Focolare Zone Delegates Gather in Rome

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”).

Bridges Between the Diversities of Religion and Culture

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!”

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Egyptian Visit / 1

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).

Benedict XVI greets the 1,700 young people who had attended Genfest 2012

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).

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5.9.2012 Greetings to the young people of the Focolare

Sep 7, 2012 | Non categorizzato

 Greetings of the Holy Father to the young people who had participated in Genfest 2012

Egypt: Solidarity in Action Among Churches

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

Egypt from an ecumenical point of view

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

The Floods United Us

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!

Genfest – St Stephen Square

Sep 3, 2012 | Non categorizzato

Genfest Day 2

Sep 3, 2012 | Non categorizzato

From Budapest to the World

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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Talk to the young people at Genfest 2012: “Look on high!”

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

Genfest 2012: “Look on high!”

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

We thank our sponsors

With gratitude to Carlo Maria Martini

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.

Genfest Day 1

Aug 31, 2012 | Non categorizzato

Genfest 1990

Aug 30, 2012 | Non categorizzato

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t82EyPeQ990

Valeria Ronchetti: “Fire and Light”

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.”

Eli Folonari remembers Fr Novo

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”.

“Let’s bridge!”: Everyone a protagonist!

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.

Visit to Portugal / 5

Aug 23, 2012 | Non categorizzato

Permanent Mariapolis Arco-Iris, Portugal, 20.8.2012: Meeting with the men and women focolarini of the zone

The Focolare in celebration at Fatima

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

A light in the aftermath of Fukushima

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.”   

Yearning for a Revolution

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 18^th 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    

Young People Desire Heroism

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

Visit to Portugal / 3

Aug 18, 2012 | Non categorizzato

18.2012: Meeting with the young people

Video clip: Permanent Mariapolis “Arco Iris” in Portugal

Aug 17, 2012 | Non categorizzato

Duration: 14′ 23″. In PORTUGUESE with ITALIAN subtitles

Visit to Portugal / 2

Aug 17, 2012 | Non categorizzato

Maria Voce’s visit to the Focolare’s Little Town in Portugal called “Arco Iris” – 16.8.2012

Permanent Mariapolis “Arco-Íris”

Aug 17, 2012 | Non categorizzato

The Focolare president and co-president’s arrival at the Portuguese Mariapolis coincided with the feast day of the Assumption of Mary (August 15, 2012) and the liturgy proclaimed the joy of the babe in Elizabeth’s womb. This little “sign” caused the president to remark: “This will be a visit filled with exultation!” The welcome they received at the airport and in the Mariapolis seemed to confirm it. There was a large group to welcome them, with choreorgraphies par with the “creativity of love.” A portico was covered in bright flowers. There was a pair of campinos (cattle herders in traditional costume), music, families and children.

August 16, 2012 was spent touring Mariapolis Arco-Iris, which is fifteen years old. The land in Abrigada that is located 50 km from Lisbon was purchased through contributions from the Focolare commmunity in 1966.

The tour began at the cemetary where they visited the “living stones” of the Mariapolis. There are now eight people resting in there, witnessing to the deep roots of the Spirituality of Unity in Portugal. They paused before the grave of focolarino Eduardo Guedes who was also the first Portuguese Gen. Maria Voce once again entrusted the youths to him, just as she had already done a few days before he died, but this time she included all those who would attend the Genfest.

The tour continued at the Ciudad Nova Publishing House where twelve people are work; 3,000 magazine subscriptions; and a good production of books. “The offices are simple and attractive,” commented the president, while underscoring the importance of the unity between daily life and  spreading a message that is valid and credible.

Then they visited the Gen boys and girls and there was an explosion of joy among the thirty young people gathered for the occasion. Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti met with them in the two little houses that are the reference points for all the Gen in Portugal, places where they can visit or spend longer periods of time. Many of them study and work in Lisbon or in the neighbouring areas. Monica is a physiotherapist at a clinic in the Mariapolis: “It’s such a great gift that I can stay here. The presence of Jesus among us, here in the Gen house, with the other inhabitants of the Mariapolis, at work. . . urges me to live the ideal of  unity, even when I am relating to other people.” Tiago (twenty-four years old), soon to receive his degree in Medicine: “My main effort is to always try to live in the will of God. In this way I feel that ‘together, we are Jesus’ who is creating this Mariapolis and the life in each one of us.” Maria Voce urged them to offer  a living Gospel life to everyone, “that it might explode” everywhere. Each year on the 1st of May around a thousand young people gather for an annual appointment at the Mariapolis.

