Page 86 – Movimento dei Focolari

Ubuntu: “‘I am what I am because of who we all are”

Mar 5, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

The Youth for a United World have launched their Sharing with Africa project that focuses on making known the gift that this continent is for the world, with its peculiarities and traditions. Already in 2011 some 200 youths from several African countries had met to more deeply examine the project of achieving true brotherhood. This project has been going ahead since the 1960’s in Fontem, Cameroon to see how they could also contribute to universal brotherhood. It was from here Sharing with Africa was begun with the goal of making a contribution to forming a new culture that is open to the building of a more united world by promoting the values that have created and shaped African society. The goal of the project is to create a space for communion not only among youths who live on the African continent but for youths of the whole world, and to favour cultural exchange, sharing of talents, life experiences and life challenges, through concrete projects and activities. The first stage of the project will take place in Nairobi, Kenya at the School of Inculturation. The topic will be: “The Ubuntu vision of the human person: “I am what I am because we all are.” Ubuntu philosophy presents a unifying vision of the world which is expressed in the Zulu proverb: “Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu” (A person is a person because of other people). This life concept is found at the basis of all African society, and it implies respect, sharing, trust, altruism and cooperation. It is a “communitarian” idea of the human person that identifies a person as someone in relation to his or her relations with others. A person with an Ubuntu ethic is open, available to others, supportive, aware of belonging to a greater whole. Speaking in Ubuntu terms involves a stronger sense of unity in social relations, in order to be available and willing to meet differences in the humanity of the other, as one’s own humanity is enriched: “I am what I am because of who we all are.” The Sharing with Africa project also gives participants in the School of Inculturation the opportunity to be involved in several social activities together with the Youth for a United World in Kenya. Some of the activities include being the guests of the Samburu Tribe, but also working for children living in a slum in Nairobi; others in a Nutrition Centre on the outskirts of the vast city.

Making Peace

Mar 4, 2013 | Cultura

Author: Edited by Roberto Morozzo della Rocca

Synopsis

Nicknamed the ‘UN of Trastevere’, the Community of Sant’Egidio, which started life by coming together to pray in the church of Sant’Egidio in 1968, goes out from its Roman base to help resolve civil wars and international conflicts around the globe. Mozambique, Algeria, Kosovo, Liberia and Ivory Coast have all benefitted from its non-threatening, but deeply committed presence. Sant’Egidio also works tirelessly to defeat AIDS in Africa and campaigns vigorously to bring an end to the death penalty.But Sant’Egidio’s message is simple: a way to peace can always be found, and everyone, from professional diplomats to volunteers, from doctors to patients, can make a valid contribution to the peace process. This book presents the fascinating story of Sant’Egidio’s activities for peace and reconciliation for the good of humanity. And theirmotivation: love of God and love of neighbour. (more…)

