May 26, 2021 | Non categorizzato
An international online conference 28-29 May 2021 – 1.30 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Italian time) Sixty years of dialogue between members of many Churches contributed by the Focolare Movement to promote Christian unity and generate openness, justice and peace among communities and peoples. The “dialogue of life”, which springs from proximity and communion among Christians of different Churches will be discussed in depth during this conference. The main speakers will be: Card. Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity(Vatican); Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement; Rev. Prof. Dr. Ioan Sauca, Acting General of the World Council of Churches(Switzerland); Prof. Dr. Piero Coda, Sophia University Institute(Italy); Prof. Dr. Stefan Tobler, Sibiu University(Romania); Prof. Dr. Mervat Kelly, Pontifical Lateran University (Italy); Mons. Juan Usma, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (Vatican); Pastor Giovanni Traettino, Founder of the evangelical church of reconciliation (Italy); Pastor Joe Tosini, Founder of John 17 Movement (USA); Rev. Dr. Jesùs Moran, Copresident of the Focolare Movement. “Chiara Lubich’s focus on the spirituality of unity made a great impact on the ecumenical movement and contributed significantly to nourish authentic relationships between different Churches and Christian traditions”. Olaf Fykse Tveit, former Secretary General of the Ecumenical Council of Churches, expressed himself through these words. There are thousands of Christians who identify with Chiara Lubich’s charism and the supremacy of the gospel words”May they all be one”(Jn 17:21), Jesus’ prayer to the Father. “Unity” is the key word of the Focolare Charism and also of the path that leads to dialogue, a path that does not annul diversity, but acknowlegdes its richness. A conference, entitled “Love one another as I have loved you”(Jn 15:13), promoted by the Focolare Movement, will be held online on 28-29 May. This conference could not have come at a more propitious moment, when resurgent wars and conflicts and the scourge of social inequality aggravated by the pandemic, call for a personal and global contribution to heal the fractures and wounds that are making humanity suffer. The focus of the conference will be twofold: ‘dialogue of life’ – that extraordinary attitude on which Chiara Lubich based the path of communion with Christians of different Churches, which she started in 1961 – and exchange of ‘spiritual gifts’. The ‘dialogue of life’ or ‘dialogue of the people’, as Chiara Lubich also called it, does not go against the dialogue of Church leaders, but it accompanies and bears witness to it. Christians, who live and work together in everyday life and strive together through the challenges of history, nurture mutual trust, esteem and respect, and thus create an atmosphere that breaks down barriers and prejudices of centuries. There will be many witnesses that will enrich this conference, as the one that will be shared by Lina, a Catholic and Roberto, a member of the Pentecostal Church, who both come from Agrigento (Italy). While giving value to what unites and not what divides, they are engaged in a common project of social solidarity to support their town. There will also be those from the Philippines, where Christians from many Churches work together to help in emergency situations, and they discover how beneficial these occasions are to move, work and pray together. Nicole belongs to the Greek Catholic Church, while Garo is Armenian Orthodox. They are Lebanese and work with the World Federation of Christian Students (WSCF), which is present in all Middle East countries. Through their participation, a network of relationships that creates communion is being set up: something which “is much needed in our countries”, Nicole and Garo claim. This international conference marks the 60th anniversary of the “Uno” Centre for Christian Unity, a centre for dialogue between Christians of different Churches founded by Chiara Lubich on 26 May 1961. It will take place from 1.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. (Italian time) and it will be broadcast live, with translation in 20 different languages, from the Mariapolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo (Rome, Italy). The event can be followed on: http://live.focolare.org
Stefania Tanesini
Invitation in PDF
May 25, 2021 | Non categorizzato
This is the term used by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, in his message to the participants in the meeting of the Patriarch Athenagoras-Chiara Lubich International Ecumenical Chair, to define Pope Paul VI, Patriarch Athenagoras and Chiara Lubich, who are the focus of this third event, jointly organized by the Sophia University Institute and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on 25 and 26 May. 
