

Be the Bridge – Replay streaming event

May 1, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Replay streaming event (in English, Italian, Arabic, Spanish, French, Portughese)

On May 1 there will be a flashmob and  a march for  peace in Jerusalem. Thousands of youth  from all over the world will participate in the concluding program through direct streaming. Direct link-ups with Loppiano (FI), Mumbai and Budapest are planned as part of this program. United World Week, the annual event organised  by the youth of the Focolare Movement since 1996 will start from here.  This is the tip of the iceberg of a commitment to promote unity and peace at all levels. So, “let us be ready” in line with the United World Project, launched  precisely at Genfest 2012. This broad commitment wants to be an answer to Pope Francis’ appeal to youth: “Do not let yourselves be robbed of hope” and it is a step towards World Youth Day 2013 atRio de Janeiro. Video:  Franciscan Media Center

Switzerland. Peace and justice, the fruits of unity

Apr 30, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

The collaboration and friendship that binds the Ecumenical Council of Churches with the Focolare Movement has roots that extend to the 1960’s, and another page of this history was written on April 25th, 2013. Here, at the headquarters of the ecumenical organization a conference was held followed by a panel discussion titled: “Peace and justice, the fruits of unity”. The purpose of the event was to highlight the benefits that the charism of Chiara Lubich has produced in terms of interreligious dialogue, dissemination of basic paradigms for the promotion of human rights, and the promotion of communion in the practice of politics.

Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit who is the Secretary General of the Ecumenical Council of Churches could not be present at the event, since he was taking an important trip to Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan. Instead, the General Secretary, M. Georges Lemopoulos was on hand to give a warm welcome to the guests and to underscore the importance of this event in the context of the preparation of the General Assembly of the Ecumenical Council of Churches that is to be held on October 30, 2013 – November 8, 2013 in Busan, South Korea, with the title: “God of life, lead us towards justice and peace”.

Doctor of Spiritual Theology, Michel Vandeleene, addressed the audience of 180 people, mostly representatives from local churches and members of international and ecumenical organizations. He read a message that was sent from the President of the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce: “I have great appreciation for the passionate commitment of so many – also here today – in favor of the full and visible unity of Christ’s Church, so that Christianity can unanimously make its indispensable contribution of life and thought toward the building of a more just and peaceful world. It brings joy to know that there are people of other faiths and humanitarian organizations who are united with us in this effort towards universal brotherhood, which is so important for toady’s humanity. “It is precisely brotherly love that has a transforming effect on our working together in relationships of reciprocity.” Michel Vandeleene then went on to describe the development and specificity of the charism of Chiara Lubich, stressing the “passion for peace, justice and unity” that earned her the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education and in 1998 that of the European Council on Human Rights.

During the panel discussion that followed, several speakers mentioned the inspiration they draw from the charism of Chiara in their efforts for peace and politics. Ada Marra, National Councilor of the Swiss Parliament shared his desire to maintain the dialogue with his colleagues, regardless of their political differences. He reaffirmed to his commitment to establish interpersonal relationships that are respectful of differences of opinion and ideology. Maria Francisca Ize-Charrin, former director of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations, examined the connection between the lifestyle proposed by Chiara – unity – and  the two principle concerns of the United Nations: the universal recognition of human rights and the protection of every person.

Professor Ioan Sauca, Director of the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey,  added that “the friendship with Chiara Lubich produced significant results; among other things, the Institute has undergone a number of changes, including a greater unity between its members, collaboration with teachers of other religions and openness to students of new religious movements. One guest said he was touched by the meeting and emphasized that the implementation of the charism of Chiara “must begin with interpersonal relationships that will then induce a profound change in society and lead to the development and peace. “

A eulogy to fraternity from Colombia

Apr 29, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Called “Condecoration” of the “Order of the Congress of Colombia”, it was instituted in 1987 by the Colombian parliament: it is an honour that the two houses can confer, in the name of the people, upon citizens or institutions that have served the country. It was in recognition of this that the “Condecoration”, solicited by the Senator of the Republic, José Darío Salazar Cruz, was conferred upon the Focolare Movement and delivered to the Italian magistrate, Dr Giovanni Caso, Honorary Deputy President of the Italian Appeals Tribunal.