In Argentina, Parishes and School Holidays

Mar 4, 2013 | Senza categoria

Lucila is a pretty little resort town overlooking the sea, 350 km from Buenos Aires. It is the place where “School Holidays” has been being held for the past thirteen years. Omar and Susana Zazzerini from the Parish Movement in Buenos Aires are the organizers of the event and tell us: “We began from the words of Jesus ‘Come away by yourselves and rest a while’ (Mk. 6:31). We especially had in mind families that had less opportunity to go away on holiday. We hoped that the days together would not only be restful but also like a course on living a life generated by mutual love and lived in the spiritual presence of Jesus among us. Just as in the early days of the Focolare when people would spend the summer holiday together in the Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy. There many people exprienced this Gospel lifestyle and discovered God as Love.” Most of the people come from parishes in the suburbs of Buenos Aires. The first year we were 23. This time 115 have taken part in the thirteenth edition with 115 staying the whole week. Up until now more than 1200 people have taken part in it. “The main thing,” says Omar, “is to love with the power of the present moment, being attentive towards others, seeing each other with new eyes in every moment.” This means forgetting about the defects or misunderstanings with those whom we have known for a long time. “Otherwise,” Omar continues, “it wouldn’t be so nice to stay together for a week in small teams that have to take turns cooking, washing dishes, serving table, and maintaining the surroundings.” “This is like a training course,” Susana adds, “in which we learn to help each other in overcoming painful situations or conflicts. Whenever we feel bothered by others, it is this living together teaches us to accept and accommodate to the discomfort we feel.” Then interpersonal relationships are brought to a new level. Spiritual deepening, sharing what we live, “also the sufferings. . .” Susana continues, “some difficult situations are resovled in this communion. The highest moment is the Mass. The rest of the day is spent on the beach, playing, taking walks, chatting and relaxing.” The spiritual growth of the participants and the impact on youths is something that should be mentioned: “The youths are growong in number, but also in quality. You see it in their love for the elderly and for the small children. and in their relationship with each other. Some young adults have already begun families, others have had an experiene at Mariapolis Lia or attended the Genfest in Budapest. One of the girls was able to attend WYD in Spain thanks to the support she received from everyone. Now she’s the contact person for the WYD in Rio de Janeiro. We’ve also been joined by consecrated people, members of other Churches, seminarians and several priests.” As one person put it who was participating for the first time, this is an exprience of brotherhood that continues on throughout the year in the parishes. Compiled by Carlos Mana

Rome has a big heart: the heart of the Pope

Mar 1, 2013 | Non categorizzato

“In the past few days, returning from Rocca di Papa to Rome, I had a strange impression, one that I already felt when I came back from Ala di Stura. I felt that Rome was our home because the Pope was there.

Yesterday, traveling down from the Mariapolis Centre towards the Eternal City, Rome seemed to me to be covered by one great heart, the heart of the Pope.

In the past few days I’ve been reading some truly splendid words of the Pope. Last Wednesday while mentioning the feast day of St. Catherine at the General Audience he had this to say:

‘Indeed, the Pope draws his strength from his love for his children, from the union of the ecclesiastical community, the charity of the faithful who under his guidance form a single heart and a single soul. This contribution of spiritual energy that comes from the Catholic people and reaches the hierarchy of the Church, from each individual Christian all the way to the Pope, makes us think of the Saint who the Church will honour tomorrow with a special feast, St. Catherine of Sienna, the humble, wise and fearless Dominican virgin who, as you all know, loved the Pope and the Church as no other was known to have loved them to such height and with such strength of mind.’

As I was reading these words I would have liked the Pope, through the communion of saints, to find the same contributing strength from our Movement because we love the Pope, with our spirit and under the Church’s guidance we want to increase the Christian community, and our ideal is love.”

March 2013

Feb 28, 2013 | Non categorizzato, Word of

But Jesus, who was bent down writing on the ground with his finger, remained unperturbed and finally straightened up and said:

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

When they heard this, “the accusers went away one by one, beginning with the elders.” Jesus then turned to the woman and asked, “Where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she replied. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore” (Jn 8:10–11).

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

With these words, Jesus certainly does not wish to appear permissive with regard to wrongdoing, such as adultery. His words, “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore,” clearly express God’s commandment.

Instead Jesus wishes to unmask the hypocrisy of those who set themselves up as judges of their fellow human beings who have sinned, without recognizing that they themselves are sinners. His words here underline the well-known command: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged” (Mt 7:1–2).

Speaking in this way, Jesus also addresses himself to those who, in the name of the law, ignore the person involved and do not take into account the repentance that sinners may feel in their hearts. This clearly shows what Jesus’ attitude is toward one who has done wrong: he is merciful. As St. Augustineput it, when the accusers of the adulteress had gone away, “two persons remained: one in need of mercy and the other Mercy itself” (Homilies on the Gospel of Saint John 33:5).

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

How can we put this word of life into practice?

