Paraguay: Twenty Years of San Miguel

Apr 22, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

It all began in 1983 in response to a request by the local Church. A few members of the Focolare Movement started going to the ‘Barrio Republicano’, a district on the edges of Asunción where there is a huge rubbish tip. The constant humidity and the waste matter that every day is thrown there caused a great deal of illness, especially among children. The families were living on the edges of the river Paraguay in huts of cardboard, sheets of plastic and old corrugated iron. Frequent floods often swamped the whole area, forcing people to be constantly on the move. ‘Faced with such a dreadful situation we wouldn’t do nothing,’ said someone who experienced it all first hand. ‘We knuckled under and started looking for a solution to sort both the health and the housing problems. We looked for a place where the most disadvantaged families could go.’ Small savings were shared and together with other contributions they managed to buy some land a Capiatá, 24 km from Asunción. Roads started to be laid and work began on the first batch of houses, a well was dug and a cistern of drinking water was installed and, finally, electricity was connected. Between 1992 and 1993 the first 20 families moved in and the district of ‘San Miguel’ officially began. In the meantime UNIPAR (Unidad y Participación: Unity and Participation) Association was formed, a non profit organization that coordinates the various activities working for the area. Currently there are about 70 families and about 300 inhabitants. The San Miguel Clinic was set up to cope with the health problems. It is a surgery that deals with a side range issues, including the most common infections, nutritional education, campaigns for vaccination and prophylactic medicine, dental treatment and maternity and paediatric consultancy. In 2002 a nursery school was started and in 2004 a primary school. It is recognized by the government and its specific aim is to provide an education for peace, fraternity and solidarity. The Ministry of Education considers it a ‘model’ school, and has sent teachers from the region to it for further professional training. The project ‘Health-Education-Food’ was set up both to give continuity to the activities begun and to guarantee children’s ongoing support and education. The Associazione Azione per Famiglie Nuove (Action for New Families Association) gives support at a distance to this. Much else has been established to benefit the people of San Miguel and the surrounding districts: a free library, a book and stationery shop selling at affordable prices, adult literacy classes, professional consultancy of many kinds (legal aid, child protection, behavioural therapy, ophthalmic programs and the distribution of spectacles, and so on). It is a decisive and coordinated action that brings together the inhabitants themselves, the local authorities, and national and international bodies. It has been a fundamental approach, right from the beginnings of San Miguel, to encourage small-scale productive activities and to give families economic autonomy. Through the years AMU (Associazione Azione per un Mondo Unito: Action for a United World Association) has contributed to the development of these activities and still today it is involved in Paraguay in supporting micro-enterprise. These projects have solid foundations and realistic prospects because of the skills of Paraguayan people. It is sufficient to consider that in Paraguay there are the greatest number of Economy of Communion businesses in the world – more than 600 of them!

If you wish to contribute to the development of the micro-enterprises supported by AMU in Paraguay please send donations to: Account name: ‘Associazione Azione per un Mondo Unito’ At: Banca Popolare Etica, Rome branch IBAN: IT16G0501803200000000120434 SWIFT/BIC: CCRTIT2184D Payments should be marked for: ‘Sviluppo di attività produttive in America Latina’

“Concert on the Porch” for Burmese refugees

Apr 20, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

On Saturday 24 March a concert was held in Melbourne. It was hosted by the Focolare and the Kadhampa Buddhist Society. Around 100 people attended and the concert raised $840.00 for Action for a United World (AMU) project on the Thai/Burmese border, which provides schooling and food to children of Burmese refugees. A Sudanese family at the concert, who had arrived in Australia as refugees themselves, commented how happy they were to be able to support the evening’s fundraising and support other refugees.

The concert coincided with “Harmony Day”, an Australian Government initiative to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and share what all Australians have in common. Together with the Kadhampa Buddhist group, friends of the Focolare from various Muslim and Jewish communities were present as well.