“We welcome this recognition of the work of Chiara Lubich as a added encouragement to continue with a greater impetus and enthusiasm, on the path she has shown everywhere, and particularly in Colombia”. This was the message of thanks that the Focolare president, Maria Voce, sent to the honourable members of parliament and to all those present at the extraordinary session of the Congress of the Republic of Colombia held on the 25^th April. The title of “Commendatore” was conferred upon the Focolare with a citation that “recognized the lofty contribution that the Movement had given during its 40 years of presence in Colombia to the benefit of living together and of fraternity”.

Among those present was the Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference, Mons. Daniel Falla Robles, the Anglican bishop Francisco Duque, and the Personero of Bogota [Head of the District Office of Human Rights], Dr. Ricardo Cañón. The citation particularly recalled how the Focolare, in its 40 years of presence in Colombia, gave rise to “models of living together in various social circles, in the fields of education, law, economy…”. Among the various concrete realizations, mentioned by the Senator in his speech, were that of Los Chircales, the Sol Naciente school, and the collaboration with Social Pastoral Care of Soacha.

Maria Voce laid emphasis on fraternity as the “necessary condition for every living together”, considering how its application “on a larger scale in political, legal, and social behaviour opens up remarkable possibilities. It favours dialogue at various levels and enables to keep together and valorise diverse cultures and thoughts, and divergent human experiences, which otherwise could lead to irremediable conflicts. Freedom and equality, foundations of democracy, acquire new meaning thanks to fraternity. Fraternity can sustain and give new vision to those organizations committed to overcoming the barriers between individuals and peoples, so as to accelerate the stages towards the unity of mankind and to ensure peace”.

So, the Focolare commitment continues in Colombia, which in these past days has also been realised through a series of meetings held by Dr. Caso, member of the International Central Commission of Communion and Law, an international network of professionals and academics in the field of justice, who strive to combine the paradigm of fraternity with justice. The calendar of events in the past also reached Central America, with an important meeting of professionals in the field of justice in Guatemala.

A meeting with Bethlehem’s Mayor

Apr 26, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

The Peace Centre is located in the multi-religious and political heart of Bethlehem. In the same square – a square of white stone and surrounded by palm trees – there is the Basilica of the Nativity and the Mosque, a coexistence that has nothing of confrontation or intolerance. Next door is the Town Hall and all around the colours of the Bethlehem market. There is also the haunting wall that the Israeli government has constructed in defence of its territory.

The Focolare Movement’s Youth for a United World have decided on the Peace Centre as the venue for strengthening the bridges of brotherhood that were begun at the Genfest event that took place in Budapest, Hungary (September 2012). Now they are building bridges everywhere in the world. The slogan in Hungary was Let’s bridge and this was an invitation to construct bonds among people around the world, overcoming barriers among peoples, faiths and cultures. Now the slogan has become Be the bridge! and this is the project that is being launched from the Holy Land with a database that provides a catalogue of best practices that have been inspired by brotherhood and  implemented by individuals, groups, organizations and states.

First Lady and Mayor of Bethlehem and the Palestinian territories, Vera Baboun, welcomed the proposed launching “happily and proudly because I believe in the power and ability of dialogue in a land that is wounded by the absence of brotherhood.” Cristina, who is a university professor, widow and mother of five children, shared her experience as a woman mayor and answered questions that were posed to her by the lively young audience. As an enthusiastic supporter of innovation and of the new generations, she repeated several times: “It’s up to us to take the steps that will lead to what is new. Three things are needed to build bridges: courage, good will and truth. You need to have trust in yourselves and believe that you can change.”    

In confirmation of the innovation that has distinguished her administration she presented the idea of an advisory council made up of young people alongside the elected city council. In her closing remarks she could not but make reference to the wall surrounding her city. “This wall was built by human hands. What will bring it down? Human hands. Let us make a disadvantage into an advantage and work for a common dream: that of making the world a home for people who really are a single humanity. And the Palestinians are this humanity.”