In all our dealings with others, let us remember that we too are sinners. All of us have sinned. Even if we think that we ourselves have not fallen into serious sin, we must bear in mind that we do not know just how strongly circumstances have influenced others, causing them to fall and to stray far from God. We do not know how we would have acted had we been in their place.

In any case, we too have broken the bond of love that was meant to unite us to God. We too have been unfaithful to him.

If Jesus, who was certainly without sin, did not throw the first stone at the adulteress, neither can we condemn others.

We should have compassion toward everyone, resisting those impulses that drive us to condemn others without mercy. We must learn how to forgive and forget. We should not harbor traces of judgment or resentment in our hearts, since these can easily give rise to anger and hatred that alienate us from others. We should see every person as “new” in every moment.

If our hearts are filled with love and compassion toward all, rather than judgment and condemnation, we will help others to begin new lives, to find the courage to start anew.

Chiara Lubich

Benedict XVI: “I’m not abandoning the cross”

Feb 28, 2013 | Non categorizzato

Nearly 150 thousand people gathered from various parts to attend the final general audience of Benedict XVI. One could sense the importance of this historic day, and perhaps not only for the Catholic Church. The emotions were controlled and in tune with the humble greatness of the ageing pope.

Benedict XVI was visibly moved by the huge turnout that surrounded him with immense warmth. He spoke spontaneously from the heart : “Thank you. I see the Church is alive and we must also thank the Lord for the gifting us such good weather in winter.” He defined the Church as “a communion of brothers and sisters in the Body of Jesus Christ, who unites us all. The Gospel purifies and renews.”

His open and lucid sharing reveals what he is presently living. “I took this step in full awareness of its gravity and novelty but with profound serenity of spirit. Loving the Church also means having the courage to make difficult, trying choices, having ever before oneself the good of the Church and not one’s own.” And he affirmed with conviction, “I’m not abandoning the cross, but remain in a new way close to the Crucified Lord.”

Maria Voce, president of the Focolare Movement, who together with a few hundreds of adherents of the Movement participated in Benedict XVI’s final general audience, gave her immediate impressions:

“It was a moment of profound communion with pope Benedict. I felt as if he raised us up with him on the mountain, to where God is now calling him, and helped us to contemplate the Church as it appears from that altitude, a united people, family of God, living body.” “While he reiterated his decision, we sensed however that it would not have distanced him but rather, I would say, enabled him to be closer to each one of us.” “Next to me, besides Giancarlo Faletti, there was Brother Alois from the Taizé Community with a confrere, Kiko Arguello from the Neocatechumenal Way, and other representatives of Movements. When he passed by us, he recognised and greeted us with visible affection.”

And apart from this, she replied to the following questions in an interview published by Città Nuova:

What do you think the Focolare Movement could learn from this?

“I was deeply struck by what Benedict XVI mentioned in his address, when referring to the Church he said that it was “renewed and purified by the life of the Gospel.” I strongly sensed it was a call to that life of the Gospel that truly renews us in every moment. I clearly understood that more than trying to improve something, it meant a return to a life of the Gospel that is integral, authentic, “with coherence” as the pope himself clarified. Coherent to the faith that we received and profess. Besides, we must be close to the pope and climb the mountain to pray with him. With his very trust in Jesus who leads the Church, with the same serene optimism that he has shown us.”

Which words touched you the most?

“The reference to the Church as a family, perhaps because even Chiara Lubich, before leaving this earth, urged us to “be family”. For this reason I felt that it was the same voice urging us from two sides the very same perspective. It is the one of Christ, who by coming on this earth, wanted to form his family, the Church. As he sees it and not as we humans are used to seeing and considering it. That is, the Church as it ought to be: his body, bride, family.”

With Benedict XVI: ‘The Lord is calling me’

Feb 27, 2013 | Non categorizzato

‘The Lord is calling me to “ascend the mountain”, and dedicate myself still more to prayer and meditation,’ Pope Benedict XVI affirmed last Sunday at the Angelus. ‘But this does not mean abandoning the Church,’ he continued. ‘Indeed, if God asks this of me it is precisely so that I can carry on serving the Church with the same dedication and the same love as I tried to do till now, but in a way that is better suited to my age and strength.’

