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Sep 29, 2012 | Non categorizzato
From Rio+20 to LoppianoLab, from a project in Bolivia to the Day of Literacy. These are just some of the areas in which the Focolare’s AMU (Associazione per un mondo unito – the Action for a United World) is currently engaged. When the Focolare Movement spread from Europe to other lands, it often met situations of extreme poverty. Love for the poor and “becoming one” with the local environment was then translated into concrete social projects such as schools, clinics and social centres. As these projects began to develop the need became obvious for a way of providing ongoing economic support, for finding solutions that were not welfare support but based on development and reciprocity. Thus, in 1986, “the Action for a United World” (AMU) was begun, which is a non-governmental association of the United Nations and recognized by the Italian Ministry of External Affairs, operating in the field of cooperation, development training and education. 
Today AMU has produced 350 successful projects in 56 countires: from instruction to professional training, from support for basic needs (food, shelter, health) to building infrastructure, from post-emergency health care to micro credit and micro entrepreneurship. But this is not sufficient unless it is accompanied by a cultural change that depends on everyone, both in the Northern and Southern regions of the world. This is why, along with these development projects, AMU also works for the promotion of human rights. Through conferences and training courses it places attention on the goods we are all meant to share, the practice of sober and supportive lifestyles, the responsible use of the earth’s resources, active citizenship on both a local and a global level. 
In all of its interventions, AMU strives to place at the centre the human person together with his or her rights and needs. This is done through a methodology of communion, working with the people, solving problems together and producing useful and sustainable change over time. Once a relationship has been established in which it possible for everyone to give and to receive – when there is reciprocity – then the project has fulfilled its objective. Those who give feel that they have received, and those who receive desire to give in return; and you move from solidarity to fraternity. Many people around the world are linked up with AMU through its website and its magazine “AMU Notizie” (AMU News). Donators and beneficiaries, both participate and collaborates according to their feeling, needs and possibilites. Everyone, without distinction, can belong to this network that become AMU’s biggest wealth.
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Sep 28, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
‘From the moment I learned that last year was going to be dedicated to living the Word,’ Maria told us, ‘I thought about when I got to know the Movement as a girl. Chiara Lubich encouraged us to write the Gospel with our lives. In the month of March we were living the words: ‘Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’ (John 6:68) and in her commentary Chiara affirmed that when the words of Jesus are lived they change our way of thinking and acting. Well, some workers came to do a job in our garage. One of the people in our apartment block, who did not know they were coming, was upset and moaned at the plumber. By chance I found myself in the middle of the discussion and I tried to make peace. I spoke with our neighbour to explain why the work needed doing and I spoke with the worker to explain why my neighbour was complaining. The tension was broken and calm restored.’
Luigi continued, ‘One of our daughters was having difficulty in one subject when the teacher changed. The problem affected a lot of them in the class, and many parents got involved criticizing the teacher. We thought we should do something to quieten things down. The words from the Gospel: “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49) helped us to have the right attitude with everyone – our daughter, the other parents and the teacher. We took on the responsibility of writing letters, meeting with parents and the principal, speaking to the teacher, listening to everyone’s explanations and trying to get everyone to move to a constructive dialogue. It would appear there was no happy ending, because about half the class fell behind in the subject. It seems to us, though, that it was a chance to bring a different spirit into the school and, above all, we shared this “defeat” with our daughter, helping her overcome the obstacle, ready with her to respect her teacher and praying also for him every evening.’
Maria spoke again, ‘In May one of our daughters was diagnosed with a dangerous tumour. It was a shock: why does God ask this of us? We were confused … it was not easy to go beyond our pain. The Word was a help to us yet again and bit by bit we tried to accept deeply what God was asking of us. My relationship with Luigi and with our daughters grew stronger. We felt the love of many people who shared the suspense of this experience of with us. The operation went well. In the room with Letizia – I was able to be with her the whole time she was in hospital – there was a woman whose family lived a long way off. She hadn’t eaten for days because of the treatment she was having. The Word of Life for that month was: “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (John 6:27). I felt I could offer her this “food” through what I said and little acts of service. One day I lent her the magazine New City and later on I saw that she was reading the Word Life column in it.’
‘When summer came,’ continued Luigi, ‘we went back to the town where we were born. There was family trouble awaiting us. One of Maria’s aunts needed a lot of medical treatment and her was husband sick in hospital; both of them were elderly and they had no children. Maria’s uncle was fully aware how ill he was. We stayed with him right up to the moment of his death. We spent several moments in the last few nights whispering prayers in his ear. It seemed to us that bit by bit he was prepared for his meeting with God.’
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Sep 27, 2012 | Non categorizzato
«… Although surrounded , like everyone else, by the evils of our times, you, young people often have hearts and minds with antennas capable of detecting special wavelengths which others are not able to perceive. Your age makes you free to entertain noble aspirations such as peace, justice, freedom, and unity, to dream of achievements which would appear utopian to others, to foresee in the third millennium the dawning of a new world, a better, happier world, a world more worthy of the human person, more united.
We thank God that you’re here! But what can I tell you now? My words echo the words of Jesus which the Pope repeated to young people in 1995: “As the Father sent me, so I send you” (Jn. 20:21). It’s an invitation to you to bring the light of truth into today’s society; to meet the challenge of what the Pope called “new evangelization.”
“New evangelization!!” But why “new”? And what is the meaning of “new”? This “new” can have a number of meanings. I will tell you one.
You know that words are no longer enough today. Young people, especially, do not listen so much to teachers as to witnesses; they want facts. Well then, evangelization will be “new” if those who announce the Gospel are first of all genuine, authentic Christians, who are the first to live what the Gospel teaches, so that people can say of them what they said of the early Christians: “Look how they love one another and how they are ready to die for one another.”
Furthermore, evangelization will be “new” if they also love all other men and women, without distinction. Again, it will be “new” if these Christians will love in a concrete way by actively helping to give food, clothes, and shelter to those in need. And finally, it will be “new” – pay attention here – if they speak and announce the Gospel, but only after doing all these.
Such Christians, I assure you, fascinate the world with Jesus; they make people fall in love with him, so that the kingdom of God spreads beyond all expectations and the Church is strengthened and grows. It grows in such a way that these Christians can look far into the future, as Jesus did when he called everyone to universal brotherhood, praying to the Father: “May they all be one.” It might seem to be a wild dream, but it is possible because it is the dream of a God. And they believe in it. There are thousands, millions of young people from all nations who are walking towards this very goal.
It is to them that John Paul II said: “History is made by those who look toward the future: the others are dragged along….”[1]
My dear young people, the Pope also addresses these words to all of you today. Don’t disappoint him, don’t disappoint us. This is my wish for you with all my heart.»
Tor Vergata (Rome), 19 August 2000, talk by Chiara Lubich at the 25th World Youth Day
[1]John Paul II, Homily during Mass at the conclusion of the Genfest 1980, in L’Osservatore Romano May 19-20, p. 1.
Sep 27, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Pope Benedict XVI appointed Maria Voce auditor at the forthcoming session of the Synod of Bishops on “ The New Evangelization for the transmission of the Christian faith”, scheduled for October 7 – 28 at the Vatican.
“The experience of the Synod, highlighted in an outstanding way by the collegiality of the Church, strikes us in a very particular way, even due to the charism of unity that characterizes us”. With these words Maria Voce expresses her adhesion and manifests her deep gratitude to the Holy Father for the trust shown to her and to all the Movement. She sees this occasion as an opportunity to serve the universal Church.
For the President of the Focolare Movement, the theme of the new evangelization has particular importance. Recently, when addressing the community of Argentina, she said: “The Gospel must be our dress. Let us help one another to live the Gospel so that we can proclaim that Christ is alive, and allow others to meet him present among us through the mutual love that binds us”
Two other members of the Focolare Movement have also been appointed auditors. One is Ernestine Sikujua Kinyabuuma, lecturer at the University Institute Maria Malkia of Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of Congo) and the other one is Gisèle Muchati, responsible for the New Families of the Focolare Movement in the Syria region .
Maria Voce has been a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization since December 2011.
Focolare Information Service
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Sep 25, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
Three halls linked together, 3000 people and live streaming – these things show the tremendous sense of expectation caused by the launch of a book-long interview with the Focolare Movement’s President, Maria Voce. She gave a full response to questions across the board from the journalists Michele Zanzucchi and Paolo Lòriga (respectively the director and the chief editor of the twice monthly magazine Città Nuova). ‘What are the focolarini thinking after Chiara Lubich’s death? Are there progressives and conservatives? Do they seek positions of influence in the Church and in politics? Are they just superficial “hail fellow well met” types who smile too much?’ The title of the book, La scommesa di Emmaus, translates as Emmaus’s Challenge. It was previewed and presented on 22 September in a conversation between the Focolare President and Lucetta Scaraffia (historian and leader writer for the Osservatore Romano) and Marco Politi (author and leader writer for Il Fatto Quotidiano). Scaraffia and Politi were eager to grasp the opportunity of speaking with Maria Voce in person and the interview ranged over the most varied topics: how the Movement can cope with developing a public image after a period of going unnoticed; the need for the Focolare to be involved with big issues such as the promotion of the laity; ecumenism; inter-religious dialogue and dialogue with people with non-religious convictions; women; euthanasia; the family; work; Muslims in Europe; Chiara Lubich’s charism as a woman seen as a gift for the Church; the diminishing number of focolarini making a radical life choice in comparison with the numbers of people in the whole of the Movement; and still more items. 
Maria Voce seemed to feel she was in her own living room with a couple of friends. She was unruffled and replied without hesitation and with clarity: ‘We are not suffering the sickness of trying to hide ourselves, we just don’t think it important to seek publicity for ourselves. We would prefer, in fact, people to get to know whatever positive things we manage to inject into human affairs. As Maria Voce I don’t feel that I have significant things to say, but as the Focolare Movement I do.’ ‘Lay people don’t need encouragement, rather they need to be left free to act in the Church context with greater trust,’ she says in the book. This statement, particularly appreciated by Scaraffia, was the basis for reflecting upon the laity and upon women: ‘Chiara liked to say that women have, as their specific characteristic, a greater capacity for loving and suffering. This is seen most clearly in motherhood. And so I would say that women have, in a particular way, the capacity to build the family…. In a Church that wishes to be more and more a family, to be communion, the summary of all the aspirations of humanity, women have an important role. But, as Chiara always said, I am convinced that women and men are equally responsible before God. In the Gospel it is written: ‘There is neither man nor woman, neither Jew nor Greek’ and so the important thing is that both women and men should become what they should be, that is, Christ in the Church.’ After a musical break Marco Politi suggested that ‘a focolare of dialogue’ (that is, a space to discuss in the spirit of the Focolare) should be set up. Here there would be the possibility of reflecting regularly upon the big questions. Maria Voce fired back, ‘This is a challenge more than a question. It would be more in keeping with our style, our way of doing things, because it wouldn’t be so much sharing big ideas together, but experiences, as has been done lately, for instance, in the two-day “LoppianoLab”. The witness we would like to give is of our relationship with the person next to us, not with great systems of thought.’ 
On the ‘question of the construction of mosques, for example, I believe that the most important thing is that Muslims feel they are welcomed and understood by Christians also in their way of expressing their religious life.’ Maria Voce continued saying that the Movement does indeed think about the big questions, according to its own style, which brings people together, in a living experience. ‘For instance, in a school, in a hospital, people from the Movement get together and they share their experiences of doing things in a Christian manner. From life itself there comes about a reflection that generates the specific initiatives to be taken together and an outline of the thinking behind them that can then also be offered.’ ‘The charism in itself has the answers. The questions change according to the times. New questions demand new ways for formulating the answers which, nonetheless, are present in the charism.’ On ecumenism: ‘I believe it is a difficult journey. It’s shameful for all Christians to be divided. If we are aware of it, we suffer. And all of us sharing in the same suffering cannot but make us do what is needed to overcome the division. Like this it is possible that steps towards unity, despite the effort, will be made. To reach unity it is necessary, for all of us, to know how to lose things, and this costs. We believe that the Movement’s role is precisely to put itself into the crack of this division.’ ‘We must keep on the journey! I believe it is something we all have to search for together.’ On the small number of focolarini: ‘Precisely because it is a radical choice, being consumed in unity – which means loving one another, losing oneself completely in the other, so that God may be among us – is a demanding choice and not everyone is called to it, even if the choice of God is made by everyone in the Movement.’ And in conclusion: ‘What interests us is that the idea of universal brotherhood should progress. It is God who guides history, so we shouldn’t be afraid.’ The hour passed in a moment. Among the three of the stage and the 3000 in the hall a sympathy had been built up and no one wanted to disturb. But by this time ‘Emmaus’s challenge’ had been offered and had been accepted.