Meanwhile in Jerusalem the final stage of the Genfest continues until May 1^st with the workshop on brotherhood that is being run by the Focolare’s young people in the Holy Land. It began on April 24^th. Several events are planned involving Jews, Arabs, Christians and Muslims that will help them to continue in the commitment they made in Budapest to build bridges everywhere. There is a workshop at Bethlehem University on reconciliation, involving 200 Christian and Muslim students; while other young people are involved with the international Gen Rosso and Gen Verde bands, as well as other local artists, for a journey into the world of music and art.

On May 1^st there will be an international link-up from Jerusalem with Italy, Hungary and India during which a worldwide pact of brotherhood will be made and the United World Project will be re-launched. This project aims to increase the unity among peoples, individuals and institutions also through the creation of a database of all the projects that have worked over the years.

Source: Città Nuova online

“Be the Bridge” website

A living cell of humanity

Apr 25, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

«As we know, our Movement came about because a small group of people, a microcosm of humanity, discovered a “wellspring” and let themselves be imbued by a stream of living water – a new and deeper understanding of the good news: God is Love! God loves us. God loves everyone. In our lives, even in the particular circumstances of everyday living, with its problems and projects, its sufferings and joys, we are not alone. If we so desire, and if we are open to it, the presence of God, this extraordinary superior presence, can play a role in all that we do, helping in unexpected ways, and enriching and ennobling each and every aspect of our daily lives.

We have a Father: a divine Providence is looking down on us and watching over us. Certainly, this faith in God’s love is present, even today, in the hearts of many. Nonetheless, oftentimes we fail to perceive the logical consequences of this faith. We lead our lives, building the earthly city and wanting to renew the world, as if we had to do all of this completely on our own. … To give you just one example, one of the strongest convictions that our Movement has developed throughout its forty years of life, a conviction supported by daily experience, is this one: that living in accordance with the Good News and launching the revolution of the Gospel in the world, is synonymous with launching the most powerful social revolution.

Is there social inequality in the world today? Are the rich and the poor still on opposing fronts? We believe, like Mary (and through the grace of God we have seen this fulfilled in more than one place on earth) that the law of the Gospel put into practice can truly fill the hungry with good things and send “the rich away with empty hands” (Luke 1:53). We can attest to the fact that if the beatitude on poverty (cf. Luke 6:20) and Jesus’ warning, “Woe to you rich” (Luke 6:24) are taken seriously, they can give a powerful thrust to the restoration of social equality.

Are we now faced with the problems of unemployment, of the elderly, the alienated, people with disabilities, the hungry and the many concerns of the developing nations? Doesn’t the entire history of Christianity indicate that the page of the Gospel concerning the “final exam” which will be given to every Christian, “I was hungry and you gave me food…” (Mt. 25:35) offers us remarkable solutions? Haven’t we ourselves also experienced that by putting that page of the Gospel into practice with commitment, in accordance with today’s demands and using methods suited to the times, many of these problems can be resolved?

And the “giving” that the Gospel demands (“Give, and it shall be given to you”) which guarantees the promise of the “good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over” (Luke 6:38), which our Movement has experienced many times, isn’t this also a practical way of acting, capable of relieving those who suffer from poverty, hunger, and loneliness, those who are in need of everything?

It is also our daily experience that in “asking” as the Gospel teaches, we receive (see Luke 11:10); that “all these things” (and “these things” could be for some health; for others a job; for still others a house, or a child, or something necessary) “all these things will be given you besides” (Mt. 6:33).

We have often seen with our own eyes, to the glory of God, the “hundred times over” that Christ promised to those who have left everything to follow him (see Mt. 19:27). … And if it happens here, for the little that we do, through the grace of God, for the little that we love, why can’t it happen everywhere?»

Chiara Lubich’s message to the Day Meeting of the New Humanity Movement

Rome, 20 March 1983 – Source: Chiara Lubich Centre

Solidarity with two bishops kidnapped in Syria

Apr 24, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

They were in the same car that had come from the Turkish border. When they reached the outskirts of Aleppo a group of armed men stopped them. The men made everyone get out. They killed the deacon who was the driver. Since then the two metropolitan bishops have not been seen.