The youth of the Focolare supported the evening by inviting their friends to perform and by making the guests welcome acting as waiters distributing finger food throughout the evening. They expressed the theme of a United World through a backdrop behind the performers displaying the world surrounded by people holding hands.

A Powerpoint presentation explaining the fundraising project and highlighting the cooperation between Focolare and Kadhampa over the past year was keenly followed by the audience.

One of the Muslim guests said after the concert that she considered the Focolare her second home and throughout the evening there was a beautiful atmosphere of everyone being at home. A Jewish couple was happily surprised to see so many young people putting their talents in common for a good cause and commented how struck they were by the smiles of the people as they arrived. A beautiful conversation they had with a young Palestinian man who performed during the program epitomised the unity built during the evening.

Naples: Goods don’t circulate on their own

Apr 18, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

“The whole community of believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but rather they shared all things in common.” This phrase of the Gospel inspires us gen to live the communion of goods. In our group, we started to make a sort of inventory of all our goods, so as to share them with others. The economic situation differs for each of us. Those who have a regular income are willing to decide together how to spend the money. For example, with Federico we thought that if he were to spend less money on video games, the amount saved could help Andrea subscribe to a photography magazine for his work. It’s not about how we manage the funds, but the way we communicate openly and sincerely with one another. This openness makes us realise what is most important. Marco, a Geology graduate with a post-doctorate scholarship, due to sudden financial cuts by the Italian University, had not received his wages for several months. At that time he had pressing needs: to attend a professional development course in Cagliari and also to pay for his car registration. It was a bit awkward for him to tell us that he was short of money! However, his trust in our reciprocal love, which makes us one heart and one soul, made him overcome his embarrassment. As soon as he came out with it, there was an explosive show of generosity: “I’ve got some money remaining on my credit card.” “I have extra savings…”. And so we were able to loan him the amount he needed. Marco realised he had to use the small capital responsibly. This experience made us become more like brothers. One of us who has just finished university, started his forensic training in order to complement his law degree, but he’s paid very little, certainly not enough to support others as well. One day he met a friend who suggested that he could earn a lot of money through road accident compensation cases. He only needed to sign a few papers without investigating as to whether the accident actually happened or not. He had strong doubts about it; during the night he woke up with this phrase of the Gospel in mind: “Your Father knows the things you need even before you ask him.” The next morning, he called his friend to tell him that would not accept that job. A few months later, he received an unexpected telephone call from an insurance company asking him to attend an interview. Thanks to his forensic training experience, he was able to do well in the interview. He was employed as an inspector for accident compensation cases precisely by the same insurance company whose fraudulent employee he had previously turned down in order to remain honest. (The Gen from Naples)

Giovani in Argentina

Apr 17, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Argentina: Intertwining Roots

Apr 15, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Many years ago, trying to convey a vision of the various continents that underscored the human wealth of their peoples, in Latin America Chiara Lubich took the heightened sensitivity to sociality as a defining characteristic of this region of the world. During these first fifty years of the Focolare’s presence in this land no one here has ever forgotten this vision. And this was the dimension that emerged so strongly at the festive gathering with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti and the communities of the Southern Cone (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay), on April 14, 2012 in Buenos Aires.

In a large tent auditorium that was filled with almost 3,500 people a parade of folkloristic music and dance accompanied by audiovisual shows presented the various countries that were represented, often referring to situations of poverty, inequality, marginalization… to which the Movement has often responded.

Then Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti began an intense dialogue with the audience, responding to a series of questions. How to grow and be fruitful even in times of crisis? Maria Voce responded by saying: “Moments of crisis are always moments of growth even when we’re not aware of it. Mothers know well that when their teenage children are growing they feel awkward and uncomfortable. . . but they grow just the same, even though they aren’t aware of it. I have found so much esteem and appreciation for our Movement in the Church. . . so let’s trust in what others see in our Movement. In this land of hope we must also hope because it’s a theological virtue. We mustn’t lose hope because God, who is Love, is bringing things ahead.” What about becoming involved in social issues? “We can’t be dispassionate,” Giancarlo Falleti responded. “Chiara has taught us to construct pieces of society that are renewed. We should bring forward whatever God may put in our hearts, with the help of others, together.” And Faletti added: “The difficulties of today invite us to reinvent while remaining faithful to our spirituality, but being moved by new creative thinking in order to understand how to fit ourselves into today’s history, today’s Church and today’s world.”