This spiritual dimension of the Pope’s decision was underlined by comments that came from England. The Secretary General of the English churches’ official national ecumenical body, Churches Together in England, the Revd Dr David Cornick, of the United Reformed Church, said: ‘I think that Pope Benedict’s decision to step down is courageous and that it is a decision that affects not just the Roman Catholic Church but also the rest of us, because it is made with a sense of human limitation, born up by the grace of God, and that’s something we can all learn from.’ While the Rt Revd Robin Smith, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Church of England Diocese of St Albans, gave a personal witness: ‘I have met Pope Benedict several times and he has always struck me as saintly, genuine and with a real kindliness. Perhaps the most far-reaching decision he has made is the one to retire as it reshapes the image of the papacy, not least in minds of Catholics, because it is the office not the person that’s of significance. Now we look and pray that whoever is appointed will release the Catholic Church at the local level (that is, the diocese) to make its vital contribution to the life of the world.’

Dr Callan Slipper, a focolarino and a Church of England priest, explained how in his view this decision defines Petrine ministry: ‘prayer and suffering in the first place and then also to act. I thought it’s a good definition of what we all must do to serve others. With his stepping down he will no longer act, but he will continue to pray and suffer on behalf of the Church…. It seems to me to show the Petrine ministry not as monarchical but more truly as the Servant of the Servants of God.’

From the Orthodox Church in Moscow, Galia declared that she ‘felt pain and a sensation of tremendous loss. I hope that this step taken by Benedict XVI will be for the new pope an example of love that does not fear sacrifice. This step of his gives witness to a powerful relationship with God. He did not think of himself, but of the service required of him.’ Jens-Martin Kruse, a Lutheran Evangelical Pastor from Rome, in the Osservatore Romana of 22 February wrote an article entitled ‘Benedict XVI example of faith also for Lutherans’ and he recalled several things done by the Pope that had profound ecumenical impact.

Added to this ecumenical panorama, voices from the Jewish world were added. The Argentine Rabbi Areil Kleiner said: ‘When I found out via Twitter that the Pope was stepping down I realized that were entering a doubly historic moment. I hope that there will soon be white smoke and that the successor may continue on the interreligious paths of Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II.’ While Sonia Kirchheimer declared that ‘beyond what this will mean for my Catholic brothers and sisters, personally, as a Jew active in interreligious dialogue, I hope that Benedict XVI’s successor will carry on along the way of the Second Vatican Council and Nostra Aetate, so that together we can build a more peaceful world as children of the same God.’

In conclusion, the Croatian lawyer Zdravko Dujmović, who has non-religious convictions, wrote: ‘Pope Benedict XVI will leave without a stain on him. It is impossible not to love him and respect him even more for what he has done for Europe today and for all the Christian world. The new pope will be able follow in his footsteps and retire, when he no longer feels he can continue his service. In the early centuries Christians also withdrew into the desert, they fasted to reach contemplation, bearing their spirituality within them… a great man has gone.’

Economy, politics and theology at Sophia

Feb 25, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

What are the requirements for a young person who is seeking employment today in business or politics? The most obvious answer seems to be that she or he would need to have a super-specialisation and have received unbeatable training. But Dr. Lorenzo Rosi who is vice president of Erutria Bank and was present at the Open Day of Sophia University Institute thinks otherwise: “In job interviews we ask that the candidate be able to come up with solutions to problems. We consider it the task of the company to provide further training through internships or ad hoc courses, but the most important thing for us is that candidates can use their heads. This is why I recommend Sophia to young people, because it opens the mind, forms people who are capable of dialogue, and are accepting of differences. In other words, from here, people come out who are capable of thinking and not merely executors [of someone else’s thinking].”