Mor Gregorious Yohanna Ibrahim, Archbishop of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Aleppo is well-known. He is a bishop friend of the Focolare Movement and works with the Community of Sant’Egidio, as does Bishop Paul Yazigi.

The director of the Vatican Press Office, Fr Federico Lombardi, said that it is ‘a dramatic confirmation of the tragic situation faced by the people of Syria and its Christian communities.’ Speaking on behalf of the Vatican, he went on to say, ‘The Holy Father Francis is following events with great concern and intense prayer for the health and release of the two kidnapped bishops, so that, with the commitment of all, the people of Syria may finally see effective answers to their humanitarian drama and the prospect of real hope for peace and reconciliation.’

At the moment the condition of the bishops is unclear. On 23 April the news of their release was announced in the media, but this is still being verified locally. In the evening a small crowd gathered in front of the residences of the bishops in Aleppo, but eventually they returned home. In the next few hours new developments are expected. The whole world is praying for their release.

Source: Città Nuova online

http://cittanuova.it/c/427746/Incertezza_sulla_sorte_dei_due_vescovi.html

http://cittanuova.it/c/427729/Rapiti_due_vescovi_in_Siria.html

http://cittanuova.it/c/427611/Diario_dalla_Siria32.html

A ray of light from Taiwan

Apr 24, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“Patterns of unity: an interdisciplinary dialogue on the thought of Chiara Lubich”, was the title of the seminar held from the 12^th-13^th April at the Fu Jen Catholic University (Taipei).

Organised in tandem with the Sophia University Institute and two other Catholic universities from Taipei, the event sealed a rapport that the Focolare foundress had been cultivating with the Church and the academic world of the island since the ‘50s, and that reached its apex, as Maria Voce recalled in her greetings on the occasion, in the event organised by the Catholic University of Taipei that conferred on Chiara the Honorary doctorate in Theology in 1997.

Today’s event hosted in the very same place, highlighted Chiara’s charism and her legacy. In his goodwill message to the participants, Pope Francis encouraged them “to renew the joy of the meeting with Christ and to witness His presence in the world” through this very charism.

The opening address by cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, highlighted a challenge faced by the Church: to combine unity that is “it’s essential feature” and catholicity. “In other words”, he specified, “how to reach oneness within the great variety of cultures, traditions, spiritual and theological experiences”. In this journey towards the fullness “of unity in diversity”, Chiara’s charism entered as a “greatest gift”.

Papers were presented by Piero Coda and Luigino Bruni in the fields of theology and economics respectively, along with contributions from local speakers, in a fruitful synergy and bright prospects of further collaborations in the future, as evidenced by the memorandum of understanding signed with Sophia.

Taiwan parliamentarian, Yu-Xing-yang, shared an enthusiastic testimonial of how Chiara’s charism was also a source of inspiration in his own political life.

The significant presence of members from various Buddhist schools of thought, as well as the representative of the Taiwan Orthodox Church, added an interfaith and ecumenical flavour to the event.

We conclude with the words of P. Ramon from the Providence University, that best summarise the illuminating days of the conference: “Chaira visited Taiwan in 1997. Today she came back a second time and we should never let her go”.