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Sep 24, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
Four days to talk about economy, culture, politics, the region and the young. Many concrete examples of “active citizenship” were shared at LoppianoLab in a programme that unfolded in workshops, seminars, testimonies by business people, an area for the Economy of Communion, courses on political involvement by the Political Movement of Unity and the Sophia University Institute. A close-up on “what the focolarini think now that Chiara Lubich is gone” through a presentation of the new book, La scommessa di Emmaus (the challenge of Emmaus), an interview with Focolare president Maria Voce. An early count of the participants places the number at around 3,000 people from every Italian region, plus another 5,000 who were linked up via internet with the different moments of the programme. Some came to Loppiano for the day. One social network had allowed the social network public to interact in the events, involving 300,000 contacts.
The major topics that were discussed included electoral law, interculturalism, legality, art, sustainable development and many others that were presented in fifteen laboratories that led to the Saturday afternoon event, entitled “Italia Europa. Un unico cantiere tra giovani, lavoro, innovazione” (Italy, Europe, a single field between youth, work and innovation). A lively discussion followed with experts on economy, training and Europe in which the young people were very involved in making a contribution toward the rebirth of Italy.
Regarding the realtionships among the generations, journalist Tiziana Ferrario riterated the importance of growing together – young people and adults – in a mutual exchange between passion and experience. “There is a more need for a Europe of the citizens,” declared Paolo Ponzano, counselor of the European Special Commission. His words were echoed by economist Stefano Zamagni, recalling the need for a more mature democracy at an international level, in which the citizens participate daily in the management of public affairs.
A high moment was the double interview with Maria voce, president of the Focolare, who has just been named an auditor of the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization, who responded to the questions of Lucetta Scaraffia (Osservatore Romano)and Marco Politi (Il Fatto quotidiano), on issues facing the Church and society: the role of women, interreligous dialogue and relations with those of “different beliefs”.
At LoppianoLab citizens, experts and professionals spoke of Italy in crisis, but also of Italy on the rise, with the same common denominator: a passion for civil participation. The laboratory entitled “The stalling of the parties. A politics for the technicians. And the Citizens?” in which the issue of electoral law was discussed, which is a very hot topic in Italy. In full harmony with this was the seminar offered by the Courses on participation in politics, twenty four such courses underway throughout Italy today, involving 500 youths. “Provide us with true educators and we’ll provide you with a better world” was the title of a laboratory that pointed out the centrality of education as one resource for a better future. Stories of hopes and battles enlightened the laboratory on legality, such as that of business man Salvatore Cantone, who is engaged on the front lines with an anti-racketeering association and Giuseppe Gatti, anti-mafia magistrate and undercover, which which highlighted that a new legality can only be born from fraternity. The workshop entitled
Comunic@ando presented a series of projects: civic workshops, critical use of the media and a European project that involved Italian young people in a partnership with citizens of four other nations. The 3rd National Convention of Economy of Communion (EoC) was held in Loppiano at the Polo Lionello (Lionello Industrial Park). The novelty this year was the birth of AIPEC, an Italian association of the EoC and the voice of the young people: an overview of the year’s activity at the industrial park that was the incubator for 52 business projects; the Policor project in response to the high rate of unemployment among the young people in Italy. Now that the event has ended, the workshops continue at local sites across Italy. Active participation is the key in looking toward 2013.
Flickr Photostream
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Sep 23, 2012 | Non categorizzato
“For several years I had become hard, closed up on myself, sad; today Chiara Luce has opened my doors” one of the convicts tells Maria Teresa, mother of the blessed Chiara Luce Badano, while he embraces her and holds her hands.
The 20th September was certainly a special afternoon, in the theatre of the Rebibbia Roman prison: 250 inmates were dressed in their best clothes to greet the couple, Ruggero and Maria Teresa Badano, parents of the blessed Chiara Luce. “It will be a special evening,” Anna Del Villano announces in her presentation. She is the director of one of the sectors of the prison.
How did all this come about? Alfonso Di Nicola, of the Focolare Movement, who has for many years carried out voluntary work in the prisons of Rebibbia: “I got to know that the Badanos visited the convicts in the Viterbo prison in 2011,” he relates,“and I thought that we could organise a similar evening also in Rebibbia.”
While the inmates find their seats, it is impressive to see how they greet each other warmly. They come from different sections of the prison, “according to the crime committed,” they explain.
Four people sat on the stage: the Badanos, Chicca Coriasco – a close friend of Chiara Luce – and Franz, her brother. Maria Teresa breaks the ice and recalls how much her daughter loved the sick and those who suffer, and invites all to share this moment as in a family. Ruggero does not hide his emotions.
What is Chiara Luce’s message? She was a normal girl who played sport; she loved Sassello, her native city, especially when it was covered with snow. Together with Chicca, she got to know the Focolare spirituality when she was still very young. They took up Chiara Lubich’s invitation to live the Gospel with youthful enthusiasm, in the diverse situations of everyday life, both joyful and sorrowful; and then they would share the fruits of their experiences in order to encourage each other.
“As it is with older brothers,” Franz quips in, “I kept myself aloof from them.” She was a normal girl, and it was precisely this normality that drew him to her, especially when her illness would eventually be diagnosed as terminal cancer. Franz continues, “Chiara Luce was in love with Jesus crucified in the way Chiara Lubich presented him: abandoned, “a loser”, a “conquered God” who resembles each one of us… who at a certain point cries out on the cross”.
Love for God was the secret that helped her live her grave illness – an osteosarcoma, a very aggressive tumour. Through him her every suffering was transformed into love with contagious serenity and joy. Ruggero relates: “I used to spy upon her from the keyhole of her room to see whether she was always like that, or whether her smile was only for us. But she smiled all the time.”
The silence in the theatre is not usual. Chiara Luce’s story captures the attention of all and this young girl enters the heart of those present. While some images of Chiara Luce were projected on a big screen, an international Focolare choir sang “God Loves Me”, the song written for the beatification of Chiara Luce, on 25th September 2010.
“Soon Chiara Luce will be a saint” one of the inmates exclaims. Maria Teresa replies: “Then you will no longer be here… we all pass through difficult periods”. Her words fall like balm and are greeted with a warm applause!
Official website of the postulation: www.chiaralucebadano.it
Chiara Luce Website “Life Love Light”: www.chiaraluce.org
Franz Coriasco, author of “Dai tetti in giu”, Ed. Citta Nuova, Roma 2010
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Sep 22, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
Young people, who have made a decision to proclaim the Gospel by music, started the bands Eis (meaning ‘one’ in Greek) and Hope. They come from Teramo and Fermo in Italy. They see themselves as part of the Focolare’s Diocesan Movement and are working in their dioceses. Already they have met thousands of people.
‘Hope started in 1995,’ Fabio says, ‘when Pope John Paul II held the “Eurhope” meeting for young Europeans. It was an unforgettable event and has been followed by many other occasions where Hope has given, as it continues to give, its contribution in the diocese of Fermo and beyond.’
‘Eis, on the other hand, only started three years ago,’ Alice explains. ‘It was during a youth summer camp run by the diocese of Teramo. The group has already met more that four and a half thousand people in 17 concerts.’
What about publicity?
‘The bands are getting known spontaneously,’ says Alice. ‘Someone really likes a concert and then invites us to their own town. Perhaps a journalist writes an article, a local radio asks for an interview… and then shows follow on, one from one another, everywhere from church halls to stages set up in the squares for the whole town. The blogs of the two bands are full of enthusiastic people, some quite young, who really like what we’re doing. It’s not just people liking it though. Often there are chances to meet and even real changes happen in people’s lives!’
But the ‘bands don’t want to be only about the things they do,’ Alice and Fabio both point out. ‘Before all else,’ says Fabio, ‘we strive to be united, so that each of us who makes up the group tries to live with mutual love at the basis of everything. And then we do what needs to be done – we prepare the show, gather everyone’s ideas, take time to do numerous rehearsals…’
It can’t all be easy?
‘Of course nothing’s simple,’ Fabio immediately says. ‘But every time we try to start again, expressing our ideas and, at the same time, being ready to put them aside if they’re not needed. We want everything to be born from the unity of our group, from the unity that makes Jesus present among us (Matt. 18:20).’
Hope and Eis at the moment are doing two separate musicals on the life of Chiara Luce Badano, a young person from the Focolare beatified in 2010. The shows speak of a modern person, one who can be copied. They show a young woman who knew how make her life into an amazing ‘work of art’, managing to accept illness and death at 18 years of ago as God’s love for her and for her family.
‘The written impressions that we have from the concerts are extremely positive,’ Alice says. ‘For someone called Giuliana, of example, the figure of Chiara Luce managed make a whole town wake up to the issue of holiness.’
Chiara Lubich suggested music to young people, at the end of the 60s, as an instrument for evangelizing. The two well-known groups, Gen Rosso and Gen Verde, were started. Other bands also began, like Gen 70 in the parish of Vallo Torinese (in Piedmont). One of the people who formed it, Maria Orsola (who died when she was 15) is currently in the process of being beatified.
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Sep 22, 2012 | Non categorizzato
19 May 1973, a Saturday and Loppiano, as every Saturday for the last nine years, is bustling with activity to welcome the weekend visitors who come find out about the permanent ‘Mariapolis’. It seems like a day like any other, but it will turn out to a historic one. In fact on this day the Loppiano Cooperative was founded. The idea was to offer a witness to the Gospel lived in a real experience of work. This may seem like a small thing, but the origins of this particular firm were in a mixture of ‘gold’ and ‘mud’ – the latter also literally. Loppiano had begun several years before. On those Tuscan hills there was no lack of enthusiasm and joy, and the young people worked hard in all possible ways to fulfil their dream: to make visible the Ideal of a united world in the relationships among the little town’s inhabitants. They came from all over the world, were extremely diverse, and at the same time among them reigned a harmony that it would be hard to find elsewhere. Of course, it was not easy because change was needed in many stony parts of each of their hearts, the effect of their mentalities, ethnic origins or differing cultures. But there were also other things to weigh them down, more visible and just as burdensome. These were the land that had been abandoned for years, rendering the terrain inhospitable, transportation difficult and the living conditions extremely uncomfortable. They needed someone competent to work the land, rebuild the houses and make it possible for the rural setting to show signs of becoming a city, even if only in miniature. 
The appeal that went out to the whole of the Focolare Movement was heard especially by the ‘Volunteers of God’ throughout the world. Some of them, living in the valleys of Bergamo in the north of Italy, left their work and all they were already doing and, with tremendous generosity and even more faith, moved with their young families to Loppiano. They had no job security or guaranteed housing, but they began restructuring some of the cottages and, with sacrifice and hard work, they began to construct the little town and to cultivate the land surrounding it. It looked like madness to eyes of their friends and relations. And yet, thanks to these first families, Loppiano flung open its doors to the world and became a tangible spiritual and human experience known and valued today by people in every continent. It incarnated the spirituality of the Focolare Movement in the concrete work of every day, respecting nature and the human cost of what was done. As a result, in all these years no synthetic products have ever been used to cultivate the land, but everything is grown organically and is certified as such. 
The Cooperative has more than 4000 shareholders spread throughout the world. By means of their shares and consuming its products, they contribute to developing the business and, indirectly, also to building the whole of the little town. In 1991, when Chiara Lubich launched the Economy of Communion, she said that it had be presaged by the Loppiano Prima Cooperative. Today Loppiano is indeed a beautiful place, with its lawns, houses, roads, running water for all. But the faith and courage of its pioneers were needed. Most of them are still alive, some are already in heaven, but without them nothing would have been possible, especially not the fulfilment of Igino Giordani (Foco)’s prophetic words in a message to the Cooperative: ‘You witness to and proclaim the Gospel with a loud voice through your work and the communion of goods … And you are the first fruits of a society many have expressed only in words and yet all have dreamed of it. Because of you and thanks to you, the world of tomorrow has already beguin’. End of Part 1 (To be continued)
Official Cooperative Website – Terre di Loppiano: http://www.terrediloppiano.com Products CATALOGUE
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Sep 20, 2012 | Non categorizzato
“We used to think that the period following the wedding would be a continuation of our honeymoon,” Luca and Giulia tell us. They got married recently. “In fact we are very happy, despite our many differences in character and habits that emerge in our daily life. This initial period is a time of trial.” “For example, when I return home in the evening, Luca tells us, “I just feel I want to unwind. Giulia, on the other hand, is there waiting to tell me what she had lived during the day. Living the Gospel teaches us to love each other in a concrete way. With sensitivity we seek to explain, listen and accept each other.” “What is interesting,” Gulia says, “is that when I do manage to lose what I would like to say and do in that moment, Luca asks me how I have passed my day. A dialogue emerges that is very serene and enriching for both of us.” “When we were in Madagascar on our honeymoon, we got to know a local man and his family. We could see they were struggling financially,” Luca recounts. “They were expecting a child, but they couldn’t afford the hospital fees. We reflected over this, even though they never asked for anything.” “Since I love football,” Luca continues, “I had planned to subscribe to pay TV in order to view the matches at home. However we felt that the needs of this family were ours as well. I spontaneously felt that the subscription was superfluous; so we sent them the corresponding sum together with other funds we saved by going without unnecessary expenses. Even if initially it seemed as though we had lost something, now we can say that we gained; in fact we are often invited by friends or neighbours to watch the games on TV, and this gives us the opportunity to build profound friendships.”