It was surely not a traditional University Opening Day, where professors and secretaries explain the curriculum and answer questions about registration procedures and fees – although there was also this. It was rather the students, about 80 of them from 30 different countries, and spread out among three specializations – Economics and Management, Trinitarian Ontology and Political Studies – who did the honours. They told of how they landed at Sophia, the reasons why after three years of becoming highly specialized at another university they decided to come here from such different fields and life experiences. One story said it all, the story of Rami, and Egyptian on the forefront of the revolution that two years ago brought aa breath of Arab Spring to his own land. “I slept in TahrirSquare, I protested with thousands of people in the streets, we fought for freedom putting our lives on the line. But after such a strong experience, I felt the need to be enriched interiorly, and this is what Sophia is for me. I came to the “mountain top” far from the crowd, to absorb Wisdom. No, this is not an escape from the problems. I am continuing to live the revolution at the side of my people but in a different way. I write articles that are published in Egypt as I am nourished by the Wisdom that I find here at Sophia, both in the courses and in daily life with the professors and students. I feel that I am setting solid foundations inside me that will prepare me to bring peace where there is none.”

Where are the economy and the world going?” was the title for one of the three lessons that LuiginoBruni, Professor of Economics. Together with political philosopher Antonio M. Baggio, and theologian Alessandro Clemenzia presented to the students in attendance or linked up via online streaming.

“At Sophia,” Bruni pointed out, “specific skills are reinforced by learning to look further. Study then is not a pre-employment stage but complementary to work, thanks to the stagesthat are being defined for all subject areas.”

Three professionals in the areas of enterprise, academic research and political involvement showed the added value of Sophia in three areas. One of these was Letizia De Torre (Movement for Unity in Politics), former Member of Parliament who reminded everyone that a young person cannot “enter into politics without having a vision of the world.” “Sophia was begun to express a culture that not only looks to the interests of one party but which, by virtue of its interdisciplinary approach, is open to listening and to criticism, the ability to change a position, to change the dynamics, learning to talk. In short, do not be afraid of the differences. Sophia provides you with the tools to build the dream of a better society for all.”

Benedict XVI’s resignation: some impressions

Feb 24, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

What was your first reaction when you heard about Benedict’s XVI resignation? What aspects of his pontificate do you appreciate? What do you wish the new Pope?

Here are some excerpts from their answers.

«In the beginning I could not believe it. Then I understood that the Holy Father had decided to take this step for the good of the Church. Since I have lived together with catholic brothers and sisters, I deeply understand that the essence of this ministry is of a spiritual nature. I want to be united with him and with the other Christians in prayer, for the election of the new Pope, so that the Church may go ahead for the good of humanity». Metta, Buddhist from Thailand

«I think it is a wise decision; since he carries out his role in the name of God, there is no doubt that God is with him. His action is unparalleled and sets an example for all humanity. His decision to retire to a monastery is also something great. My wishes for the new Pope are that with the help of God, he may be even more inspired, and that he does not get disheartened by ill-intentioned criticism». Abdou, Muslim from Algeria

«The Pope’s renunciation concerns us all. But nothing will change the things we have at heart. He has continued John Paul II’s work, and there is no way back. On the contrary, we go further ahead in mutual understanding and collaboration ». Enrique, Jewish, from Uruguay

«I think that (the announcement of Benedict XVI’s resignation) constitutes a very important precedent. I appreciated the Pope’s humility and his sincere allusions to the causes of his resignation, and the difficulties in the Vatican curia. With his decision I feel (I hope) that he has paved the way for an increased collegiality in the Church. What do I wish the next pope? Courage! He will have to bear a heavy cross, but he will be able to and have to share it more with his people». Armando, Italian with non religious convictions.