A tale of friendship: Muslims and Christians in Sicily

Apr 23, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“Above all its a tale of friendship”. These words opened the meeting jointly organised by the Muslim community in Sicily and the Focolare Movement at Catania on the 14^th April. “Some of the Focolare Movement members had met the Imam of Catania, and their friendship grew to include other Muslims and members of the movement, especially families. There were moments of sharing together the values of universal brotherhood through concretely lived experiences.” This was shared by Giusy Brogna of the Focolare, an expert in interfaith dialogue with Islam after having lived for years in the Middle East, who had organised the event together with journalist Roberto Mazzarella, Kheit Abdelhafid, Imam and President of the Muslim community in Sicily, and Vice President Ismail Bouchnafa. Nearly 500 people attended the event: it included entire families coming from various cities of Sicily, wherein a bond of friendship has already been built between the Focolare Movement’s local community and some Muslim families. The Christian vision of the family and the enrichment brought by the Muslim family in the Italian society were among the main speeches, respectively presented by the couple Gaetano and Grazia Maria Amore, and Imam Kheit Abdelhafid. The latter voiced his satisfaction with the event as well as the long preparatory work involved. The family is a central reality in both our religious traditions, especially with regard to the future of our children, whom we would like to live in a world without barriers, which considers diversity as an enrichment”. The lived experiences confirmed what was spoken: they were shared by a family from Scicli; Giosi and Zanja, school mates from Ispica; Fatima and Hamed from Rosolini with their daughter Rabia and some Catholic friends. Among them were people who have been hosting education programmes for immigrant women in their parish premises since years. The afternoon programme was conducted by the youth. Christian and Muslim youth had shot a short movie in the earlier weeks to depict with irony, the common prejudices encountered when one does not know the different cultural and religious traditions. The archbishop of Catania, H.E. Monsignor Salvatore Gristina, who was present at the event, encouraged the organisers to continue on this endeavour. He said, “Let’s trust in God’s help. Let’s hold hands and go ahead.” Among the public figures who spoke, there was also the mayor of Catania, Raffaele Stancanelli, who thanked the organisers for having chosen his city to host this important event that is “capable of positively influencing our national community”. The 14^th April event at Catania forms part of the experiences of fraternity promoted since a while between some Muslim communities and the Focolare, as part of the Progetto Italia (Italy Project), and which figured significantly last November  at the event at Brescia.

Chiara Lubich is remembered in Stockholm

Apr 22, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Focus on Sweden: This Scandinavian country with a strict Lutheran tradition has been marked by widespread secularism, like in the entire peninsula, which is expressed not only through a scanty participation at religious celebrations, but also by a lifestyle that seems to have put aside any reference to the transcendent. The experience of the “Court of the Gentiles” to open a dialogue among believers and non-believers, which was launched by the Pontifical Council for Culture, has contributed in these years to a greater mutual understanding among Lutherans and Catholics, and it can be strengthened and enriched by putting the gospel into practice, and sharing the fruits it produces. In this context and keep this end in mind, we would like to situate two initiatives promoted by the Focolare Movement to mark Chiara Lubich’s 5^th anniversary. ““May none of those you meet be deluded, but may each one find in you light for their own lives, warmth for their own hearts, support for their own steps; (…) Remain faithful to your charism and witness to Christ in this world that is so confused, and at times weary and without enthusiasm”. These were the words of entrustment and exhortation directed by the Apostolic Nuncio in Sweden, Mons. Nowacki, to the Focolare Movement’s members. During his homily at the mass on the 14^th March on the occasion of Chiara Lubich’s fifth death anniversary, he remembered her as “an extraordinary woman who (…) inflamed the world with the fire of Christ’s love and who discovered in Jesus’ cross a fundamental reason to live in intimate union with Him (…), each day as an expression of love for God and neighbour”. Is the gospel still relevant today?”. Testimonies and life experiences were shared at this meeting, together with updates on activities of concrete solidarity, and a spiritual deepening with artistic contributions. Some of the feedback received best express the tone of the evening: “I had thought of going back to work on Monday and asserting my point of view, but after hearing the experience in the hall I understood that I must be the first to love”; and another: “I realised that it’s possible to live the gospel even today. I want to try it out too”. The next Focolare Movement appointment in Sweden will be the Mariapoli at Kumla (Örebro) from the 27^th – 30^th June.

Philippines: Youth Camp 2013

Apr 21, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

During 4-7 April, the young people from Metro Manila, Aklan, Baguio, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, Masbate, Tacloban, Tarlac, Palawan, and Rizal gathered together in Tagaytay City for a different kind of adventure. As they left the comfort of their hometowns and distanced themselves from technology, they braved the challenges of facing diversity and opted to be in touch with nature, while making new friendships from across the islands. With the theme “The other… an Other me,” they were exposed to four full days into discovering what living in unity must be like through a life led by love.