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Sep 20, 2012 | Non categorizzato
No society can survive without justice; and yet for society it is even more important to have charity, which goes beyond justice without destroying it. Justice founds society, charity nurtures it; one is the brain, the other is the heart; one is the skeleton, the other is the blood.
Rome with its law became highly developed in the evolution of civilization: give to each what belongs to each. But it did not reach Christ, who says: give to the others also what is your own.
Justice says: do not rob others’ things. Charity suggests: give your things to those who need them. That is, with justice we give to others what is theirs; with charity we give them also what is ours.
Hence it is not only the re-establishment of a pre-existing or presupposed equilibrium, but its growth and betterment, going towards an equity that law does not achieve. An employer who gives to a worker the payment agreed upon, remains within the bounds of justice; but if, in addition to a salary insufficient to keep a family, more were given than had been agreed upon, then the employer would enter into charity. It does not take away; but it adds. In law, as it has been codified and understood, you can die starved and abandoned. But not in charity: so long as there is someone who eats and lives, such persons give their own bread and also their help to others. And if the force of justice coldly keeps people in their place, like things in a pigeon-hole, the force of charity binds them together in a family-like solidarity, smashing divisive cliques and circulating warmth and smiles.
A spreading and cohesive force, richer and more nurturing than justice, charity is not content to keep persons in their place in the world. It tends to make a place in the world for everyone – a family – always open and ready to recreate the source of life and hope.
Therefore, while justice has been represented with scales in hand and blindfolded eyes, charity has its eyes wide open to see also where the gaze of the distracted and the happy does not penetrate. And it does not measure what it gives, and offers, with open hands, without thinking too much about what is deserved by the person – the brother or sister – it is giving to.
This service, this doing all one can for one’s brothers and sisters, this handing over to them our goods, our energy and our lifeblood, to the extent that our life becomes their life, usually, in Christian identification, is a service given, through our brothers and sisters, to Christ himself. And because of the reversibility of the Mystical Body, it is a service, the most the true, the most outstanding, that we give to ourselves. The father serves his children, the citizen servers the community, the priest serves the faithful, the one who commands serves the one who obeys, and so on; and we are all served by Christ who gives his life for all.
This love is born within the order of grace. But it does not stop there. We are Christians, we are brothers and sisters, we are in the Church, always. Hence every society, civil and economic too, if composed of Christians, is included in this circle of the divine, and gains from it. Living by charity simplifies one’s own human problems and helps in solving the eternal problems.
This is charity seen as the great social virtue. And Christ is a debtor who pays a hundred to one. He can give eternity for modest – perhaps even soiled – bill of credit.
La società cristiana, Città Nuova: Rome, 2010, pp.98-101.
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Sep 19, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Ruski Krstur (Voivodina) is a small town of about 4000 inhabitants, in the heart of the Ruthene ethnic minority in Serbia. It is an agricultural region, impoverished by war. As government subsidies have been withdrawn, emigration has grown hugely, particularly to Canada. In this place, however, a group of young people had no wish to leave their village. With great commitment they struggled, and managed, to build a future for themselves and for many others. This is their story. In the 90s two entrepreneurs, Slavko Rac and Janko Katona (who were already in business) decided to open an ice cream kiosk. They were successful and opened a second kiosk in another town, giving work to six other young people. But things did not stop there. An agricultural firm, called Juarbis, was set up and it grew rapidly as a result of State development investment. By 2008 it had 40 employees and was the leading business of its kind in the region. ‘But we hit problems again,’ said Marija Majher, the current director of Juarbis, ‘and in 2009, with a drop in milk production, the firm lost the largest part of its income. It was a tough blow. Nonetheless, we really get on well with another in our group. We’ve been working together for 10 years and we were determined to get through this together. In the last few years we have tried to keep the lines of communication open with our 500 contacts, who supply us with milk and agricultural produce. The inspiration for our business model is the ‘art of loving’, which is rooted in the Gospel, as proposed by Chiara Lubich. It has meant that we have built profound, living relationships with others.’ Building upon Chiara’s intuition about sharing the business’s profits three ways, apart from creating new jobs, the firm has promoted the ‘culture of giving’ and communion. This has given rise to educational and cultural initiatives in the town and last, but not least, there have been direct interventions in emergency situations, giving practical help and setting up development projects. ‘To our surprise,’ Marija Majher went on to say, ‘two of us were elected with large majorities in the local elections. This has been an opportunity to do something more for our people, whose poverty and suffering we know personally so well. It has led us, once again, to Chiara’s experience in Trent after World War 2, where she was trying to solve the social problems of the city, beginning with the destitute and drawing in the whole of the community. In a similar way our three firms, and some of our friends from the local Caritas, are trying to sponsor activities all over the town, such as ecological projects or collecting wood to heat the homes of people who are sick or elderly. These very people, those who are sick or elderly, have taken part in weekly get-togethers for conversation and entertainment, and we try to help them in other ways, for instance, taking them to medical appointments. A project that as yet is still a dream is to use the expanses of abandoned land around many of their houses to build a care home that truly meets their needs. We have also taken children and young people into consideration by running workshops for journalism, acting, cookery, decoration. These are extremely animated with games and parties. The family is always at the core of our activity, and we have done some special projects for some whose houses have suffered as a result of fire, and for others we have paid for their electricity and, for one particularly large family, we bought a washing machine. The ‘Family for Family’ project was proposed to the entire local community, as a way of putting our strengths and our capacities at thedisposal of others, so that we can help one another mutually.’
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Sep 18, 2012 | Non categorizzato
My name is Magued and I grew up in a Christian family. When I was three my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This illness progressed until she was paralysed and blind. From when I was small I learned how to help her together with my dad, my brother and my sister. I dreamed that my mum would get well again, and be like my friends’ mothers, but as time passed I realised that this was not to be.
My siblings and I learned to accept this will of God, to believe that everything contributes to good for those who love God. And we became very united amongst us and were aware of a grace that helped us always.
Six years ago we found out that my sister had a tumour. It was then that I went into crisis with God and could not accept that my sister was ill, so I asked God if I could take her place because I could have dealt with it better. As time passed I accepted my sister’s illness, that despite the treatment, was not getting better.
Four years ago my mother died and at that time I felt a great suffering and emptiness in my life. It was as though part of my heart had been detached and gone with her.
Then two years ago, while having a check up about an eye problem, I found out that I had my mother’s same illness. I had just finished university and thought I had a future in front of me… All of a sudden everything vanished. I was in anguish thinking that one day I would wake up paralysed or I would have lost my sight as she did. I felt it was the devil who tempted me to start doing everything immediately, even bad things, which later I would not be able to do. These temptations stopped when I understood that what made me happy was to live each day as if it were my last, in a deep relationship with God.
Then I started a new job, and I met a girl, an angel, who was ready to carry with me all the difficulties that I might meet in future. Many of my friends say that they pray for me so that I may be cured, but I answer that I pray for them, so that each one of us is ill in some way.
One evening a few months ago my sister phoned me when I was out with my friends, and asked me to come back because she did not feel well. I went home and sat beside her and we began to pray together. We were not used to doing this but it was as though a voice said to me: “pray with her Magued.” A little while later she felt worse, she leant her head on me and passed away.
In recent months every now and then I had a relapse. I was not able to hold a pen, or I lost the feeling in an arm, and for a while I could not see properly which made the situation at work difficult. When these things happen I remember my mother and my sister, who despite their pain, they had eyes filled with joy and peace. It is as if they were saying to me: don’t be afraid, continue believing in the Love of God and witness it with your life.
(M.G. Egitto)
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Sep 17, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
“Seated within a large tent we listened as the people who had lived through the earthquake shared their adventure, never losing hope and already making plans for the future,” writes Tomek Mikusinski from Gen Rosso on the evening before the show.
The group was welcomed in a large tent next to the church that was still unusable. Images of the controlled demolition of the bell tower of Poggio Renatico (Italy) have already fill the web. “But we are also the Church,” continues Tomek. “They give us an opportunity to share our life, the path that leads us here, our choice of God and the way we follow Him, experiences from our lives and the expectations that guide us on our way forward.” One person confided to us: “I thank everyone in the musical group for your testimony of life and love that you have brought among us. Recent events had us a bit discouraged, and we were really in such need of this! It is such a great joy that we were able to realize this great dream.”
The day before on 14 September 2012, there was another mild earthquake whose epicentre was quite close to the area of Poggio Renatico, but this did not stop the show from going on. On the evening of 15 September 2012 there were a thousand spectators on the sport field. Considering the size of the local population, this meant one out of every three families was there. Some people also came prepared to spend the night in a camping site that was set up on one area of the field.
“Sharing, admiration, hope, gratitude, love, unity, and friendship are just a few of the words that express what we lived this week,” Tomek continues. “’Cities and hills may fall but love never fails, love never fails. And so many people are helping, offering hope and serenity. . .’ These words from one of our songs had a strong resonance among our listeners. They rang very true especially in this area around Poggio Renatico. We lived days of true brotherhood! Because wherever there is love and hope that is founded on love, there is God and Life returns! So much life!”
“I’ve been recharged and am ready to set out once again on my journey, which so often filled with obstacles and difficulties,” shared one girl when it was time to leave. “Thank you for showing that we can go far when we walk together.”
“An historic international music group contributes to reconstruction” was one of the headlines in “Ferrara24ore” news. “This group that defines itself as an international performing arts group, has been performing since 1966 with a deeply social focus, and this is why it has enthusiastically accepted the invitation to do a show in our region, in order to help revive the spirit of the people that has been disturbed by recent events. They have come in order to be involved in resolving the problems and difficulties of this painful moment for so many people.” “The group fights for the construction of a more liveable world, a world of justice, solidarity and peace. There couldn’t be a better idea for getting Poggio Renatico back on its feet again.”
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Sep 16, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
“When I was ten years old an event occurred that turned out to be a turning point in the life of my family and in my personal life. My father underwent a very serious liver operation. I remember some mornings in the summer when I would accompany him, with my mother, to the promenade of Syracuse, Italy, for a walk. After a brief period in which he appeared to be recovering, suddenly as a storm came the crisis. And one night he fell asleep forever. When I saw his motionless body, his face paler than usual, I couldn’t cry. I was like stone. At ten years old, the thought of asking why never entered my mind, neither was I able to pray. In later years I realized that all my friends had a father who protected them, but not me. And the situation of orphan-hood weighed on me a lot.
Five years later, through a friend of mine, I met people who had made the Gospel their code of life. In their apartment – the Focolare – one evening I met Marco, the first young man who had followed Chiara Lubich. And he told me about the adventure of unity. His words so full of life, of the living Gospel in daily life, really hit me. I was no longer an orphan, I now had a Father who took care of me. In fact, in the years that followed I found a hundred fathers, a hundred mothers, a hundred brothers and sisters (see Mt. 19:29). I suddenly realized that I had to put the Gospel into practice, so I began at school, listening with love to that somewhat boring teacher, sharing my notes with my classmates who needed them.
A few years later, prompted by this wonderful discovery of God’s personal love, there began to grow in me the desire to give myself to him, and the experience of the Focolare was opened up to me. I lived for twenty six years in the Focolare in Vienna and then there were continual short visits to Czechoslovakia and Hungary to meet with people of the Movement there. These were the years in which there was a wall between us but what united us was the Gospel, because this is what they were thirsting for more than for freedom.
And we had our share of adventures during those trips. Once in the border area, opening the boot of the car for the usual checks, I realized to my horror that we had accidentally loaded a large suitcase full of videos, writings and slide photos of our communities. These were all “forbidden” materials. Strangely, the police gave a superficial glance (not noticing my terrified face) and told us that we could proceed. Everything turned out fine for our friends in Budapest who were able to have the necessary means to know about the spread of the Gospel around the world. On this and on many other occasions I saw God’s love watching over my steps, even when I didn’t do things as well as I should have.
The Genfest was held in Budapest in the beginning of September. It was such a joy for me to see. I remembered the days when we were meeting in the ‘catacombs’ with the young people, in a family home. It was officially prohibited to gather together groups of more than five people. In the midst of the tourist season we would be able to meet sometimes on weekends at a country cottage or at Lake Balaton. There, surrounded by tourists, we would be able to talk about the spirituality of unity and about our experiences of living the Gospel.
Today many of those teenagers, families and priests are actively involved in this new life in the Movement. Jesus in His powerful strength is the Light that always shines through, even when the doors are all closed, even now, as He did then.”