The title of the third meeting of the international ecumenical chair was “Pope Paul VI, Patriarch Athenagoras, Chiara Lubich – Prophecy of unity between the sister Churches ”. The “Chair” was jointly established by the Sophia University Institute and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It is named after the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Athenagoras I and the founder of the Focolare, Chiara Lubich, two giants of dialogue between the “sister Churches”. Speakers included: His Eminence Metropolitan Polycarp, Orthodox Archbishop of Italy and Exarch of Southern Europe, His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Selvyria, Co-holder of the Chair with Prof. Mons. Piero Coda, theologian, Prof. Giuseppe Argiolas, Rector of IUS, Fr. Giuliano Savina, Director of the National Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Prof. Augustinos Bairactaris, Professor of Ecumenical Dialogue and Orthodox Theology at the Patriarchal University Ecclesiastical Academy of Crete, Prof. Dimitrios Keramidas, Professor at the Faculty of Missiology of the Gregorian University, Dr. Sandra Ferreira, Co-director of “Centro Uno”, the Focolare Movement’s Centre for the unity of Christians. In proposing the study of three personalities of such high ecumenical profile, such as Pope Paul VI, Patriarch Athenagoras I and Chiara Lubich, the promoters chose to present a profound and far-sighted path, which offers many more opportunities for exploration. It brings together theological dialogue and the “dialogue of life” that the founder of the Focolare promoted and encouraged. On 25th July 1967, during one of Paul VI’s historic visits to Istanbul, Patriarch Athenagoras I stressed that their main objective, as heads of their respective Churches, was “to unite what is divided, with mutual ecclesiastical actions, wherever this is possible, affirming the common points of faith and government. In this way, theological dialogue will be directed towards the beginning of a healthy community, built on the foundations of faith and freedom of theological thought inspired by our Common fathers and present in the different local traditions”[1] . These were historic encounters which marked a change of pace in the modern history of dialogue between the two “sister Churches”. The first meeting between Paul VI and Athenagoras I took place in 1964; a meeting which in his message, the current Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I defined as “prophetic”: “The two Primates perceived that the West and the East could not live in isolation and self-sufficiency, as this damages the unity and catholicity of the Body of Christ and that a dialogue of love and truth could lead to unity, founded on the solid ground of the first millennium”. These words are extremely pertinent today and offer a clear indication and a horizon for what humanity is experiencing in this time, divided by a world pandemic and the rekindling of conflicts in many parts of the globe: only dialogue and a common path in which everything is shared will save humanity. Bartholomew I’s speech was very courageous. He took up an expression of the theologian Florovsky who defined the two Churches of the West and the East as ‘Siamese sisters’, which cannot be separated from one another”. In his message, Bartholomew I continued: “This two-day Congress is a reminder and a renewal of the call to this blessed path, pionered by Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras. Chiara Lubich supported this journey with her sensitivity, her immediacy in communication and her certainty that the dynamic relationship between the two Churches, symbolised by the embrace of the two Primates in Jerusalem, which demolished the millennial wall between Rome and Constantinople”, should not be weakened. Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, echoed his words in her opening greeting, saying that Chiara Lubich represents “an evangelical bridge between two giants in the prophecy of unity”. “My hope is that this Ecumenical Chair may continue, with all the Work of Mary, to act as a bridge with love, through mutual knowledge and study, between our two sister Churches, walking together in the light of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life (Jn. 14: 6). Professor Piero Coda explained the importance and the need to continue to use the expression “Sister Churches” because, “It means recognizing the equal dignity of two great traditions of ecclesial families”. And, recalling the expression of Pope Francis who agrees that “Unity is a journey” 2, he offered a horizon of dialogue between Christian churches which rediscovers the engine of unity in love: “It is not enough to discover the precious treasure that can remain buried in the conflictual field of interpretations. Nor is it enough to simply aim at a “reconciled diversity” as at the mutual recognition of diversities placed side by side. No: it is necessary to grasp – where it is present – the sap of the Holy Spirit that flows and blooms and bears fruit in the different branches of the one vine which is Christ, and of which the diligent and merciful winemaker is the Father (cf. Jn.15). To walk together, therefore, as the People of the Risen One: where there is division there is still death; where there is love, among the disciples of Jesus, there is the Risen One and, in Him, there is already unity with and in God, at the service of all”.