«We couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw Benedict XVI announcing his resignation. Then we were filled with a deep understanding and sympathy for him. Not even a Pope can escape human limitations! Joseph Ratzinger had the courage and sincerity to publicly acknowledge this. Our wishes for the future pope is that he continue along the path of openness towards other Christian denominations, towards other religious traditions, as well as people of different convictions». Donika and Luan, Tirana – Albania

«I think that he has taken a wise decision, though certainly not an easy one! Even this is an act of responsibility. I would like to thank him for all that he has given us. What I expect from the next Pope is that he may have always this consideration for brotherhood, this openness towards the other creeds, religious traditions, to build a world of universal brotherhood». Racim, Muslim from Algeria

Legal Adoption for Detained Citizens

Feb 23, 2013 | Non categorizzato

Five hundred prisoners have benefited from the project that has re-opened 300 court cases. These are prisoners who would otherwise still be awaiting trial and burdening the prison system.
Three hundred law students took part in the project.
Three hundred and fifty families of the prisoners we assisted by the students, health care workers and social workers.
More than 200 citizens were redeemed through the project.
More than 1000 prisoners have benefited from assistance through clothing drives, toy drives and toiletries.
Articles, essays and awards

These are only some of the results (between 2001 and 2012) from the Legal Adoption of Arrested Citizens project and presented by Professor meeting organised by CeD Fraternity, Law and Social Change at Mariapolis Ginetta (January 25-27, 2013). This project seeks to face issues related to the penitentiary system in the State of Pernambuco, as they regard detainees – awaiting a court hearing – who should be assisted by Public Defense agencies.

These are real life stories of legal abandonment, of people without defense, but especially in need of a hopeful and noticing glance. One of the project’s constant challenges is to draw students to this situation, especially since the “adopted” prisoners have committed or attempted to commit serious crimes. Taking brotherhood as a political and legal principle to be taken into consideration, how would the law worker then operate?

Starting from an academic look at the professional humanization of law, and encounter takes place: the prisoner finds the way of having his or her human rights respected, which are often being violated (with overcrowding, for example, where 1,400 people are living in a space that was meant for 98); future professionals develop their critical sense and become aware of their power to change society. But above all a fraternal dimension is established between student and detainee, one that permits both to experience citizenship in all it fullness as this fraternity is joined to freedom and equality.

The Legal Adoption for Detainees Project began in 2001 as a result of an agreement between the ASCES School, the Tribunal Court of the State of Pernambuco and the State Secretary for Citizenship and Justice. Brotherhood was gradually considered to also be a pedagogical principle in the training of law students. The research group prepares students for accompanying a case before a jury with lessons on theory and technique. The methodology involves interviews with the detainees, their families and raises awareness in schools through the use of media.

Moving from assistance of prison populations to a debate on fraternity, you begin to see how human rights and fraternity are closely linked because of basic democratic values, but especially for spreading a culture of peace. These eleven years of work demonstrate that it is possible to create a system for the protection of human, social and legal rights of detainees by working for the distribution of goods produced by social collaboration.

¨Enculturation¨ experiences

Feb 22, 2013 | Non categorizzato

From the 10^th to the 13^th May 2013, the little town of ¨Piero” in Nairobi (Kenya) will host the ¨Enculturation School¨, a workshop that this year will have as the main theme ¨The Person” in various African traditions. Besides, a group of young people will take part in the first stage of the Project “Sharing with Africa”. In preparation for this event, we publish Giulia´s account of her Ugandan experience.

«Malpensa Airport, 2^nd August 2011: destination “Kampala – Uganda”. I felt extremely excited although I still couldn’t imagine that in the coming four weeks I would have one of the most beautiful and important experiences of my life. For a month I lived together and shared daily life with another Italian girl and three Ugandans. This obliged me from the very beginning to put aside all my ¨western¨ habits, every way of doing or thinking, in order to be open myself to them and their life. But what at first were just small sacrifices, soon became a treasure, a new way of thinking and relating to people around me.