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Sep 15, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
“There has been much expectation and joy over this visit of Benedict XVI,” say Arlette Samma, Lebanese, and Giorgio Antoniazzi, Italian, who are co-directors of the Focolare Movement in Lebanon. The Movement has been present in this land since 1969. Arlette and Giorgio were interviewed while attending a meeting for regional delegates of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa, Italy. “The entire population is celebrating. The Muslims welcomed the news of the Pope’s visit and made clear their joy through their religious leaders. They see this this visit as a blessing especially during this delicate situation in the region,” Arlette explained. “The Middle East that has welcomed the Pope is no longer that of October 2010 when the Synod for the Middle East took place. Several political, social, popular and economic shocks have since rocked the nation and brought some nations in the region to their knees.” What is the awaited message? “It was broadly outlined in the recommendations made by the Synod but will certainly have new words, a new light,” continues Giorgio. “The heart of it all is the minority presence of Christians and the relationship with Islam, the question of religious freedom, freedom to worship, dialogue, peace which is needed more than ever now but continues to be threatened. And given that the title of the Synod was Communion and Witness, it makes one think that this is the challenge for the local Churches on the vigil of the Synod on Evangelization.” How has the population been preparing for this visit? “On 2 September there was a march for peace with Christians and Muslims, which we also attended. The march flowed into Reconciliation Square in Beirut. There were prayers and novenas in the Catholic diocese and parishes; the streets are wallpapered with photos of the Pope and with welcoming slogans for the man of peace. It has become a moment of hope for the people of the Middle East.” At the signing of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops, Benedict XVI met with the President of the Republic and with civil and Christian and Muslim religious authorities, and with young people at the Maronite Patriarchate. On Sunday morning he will celebrate the Holy Mass in the centre of Beirut. 
The Focolare Movement is present in every region of the country and Christians of different Eastern Churches and also many Muslims belong to it. How will you be involved during the Pope’s visit? “We’re inserted into the parishes and together with everyone else we will assist at the various events. We sent a present to the Pope along with our gratitude for his visit to our lands, assuring of our constant prayers for every step at every step of his journey, with the hope that it brings abundant graces of peace and hope to our people that has been so sorely tried. We also assured him of our faithful commitment to bring unity and brotherhood,” recalls Arlette. “There was a focolarino representing the Movement at the document signing on 14 September,” Giorgio explains, “and around a hundred youths were involved in helping out and attending the evening for young people on the 15th of September.” Arlette concluded: “This is undoubtedly an important moment for the unity of the Church and for the countries of the Middle East.”
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Sep 14, 2012 | Non categorizzato
On 13 September 2012 the annual meeting for 300 delegates of the Focolare Movement from around the world began with a welcoming speech by president Maria Voce.
The conference will run until 6 October 2012 and include a three-day retreat that will focus on one of the cardinal points of the spirituality of unity: love for neighbour. This theme will be deepened by drawing on texts and speeches by Chiara Lubich, and will be presented by Maria Voce and by reflections and testimonies of the participants. They will share their life experiences of the Word of the Gospel, which was the previous year’s theme for all the members of the Movement. There will also be a presentation and reflection on Benedict XVI’s Year of Faith by Irish theologian Fr Brendan Leahy and focolarina Dr Lida Ceccarelli. This first phase of the meeting will conclude with an international internet link-up that will involve Focolare communities spread throughout many countries.
On Monday 17 September 2012 work will begin on the various topics: the New Media and the transformation of society, the identity of the “focolarino” and his or her specific contribution – in the light of the charism of unity – to the Church and society, and a presentation on the development of the Movement in a few countries (Canada, USA, Latin America). There will be a presentation on the recent Genfest 2012 in which the young people took the lead. It is a sign of the importance with which the Focolare look to the future generations as a future that is already present and an encouragement for the entire Movement. On 26 September the Holy Mass will be presided over by the Bishop of Frascati, Raffaello Martinelli.
During this meeting Citta Nuova will release its new book, “La scommessa di Emmaus, cosa fanno e cosa pensano I focolarini dopo Chiara (“The Challenge for Emmaus: What the focolarini are doing and thinking in the aftermath of Chiara”).
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Sep 11, 2012 | Non categorizzato
“If each one of us were to share with at least five other young people what we have lived during these days in Budapest, then perhaps we really could change the world.” This was courageously spoken by one Palestinian Muslim from Jerusalem who then concluded: “Don’t forget to pray for the situation in Palestine.” His words were echoed by an Algerian, also a Muslim: “If it was possible to live these days with young people of so many ethnic groups, cultures, languages and religions, then it can also be done in the places we live.” These words were spoken on the last morning of the Genfest, which was dedicated to interreligious dialogue.
Among the main protagonists of the Genfest eventwhich took place in the Sports Arena, there were also Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus who were directly and personally involved in the organization of the event. On Sunday morning as the Roman Catholic young people attended Mass in the great St Stephen’s Square, young people of other Christian Churches took part in liturgical services organised by their own Church: there were members of the Orthodox Church from 8 Patriarchates and Churches, Coptic-Orthodox, Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists and members of the Pentecostal Church. The Holy Supper, which the Lutherans and members of the Reformed Church celebrated together, was presided by Pastor Zoltan Tarr, Secretary-General of the Synod of the Hungarian Reformed Church.
For the faithful of other religions an alternative program was provided which allowed them to meet for sharing experiences of their commitment to dialogue in everyday life. This interreligious gathering really took the hearts and minds of all who attended. It turned out to be quite a special moment that strengthened the bridges amidst the diversity of religions and cultures. The moderators of the assembly included an Algerian Muslim, a Japanese Buddhist and a Jordanian Christian.
The hall became a living kaleidoscope. There were people from USA, Uruguay, Japan, Thailand, India, Algeria, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian Territory, Macedonia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, France, Italy and other countries. Among them were Jews, Muslims, Mahayana and Theravada Buddhists, Hindus and Jainists and representatives of the Tenri-kyo, a nineteenth century religion from Japan. There were also some Catholic young people among them who wanted to share this moment with their friends.
Representatives from different religious traditions shared how they are already trying to build peace and universal brotherhood in their daily lives. There were young people from a Jewish group of laity in Uruguay who are working for human rights; the commitment of Algerian and Macedonian Muslim youths in living out the values of universal brotherhood in their daily lives at work and at university; social projects that were organized by a Gandhi organization in southern India. The young people belonging to Tenri-kyo described their efforts in trying to bring joy to the world; the Buddhists of the Myochikai shared about their project involving youth training in ethics promoted through various interreligious networks, particularly that of the Rissho Kosei-kai which organises several peace programs, including the “Donate-a-Meal Fund for Peace“.
After nearly two hours they concluded with a minute of deep silence in which each of them prayed in their hearts according to the words and sentiments of their own faith for peace in the world and the work for universal brotherhood, and that they would be true builders of bridges. While leaving the gathering two young Jewish young people from Uruguay commented: “This was an incredible experience! We must work together for bringing this spirit to wherever we are.” Two Hindus said: “There are no words to describe what we have experienced in these days.” One Japanese Buddhist commented: “I’ve found the strength to face the difficult situations with love.” and together with some others he shouted: “Let’s bridge!”
Sep 10, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Maria Voce, president of the Focolare Movement, and Gianfranco Faletti, co-president, visit the Focolare communities in Eqypt (4-11 September 2012).
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Sep 10, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
‘“You’ve brightened Egypt” is a common phrase in Egypt, used to welcome new guests who have come to visit. A phrase dictated by the wisdom of an ancient culture that sees the gift of God’s presence in the guest who arrives. These words also synthesize the moments of discussion between Maria Voce and Giancarlo Falleti and several groups of the Focolare Movement in Egypt. Everyone was looking forward to such an open discussion in which they could talk about the challenges that are facing Egypt today, and issues related to the relationship among Churches.
What does it mean to live the Gospel in such a context today? How can we remain open to everyone in a society where there is so much discrimination? How are we to understand what choices to make about our future when we are young? And for our families? Is it possible to live the spirit of communion in such a complex and rapidly changing society whose future is also so cloudy? These are pressing questions for today’s Egyptians, two years away from the Egyptian Revolution in Tahrir Square, with a population that is young and where Christians are looking to the future with apprehension. The Christian community here descends from the Apostolic Church, founded by Mark the Evangelist. But it is presently a minority, even though it is deeply rooted in and part of the society and of the cultural history of this land.
There were several opportunities for dialogue among the Focolare members with their president and co-president: the meeting of 350 close adherents; the meeting among focolarini (men) and focolarine (women) living in community in Cairo and Sohag; the evening with around a hundred young people who are the animators of activities for young people in the spirit of the Focolare. Maria Voce and Giancarlo Falletti’s suggestions were very provocative because of their radicalness. They always went back to the Gospel as the only prospective from which to view the present as well as the future. Then they expressed their gratitude to everyone for their commitment in living the message of Gospel love under the banner of the unity for which Jesus had prayed before dying.
“Your life has been affected by this great suspension” admitted co-president Faletti. “An historical change is underway which involves contingencies. We want to share this uncertainty with you. We feel that you are the privileged brothers and sisters. You’re not alone. In our travels we’ve met other countries like your own, even in worse situations where there was overwhelming uncertainty. I am so grateful for your life.” Then, recalling the experience of Chiara Lubich during the early days of the Movement in the midst of the Second World War, he concluded: “(…) Chiara returned to her city deprived of certainties and securities. God was calling her there(…) As far as possible remain in the city where God has placed you. You are contributing to the path of God in humanity.”
The challenges lie precisely in the life of each day, said Maria Voce to a young married couple. She recalled that is was into a society like this that Jesus had come and lived, bringing a New Law, a law of love towards brothers and sisters with forgiveness. It’s not weakness but a sign of strength. Memories were still vivid of the days in Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Revolution that had given hope to millions of Egyptians. “How can we be true revolutionaries by bringing the light that makes us see?” asked one youth. Maria Voce offered him a challenge. “The only answer for this is the life of Jesus. The revolution that takes place in the life of a youth who tries to live the spirituality of the Focolare is that of living the life of Jesus. And Jesus says: “I am the light of the world” (Jn. 8:12). This is the real revolution: asking oneself what Jesus would do here, today. ‘You will do even greater things than I have done’ (see Jn. 14:12). He said it and we can do it. We can be the true revolutionaries par excellence!”
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Sep 9, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
“Pharaohs, the Greeks, Bedouins, Christians and Muslims. . . The Egypt of today is a synthesis of these cultures that have all brought something to the unique personality of the Egyptians, with its beauty, originality and, also, contradictions.” Sally, a young woman from Cairo, presented a brief overview of the religious and cultural history of this fascinating land.
It was Friday afternoon, which is holiday for the majority of Egyptians which is Muslim. The gathering took place in the large Jesuit College close to the central railway station and not far from Tahrir Square.
The special guests entered into a darkened hall. It was like entering into the inner chamber of an ancient pyramid surrounded by supernatural mystery. The three hundred and fifty people who had gathered were welcomed amid bursting enthusiasm as the lights were turned on. It appeared a true phantasmagoria of colour and sound, expressing the great joy.
Shortly before, a group of children had handed to Maria Voce the Key of Ankh, the Egyptian symbol for life and immortality. With this same key, Sally offered an hour-long presentation of the history of this people and its society that arose along the banks of the Nile, until the Tahrir Square and the Arab Revolution, which has left the country with a new situation to be faced.
The history of the Focolare Movement is also inserted into the history of this ancient country. It first appeared with the arrival of Aletta Salizzoni, Mariba Zimmermann and Marise Atallah on the 26 January 1981. This moment was the beginning of a change in the lives of many people within the Christian community, producing in this land the birth of many groups of people who spend their lives in the building of communities in which mutual love is practiced and where Christ can be present.
The spirituality of unity has now spread to Sohag, Luxor, Aswan, Alessandria, Ismailia and other cities, even into the smallest villages. Representatives from Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Syria and Iraq were also in attendance. There were groups from all over the country, who had gathered in Egypt to share with the president and co-president the latest pages of their country’s history beginning with the “revolution” as everyone calls it here. During that week, Sally recalls, “it was difficult to leave the house, there was not security and we were planted in the present moment. We prayed more and tried to help others. This resulted in deeper relationships with our neighbours and among Christians and Muslims. Our fear had been transformed into mutual love and joyous communion. We could feel the unity of our great family.”
To conclude there were a few pieces of folkore, bright colours, bright like the faces that appeared on stage. This was followed later in the day by meetings with the children, youths, and families where there were open and sincere discussions. Tomorrow there will be more discussion with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti.
By Roberto Catalano
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Sep 8, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Watch Telepace TV transmission – The Holy Father’s greeting to the young people
There were 1,700 young people from forty-one nations at the Wednesday audience, but they were there representing 12,000 youths who had attended the Genfest (31 August – 2 September), an international event promoted by the Focolare Movement, entitled “Let’s bridge,” that is, “Let’s build bridges.” During the English language greetings the Pope turned to the young people of the Focolare Movement, appealing to them: “You have taken to heart Christ’s call to promote unity in human family, by courageously building bridges.” Then the Holy Father added: “Therefore, I encourage you: be strong in your Catholic faith; and let the simple joy, the pure love, and the profound peace that come from the encounter with Jesus, make you radiant witnesses of the Good News before the young people of your own lands. God bless all of you abundantly!”