Stefania Tanesini
Text of the message of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I in PDF Message of the President of the Focolare Movement, Margaret Karram in PDF Conference program in PDF ———————————— [1]From the intervention of HH Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople “Uniting what is divided”, July 24, 1917 http://www.vatican.va/content/ Osservatore-romano/it/comments/2017/documents/piccoli-passi-ma-balzi-da-gigante.html 2 Common ecumenical prayer at the Lutheran cathedral of Lund (Sweden), Homily His Holiness Pope Francis https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2016/documents/papa-francesco_20161031_omelia-svezia-lund.html
May 24, 2021 | Non categorizzato
Chiara Lubich explains the role of the Focolare Movement in the dialogue leading towards unity. It is as though we are on a ship that is sailing under the power of the Holy Spirit. Dearest all, Once during an audience with the Holy Father, I asked him this question: “How do you see our Movement?” He answered: “I see it as an ecumenical Movement.” It’s true: ours is an ecumenical Movement. Its aim, in fact, is the accomplishment of Jesus’ Testament: “May they all be one” (Jn. 17:21). The charism that brought it to life and animates it is the charism of unity. Thus ours is not a Movement born from the will of a man or woman, but from the will of the Holy Spirit, the distributor of charisms. … Certainly, we too are part of the great phenomenon of ecumenism that has developed in Christianity in recent years. But in order to do what? To make a contribution. What contribution? Is it something big or small, is it decisive, basic or indirect? We don’t know. However, one thing is certain: God does know. … Among the questions addressed to me, often there are those on ecumenism. I am asked how things are going in this field in the world generally, and in our Movement. I’m asked what prospects are in view; how much longer will we have to wait and what must we do to achieve unity sooner. What must we do – this is what they want to know. God has placed us in this Movement which is like a ship sailing on the waters of time towards a port unknown to us. We are not the ones propelling the ship. It is the Holy Spirit who, with a divine breeze shows us the different stages to be reached along our journey. First He manifested the spirit we must have … and the horizons we had to look to and work for: a stronger unity in the Catholic Church, unity with other Christians, and so on. … It’s our duty to stay on the ship, in the place designated to us by Providence, securely anchored to our posts so that the ocean waves of the world do not swallow us up. We must stay still and be fully engaged in doing whatever God, from all eternity, has thought of for us. In this way, the ship will not roll, but will sail ahead safely towards a future we do not know about but in which we believe, one that is infinitely beautiful and hugely useful for the spreading of the Kingdom of unity on earth. We must stay put, even though we might not ever see that hour … because – after us – others will take our place. Then, one day, together with them we will thank God for having allowed us to take part, here on earth, in the building of a Work that is His, and because it is His, it is extremely beneficial to universal ecumenism. So then? … We must follow God, quickly, the ship is sailing on. We stand firm, holding on to the present moment. …
Chiara Lubich
(Taken from a telephone conference call, Rocca di Papa 28th September 1995)
May 22, 2021 | Non categorizzato
On May 23rd 2021 Gen Rosso will give a solidarity concert to promote a forthcoming tour, with migrants on the Balkan Route., in a refugee camp in Bosnia-Herzegovina 
In Bosnia-Herzegovina in south-eastern Europe some migrants are experiencing a dramatic situation. On the so-called Balkan route, beaten by the cold and with the risk of Covid, these refugees are living in extremely poor sanitary conditions. Various organisations on site are helping them in different ways, especially against the cold and hunger. One of the many initiatives is a project by the international group Gen Rosso to bring a sense of solidarity, relief, humanitarian support and basic training through the performing arts to the migrants stranded in Bosnia. The idea is to carry out a ‘concert project’ right there in the refugee camp in the town of Bihać. The event will be organised in cooperation with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), an international organisation with the mission to accompany, serve and support refugees and other displaced persons so that they can determine their own future. This is precisely the reason for the idea of the HIGHER concert that Gen Rosso will present on Sunday May 23rd 2021 at 9:00 p.m. (Italian time), in live streaming directly from the Gen Rosso Studios in Loppiano (Italy). At this link you can register to follow the event. The proceeds of the tickets – according to the formula of free and spontaneous donation – will be used for the organizational expenses for the Life concert in Bihać and to involve as much as possible – in compliance with Covid rules – the migrants who are there, with three days of workshops and a concert on stage alongside Gen Rosso. Refugees will therefore be the real protagonists of the event. They will be able to convey the message: ‘No’ to a culture of violence and human exploitation, and ‘Yes’ to integration and dialogue for a culture of universal brotherhood. The HIGHER concert will unfold in four narrative passages through which we want to lead the audience to reflect and to search for truth. Therefore, an artistic event made up of various moments where each section deals with a particular theme: God Love, we are loved and therefore we love; making an important change that passes through pain; dying for one’s own people – mutual love – being there for one another and finally light and joy – Easter. A number of artists will participate in the concert – Emanuele Conte, an Italian singer-songwriter, Karine Aguiar, a singer from Amazonia, Albert Illa, a Spanish singer-songwriter and musician – sharing their music with Gen Rosso.