During the “Let’s Colour Our City” activity, the youth campers visited various social institutions like orphanages and the local prison. They also went to remote villages in the city of Tagaytay, where youth campers planted about a hundred trees in coordination with local village leaders. The whole exercise was a concretization of the very theme of the Youth Camp, especially in living the Gospel phrase, “Whatever you do the least of your brother, you do it to me” (Mt. 25:40).

The “Let’s Colour our City” activity left an indelible mark on the campers, as one of them commented, “I understood how much I am taking for granted the privileges and gifts that I have”, after he had served persons with cerebral palsy in the San Rafael Hospital for the Disabled.  After spending a few hours with the orphaned children residing with the Augustinian Sisters, a camper commented: “In the short time spent with these children, I felt that I had become a father to the child who had no parents”.

At the Tagaytay City Jail, those who visited the prisoners were very touched by the testimonies of the inmates who were striving to pick up their broken lives; they even advised the youth campers to lead a moral life and to avoid major mistakes so as not to end up in jail and destroy other people’s lives. Workshops were provided as campers engaged in arts, theatre, dancing, music,  journalism and sports. Moving life experiences were also shared like that of the family of Lito Bulan: in spite of difficulties like the illness of his wife, he had faced life with much love and perseverance, and so did his daughter who tried to live the art of loving, by being the first one to love in the family so as to keep their unity in the family intact.  She affirmed that trials in life serve like filters for a stronger and deeper bond of love in the family.

An Amazing Race type competition took place during the camp. Actually, it was a race to test the unity and teamwork of the 15 groups as they played the various games, the most challenging of which was the mudslide which proved to be a great lesson in trust and courage in life, and the obstacle course which was a real test in perseverance.

The last day was dedicated to prayer, reflection, and to the sacrament of confession. It was a moment to recollect and to ponder on the four-day camp, as well as to integrate all the learning experiences of these meaningful and adventurous days. As in every youth camp, held over the past 5 years, it was always hard to say goodbye to one another but the challenge to love our neighbour and to colour the dark corner of our cities was stronger in most participants. Echoes in the social media had filled the Facebook pages of the campers exchanging pictures, stories, and experiences which described and expressed that this was “the most unforgettable and memorable summer” of their lives! Now, 300 young Filipinos will transpose the experience of unity lived at the Youth Camp within their own environment.

Jerusalem, “Be the bridge”

Apr 20, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

LIVE STREAMING EVENT 1 maggio: http://live.focolare.org/uww2013/

Video of May 1st meeting at Loppiano

The explicit motto “Let’s Bridge” of the Genfest in Budapest last September, was chosen by the Youth for a United World of the Focolare Movement as the title for the United World Week 2013. The main event will be the 01^st May with 4 major gathering locations: Jerusalem, a symbol of peace; Loppiano, which had always been linked with the Youth for a United World’s history; Mumbai, on the route to interfaith dialogue; Budapest, the capital that hosted 12,000 youth for the Genfest. During the 01^stMay event, there will be live link-ups among these 4 cities to render visible this worldwide network that is already in place.

To be bridges then, to build bridges of brotherhood on the United World Project (UWP) guideline, which was launched precisely at the Genfest. In these months, many youth have undertaken this journey in various parts of the world, recognising the “brotherhood afoot” in their own lives and around them, increasing activities and initiatives to raise public awareness in their own countries, contributing as active citizens to bring about a culture of peace and dialogue that welcomes diversity and multiculturality. Such as in Chicago, where the Youth for a United World together with the Mosque Cares association met at the Ephraim Bahar cultural centre to prepare 150 meals, “survival kits” and a selection of men/women clothes to distribute to the homeless in the neighbourhood. Or as in Montevideo, where a Youth for a United World delegation from Uruguay together with some professionals involved in the field of education, were received by María Paz Echeverriarza, responsible for the area of Education at the UNESCO Representation for the governments of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It was an occasion to present the UWP and to share about the network that has emerged  around the Nueva Vida social project, which has seen the successful onset of small businesses, despite the context of marginalisation. And also the “Goodwill Week” in Serbia: in an alternative cultural centre, the youth held forums on social initiatives, film projections, initiatives to help people in difficulties, which also included a blood drive, besides the collection of provisions.