The Pope had already sent them a message to them during the Genfest. Now, as he spoke to them in person, the young people returning from Budapest waved the colourful ribbons and scarfs that they had been waving during their march through the streets of Hungary with a flash mob on the Chain Bridge. At the conclusion of the audience, a small delegation of four youths – from Mexico, Iraq and Pakistan – were invited to personally greet the Pope on behalf of the 12,000 young people from the Genfest. They offered Benedict XVI the Genfest CD with songs of the young performers from around the world.
The Focolare youth are now attending a course at the Mariapolis Centre in Castelgandolfo and in Sassone, Italy, which will conclude on Sunday, 9 September. This course will examine the topic of “fraternity”, which was the theme of the Budapest event. They will also discuss how to bring forward the United World Project that was begun in Budapest. And it will create a permanent international observatory that will look into initiatives and projects that have actually been able to generate an “increase in fraternity”. The observatory will also promote the “category of fraternity” through specific cultural activities. Then they will consider the request to the UN of recognizing the international interest of World Unity Week by confirming and expanding this annual event that has been being held by the Focolare young people – and others – for fifteen years with the intention of giving a voice to “universal brotherhood”.
Support the project by signing the online petition at:
http://www.unitedworldproject.it/2/i_commit_myself_329906.html
Watch the video of the audience (excerpt from the live coverage at TV di Telepace).
Sep 7, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Greetings of the Holy Father to the young people who had participated in Genfest 2012
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Sep 6, 2012 | Non categorizzato
The annual meeting of bishops from different Churches, animated by the spirituality of the Focolare, is currently underway in Cairo, Egypt (3-8 September). This year, the thirty first such meeting, has included bishops from twenty two Christian Churches from every continent. The choice of Cairo, in this time of painful and uncertain change, adds special significance to the event. This time the bishops wish to testify to their solidarity and closeness to their Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East and particularly the Coptic Church in Egypt. They would like their presence to be a sign that, when faced with external difficulties, it is even more imperative that we draw together in unity.
The program includes moments of reflection on the theme “fraternal relationships amidst diversity”, which the Gospel requires in the form of love for neighbour. There are also moments for ecclesial and personal sharing and for liturgical celebrations with the members of their own Christian communities. On Thursday they attended presentations by the president and the co-president of the Focolare Movement, respectively Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti, entitled “To Meet our Neighbour with Love”.
On the first day of the gathering, the small group of bishops who were the animators of the event, visited the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, where they met with Anba Bakhomios, temporarily administrator of the Church until a successor is elected to replace Pope Shenouda III. They had a cordial meeting in the Cathedral of St Mark’s. Anba Bakhomios, in fact, had spoken of the importance of unity and of the centrality of the Cross in the Christian life, especially in the life of the Coptic community. Although it has often been silenced, the life of the Christians of Egypt has been persecuted in many ways throughout the centuries. Nowadays the pressure is often subtle, but insupportable because of the injustice that has led to the murdering of Christians in several violent attacks around the country.
The bishops of the various Churches took the opportunity to thank the Coptic Orthodox Church for its fedelity to the tradition that goes all the way back to Mark the Evangelist, and for its commitment to defending against doctrinal errors and persecutions. The Coptics thanked the bishops for their prayerful presence and support during these difficult times of trial and pain.
Within the context of this experience of ecclesial communion, on Tuesday (4 September), the bishops visited two monasteries three hours away from Cairo, to discover the monastic patrimony of the Coptics that goes back to the third century. Pope Shenouda III, who was so loved by the people, came from this monastic tradition: “The whole experience of these days among the bishops was one of solidarity in action,” affirmed Anba Thomas, who works in the administration of the Church. “The Christians of Egypt have felt the unity of the Christians of the world. It is the Holy Spirit moving among us, and He is demonstrating that if we get to work, and if we trust each other, then unity among Churches will really be possible.” The gathering highlighted the spiritual unity even before the the institutional or theological one. This spiritual aspect remains what is essential, because without it nothing will be possible.
Coming out of the great cathedral building of St Mark’s and from the Coptic Patriarchate, it was difficult not to remember the Arab proverb that says, “Whoever drinks the water of the Nile, will return to Egypt”. And these were the sentiments expressed by Anba Bhakomios when he took leave of Giancarlo Faletti, who assured him of the Focolare’s prayers for the election of the new Coptic Pope: “We’ll invite you; we will invite you,” responded the Administrator of the Coptic Church, seeming to confirm the bond that had really been born among brothers and sisters, members of the one Body of Christ.
By Roberto Catalano
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Sep 6, 2012 | Non categorizzato
In recent years, Hurgarda, on the Red Sea, and Luxor in the vicinity of Alessandria have been welcoming the Mariapolis of the Focolare Movement. These places are rich in natural and artistic beauty, symbols of the deeply religious, open, hospitable, and joyful Egyptian population who are also endowed with a basic human equilibrium which has resulted from their large capacity for suffering and bearing with adversity. They showed this to the world during the events of December 2011.
This history of the spirituality of unity in Egypt reaches back to the end of the 1950’s when Marco Tecilla disembarked in Alessandria for a meeting with one of the first Franciscans who came to know the Movement, Fr Nazareno Beghetto. At the end of 1960 some focolarini from Algeria spent just a few days in Egypt, but in 1975, Aletta Salizzoni went to stay in the land of the Pharoahs along with the Matta family from Lebanon. They had been invited by the Good Shepherd Sisters who, having attended the Mariapolis in that country had begun the first focolare community there.
In the late 1970’s Word of Life groups were spreading. It was through the life in these groups that a group of Gen were born who attended an international convention in Rome, Italy. When they returned home they asked that a focolare be opened there. Their dream came true on 26 January 1981. Aletta arrived in Cairo together with two other focolarine and they found a house in Shoubra. On 13 October 1983 a men’s focolare was also opened.
In 1982 Fr Morcos Hakim was elected bishop of Sohag (Upper Egypt). This led to a blossoming community of youths and adults in the city and in the surrounding villages: simple poeple, some anable to read or write, who welcomed and lived the Word of Life with commitment. Meanwhile the focolarini and focolarine were taking more trips to other areas of the country. Mariapolises were held both in Cairo and in Sohag. A group of students began to spread the ideal of unity in Assiut as well and, noticing this blossoming of life, Bishop Morcos asked that a focolare be opened in the South as well. In 1995 three focolarine, among them the first Egyptian focolarina, moved to Sohag. From there they took many regular trips, spreading the spirituality of the Movement in Minia, Luxor and Assuan. In the 1980’s a community was begun in Alessandria around Sr. Cecilia, a Salesian. This community continued to flourish even after the death of this religious sister, the members continuing to gather around the Word and sharing how they were trying to live it in their daily lives.
But in the meantime many other elements of the Focolare were beginning to appear – many priests and seminarians embraced the spirituality of unity – Focolare families began to have an impact in their local areas that was much appreciated. A group for couples was formed around an Italian and Lebanese husband and wife that later led to the creation of a formation centre for engaged and young married couples. This centre offered courses in marriage life, motherhood, fatherhood, and welcoming the gift of new life. With the encouragement of the Conference of Bishops and of Patriarch Stephanos II, this centre was relocated within the walls of the Patriarchate.
The Focolare in Egypt today has a clearly ecumencial character: a community composed of members of the Catholic Church, several Eastern Rite Churches and the Coptic Orthodox Church. Many rediscover the beauty of their own Churches and become involved in making them more beautiful according to the design of God for them. This ecumenism demonstrates that the diaologue of life permits prejudices that have sometimes existed for centuries, to be overcome..
New relationships have developed not only among Christians (10% of the population), but also with Muslims, and this encourages and spreads hope and certainty that a united world is possible beyond our differences.
By Roberto Catalano
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Sep 5, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
4 September 2012. 14:00. Following a twenty hour-long bus ride we arrived in Castelli Romani, Italy. We were different from when we had left. How many were we? There were ninety-six on the bus and twenty on the plane, and the others whom we met in Budapest. There were the four who had travelled by car in order to save some money, some others in a camper, some friends working behind the scenes in the underground area of the Sports Arena: the people working in productions, the Internet coordinator, the youths who were working on the social networks and many others. Our group was like a small slice of the Genfest with people of different ages (some younger than fourteen – the group’s mascot – and some who were already over thirty). There were also people of different beliefs in our group (many Catholics, even practicing, many who were just curious to experience something different. And then there were some agnostics and nonbelievers, and also a few priests and religious sisters).
News of the Genfest could be had through various means (press releases, social networks, the instant replay of the event). But how will we know what this even meant for those who were there? Only time will tell, but we did get some sense of what it was like. Before leaving Budapest, this very Italian group sat for a while on a lawn in the in front of the “downtown Church” just a few metres from the Chain Bridge which had been the site of the largest flash mob in history, ever to be performed on a bridge (it actually shook under the weight of the 12 thousand rejoicing youths!). As they sat there on the lawn it seemed that time stood still.
They no longer heard the noise of the traffic or the voices of pedestrians as they hurried by, nor were they bothered by the roasting afternoon temperatures and thirst. All they were hearing was the river of life sharing that flowed from those who overcoming their timidity, raised their voices to tell what was taking place within them. “I found the courage to ‘allow myself to be wounded’ by the sufferings of others without trying to move beyond it,” says 22 year-old Tiziana who is studying economy. And Francesco, who is not yet eighteen: “I had decided to come at the last minute just to do something that might be interesting at the end of the summer holiday. I was never expecting such a big change in me. It began with an apple that rolled over my foot and a smile as I handed it back to the one who had dropped it. For the past few days I have only tried to love the person who was near me, and I’ve never felt as alive as I do now.” Fourteen year-old Anna confides: “This year has been a bit sad for me, thinking about the many friends with whom I’ve tried to share this great ideal and little by little they drifted away. That’s why, when I heard about Genfest I did everything I could to attend. And with the charge I received during the days of this event, seeing how many we are, all of us believing that a united world is possible, I want to go back home and shout out to everyone about this great dream.” Freddy, eighteen years old: “We are all agnostics in a group I belong to, atheists and nonbelievers. But welcoming others is fundamental for us. This is what we experienced over these past few days, we felt like brothers and sisters in spite of the differences.”
I can leave now as the Genfest challenge has been won. One year ago, when we planned the trip, the young group leaders had said that we would need a whole week, since the fundamental thing would be to build relationships, strong bonds with our friends. And that’s how this trip turned out. It brought us through Vienna, and we stayed on in Budapest for an extra day in order to get to know this marvellous city. At the heart of it all were the two days at the Sport Arena, the Chain Bridge and the gathering in front of St Stephen’s Cathedral. “As soon as I stepped into the Arena something happened,” says Paolo; the concert on the 31st of August, the language of the songs that united the young people from all over the world, the feeling that you needed to jump up and down, to embrace each other, to share our feelings. But this emotion was immediately transformed into life, as is shown by the experiences they have shared; it has translated into courage and decision. And it has given them the courage to return home and live their motto “Let’s bridge,” to be a living bridge to anyone we may meet.
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Sep 4, 2012 | Non categorizzato
My name is Sam and I come from Thailand. I am a Buddhist and I got to know Youth for a United World through a Buddhist friend of mine. Being and working with them, I saw how it was possible to be truly brothers and sisters, even though we have different faith beliefs.
In October last year, there was severe flooding in my country. The destruction was massive and incalculable. It will take a very long time to rebuild what was lost, because houses, factories, whole villages and cities were under water for various months in different parts of the country!
An extraordinary thing that happened was that this terrible calamity also brought about a great sense of solidarity among all the Thai people. It was an unexpected phenomenon. The country had just come out of a long period of political struggle which had at times been violent because of the elections. Perhaps you remember seeing soldiers shooting and dead bodies on the street. Instead, the flood reunited everyone.
The floods affected me personally. The water had flooded the entire neighbourhood where I lived. I didn’t have much to lose because I lived in a small apartment, but others even lost their lives through electric shocks. People rushed frantically to escape the danger and found refuge at a reception point.
Together with the Youth for a United World we went to help the people who had found shelter in one of the reception centres. There elderly people as well as children. Some had left their homes in the clothes they were in, not being able to carry anything with them. Some were in a state of shock, a few were seriously ill. It was a terrible scene! So, we tried to help in practical ways, but also encouraging those who were demoralised, giving out food and toys to the children and playing with them; we tried to share in their hopelessness.
The most important thing at the time was to help save the city of Bangkok, the capital from the floods. Students and many other people set about strengthening the banks of the rivers and canals and building barriers to divert any water that overflowed. We too went to fill bags with sand that was delivered by big trucks… When we got to the place where the sandbags were being prepared we worked day and night in the mud. The sand was dirty and stank: it was a real race against time. People came from all over the city at all hours.