Lorenzo Russo
May 20, 2021 | Non categorizzato
“A Vaccine for All”, a worldwide campaign for global access to vaccines against Covid-19, kicked off today at 13.00 Italian time, along with a symbolic action to provide medical care and vaccinations to people living in the Brazilian Amazon Region. The campaign is being promoted by an international network of more than 40 organisations from different countries with different cultures and religions. “The possibility to be vaccinated should not be limited to a privileged few; it is every person’s right. So we are working both at political and community level to guarantee this right to every person.” Conleth Burns, a 23-year-old law graduate from Northern Ireland declared this during a press conference, which marked the opening of this campaign. Klara Piedade, a young law graduate from the State of Parà in Brazil stated that the date for the official launching of this campaign has not been chosen at random: it was planned to be on the eve of the G-20 World Summit. Piedade was representing the Youth for a United World, young people of the Focolare Movement, who started promoting this campaign during this year’s edition of United World Week, an event that focused mainly on the concept and practice of “care” in all spheres: political, environmental, social and economical. “As a Brazilian I can say that the pandemic situation, that hit indigenous and riverine populations, is much worse than official figures show. The people who live in these areas are forgotten by society; they live far from urban and care centres, and today they are hit not only by a health crisis, but they also by social, economical and environmental problems. Through this campaign, we are proposing an online donation to support and show care to the inhabitants of this region, who live on the banks of the Amazon and have no access to social and health care”. Mario Bruno, an Italian, who is the international president of the Political Movement for Unity, a promoter of the campaign together with the Focolare Youth for a United World, clarified that this campaign started precisely on the eve of the day when the international community would make known its orientation towards a solution: would it be suspension of patents or would it be sharing of them, with a sort of ‘patent pool’ through which pharmaceutical companies decide to share licences for their productions in poorer countries. “We ask for agreements to be reached with pharmaceutical companies whereby affordable prices are established for the poorest countries. We appeal to governments to be urged by the desire of universal brotherhood and not by new forms of colonialism, and to be ready to provide the vaccine funds needed for the poorest countries as well”. Alongside this global mobilisation, a health campaign is also being launched in the Amazon region of Pará (Brazil) to support the “Pope Francis Hospital Boat” project. Operating since 2019, this project seeks to provide the care needed by the “ribeirinhos”, the populations who live along the River Amazon, far away from any healthcare centres. Edson Galego, a Brazilian nurse who lives at Obidos in the lower Amazon and works directly on the project said: “Since September 2019, the Pope Francis Hospital Boat has reached more 700,000 inhabitants in the Amazon region, thanks to the commitment of many volunteers and economic aid, and this is still not enough. At the moment vaccines are urgently needed, but the state is seeing mainly to those who live in urban centres. The situation has now become worse: it is the heavy rain season; the water level rises and because of floods the communities cannot go fishing or sail to cities where they can buy food, medicines and other basic needs. We believe that only a worldwide network can sustain us in our goal of universal brotherhood and embrace together this part of humanity, that suffers and is excluded”. Sr. Alessandra Smerilli (Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and coordinator of the Economic Task Force of the Vatican Covid-19 Commission) highlighted the aspect of justice. She said: “This is not a matter of being charitable and giving crumbs to those who are worse off than us. It is a question of being indebited and just towards the poorer ones. As Pope Francis has reminded us, we will be saved only if we are all together, which means that we will not be saved until all of us, especially the most vulnerable, the poor and the forgotten, are taken care of. I think that the temporary suspension of patents and the lowering of prices show that this project is moving in the right direction. Then, there is also the question of distribution of technologies: we should be able to study all vaccines, included those that are not produced in the western world. This is quite difficult for some populations. Let’s strive for vaccines that can be easily produced and transported everywhere”. Yassine Lafram, President of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy (UCOII), emphasised the indispensable element of co-responsibility on the part of individuals and States with regards to the current worldwide pandemic and its consequences: “We are convinced that we will all be able to start afresh if responsibility is shared. We are all connected and we will be at risk if whole populations are vaccinated, while only one per cent of the poor populations will be able