Next were the families. There are five families at the Mariapolis. “We’ve been here for ten years. We saw the Mariapolis being born,” recount Jose and Conceicao Maia. They were the first family to move into the Mariapolis along with their six children. “We’ve been here for three years,” say Toni and Idalina Nogueira with five children. “We’re so happy! We’re having a new experience as a family and as a community. Every day a few of us take off for Lisbon, some for work and others for school, then we return together to finish our day with Mass in the Mariapolis.” Maria Voce underscored the great importance of the families not only for the Mariapolis, but also for the Church and the world. She affirmed: “What matters is the never predictable novelty of the Gospel life. So always begin again each day without worry.” And Giancarlo Faletti: “Your houses are beautiful, but more important is the journey you have taken as a family, overcoming many difficulties.”

In the afternoon they visited the “Giosi Guella Business Park” which was inaugurated in 2010 with three Economy of Communion businesses that have ten branches in several other areas of the country.

Next was the visit to the attractive Mariapolis Centre, with its meeting hall for 200 people, 60 beds and an average guest attendance of 5,000 people each year.

Future plans reflect the growth of the Movement in Portugal. They visited a piece of land where a house for the Women Volunteers of God is to be constructed. Maria Voce planted a medal of Our Lady on the spot, in an atmosphere of deep joy and emotion. Then there are some other projects including the construction of a series of small houses.

The busy day concluded with the Mass that was animated by songs in the Fado style, which  is characteristic of the Portuguese spirit. Among her concluding remarks on that day Maria Voce also said: “Our first day in Portugal was lived in an every-increasing joy.” Then commenting on the Portuguese music style, she recalled Chiara Lubich who had once invited everyone to “interpret” Jesus on earth, and she wished that the “Portuguese Jesus” would emerge from the people of this land as a gift to all the other peoples of the world.” Giancarlo Faletti added: “It was a day filled with God… we have good reason to exult!” Then the president went on to say: “Now let us live the joy. Our Lady still sings the Magnifica even now.”  

By Gustavo Clariá

Photos © M. Conceicao / M. Freitas

“Let’s bridge”: A United World, Universal Brotherhood … just buzzwords?

Aug 17, 2012 | Non categorizzato

As part of the program of the Genfest, an international youth festival which envisages the participation of young people from all over the world, there will be a session where concrete actions are presented.  Here we publish a few of the initiatives which demonstrate how many of these young people are dealing with problems and challenges they face every day.

One experience among many is that of the young people in Colombia, where the rain hasn’t let up for more than a year, with over 500 people who have died and gone missing and nearly 3 million people who have suffered damages. They started from Soacha, a city on the outskirts of Bogotà and together with the adults they organized a campaign to collect supplies and clothing. They also received 200 pairs of boots and a quantity of food that they distributed to the families most in need. Today the situation has worsened, because of illnesses and problems of living together in the camping grounds. They continue to collect supplies and stay close to the people.

Catania-Bujumbura: The bridge between the young people of these two cities was materialized in a keyboard. From a Skype video-call in which the African band “Gen Sorriso (Smile)” (who will perform also in Budapest) sang in Kirundi, the “Galilei” High School youth of Catania (Sicily) came up with the idea of offering them a keyboard. In order to accomplish this they launched the operation “An ice-cream for Burundi.” In the following link-up, an intercontinental virtual concert with drums and guitar (in Burundi) and the keyboard, that for now is still in Catania, but is destined for Burundi’s band.

The challenge of diversity – Buddhist and Christian youth have held 3 symposiums to share one another’s thoughts and experiences regarding topics like commitment for peace and living and transmitting Faith, thus creating a network of friendship and interreligious, intercultural and international fraternity.

72 Muslims and Christians of 5 countries of the Middle East and North Africa will meet for the first timein Budapest and, in record time, they have to put together the choreography that the groups have learnt in their respective countries, thanks to the virtual lessons passed around from one country to the other via YouTube. The same with the youth of India: Hindus of the Ghandian Shanti Ashram Movement and Christians have worked together for months on their dance, which wants to express the diversity of religions and castes present in their country, in a classical Indian style.