The United World Week will be an occasion to take stock of the situations, and many activities will simultaneously take place during those days in various parts of the world. In the Holy Land, 120 youth from various countries will meet together from the 24^th April to the 02^nd May. There’s a intense programme planned that includes a “Forum on universal brotherhood” at the University of Bethlehem with Muslim and Christian speakers, a meeting with the mayor Vera Baboun, an interfaith evening, a desert outing, workshops in singing, music, dance, and percussion with the Gen Rosso and the Gen Verde who will be present for the occasion. These workshops will showcase together in a concert planned for the 29^th April in Haifa. The 01^st May event will end with a flashmob at the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem where Jews, Christians, and Muslims will meet up.

However, the project will continue, and the subsequent phases will take place in Africa, and precisely at Nairobi, where the Sharing with Africa site will kick-off with the “Inculturation School” on the value of the person in African tradition.

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More information:

Be the Bridge website

Children and the Gospel

Apr 19, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

«Many of my companions at school ask to borrow my sharpener as it’s a good one that sharpens pencils well. I always lend it but one morning they had asked me many times. So when another companion asked me again I said “NO!” quite strongly. He returned to his place quite sad and in that instant I remembered: “But Jesus is present even in him. I can’t refuse him!”. I called him back and gave him my sharpener with a big smile. He was happy and I too felt a joy within me. In the evening, I along with my father and brother were watching a football match sitting on a sofa. My mother entered and said: “Don’t any of you care about me.  I’ve just come home  from work and I have to get dinner ready. Now, who’s going to help me set the table!?” I wanted to watch the game but I thought: “I need to love Jesus even in my mum!” I got up and went to the kitchen to set the table. I made my mother happy and then our team won 4-0!!! ». (E.M. 8 years old, Italy) «We kids like to collect and play with cards of games like Pokemon, Yu-gi-oh and of football players. We carry them with us to school. I have 83 of them and some are rare. One day I was returning home with the school bus and I took out my Yu-gi-oh cards. One of my friends Lorenzo asked me to gift him a super rare card called Steelswarm Moth. At first I didn’t want to because it was really important to me. But then I gave it to him to do an act of love and he was overjoyed.» (V.F. – 7 years, Italy) «One day I returned home tired from the swimming pool. My mum asked me to tidy up my room and I didn’t feel like doing it just then as I wanted to rest. Then I thought that there’s Jesus also in my mum. I began to tidy the room and I felt so much joy in my heart that I didn’t get more tired.» (L.A. – 8 years, Italy)

Muneeb Sohail

Apr 17, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

The young Pakistani who was hit by a stray bullet during clashes in Karachi. “Go ahead, with the firm decision to live our great Ideal radically, to offer the society around you the love that shines in your hearts, and that Muneeb too would have wanted to gift to many. Certainly he will continue from heaven to live and work with you and with the whole Movement, so as to give rise day after day to a new, united, peaceful and supportive people”. With these words, the president Maria Voce encouraged the gen (youth of the Focolare) in Pakistan to follow the path of Muneeb Sohail. He died after being hit by a bullet during the heavy and violent clashes last January in Karachi, while he was returning home with another gen after an English lesson. Unfortunately, such clashes frequently occur in this southern metropolis of the country. Muneeb would have turned 20 next May. Right from an early age, he had begun to live and appreciate within his family the spirituality of unity. He had lost his father as a child. When he grew up, he took it upon himself to pass on the lifestyle he had discovered to youth as well as to younger children. He used to say that in order to “deepen and understand it better”, he went to live together with other gen during the spring of 2012. He made an indelible impression on them. Speaking of him they said: “For me he was an angel. He taught me to live with God. He was a true friend for us children”; “When I first met him, he immediately shared with me his experiences and his life, and he never missed an opportunity to love concretely”. On 7^th October last year, a month after the large international event in Budapest, the Genfest was also held in Karachi despite the tense situation prevailing in the city. Muneeb was at the forefront during the preparations and in the programme, adhering to and spreading the ideal of a United World. On 17^th January, while greeting his mother, Muneeb said: “I’m happy to give my life to Jesus”. And now the baton passes on to all the gen in the world, to all those who support the United World Project – UWP, and to all those who feel called to build bridges of peace and brotherhood everywhere.