to get the vaccine. We hope that other vaccination campaigns, especially for the poorest populations, will be launched”. Gianfranco Cattai, coordinator of Retinopera, broadened the horizon when he spoke about the need of offering more just healthcare solutions to poverty-stricken populations. “This is a very concrete campaign and I hope it will trigger off further developments: I am referring to the possibility of locally produced essential medicines in poor countries”. Noteworthy were the words of Vinu Aram, director of the Shanti Ashram (India), who argued that in the idea of a vaccine for all there is a very important ethical element. “It is not enough to take care of oneself. Both Pope Francis and Mahatma Gandhi invite us to practise solidarity. It is the first time in the world when scientists have collaborated to produce vaccines. I support this vaccine-for-all campaign, and we make this appeal not only for Indians, Americans or Italians, but for everyone, so that the global family can dream and live true solidarity.” Stefano Comazzi, president of the NGO Action for a United World (AMU) spoke about the project “Prevention, vaccine and care for “ribeirinhos” – Pope Francis Hospital Boat”. This project will be managed by AMU together with the Associação Lar São Francisco de Assis na Providencia de Deus. When sharing details about the health, social and economic support to be given, Comazzi said: “Medical care will take place within the existing framework of the healthcare programme for hospital boats, providing triage, diagnostics and specialised care when necessary. For prevention and preventive treatment against disease we intend to work with the local leaders to provide guidance and raise awareness on hygiene, to establish social distancing and to distribute protection and hygiene packs. The estimated cost of each pack is €15. The aid programme for the most vulnerable families includes the distribution of food packages and personal hygiene and disinfection items. The average cost of each unit is estimated to be €17”. At the end he highlighted an element that underlines the uniqueness of this project: reciprocity. He explained: “We, as AMU, attach great importance to this element, so that no one feels like a passive beneficiary, but bonds of fraternity are created between the communities who donate and those who receive. In fact, the communities visited by the “Pope Francis Hospital Boat” are used to providing voluntary services to support and contribute to these missions”.
Stefania Tanesini
See press conference on www.avaccineforall.org
May 19, 2021 | Non categorizzato
Alex’s account of working in the health, safety and environmental department of a road-cleaning company. while striving to care for the planet and every living creature. 
Alex works in a road-cleaning company, which uses 5,000 gallon (c.19,000 litre) capacity tanks. They draw their water from salt-water pools to wash down the roads serving a large mining area in the north of Peru. The company embraces values such as: life before everything else, act in the right way, grow and evolve together, give value to all who work in the company, take care of the planet and every living species. “I’m the health, safety and environmental supervisor,” says Alex. “I’m always attentive to the health of our personnel, aiming for ‘zero accidents’. We’re careful too about the impact our work has on the enviornment. We try to protect our flora and fauna. We’re the ones invading their territory so we should respect their habitat without damaging it. Unfortunately, quite often animals mistake our salt-water pools for fresh water and sometimes die in it. Goats, cows and foxes approach the steep sides and slip down into the water,. One day we found a small fox struggling in the water and there was no way it could save itself from drowning. Now there’s an “Emergency Rescue” phoneline run by a different subcontractor, but no-one answered so I decided to take direct action to save the creature. Equipped with a suction tube and rope, I set to work. I threw the rope into the pool for the little fox to claw onto, but it was too weak. So I dropped down into the pool, helped by two colleagues who held onto the rope. And we managed to carry it out. It was frozen, so I covered it with my own sweater and we brought it to the Rescue Office.” Alex’s account calls to mind Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Sì, when he speaks of Saint Francis entering into communication with the whole of creation, even preaching to the flowers, inviting them to praise the Lord. Because for him every creature was a sister or brother to him, united to him with ties of real affection. So he felt called to care for everything that exists. Alex continues, “When the other workers got back and saw the fox, they angrily told me to shift the animal because it was soaking the furniture where I’d settled it. I replied that my clothes were wet through too and I was using my sweater to warm the creature up. Then they started to change their tune, and one of them fetched an exhaust pipe off a truck to help warm the fox. I later discovered that one of the team leaders put in a complaint about me for having gone too far. But I didn’t let that discourage me. The little fox never once tried to bite me but seemed to trust me. It recovered well and after just a short while we were able to set the animal free.”