I was touched by the African concept of person. For them, the person, the other, is at the centre of each event and action, and not time, doing things in a hurry, commitments. Therefore, for instance, a meeting will start when everyone is there, and not simply when the clock says its time, or buses will leave when they’re full and everyone’s on board, and not at a given scheduled time. “How can you westerners base your daily life on the flow of time, when it does not belong to you and you cannot control it in any way?” It’s a question that still echoes in my mind when, overwhelmed by the frantic rhythm of my daily routine, I risk to become indifferent to those around me.

A typical concept in Sub-Saharan Africa is “Ubuntu”, an expression that could be translated as “I am what I am because of what we are all together”. Nelson Mandela explained it as follows: “Ubuntu does not mean to forget ourselves; rather it means to ask ourselves: do I want to help the community around me to become better?” How wise these words are! And they are not mere words, but real life, daily life lived from the viewpoint of the “we” and not only of the “I”. Everything is shared, everything is done together, the neighbours´ children are like your own, and even a complete stranger who happens to knocks on your door by mistake, immediately becomes a part of the family.

I will never forget the emotion I felt when I was invited for lunch to one of my flatmates home: a house without a toilet, in a neighbourhood not very different from a slum. But the table was set and the food abundant, because no sacrifice is too big when you invite your daughter’s friends for lunch. Hospitality, reciprocity and sharing with the other are more important than anything else.

I left Uganda feeling richer than before. For weeks I was the foreigner, with a different skin colour, a different language, different habits. But I had always been welcomed, I always found a smile and an open hand, and I never felt discriminated, or out of place.

Now, when I meet on the streets many immigrants who live in my city, I look at them with new eyes: I try to put myself in their shoes. This portion of Africa that every day disembarks in Europe deserves that same, huge welcome that I, a foreigner and a white, had received in Uganda in the first place. It’s made up of sharing, of reciprocity, of Ubuntu; it’s something that goes far beyond simple respect for those who are “different”. Different, from whom? A few hours of flight and the “different” one is you, and you realize that we are much more similar than what we may think ».

Economy of Communion: Mission in Serbia

Feb 21, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

It was a real and proper ‘EoC Mission’ the one held in Serbia, in the region of Vojvodina and Belgrade, the first few days of February. The aim of the mission was to get to know up close the entrepreneurs and the families involved in the Economy of Communion in Serbia.

The EoC in Serbia is concentrated in the region of Vojvodina, and is not made up of great numbers but rather of varied experiences representing a society where the local communities suffer unemployment, scarce agricultural productivity and lack of services. It is composed mainly of artisans who, since the beginning of the EoC, have shared their profits, and who now must innovate their production, young people who intend to start up workshops, stores, farming initiatives which collaborate in the production of feed, and who give the product to the poor since they cannot give profit, entrepreneurs who have in common the choice of giving part of their profits the the EoC project, even while using different business strategies among them (the little business that gives credit to clients based on a relationship of trust rather than on interest, the biggest society trying to conciliate a dimensional growth with attention to the local community and to maintaining the number of jobs; a company director who, while not the owner, administers according to EoC principles.)

The beneficiaries of aid given: Other significant moments of the trip were the meetings with some of the realities that benefit from help coming from EoC initiatives: a meal service for children, families, and the elderly; a Caritas centre that organizes entertainment activities for both young and old. It is mostly young families who make themselves available to tell us their experiences: some of them are unable to pay for their children’s education; elderly people who cannot afford medical care; a husband and wife who live in a small house made of recovered materials, in extreme conditions of misery, yet at the same time with great dignity and openness towards their neighbours.