It was exhausting work and we also had to miss out on some meals and sleep. The ideal of a united world kept us going. We built and repaired the banks of the canals that protected the capital of Bangkok, but even better than this was the friendships and fraternity that was built amongst everyone and which still remains. In the end the flood passed but what remained was the joy of having given of ourselves to build a more united world. This might mean getting our hands dirty in the midst of the mud, but the greatest joy was in giving and in loving!
Sep 3, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Sep 3, 2012 | Non categorizzato
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Sep 3, 2012 | Senza categoria
Today young people are able to have quite valid international experiences. Through social networks they are able to meet in the name of common ideals. In this sense, how do you see the role and significance of the Genfest today?
After twelve years since its last edition, this Genfest was quite awaited. And the young people taken a year of Genfest for themselves, extending from 1 May 2012 to 1 May 2013, in order to show that both are part of it – that of grand international events and that of daily life, which they also share on the web.
In his message to the 45th World Communications Day (2011), Pope Benedict XVI makes a very clear analysis of both the potential and the limints of social networks in which young people are immersed, and he invites Christians to be there in creative ways, “because this network is an integral part of human life. “The web,” says the Holy Father, “is contributing to the development of new and more complex intellectual and spiritual horizons, new forms of sahred awareness.” On the other hand, he underscores that “It is important always to remember that virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives.” We are also convinced of this (. . . ), young people long for authentic relationships, “globalizing” I would say, realtionships that engage the entire person. It is only through direct contact that you can fully experience the joy of an encounter with another person, the challenge and richness of the diversity, the power of a shared ideal that you can live for together. The Genfest is a moment in which to see already realized the unity and brotherhood that these young people believe in and live for.
The Movement places itself before this challenge aware of the gift that God has given to it, the charism of unity, which is more than ever in keeping with humanity’s call to live as one family, in an interdependence and solidarity that this new cultural situation hastens and underscores (. . . ). This Genfest, not only as an event, but also as a phenomenon of sharing that the youths have begun in the preparations and that continues through concrete projects, is an important step, an experience that will provide significant insights. And it is especially interesting to bring this reflection ahead, young people and adults together.
Up until now the Genfests have been held in Rome. The choice of a Central European country, the city of Budapest, does this contain some special message?
Certainly, a powerful one! For the Movement first of all, it is a new phase in which we are recognizing a need to rediscover together the special riches that each land and people can offer to the world symphony (. . .) It is in the DNA of Hungary, Budapest in particular, part of its history, to search for the unity in diversity: Budapest is the “bridge city” par excellence. I think this was the most favourable place to send a message to today’s world that universal brotherhood is possible, while saving the richness of each individual.
Now that Genfest is over and you are taking scale, how does it scale?
I think that one of the features of this Genfest has been to give a new impulse to our trust for one another and to the complementarity among the generations that teach us much (. . .). I can say that it leaves me with great hope and joy at having seen the radical and concrete committment of these youths. They accepted with great involvement the invitation to aim high, to be on God’s side and to give their own irreplaceable contribution to the society, risking everything, beginning with loving each neighbour without expecting a return. Their bright and joyful visit has transformed Budapest and many have felt it and thanked them for it by joining in the march. Their return to their various homelands will bring a wave of love and joy into the whole world (. . . ).
Source: Tünde Lisztovszki/Magyar Kurír: http://www.magyarkurir.hu/node/41764
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Sep 2, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Day 2 of Genfest was held in the Budapest Sports Arena with talks, presentations, music and dance, movement and colour all representing the metaphor of building bridges. The “Let’s bridge” hand sign was continually shared, and acquired an even deeper meaning by the end of the day. The first phase in building bridges is to make a plan. Bassem from Egypt told of the conflicts following the events in Tahrir Square. There was talk of social exclusion, as was highlighted by the experience of Plinio in Brazil. There was talk of protesting and violence calling for revenge. . . or for other ways of facing the problems of today’s world. Get your hands dirty digging through the mud is the next phase. The young people from Thailand took these words quite literally, telling how they went out to help victims of the flood that had devastated their country. This commitment involves reaching out personally to people who are in need. Ricardo from Chile and the young people from Indonesia and Sweden told the same story under different circumstances. Lay the foundations. Then it was time to talk about laying the foundations. Here the young people were given the opportunity to relive the experience of Chiara Lubich, through a theatrical monologue that included her words at the United Nations. The message was clear: a choice of God who is Love that stirs us to love others. The Golden Rule expressed by the Christian Scriptures: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Mt. 7:12). And this expressed in different ways by the sacred texts of the other Great Religions. It was confirmed by the experience of some Christian and Hindu youths from India, by a young married couple from Switzerland and by Nacho, a young Argentinian who left behind a promising career in football in order to dedicate his life to the service of others. These were courageous choices, often against the current, but always bringing the fullness of life. . . 
The completion of the bridge is the next phase. This is an image of the unity that flows through daily situations in life. It involves the cornerstone that keeps the bridge’s arch from collapsing: loving even when it is painful. This was illustrated by some young Italians who work at a centre that offers help to illegal immigrants. Their presentation also had photos and voice recordings of their friends. Adhelard and Ariane shared from Burundi about their work in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Bujumbura. And Kaye from the Philippines shared her experience of separation in the family. They were stories that have not yet had a happy outcome, continuing to be lived with love that allowed those involved to experience a fullness of life even in sorrowful situations such as these. Thus solid foundations are laid that allow safe crossing, the final phase of this metaphorical process. A bridge allows access to many roads. Issa, a Christian from Nazareth and Noura, a Muslim from Jerusalem know this is true. They meet regularly, together with other Christian, Muslim and Jewish youths to know one another more and to pray for peace. The joy was quite great among the 12,000 youths they flowed out of the Sport Arena in the evening, on a symbolic march towards the Chain Bridge. Thirty seconds of silence before the go-ahead was given to the biggest international flashmob in history. Someone shouted “Go!” and the young people exchanged the colourful scarfs on which they had each written a phrase along with their name. It was a moment of joyful and festive confusion. Then there was another shout: “Stop!” and they were allowed to unfold the scarfs and discover: “the gift that God wanted to give me,” as one tearful youth said after reading the message: “God loves you immensely.” “Today we begin to live for peace,” another said. “Let’s bridge” was written in all the languages. “The bracelet, the sign of our pact, I put on my wrist not to be a conformist, but because it makes me commit,” said one young man. 
Looking into their faces, it was really possible to believe. Perhaps Budapest will be able to write in its history about this unusual and non-violent revolution that has been reborn from here. The final morning, 2 September was spent in St Stephen’s Square, at the very heart of the city where there was the Holy Mass for the Catholic young people. Youths from other Churches celebrated their services in other locations around the city and the 160 Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu youth also found a place prepared for each of them. At the conclusion they all gathered together for a moment of silence and recollection for peace: the Time-Out. The next appointment will be in Rio de Janeiro. Two Brazilian young people went on stage and invited everyone to World Youth Day 2013 in their country. Everyone left committed to building fraternal relationships among groups and individuals in the 104 countries from which they came. From Budapest to the world!
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Sep 1, 2012 | Non categorizzato
“Dearest young people, (…) Travelling around the world, I met young people of yesterday and today; I have seen the transformation of social conditions in which they live; I have seen the breaking down of so many securities; I have seen the sufferings of those who could not find work, of not being able to have more moments and places of encounter if not the empty noise of the clubs and bars or the maddening sound of motor racing…. Everything is in rapid evolution, in continuous change, so that it seems impossible to grip onto a foothold that will not collapse, or climb a step that will not wobble. I saw a generation grow with fear, a fear of being deceived and disappointed, a fear of giving something of oneself and to remain empty-handed; fear of finding oneself alone though in the midst of a crowd. But I have also met many young people, including many of you, who despite everything, know that in order to build a more united world, changes are needed, primarily personal ones, and therefore radical choices. And they make them”. (…) Read complete talk: 
Maria Voce’s keynote address to Genfest 2012
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Sep 1, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Yesterday, 31 August, the busy day began at the Hungarian Parliament where an international youth delegation from the Genfest were welcomed. This was followed in the afternoon by a grand celebration in the esplanade of the Sports Arena, the opening of an “Expo of Eastern Europe” performance and sport activities with live interviews transmitted over the radio. In the evening there was the festive evening concert with young artists from five continents, preceded by the greetings of the Mayor of Budapest Tarlos Istvan, by the General President of UNESCO MS Katalina Bogyay.
Pope Benedict XVI sent a message giving his warm greetings to all the young people present. Referring to the Genfest motto “Let’s bridge” and to the bridges destroyed in the Second World War, the Pope affirmed: “Yet out of the ashes of that terrible conflict, there arose a determination to build peace on lasting foundations, a determination which was to be the inspiration behind the founding of the Focolare Movement. The bridges across the Danube were rebuilt, and the international community set itself the goal of eliminating once and for all the conditions that might lead to future conflict.”
“While Budapest itself, together with much of Eastern Europe, continued to suffer under the oppression of a totalitarian regime, there too, new possibilities for freedom and fraternal outreach have come about since the end of the Cold War. May this beautiful city be a sign of hope to inspire all the young people present to offer the hand of friendship to those from other backgrounds and cultures, “in such a way as to shape the earthly city in unity and peace, rendering it to some degree an anticipation and foreshadowing of the undivided city of God” (Caritas in Veritate, 7).”
Today, 1 September, there was the presentation of the several national delegations and the first part of “Let’s bridge”, the metaphor of the various phases in building a bridge. There will also be alternating reflections and witnesses by the youths from around the world who are committed to bringing about universal brotherhood in today’s world.
A solemn moment took place when the United World Project was launched. This project was conceived and developed by the youth of the Focolare Movement and open to everyone’s collaboration, which will be launched in its first phase in Budapest, aims to highlight and promote fraternity already under way by individuals, groups and nations. It will also start up a permanent international Observatory, recognized by the UN.
It is to these young people in particular that Maria Voce addressed her talk this afternoon, challenging them to: “Look on high. Set your gazes far, it is there that you’ll find something certain that you can grab onto. Look to the Love that is God. He is the only One who doesn’t disappoint you. Place yourselves on his side, trying to see the world and things with his eyes and you’ll be firm pillars of new bridges upon which everyone will walk happy and secure, and others will follow you.”
With their intense silence the young people absorbed her every word.
“Then, have no fear!” she continued, “Be yourselves and enter personally into society, and place your small or great personality at its service, your abilities and your talents. You make a unique contribution, one that will never be repeated again, different from that of the adults. . . You are now called to spend your lives for something immense, leaving behind you something immortal”.
At this point Maria Voce urged everyone: “So you need step into action. . . Begin to love concretely. The first step will not involve grand scale actions, but those small acts of love that make life great and have the power to change the world and influence society. . . And never allow the bridges that have been built today to lessen. The first bridge was built right here among yourselves. . . You’ve constructed a small bit of united world and each of you carries the strength of this experience within you. . . And so you shall file forth from this Sport Arena like a great river of love”.
She concluded by recalling a statement made by the founder, Chiara Lubich: “The world needs more soul, more love. And this is what we should bring to it!” She wished them: “Courage, then! All of us united in this beautiful adventure!”
In the evening there will be a large “Flashmob” – tranmsitted through live streaming – held simultaneously with other flashmobs around the world. The one in Hungary will take place at the historical Chain Bridge over the Danube. It aims to show the commitment of the Youth for Unity to build bridges among people, countries, religions and cultures.
Address by Maria Voce
Message sent by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI
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Sep 1, 2012 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare Movement also pauses and gratefully remembers Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini. We give thanks to God for having given to the Church and to the world a man who has provided such a great personal witness. We treasure his extraordinary love for the Word of God and his capacity for dialogue with the contemporary culture. These are the two pearls that we would like to see gathered by the new generations, as we begin the Genfest with 12,000 young people who have gathered from the five continents, in Budapest, Hungary.
Aug 31, 2012 | Non categorizzato, Word of
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Jesus’ words are addressed to all of us who are thirsty in this world: to those who are conscious of their spiritual aridity and who still suffer thirst, and to those who are not even aware of the need to drink from the fountain of true life and of the great values of humanity.
Jesus is actually extending an invitation to all men and women today, revealing where we can find the answer to our questions and the fulfillment of all our desires. It is up to us, therefore, to draw from his words, to let ourselves be imbued with his message.
How? By re-evangelizing our life, measuring it against his words, trying to think with the mind of Jesus and to love with his heart.
Every moment in which we seek to live the Gospel is like drinking a drop of that living water. Every gesture of love for our neighbor is like a sip of that water.
Yes, because that water, which is so alive and precious, has something special about it. It wells up within us each time we open our hearts to others. It’s a wellspring of God that gives water to us in the measure in which it flows out from us to quench the thirst of others through small or big acts of love.