Gustavo E. Clariá
May 18, 2021 | Non categorizzato
The campaign promoting access for all to Covid-19 vaccines will be launched on 20th May along with a symbolic action to bring healthcare to the native populations of the Amazon. It is sponsored by an international network of organizations from different cultures and religions. A global problem can only be overcome by a global common good: vaccination against Covid-19 should be accessible to all, giving priority to the most vulnerable and needy in the world, regardless of their individual and national income. A decision by the international community is urgently needed: the suspension of patents for pharmaceutical companies or contracts with more generous quantities and lower prices for poor or emerging countries. While calling for fair and urgent solutions, we are mobilising for a health campaign in the Amazonian region of Pará (Brazil) with the “Barco Hospital Papa Francisco” project for river-dweller populations of the Amazon, who cannot reach health centres and thus have the right to social and health care. This is the essence of the Manifesto that explains the commitment of the worldwide campaign “A vaccine for all” which will be launched on 20th May, on the eve of the G20 Global Health Summit, under Italian presidency. It is promoted by an international and transversal partnership of movements, organisations and research centres that is currently being expanded. Internationalizing vaccines – The Covid-19 pandemic is confirming yet again how interconnected the peoples of the earth are and how every local choice also has global repercussions. The “A Vaccine for all” campaign promotes proactive action on behalf of nations left out of various forms of treatment; it encourages governments to practice vaccine internationalism, which is the exact opposite of closed nationalism that can never defeat the virus. The goal is for every person on the planet to have access to vaccines in a universal, fair, free and fast way. The Manifesto states: “We want the development of the capacity to produce and distribute vaccines also in the poor countries of the world.” Prevention, vaccine and treatment for the river-dweller populations of the Amazon – The “Barco Hospital Papa Francisco” – The Covid-19 pandemic has made communities and populations, that were already excluded from public health care and living in isolated areas, even more vulnerable. In the city of Óbidos, (in the Amazonian region of Pará – Brazil), the “Barco Hospital Papa Francisco” has been operating since August 2019, serving more than 1,000 communities along the Amazon River. The hospital ship provides health care to around 700,000 people who do not have access to other forms of treatment and cannot reach hospitals. Only a worldwide campaign for donations can enable the “Barco Hospital Papa Francisco” to reach the most isolated communities bringing vaccines, Covid kits for hygiene and virus prevention, products for protection and treatment during and after illness, and basic food aid. Promoters of the campaign: the Focolare Movement; AMU (Action for a United World Onlus); Associação Lar São Francisco de Assis in Providencia de Deus (Brazil); New Humanity International NGO; the Economy of Francesco; UCOII (Union of Islamic Communities of Italy); Retinopera (Italy); Programa Latinoamericano de Tierras, hacia una fraternidad posible – Red Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Tierras; Cátedra “Sociedad, Política, Fraternidad” – Universidad Nacional de La Plata (Argentina); New Horizons (Italy); Focsiv (Italy); ASCES-UNITA University Centre Tabosa de Almeida-Caruarú Pernambuco (Brazil); RUEF (University Network for the Study of Fraternity) – Promoción Integral de la Persona para una Sociedad Fraterna (Mexico); #FareRete Grottaferrata (Italy); ASD Sunrise 1 (Italy); the “G. Lazzati Centre for Development Education” (Italy); CLAdeES-Centro Latinoamericano de Evangelización Social (Argentina) – Action for New Families onlus (Italy) – Fundacion Igino Giordani (Spain) – ACLF – Aljucer (Spain) – Asociación Humanidad Nueva – España – Asociación por una Economía de Comunión – España; Gen Verde-International performing arts group; Community of Sant’Egidio (Italy); FOCSIV (Italy); Academy Kronos (Italia); Asociación “Unidad y Fraternidad” Caravaca de la Cruz (Spain); Asociación “Levántate y Anda” (Spain); Religion for peace – Italy; Acciones de Familias Nuevas (Spain); Ciudades por la Fraternidad (Spain); CONSULUS (Global Innovation Consultancy); Sophia University Institute (Italy); Association