Num, a Buddhist girl from Thailand will speak about it on September 1st at the Genfest, while a Christian from Nazareth and a Muslim from Jerusalem will tell the 12,000 young people present what it means to live for fraternity in the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and of the difficulty of living together for three religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Among them are also young people who don’t have any religious belief, but who share the commitment to live for a united world. But each of them is in the front row, there, where they live, with the problems and challenges they face every day.

The United World Project, 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.

Source: Focolare Information Service Press Release

Faro

Aug 16, 2012 | Non categorizzato

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Porto

Aug 16, 2012 | Non categorizzato

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Lisbon

Aug 16, 2012 | Non categorizzato

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Visit to Portugal / 1

Aug 16, 2012 | Non categorizzato

Feast of the Assumption

Aug 15, 2012 | Non categorizzato

«To all of you who are gathered in Budapest to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the birth of the “volunteers,” I send my most cordial greetings. It is not by chance that you chose Budapest, the capital of Hungary, as the headquarters of this important meeting. This nation lit the first spark of that reality – one of the most flourishing branches of the Focolare Movement – which would soon burst into flames in Italy, in Europe and all over the world. It was our answer to that longing for freedom, suppressed in blood by those who wanted to uproot God from society and from the hearts of men and women. It was also our echo to the heartfelt appeal which Pope Pius XII launched to the world on that occasion: “God! May this name, source of every right, of every justice, of every freedom, resound in parliaments, on city streets, in homes and factories …”. It was then that women and men of all ages, nationalities, races and conditions, linked by the bond of mutual love, united in order to form an army of volunteers: “the volunteers of God.” You know the story or it will be told to you during these days. Perhaps there are some among you who lived “that story” personally. “Volunteers,” your vocation is splendid! Following the example of the first Christians, as free persons, out of love you made yourselves slaves of Jesus, who awaits your witness in the world, precisely there where He is not known or not loved. You are “volunteers of God,” therefore nothing is impossible for you because He is with you. Take advantage of this circumstance to ask Him and yourselves for great things. Ask Him to be able to continue unleashing, through your life, that evangelical revolution based on love, which the world awaits. And do not look upon your vocation only as something spiritual and individual. The spirituality of unity already makes you open to your brothers and sisters! But you are called to bring into the structures of society around you, the divine leaven that can make humanity new in its various worlds, in the world of the family and in the ecclesial world. Let whoever is not prevented from doing so because of age or other reasons, launch themselves then in this splendid lay vocation, for it is entrusted specifically to the laity. Ask God that this world may change also through you and do not be satisfied until you notice in it lasting fruits. All of us in the Movement are with you on this anniversary in remembering, in making proposals, and in launching ourselves. Just as Mary assumed into heaven with her body brought creation into heaven, you too, do not long to enter heaven without a renewed world. Hurrah for the men and women volunteers, pillars of the Work of God in its most beautiful expressions!       I am with you,  Chiara  ». Message for the 40th Anniversary of the Birth of the “Volunteers Rocca di Papa, 6 November 1996 –  letto da Dori Zamboni a Budapest il 23 novembre 1996  Fonte: Centro Chiara Lubich

St Claire of Assisi

Aug 11, 2012 | Non categorizzato

It was a time of war. Everything crumbled before us, young as we were, attached to our dreams for the future: a home, our studies, people dear to us, our career.

The Lord was teaching us, through events, one of his eternal truths: «All is vanity, nothing but vanity…».

It was that total and multifold devastation of everything that formed the objective of our small hearts, that brought forth our Ideal. We saw other young women launch themselves with sincere enthusiasm into working for the salvation and better future of our nation.

It was easy to talk about the Ideal in that life dead to all that could humanly attract one. We felt that only one idea was real and immortal: God. In the face of that destruction provoked by hatred, the One who does not die appeared more alive than ever to our young minds. And we saw Him and loved Him wherever He was absent: «Deus caritas est.»

Our thoughts and aspirations were sealed by another young girl who in other times, not so different than ours, was able to illuminate with her divine light the darkness of sin and to melt the frozen hearts of egoism, hatred and grudges: Clare of Assisi. She too, like us, saw the vanity of the world, because the Poor one of Assisi, a living example of poverty, had educated her to «lose everything so as to gain Jesus Christ.»