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
We’ve understood: to avoid suffering thirst, we must give to others the living water within ourselves that we draw from him.
Very little is needed — at times a word, a smile, a simple gesture of solidarity, to give us a renewed sense of fulfillment, of profound satisfaction, a surge of joy. And if we continue to give, this fountain of peace and life will pour out water evermore abundantly and will never dry up.
Jesus revealed to us yet another secret, a kind of bottomless well from which we can draw. When two or three are united in his name, by loving one another with his very own love, he is in their midst (see Mt 18:20). And it is then that we are free, that we are one, full of light, with rivers of living water flowing from within us (see Jn 7:38). It is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise, because it is from Jesus himself, present in our midst, that thirst-quenching water wells up for eternity.
Chiara Lubich
Originally published in 2002 (New City Magazine)
Aug 31, 2012 | Non categorizzato
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Aug 31, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
Following a year of hard work and great expectation, Genfest 2012 has finally begun in Budapest! There is a festive atmosphere on the streets of the Hungarian capital among friends who are finally meeting one another not on the world wide web, but in person.
On the morning of 31 August an international delegation of young people was welcomed by the Hungarian Parliament together with president of the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce. The Minister of External Affairs, Martonyi Janos, delivered a welcoming address in which he underscored that: “The challenges are global and the answers are universal and linked to universal values.” Then he added: “We must respond to the culture of hatred with the culture of love.” Then he thanked the youths from Young People for Unity “who have brought such extraordinary projects here. Through their love we discover ours.”
Yesterday afternoon there was the inauguration of Fraternity Corner in one of the public parks of the capital, which the youths had planned and brought about with the collaboration of Budapest’s City Hall. “We would like to give hope to our city,” says Rita, a twenty-five year old Hungarian. And they did it in the presence of the civil authorities and a colourful crowd of several hundred young people who attended the inauguration.
Gergo Jedliscita, an architect, is thirty years old. He is the one who had designed the corner, which is located in the very heart of Budapest’s young nightlife. It has five rectangular marble blocks of different sizes, which stand on a platform in one of the corners of the park. The blocks represent the five continents. On the faces of stone is chiseled the Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you – written in the major languages of the world, also in Braille. It is meant to be a tangible sign of Genfest 2012’s message to the world.
The day concluded with a performance of the Streetlight Musical by Gen Rosso, before an audience of more than 4,000 people. On stage with the artists there were also 120 Hungarian teenagers who had attended a two-day workshop with the music group.
A hundred and four nations from five continents were represented including a group of 250 young people from the Middle East. There were many Christians from different Churches and around 100 from other religions together with a constant presence of youths with no religious affiliation.
Aug 30, 2012 | Non categorizzato
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t82EyPeQ990
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Aug 30, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
Program of the Genfest
It’s not long now before the start of this much-awaited international event! We’ve been inundated with requests from people around the world asking how they can follow Genfest 2012. Here are some details: LIVE INTERNET STREAMING: http://www.genfest.org/live
It will be possible to follow the transmission from the Sports Arena in Budapest in these languages: Hungarian, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic. Scheduled transmission times (Central European time):
Friday 31st August – from 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm
Saturday, 1st September – from 10:30 am to 12.30pm and from 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm. The flashmob at the Chain Bridge will be held between 9.00pm – 10 pm.
SOCIAL MEDIA The official channels of Genfest 2012: 
RECEPTION PARAMETERS – Duna World (audio transmission in English, Hungarian and Italian – the official languages of the event) http://dunaworld.hu/eng/reception.html Schedule:
Saturday 1st September
10:00 am – “Opening of Genfest 2012” (a summary of the previous day’s program)
10:30 am – Live from the Sports Arena
3:30 pm – Live from the Sports Arena
5:30 – “Genfest Confert” (from previous day’s program).
.ITALY: TV Channel Telepace will be transmitting most of the program. On Friday, 31st August, Channel TV2000, will transmit the event during its program “Nel cuore dei giorni”, from 5.00pm to 6.00pm (CET) in a slot dedicated to the Genfest 2012. For additional information regarding Genfest 2012, see official website www.genfest.org
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The Genfest 2012 project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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Aug 29, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
Video: Chiara Lubich, Genfest 1990
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Aug 28, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Anyone who has had the privilege of knowing Valeria Ronchetti personally can testify to the extraordinary spiritual strength of this exceptional woman and of all the first focolarine who began what she liked to call the “adventure of unity” alongside Chiara Lubich: the adventure of making the world become one family; contributing to the realization of Jesus’ prayer: “that all be one” (Jn. 17:21).
“It would be impossible to summarize the richness of Vale’s life in which she was a protagonist in so many areas of Europe and other continents, and in many areas of the Movement,” writes Focolare president, Maria Voce, in the message she sent to the centres of the world, informing them of Valeria Ronchetti’s death.
“We watched her as she strengthened her efforts in developing the branch of the consecrated women religious who live the Spirituality of Unity; her work in favour of communion among the ecclesial movements and new associations; in the worlds of art and sport and media… to mention only a few.”
Vale recounted the story of her life in many different settings and it is all being gathered along with news and testimonies, in order to write a biography about her,” the president went on to say. And it was precisely in telling her story and, in particular, her encounter with Chiara Lubich who, once she met her, was never again able to forget her greeting: “Fire and Light!” This was in reference to her great discovery – as the Second World War was raging – that God is Love and that he loves us immensely.”
We’ve put together a profile,” Maria Voce added, “that will be read at her funeral, which you will be able to watch via internet.”And just as she had dreamt of doing when she was a young woman in the midst of the ruins of the war, she shall be laid to rest together with the other members of that first group who have already “arrived in Heaven”, in a common tomb on which the words of the Gospel are engraved: “And we have believed in Love” (1 Jn. 4:16).
Maria Voce writes: “Many letters are arriving from around the world, from people who are telling us what the encounter with her has brought about in their lives. It’s like a grand chorus of thanksgiving to Almighty God!”
“With immense gratitude,” concludes the president’s message, “let us offer suffrages for Vale, certain that from there above, she will continue to help us keep the fire of the ideal of unity burning in our hearts and that we might bring its light into the world.”
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Aug 28, 2012 | Non categorizzato
My first contact with Fr. Andrea Balbo and another Franciscan friar from the Friars Minor, was on the steps of St. John Lateran’s Archbasilica in Rome, Italy (1953). It was a encounter,including an invitation to the Focolare Movement‘s summer gathering in the Dolomite Mountains. I don’t recall how long he was able to stay up in the mountains, but he returned to Rome with many of us on the same train. Chiara Lubich was sitting with him in his train compartment and she gave him the name Father “Novo” (New).
Then I remember, in 1954, his words were rather crucial for Chiara at Fr. Pasquale Foresi’s ordination, when Chiara was undergoing both spiritual and physical trials.
Later on the superiors of his Order sent him to the Holy Land and it was precisely through the love of Fr. Novo that Chiara went there in 1956. We were a small travelling party: Bishop Pavel Hnilica (Fr Maria), Fr Angelo Bghetto (Nazareno), Fr Pasquale Foresi, Guido Mirti (Cengia), Aletta and I. In those days, the Holy Land was largely in Palestinian territory. With great competence, Fr. Novo toured around the sites associated with the life of Jesus: Jerusalem, Bethany, Bethlehem, Emmaus, Jericho, the Dead Sea…
A week later as we were leaving for Beirut, seeing tears in his eyes, Chiara turned to me and asked: “Would you like to stay a while longer?” And so I stayed behind in the Holy Land for another few months, sharing the Ideal with the Franciscan Fathers and people they knew.
During those years in which the Movement was under investigation by the Church, Bishop Gawlina, Fr Maria, Fr Nazereno and Fr Novo began the Mystici Corporis League to be an umbrella under which the Movement was able to carry out its activities.
There were a few hard years especially for our priests and consecrated men religious. I recall how after the Second Vatican Council, Fr. Novo worked as an archivist with Cardinal Konig for thirteen years at the Secretariat for the non-believers, which had just been erected by Paul VI (and is now called the Pontifical Council for Culture).
In 1962 there was a first approval by the Holy See. But only after a private conversation between Chiara and Paul VI and later John Paul II was the Work of Mary able to express her true physiognomy. In 1990 Chiara declared that the Work of Mary was accomplished and that “Mary” contains all the vocations.
It is a charism of unity which is all Gospel, one which even people who follow different charisms, both ancient and new, are also able to share. The Work of Mary is to be “alter Maria” (other Mary) who brings Jesus to light and, in Him, all His features that the saints have highlighted through the centuries. It brings out the diverse beauty of the Church which is the Body of Christ.
Over time the other branches of the Movement were born: the men and women focolarini, the men and women volunteers, the priests and religious – each of them attached to the Work of Mary in their own way, but all of them carriers of the same charism of unity.
In 1980 Fr Novo was given permission by his superiors to dedicate himself to the consecrated religious members of the Movement. Then he was able to be much more involved in the practical developments: starting a school of formation in the charism of unity for men religious at the permanent Mariapolis of Loppiano; promoting summer gatherings; and creating local secretariats in zones that had consecrated men religious who belonged to the Movement in different parts of the world.
He was a great friend of Fr Silvano Cola who was responsible for the diocesan priests of the Focolare Movement.
When the Abba School started with Bishop Klaus Hemmerle, Chiara invited the religious to be part of it, bringing with them the richness of their own charisms. They included Fr Jesus Castellano OCD, Fr Fabio Ciardi OMI and, first among all, Fr Novo OFM.
Fr Novo remained at the Focolare’s Centre for Consecrated Religious Men, faithful to the ideal of unity, for as long as his health lasted. He had a personal relationship with Chiara also as her confessor. In the difficult moments and in the long trials, he was there for her with exceptional availability. It was he who administered the Sacrament of the Sick to Chiara at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
Now we imagine him in Heaven being embraced not only by the Trinity, but also by Mary, since he helped to build her Work. Now he is with Chiara, Foco, Fr Maria, Fr Nazareno, Fr Massimei, Fr Svastano, Fr Cik and Fr Leonardi who were all members of the first centre for consecrated men religious. Then there were so many focolarini and focolarine who benefited from his counsel, and so many others.
Let us t thank Fr Novo for his faithfulness to the Work of Mary. Just recently he wanted to return to the Centre of the Movement and now he’s buried here in Rocca di Papa, in the common tomb of many first focolarini and focolarine. And on this common tomb are engraved the words: “We have believed in Love”.
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Aug 28, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide
“A gathering of thousands of youths from every part of the world, from different ethnic groups, cultures and religions, moved by a common idea that is already a life experience and social action: to build a more united and inclusive world.”
This is the way the official newspaper of the Catholic Church describes this grand event organized by the youths of the Focolare Movement and already underway in the Hungarian capital. The Vatican newspaper also underscores the building of bonds of unity across the board and, in particular, “among groups and Movements, among Christians of different denominations and among faithful of different religions.” The journalist recalls how Chiara Lubich liked to describe the Genfest as a “Waterfall of God” whose source,” the Roman Observer article continues, “is the very inspirational spark of the Focolare Movement itself, the discovery of God who is Love.”
Leggi tutto l’articolo
Official Genfest website
Press Section (Servizio Informazione Focolare)
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Aug 27, 2012 | Non categorizzato
There is much expectation now that we are only a few hours away from the Genfest. This year will be the tenth edition of the gathering which was begun from an intuition of Chiara Lubich (1920-2008) while she was on a visit to Loppiano, Italy in 1973. Right from the start Chiara Lubich shared her dream with the young people present: “I’ve always had so much trust in the young,” she said, “they are the world’s future! They are made for the great ideals and are able to follow them with radicalness. The discovery of a Gospel that comes to life and brings about what it promises is precisely what draws them the most. It is the ideal of a united world that fascinates them.”
The young people of the Focolare have been working for more than a year, together with adults from the Movement, in a communion of ideas and professional experiences. Three-thousand volunteers are involved in the event and six hundred actors and technical staff from around the world. We introduce you to a few of them.
Ark from the Philippines: “I’m a nurse and I don’t’ have much experience organizing grand events like this one, but trying to live the Gospel helps me to see each moment – both the positive ones and the negative ones – as an opportunity to love and build relationships of fraternity with the people around me.”
Luca says: “I work in the general production commission, but I studied optometry. Being able to forgive when necessary keeps the needle of the compass always pointed toward the “North” (Upward). It’s extraordinary.”
Zsolt is a Hungarian economist, who will be in charge of one of the lodgings where the young guests will be staying. He can’t hold back his enthusiasm: “I can’t wait to help out at the buffet during the general practice!”
Then there is Lisa who comes from Austria and will be singing one of the twelve songs, composed by the youths of the Focolare from different areas of the world, which won the Genfest music contest. Twenty-seven year old Rafael is a publicist who left his job in Brazil to dedicate himself to the preparation of this event in which he will be co-responsible for the communications sector.