Città per la Fraternità (Italy); Suore Missionarie di San Carlo Borromeo – Scalabriniane “Provincia Europea” (Italy); Association Vivamazzonia O.D.V. (Italy); Gen Rosso-International performing arts group (Italy); SHANTI ASHRAM – Gandhian center for development, learning and collaboration – International Center for Child and Public Health – Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu – India); Sermig – Fraternità della speranza (Italy); Consorzio Il Picchio (Italy). (more support is coming in all the time) PRESS CONFERENCE Online press conference for the launch, Thursday 20 May 2021, at 13.00. Speakers: Alessandra Smerilli – Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, who coordinates the Economics task force of the Vatican COVID-19 Commission; Yassine Lafram – President of the Union of Islamic Communities of Italy (UCOII); Mario Bruno (Italy) – President of the Politics for Unity Movement; Conleth Burns (Ireland) and Klara Piedade (Brazil) – Youth for a United World of the Focolare Movement; Gianfranco Cattai – Coordinator, Retinopera (Italy); Stefano Comazzi – President of the Action for a United World NGO (Italy); Edson Galego from Brazil, healthcare worker in the Barco Hospital Papa Francisco. Moderator: Lourdes Hèrcules (Guatemala). To follow the live stream: https://www.youtube.com/c/FocolareMovement_official IT – Conferenza Stampa: Vaccino per Tutti – https://youtu.be/Ts13kYFpqfw EN – Press Conference: A Vaccine for All – https://youtu.be/rZzHFqJHhvY ES – Rueda de Prensa: Vacuna para Todos – https://youtu.be/tpSzwt6hVtU PT – Conferência de Imprensa: Vacina para Todos – https://youtu.be/LLfCHVFl0Ow FR – Conférence de Presse: Vaccin pour Tous – https://youtu.be/4FlvJlYTJeQ
May 17, 2021 | Non categorizzato
Chiara Lubich speaks of the present moment: by living each moment well, we can develop very good habits. Our charity, mutual love and union with God grow, and our soul is filled with calmness, peace and joy all day long. We have all been living the present moment, applying it in various ways according to the password. … Furthermore, we’ve noticed that one of the results of living in this way, if we do so faithfully and diligently, is that we acquire very good habits that we didn’t have before. For example, we frequently offer Jesus our actions, saying “for You”, which transforms our day into an uninterrupted prayer, because by living the present moment, we have actual grace which reminds us to say “for You” before every action. Another example is that by living in this way, we feel able to defend ourselves against temptations more quickly than before. … We also give the actions we must carry out their rightful place, without bringing them forward because we like them or postponing them because they are burdensome, because this is what often happens. Furthermore, words of encouragement, esteem and praise spontaneously flow from our heart towards the people we live with, or those we meet or are in contact with by phone, for example, or by writing to them, preparing talks or lessons for them and so on. We see Jesus in them ever more frequently, so that while our charity grows and gradually becomes more refined, our union with God grows deeper. We don’t forget to greet and adore Jesus living in the tabernacle, each time we pass by, or when we are reminded of him by a cross or an image. … We realize that it is easier for us to maintain mutual love throughout the day, which for us Christians, is very important. In fact, Scripture says that living out the new commandment makes us perfect: “If we love one another,” St John says, “God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us” (1 Jn 4:12). Before this – we must admit – even with great good will, reciprocal charity had its ups and downs. Of course we always started over again, but there were breaks. Having become more perfect in little things, we are better equipped to deal also with bigger ones and all day long our soul is filled with calmness, peace and joy. These are some of the habits acquired which build up virtues in our soul. It is a truly wonderful gathering of virtues. Now, if we can notice all this and more in ourselves when we live the present moment consistently, we must conclude that we are on the right track. …
Chiara Lubich
(Taken from a telephone conference call, Castel Gandolfo 23rd October 2003)
May 16, 2021 | Non categorizzato
Running from 16 to 25 May 2021 more than 1 billion people worldwide will participate in the event to show how it is still possible to do something for the planet. 