What is the contribution of the EoC in Serbia today – it is very clear that the economic model founded on the culture of giving continues to attract and to propose itself as a valid solution, up to making one rethink the socio-economic system from its very base; the awareness is very strong even for the EoC that today it is fundamental to be able to innovate and to anticipate changes (for the Balkan countries, the cost they will be carrying, as well as the prospects of development is emblematic for a future integration into the European Union).The role of the new generations will be fundamental in this process, of young people attracted by the EoC Ideal and competent not only on matters of health and work security, environment, marketing, project administration, and accounting, but also in the guidelines for conducting an EoC business, (studied and developed in detail referring to specific local and business contexts) that could offer entrepreneurs a concrete contribution both at the local level (Serbia could be representative of an important experimentation in this sense) and at the level of the International Commission. To form 3-5 young people, already locally identified who have these competencies is the proposal with which the mission concluded: this will be a way to create jobs for some youth who will be entering the EoC reality and businesses that will necessitate consultations in order to innovate, both on a general and a specific level, will also be helped.

Finally, a very important moment of dialogue with the Serbian Orthodox Community took place, in particular with the Institute for the study of Dialogue between Culture and Christianity in the person of BojanaBursac: from this encounter it is probable that in a not too distant future there might be a meeting between the EoC and Serbia’s orthodox. New frontiers of dialogue can be seen on the horizon.

With B16 in his final audience

Feb 20, 2013 | Focolare Worldwide

This will be a unique occasion for the Focolare Movement to once again express its gratitude and to pray with the Pope and thousands of others who will gather at St. Peter’s, for the Church’s future.

“Your Holiness, the Focolare Movement wishes to be near to you with great gratitude for the fatherly love and support you have always shown it.”

The Focolare wishes to be part of the planetary embrace that has enveloped the Holy Father during these final days of his Pontificate. It wants to be there to express to the Holy Father its closeness in prayer. As the news began to spread at the Vatican Press Office on February 11th, Maria Voce wrote to the Pope on behalf of all the focolarini of the world: “We want you to know that we are at your side, in deep and constant prayer for this new phase that is opening in your life and in the life of the Church with that sure faith in God’s love, which you called us to in a special way this year. We continue to wish you well and we will always love you!”

The announcement of the Pope’s resignation took the world by surprise. Declarations of esteem and support immediately began to arrive praising the Pope’s “humility and courage”. Messages arrived from politicians, Christian and non-Chrisitan leaders, and ordinary people in response to this rather unique gesture in the history of the Church. And all of them expressed the love and consideration that this Pope enjoys at all levels of today’s world.

The president of the Focolare Movement admits that the first reaction was one of “dismay and even pain as the Pope spoke of his declining ‘strengths of both body and spirit, due to an advanced age’. Words spoken so simply and so humbly by the Pope that they make him appear all the greater to us precisely in his weakness.” It was because of this sentiment that the focolarini felt urged to send a “message of gratitude” to the Holy Father. But we also saw in this a call of God to a greater unity. Maria Voce explains: “This is our charism and in this moment more than ever we should give witness to it, pulling together in a worldwide renewal of the pact, from one end of the world to the other, so that we can make available to the whole Church the great treasure of Jesus in our midst.”

The Citta Nuova website dedicated a special edition to the Pope’s resignation and received many reactions from its readers. “Many people give their analyses, critical or benevolent acclaim, I simply wish to express my love for Benedict XVI.” “After the initial shock . . . I saw his decision as a confirmation of his greatness.” “I was struck by how the Pope was able to conceal his decision during these months, probably in a deep and ongoing conversation with God. I feel that his experience personally challenges me and has much to teach me.”

With regard to this ongoing conversation with God, theologian Piero Coda, Dean of the Sophia University Institute writes: “Benedict XVI has surprised us from the beginning of his ministry because, with the simplicity and radicalism of the Gospel he talked to us about his relationship with Jesus and the relationship that, in Jesus, we are called to have among ourselves in the most beautiful and intense expressions of our [human] experience: friendship. The unexpected gesture with which he today announced his resignation from the ministry of the Bishop of Rome and Successor of Peter the Apostle, is the highest sign of this friendship that he has offered us. It is a high gesture that not only places the seal on his extraordinary Pontificate, but one that opens a new stage in the way of understanding and adminstrating the ministry of the papacy.”