Marua from Argentina confides: “Doing this work” (she is taking care of the Genfest’s Spanish language Facebook page) “I discovered that the united world will not only be happening at the Genfest in Budapest, but we’re already beginning to live it in the preparations, with this team of workers.”Adelard from Burundy will be playing music with sixteen other youths, and Pelusa from Argentings is one of four members of the band “Anima Uno” (One Soul).
Fabricio is a civil engineer from Peru who truly expressed the experience of all: “We have it strong in our hearts that universal brotherhood is not a utopian dream. It’s a lifestyle we’ve chosen and we want to bring it ahead through small concrete actions leading up to the big event. We are aware that we’re young and we don’t have resources on our own, but we’re putting everything we have into it. The journey has already begun!”
There are many fans (between the ages of 18 and 24) following the official channels of the event on social network, in several languages. Every week 76,000 people are being reached.
To follow the event on Twitter, the hashtag is: #genfest.
Aug 23, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Permanent Mariapolis Arco-Iris, Portugal, 20.8.2012: Meeting with the men and women focolarini of the zone
Aug 22, 2012 | Senza categoria
Celebration with the Focolare Community
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Aug 22, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Fatima, 19 August. It was the high moment of Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti’s visit to Portugal: the meeting with all the members of the Focolare from every corner of Portugal, including the most distant islands. It was a long-awaited meeting, since it had been postponed for eight months. A true feast in an atmosphere of “rejoicing” that has been the mark of every day of this visit.
“I’ve come to Fatima to entrust the Focolare Movement to Our Lady together with all of you,” the president told everyone. Few people realize that the Focolare Movement was officially approved by the Catholic Church with the name “Work of Mary” because of its nature which is very lay and “Marian”. And so our link to the Mother of Jesus is quite strong, strong as that of the Portuguese. It is this link that forms the very identity of the Portuguese people and reaches beyond religious or secular beliefs. It impregnates the music, the culture, the art, the architecture of their world and their way of expressing themselves. They are people who do things seriously, with sobriety and discretion and harmony. The ancestral relationship of the Portuguese with “Nnossa Senhora” (Our Lady) is quite striking. As far back as 1646, King Dom Joao IV offered his crown to the Immaculate Virgin, entrusting his people to Her and proclaiming Her “Rainha de Portugal” (Queen of Portugal). Ever since then no king has ever wanted to wear the crown that still belongs to no one but Her.”
In the morning after a lively dialogue with 140 Gen3 who together with the adults are committed to living for a more united world, Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti were welcomed to Paul VI Hall by 1,800 members of the Movement who are the main animators of the more than 25,000 people who belong to the Focolare family in this land.
In a growing atmosphere of joy, the various Focolare communities were presented from around the country, and they shared testimonies and projects in this moment of economic crisis, that assist those who are in need. It was a real lesson on living the Gospel. Maria Voce exclaimed: “I seem to see many lights, many burning fires that are spread all over, fires that illumine and warm those who draw near to them.” This was followed by a very solemn moment as the faces of members of the Movement filed across the screen, adults, priests, children and religious who have concluded their earthly journey but continue to give witness with their lives that the life of the Spirituality of Unity is a new way of holiness.
Then there was an open discussion. Miguel (9 years old), asked Maria Voce what she thought when she was elected to be president of the Movement. “It seemed to me,” she replied, “that Jesus was asking me: ‘Do you love me? Do you want to help in bringing Chiara’s work forward? If you love me, I’ll help you!’ Now, what would you have said if you were in my place? You would certainly have said: ‘Let’s do it together then!’” Next the Gen4 handed over to her the money they had saved for the poor and needy children of the world.
This was followed by questions from youths and adults: on how to become involved in the local parish community; how to reconcile work commitments with the Movement and the family. There was a very strong desire in everyone to imitate Mary, to live a more sober life, and to discern a vocation. They also spoke about inculturation and the role of Portugal in the context of Europe and, in particular, the specific contribution of the Movement in this regard. The size of the crowd with so many youths moved Maria Voce to say: “Portugal can certainly say that they have youths! And then here you feel such a strong and particular presence of Mary that you (Portuguese) are able to witness better than anyone else.”
In the afternoon a “Musical” was performed by both young and old. The plot opened with a glimpse into Portuguese history and the arrival of the Focolare Movement in the 1960’s. The main elements of the Portuguese culture were presented: the sacredness of fado music, the famous singing groups from Alentejo in south-central Portugal; the colourful popular dances from different regions and from the islands; modern dance and the songs from the youths. The engaging history was accompanied by images on a giant screen.
The busy day flew by in a flash. Everyone left Fatima with a desire to bring this “rejoicing” everywhere, this fire of Gospel love that was burning in the hearts of all.
By Gustavo Clariá
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Aug 21, 2012 | Non categorizzato
The message from the 300 representatives of the Focolare Movement’s Youth for Unity, was addressed to the Venerable Kojun Handa, 256th High Priest of the Tendai Buddhist denomination. Among other things, it states: “We feel that we can sincerely assure you all of our nearness and friendship as we renew our commitment to the diffusion of a culture of peace.” Their message had been read at the conclusion of the 25th Meeting of Interreligious Prayer for Peace that was held in Kyoto on 3-4 August thanks to the initiatives of the Tendai School, in collaboration with several religious organizations from Japan. The gathering was entitled “Raging Natural Disasters and the Role of Religious Leaders”. It was meant to be a moment to reflect on humankind’s relationship with nature following the earthquake, tsunami and tragic nuclear disaster at Fukushima in 2012.
At the opening ceremonies were present more than 1,200 people, including sixteen representatives from outside religions, and also many religious leaders from the Land of the Rising Sun. The introduction to the event, which included images of Fukushima, highlighted the fact that the natural disaster re-awakened in the people of Japan, and in others as well, the values of prayer and relationships among all.
Pope Benedict XVI sent a message to the Venerable Kojun Handa which was read by Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. Among other things, the message states: “The commitment to the cause of peace on the part of religious leaders is of greatest importance (…). I am certain that the work at the Summit and the Symposium that studies the answer of the religious leaders to the natural disasters will bring greater solidarity and mutual collaboration.”
There was also a moment of silent prayer for the victims of war and natural disasters. Very moving was the appeal for help and for prayers from Mar Gregorios Ibrahim, Orthodox Metropolitan, who was able to travel from Syria. This was followed by a series of presentations on how to help the victims of natural disasters and on the positions of the various religions regarding nuclear energy after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
The meeting concluded on 4 August at Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei, with the ceremony of prayer for peace. Also present at the Meeting were many teenagers and young people from the Tendai. Within this context, Christina Lee who was representing the Focolare Movement, read the message from the 300 teenagers who belong to Youth for Unity. “The theme chosen for this year’s gathering,” the young teenagers write, “is particularly dear to our hearts. In fact, we teenagers are well aware that our future and that of the next generations depend upon the respectful relationship of human beings with the natural environment.” Then recalling the Golden Rule that is present in all the holy books and written in the hearts of all people: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Mt. 7:12), they concluded: “We promise to begin living it right away and we ask for your support in spreading this appeal from us among many teenagers of all the religions, because we are certain that every tiny step taken toward peace, if united to many others, will move us ever closer to this goal.”
Aug 20, 2012 | Non categorizzato
An explosive mixture: 150 Gen from the whole of Portugal (including the islands of Madeira and the faraway Azores) have been revved up for around one year, preparing for the imminent Genfest at Budapest that will unite them with 12000 youths from all over the world. If we add to them the unique setting of the Arco-Iris citadel and the special presence of Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti, we have the explosive mixture of joy and the “wish for revolution” experienced on the 18th August 2012. The youths of the Focolari start, and offer to the President and co-president of the Movement the various initiatives undertaken to collect the necessary funds so as not to miss the worldwide appointment at Budapest: a coffee concert at Porto (at the north of the country) where they shared with 300 friends their dream of a more united world; an “ice cream festival” at Faro (in the south), an open day with 700 participants; and then stalls, car washes, gardening, baby sitter services….everything goes towards their purpose, even if they tell us that in reality: “Everything was an opportunity to establish relationships that are more authentic with our friends and with many youths who now know and want to share with us “the ideal of a united world.” A musical interlude: the band “Contrast” gives a premier exclusive rendition of the song they will play at Budapest, together with the 21 other winning songs of the competition held specifically for the Gen bands all over the world. Immediately afterwards their questions follow rapidly revealing their dreams and ranging from the economic and social crisis to unemployment, lack of commitment, and individualism…They wish to understand the profound meaning of what is happening in the world in which they live and what part they can play in it. “God is love, always!” Maria Voce answers, “When Chiara Lubich made this discovery, together with her young friends, the war was raging, but they were so convinced of it, that they went beyond the difficulties… And today, our firm belief can become hope for others. This is your contribution: witness with your life, bringing to the fore the values of solidarity and unity.” And Giancarlo Faletti added: “Let us put fantasy in motion. Faith in God who is love will help us find new solutions.” “At this moment we communicate the ideal of unity to many youths-say the Gen of Porto- but when are few…can you give us any advice?” Maria Voce has no doubt: “Never stop at the idea that we will not make it, because it is God who takes things forward. Without fear, communicate the ideal of unity abundantly!” “Atheism and agnosticism are very present amongst young people,” say the Gen of Faro, even though they wish to build their lives on true values. “How can we succeed in dialogue and meeting with them?” they ask. “Our ideal is universal,” Maria Voce points out, “Dialogue with facts, with our coherence and with a suitable language. We must know how to give the reasons of our faith; but this is done by first living the Gospel, and then finding the right words.” “What is the most important thing that we as Gen Movement should be doing today?” “We should all be committed to this marvellous cause, towards a united world,” replies Maria Voce. The new forms of media are a help to communication, but you should be careful not to budge from the love that is personal, that requires all our energy.” Giancarlo Faletti adds, referring to the origins of the Gen Movement: “When Chiara founded the second generation, the Gen, she spoke of ‘an evangelical revolution’!’ Let us help each other to always be this living revolution”. From our correspondent Gustavo Clariá
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Aug 20, 2012 | Non categorizzato
Young people always run to a challenge. And if they are not enfeebled by moral entanglements, they are always enamoured by the supreme beauty of God. Then they are prepared to face the most daring battle, the battle of the faith. Then they love the unrewarding risks of purity, of self-denial and dedication. But if they hesitate in front of Christ, perhaps it is because they are only familiar with a deformed image of Him, having been presented a religion which outwardly appears weak, worldly, mediocre, coated in compromise and compressed by so many adjustments, like a secondary, marginal or even half-hidden activity, something senile and boring, panting as it strives to keep up with the pace of the generations. But young people, if they are able to discover the true face of Christ, if they are able to grasp the real essence of the Church, then they are swept away precisely by the risk which the Gospel contains. During the Church’s adolescence the Early Church Fathers had said: “It is a dangerous risk to forget about God.” And young people want to run this dangerous adventure, to jump into the fray of loving God in the midst of the world.
They do not know what to do with a Christianity that has been scaled down to the size of today’s world as if it were some sort of seasonal fashion. They want a Christianity that can be called “great”. They want it immense. And so they are not interested in a Church that is small and reduced, they want a Church that is vast, one into which all humankind can enter in – the People of God.
If there is a lack of vocations it is also because the sum total of hardship and external courage that is often being asked of them is not enough for them. They desire chastity in a society that is incestuous; they want poverty in the midst of this orgy of Mammon; they want love in a society dismembered by hatred.They grow bored in a community in which one avoids or hesitates to speak about union with God, of the merits of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of penitence and prayer; where the life of the Mystical Body is not lived out in a supernatural communion among brothers and sisters and God, as co-citizens with God among the citizens of the world so as to incarnate in the episodic existence of men the graces of the Life that is Divine. To be Christ among brothers for their brothers. Therefore, a religion reduced to mere culture, organizing, apostolic techniques,to asthetic or metaphysical or literary dissertation does not satisfy them at all.
Foto © Centro Igino Giordani
Young people love the more daring missions. They come running as soon as they feel called by a Don Orion, a Bishop Canossa, or a Mother Cabrini. They run to anyone who is willing to offer them purity and sacrifice, service and dedication. In other words, they run towards the heroism of the Cross, the luncay of the Cross.
Jesus goes by and the youths follow Him when they see Him, when the vision of Him is not obstructed by the appearance of others, by proud creatures, super-beings, something more than the others because of their wealth, political power or swollen pride.
Jesus is walking by us now. If we follow Him without ever turning back, without asking to be excused because there are horses to be shoed or cows to be bought, because we have to offer “salaams” to this one or that – then, ipso facto we become young. We become the children for whom the Kingdom of Heaven is made. Let us convert, therefore. By converting we see Him and find the way if we realize that we have been wasting time living our dreams and building our houses of straw. At the end of the new horizon shines a Cross, but it is a sign of victory over death. In Him we discover the Eternal Life.
Igino Giordani, in «Fides», Agust 1955, pp.242-245