She too, having run away from the castle of the Scifi family, at midnight at the  Porziuncola, before taking off her rich garments, had responded to the saint when he asked her: “My daughter, what do you desire?”  “God,” she answered.

We were struck by the fact that a young eighteen-year-old, beautiful, full of hope for the future, knew how to contain all the desires of her heart in the one Being worthy of our love.

And we too, just like her, felt that same desire. We said: “God is our ideal. How can we give our whole life to him?”

He had said: “Love me with all your heart…”. But how could we love Him?

“Whoever loves me observes my commandments. Love your neighbour as yourself.” We looked at one another and we decided to “love one another so as to love Him”. The more one “lives” the Gospel, the better one understands it.

Before launching ourselves into living the word of God, just like children get involved in play, even if it was not totally unclear, it was not however alive to our intellect, nor sacred to our heart.

Now every day was a new discovery of the Gospel, by now our only book, the only light for our life.

We clearly understood that everything lies in love, that mutual love  “had to” inform Jesus’ last appeal to those who had followed Him, that “consuming ourselves in one” could only be Jesus’ last prayer to the Father, supreme synthesis of the Good News.

Jesus knew that the Holy Trinity was eternal beatitude, and He, the Man-God who came down to redeem humanity, wanted to bring all those He loved into the com-Unity of the Three.

That was His homeland, that was the homeland of the brothers and sisters that he had loved to the point of shedding his blood.

«To become one»: became the programme of our life in order to love Him.

But where two or three are united in His name, He is in their midst.

We felt His divine presence each time that unity triumphed on our human natures, so rebel to die: a presence of His light, of His love, of His power.

Jesus among us.

The first little society of brothers and sisters, his true disciples, had formed.

Jesus the bond of unity.

Jesus, king of every individual heart, because the life of unity requires the total death of every ego.

Jesus in that small group of souls.

And we already said at the beginning: «Yes, the Gospel is the solution to every personal problem and every societal problem.»

He was so for us, having become one heart and one mind; He could be so for more people, for everyone.

And it was not difficult. It was enough to have in our hearts those same desires that Jesus would have had if He were with us; to think each thing as though Jesus would have thought of it; in other words, to embody the Gospel in our own lives, to carry out the Divine will, different for each soul and yet coming from the same God, just as many rays have their origin in the same sun; and unity was accomplished.

The faith and love, that He lived in us, drew us close to all those that He made us encounter every day and this spontaneous love, freely given, drew them to the same ideal.

We never thought of doing apostolate. That word did not attract us at all. Some people had abused it, ruining it. We only wanted to love in order to love Him.

And we soon realized that this was the real apostolate.

Seven, fifteen, one hundred, five hundred, a thousand, three thousand or more people of every vocation, of every social status. Every day they grew in number around Jesus among us.

Our humanity, put on the cross by the life of unity, attracted everyone to it.

Perfect unity lived and still lives among those souls by now spread throughout the whole of Italy and beyond it.

Not only spiritual unity in our passionate quest to be another Jesus, but also a practical unity.

Everything is in common: things, homes, assistance and money.

And there is peace, there is heaven on earth.

Life totally changed.

Throughout the whole city, there is no office, school, store or factory without a brother of sister of unity who works there.

From them shines forth, like the sun, the life of charity that creates a new divine atmosphere, squelches hate and grudges. Many families came together again in peace: others began their life with the Ideal in their hearts. Truly, we are at the beginning of a new era: «the era of Jesus.»

And all of this because the only principle, the only means, the only end goal is Jesus.

Jesus “in” us. Jesus “among” us.

Jesus end of times and of eternity.

Human minds grapple to find solutions to today’s drama. They will not find it if not in Jesus. Not only in Jesus alive deep within in each person, but in Jesus who reigns “among” souls.

They do not have time to discuss because He too clearly shows, to those who are united to others in his name, what “needs to be done” to give real peace back to the world.

There is porro unum necessarium[1] (only one thing necessary) to a soul in its relationship to God.

There is porro unum necessarium (only one thing necessary) to a soul in its relationship with his/her neighbours and this is to love them as oneself, to the point of becoming one down here, in anticipation of the perfect consummation of souls in the One, Jesus, in Heaven.

This is the Christian community.

From «Fides», 48 (1948), n. 10, pp. 279-280.