Boston Marathon: “There’s more good than bad.”

Apr 17, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

Joanna: “I was so anxious
to know if my friends
were ok.”

Two days after the bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, the city remains traumatized, partly paralyzed. The inhabitants, though shaken and shattered by the violence, want to stand up against the sense of fear: “We’re the ones to decide when to finish the marathon,” says Joanna, a 19 year-old college student in Boston. An event has been organized for Friday evening – to walk the last five miles of the marathon, which is where the police forced them to stop. The walk will be a sign of hope to show the world that there’s more good than bad in the city of Boston.

Joanna was cheering for several friends who were running in the marathon; she was standing about five miles away from the finish line. “All of a sudden, there was chaos; there were cops everywhere telling the people that the race was over.” Joanna was scared; nobody knew what happened, more-so because the cell phones were not working. There was talk that there had been two explosions, then she overheard two policemen speaking about a bomb attack. “I started to realize that my friends were right there in the middle of it all, and I was so anxious to know if they were ok”. Feeling helpless, Joanna took refuge in a cafe’ when one of her friends who had participated in the marathon walked in the door. “I bought him something to eat; I listened to him”. By doing these simple acts of love, Joanna realized that we can’t remain paralyzed with fear.

She found out that all her friends were fine, though one girl was very close to the bombings. “Unfortunately, a lot of families and other students cannot say the same,” says Joanna, “I’m praying for them.” Every evening, Joanna goes to Mass at 10 pm, and she invited all her friends to go with her. To her surprise, they all turned up. Mass there was normally attended by just a handful of people, but this time the Church was full.  They weren’t all Christian, but everybody felt the need to pray.

More than 12,000 people have already signed up for the Friday walk. Though the sad, strange atmosphere still lingers and continues to be a suffering, Joanna is sure of one thing: “We have to show the world that love is stronger. We have to believe more than ever before in a united world, and to do our little part.”

By Susanne Janssen (Living City Magazine, NY – USA)

Romania, Catholics and Orthodox in dialogue

Apr 16, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

“We have a chance… we can speak on common themes of Christian theology.” With these words, Prof. Stanciu, Dean of Orthodox Theology at the University of Babes-Bolyai, recommended to aim at what unites rather than divides. “We all know that there’s need for love and there are no elements of disagreement when one speaks of love. Why not benefit from this opportunity?”

This second meeting was held on the 16^th April at the department in an atmosphere of harmony of thought and life. It was entitled: “Whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him” (1Jn 4,16).

Orthodox and Catholics in turn presented academic papers and life experiences in an atmosphere of intellectual and spiritual productiveness, as a fruit of the shared intention to live this moment in the light of Jesus’ words: “Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst” (Mt 18,20). “From the presentations it seemed to be that there was not just a dialogue of concepts among the speakers but also of hearts”, commented an Orthodox professor. “We not only spoke but also lived”.The friendly and fruitful relationship among some Catholics and Orthodox has in fact developed over several years.

Bishop Vasile

The Meeting began with the Metropolitan of Cluj Andrei’s greetings to the nearly seventy participants present, and ended with the speech of bishop Vasile, the Metropolitan’s deputy. He drew a parallel between the birth of the Focolare and Saint Basil’s activity or the message of Assisi “because in the difficult times the world was passing through, they knew how to bear an extraordinary witness to Christ, uniting forces with whom they helped society advance, mobilizing all the Church’s energies in order that it might mirror that what it ought to be and for which Christ founded it.” He also wished that these meetings of mutual enrichment, knowledge and fruitful exchange, would continue to be held on a regular basis.

In order to highlight the importance of the event, the Metropolis radio hosted a programme with various interviews.