On 9 May, the last day of United World Week, the Focolare’s Youth for a United World launched a new campaign for the coming year 2021-2022: #daretocare for people and planet, which proposes “ecological conversion” through initiatives that involve associations, organizations, institutions but also through our simple everyday actions, to break the cycle of violence, exploitation and selfishness so typical of the culture of waste. The Focolare Movement is a partner of the Global Catholic Climate Movement and collaborates with associations, organizations, institutions, movements of different Churches and various religions and cultures for the care of the planet. A global network of people who are passionate about caring for the planet. Last year on the 5th anniversary of the encyclical on the environment Pope Francis launched Laudato Si’ Week. At the end of the week, Francis proclaimed a Special Year Laudato Si’ to develop the encyclical on ecology, and declaring the next “Laudato Si’ Week” from 16 to 25 May 2021 which coincides with the sixth anniversary (24 May) of the encyclical. The event is organised by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development together with Renova, CIDSE, Caritas Internationalis, Jesuits – Society of Jesus, International Union of Superiors General, GPIC – General Curia of Franciscans OFM, the Union of Superiors General (USG) and facilitated by the Global Catholic Climate Movement in collaboration with about 150 Catholic organisations including the Focolare. The aim is to bring about ecological conversion through dialogue and an event is being planned which will present testimonies from religious leaders from countries around the world, including those devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as India, the United States and the Philippines. Laudato Si’ Week will also serve as a platform to plan further action for the next decade, ahead of the UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP15), the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). “Laudato Si’ Week” will have a rich programme of actions, webinars and testimonies to encourage dialogue, the exchange of views and to propose concrete actions for the planet. The theme is “for we know that things can change” (Laudato Si’ 13) to shine light on the hope around the world that something can still be done to turn things around. The Week will also showcase the transformative impact of ‘Laudato Si’ on global education and will include the ‘Songs for Creation’ festival, the global day of action and the launch of the ‘Laudato Si’ Platform of Initiatives. Every global event will be simultaneously translated into English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish and French. Leaders of various religions from around the world, world-renowned speakers and authors, and more than a billion people will come together to celebrate the conclusion of the Special Year Laudato Si’ at the end of this month. “At a time when the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are becoming increasingly intense, ‘Laudato Si’ Week’ offers the perfect opportunity to take care of our common home,” says Tomás Insua, Executive Director of the Global Catholic Climate Movement. “The clock is ticking. Everyone is invited and enthusiastic about participating in celebration and action, through local activities, online events and much more”.
Lorenzo Russo
May 14, 2021 | Non categorizzato
For Oscar, whose passion is singing and music, it was hard to accept the news that he might become deaf. But with the help of Focolare young people in Bolivia, a new adventure began that helped him overcome his challenges. In 2014 I went through a difficult time, to the point of thinking about suicide. It all started one morning when I woke up with a strong buzzing in my head. As the days went by, the buzzing became unbearable. Was I going crazy? One day when I couldn’t stand the noise anymore, and I went to the emergency room. The doctor explained that the buzzing would remain forever – in fact, that I would become deaf. This was very hard for me to take! I tried to deal with the situation decisively, but, at times, my despair seemed to win out. I asked the Focolare community for help, and I believe it was their prayers that saved me. One afternoon, I was able to accept this situation and found the strength to move forward. Continuing to fight for my wife Carminia and our six children became a worthy goal. I began to get used to the buzzing, and as I thought of the forsaken Jesus, I saw myself as similar to him, close to him. Every morning I would greet him with a “Hi, Jesus.” It was a beautiful time. It may sound strange, but it was precisely in that pain that I felt God’s presence closest! After many medical consultations and medications, my condition stabilized. The buzzing continues, however. One evening I thought, the time will come when I will no longer be able to sing or play music. It was difficult to accept, but I said another “yes” to God. I did put some conditions on it though: “I accept that I will no longer sing on this earth, but I ask to be part of your choir in heaven.” We were living in El Alto, in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, at an altitude of 4,150 meters. The doctors advised me to move to a city that wasn’t as high. In 2015, we moved to Cochabamba (2,500 meters). The local Focolare community welcomed us with open arms. It was an opportunity to get to know the Gen – the young people in the Focolare – better. With them, a musical adventure began that I never imagined. Despite already having given up my dream of continuing to sing, I found myself amid the energy and life of the Gen, and it became music. One young man suggested that I organize a music group. I was happy, but worried about my hearing, which by then was not working as well as before. But the energy of Gen, my experience with youth music groups, as well as the instruments we had in our family (four of our children are musicians) convinced me. One day we got a drum set as a gift, and it was a big party. The young people had a lot of talent. Some sang well, others played instruments with passion, and some were computer and sound geniuses. So we played at six events organized by the Focolare. How wonderful to see the young people so happy, and the adults catching their liveliness! God, in the end, did not let himself be outdone in goodness, because I was able to keep singing. I continue to do so.
Óscar Condori, Bolivia