Asked about the significance of the New Evangelization, Maria Voce stressed: “The Gospel should be our clothing, and living it should be our way of proclaiming that Jesus is alive. And not only must we proclaim it but permit others to actually encounter Jesus present among us because of the mutual love that we live.” With so much cultural, social and ethnic difference, how are we to avoid exclusion? “God has made the universe with all these differences,” replied Maria Voce.  “We should see them as He does, that they are all actually rich expressions of his unlimited ability to express Himself in an infinite of ways. This rich diversity of the Latin American peoples can be a gift for the whole world in discovering the beauty and the richness of God.”

What about difficult situations such as the breakdown of the family? “This spirituality is to be incarnated in the issues of today,” Faletti insisted. “When the Movement spread beyond the Iron Curtain, we were completely blocked, unable to run any activities. But this turned out to be one of the most fruitful periods. These difficult times in Latin America are a time of grace. Let us love: the answers to all problems are in God and they are born from an abundance of love.”

Maria Voce concluded by saying: “You need to show the beauty of this diversity to the world, the beauty of these peoples whose roots are no longer separated but intertwined.”

Alberto Barlocci

Uruguay: a Nation for People

Apr 15, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

The República Oriental del Uruguay, its official name, has three and a half million people and is one of several smaller countries on the continent between two giants: Argentina and Brazil.

Its name comes from the river Uruguay – ‘river of painted birds’ in Guaraní – which forms its Western border. It has rolling countryside, vast meadows, wide expanses furrowed by water courses and a huge oceanic coast with stunningly beautiful beaches. A tranquil land, with hospitable people who have welcomed with open arms various waves of immigrants – from Italy and Spain, but also less numerous groups from Germany, France, Switzerland and Africa. All have felt at home and mixed harmoniously with the other inhabitants.

Uruguayans are friendly, respectful and naturally on the side of others. They are gifted with a strong critical sense: they love debates, lectures, art and football (a real national passion) and are deeply attached to their families and their friends. They have a strong democratic tradition.

The capital, Montevideo, was built in 1726. Today the city is still small enough to be comfortable and about 40% of the country’s population live in it. This is where, at the end of the 50s, Fr Pedro Richards, the founder of the Christian Family Movement, invited Chiara Lubich, whom he had met in Rome, to take part in a general assembly of his movement. Chiara was unable to come but in  her place she sent Marco Tecilla, the first focolarino, at that time in Brazil. On 12 January 1959 Marco found himself telling the story of the beginning of the Focolare to the assembly. Among the people present was Guillermo Piñeyro who became the first Uruguayan member of the Focolare Movement.

Marco went back in the April of that year and brought with him with Lia Brunet, a focolarina from the first group in Trent in Italy. In 1963 the first focolare house was opened and later, in 1967, a second.

The life of the Movement, in the meantime, spread also to other cities: San José, Canelones, Durazno, Mercedes, Tacuarembó, Salto, Florida, Paysandú and Treinta y Tres.

Towards the end of the 60s, near Canelones a place for the long-term formation of young people was set up. The dream was to begin a little town like the international town of Loppiano, Italy. This dream was later realized in Argentina and all the young people went there to rebuild a disused religious house in the midst of the Pampas given by the Capuchins. Nowadays it is known as the ‘Mariapolis Lia’.

In 1968 the first Mariapolis in Uruguay took place. From the gospel life of its members, over the years, there have developed contacts and initiatives with members of other religions (especially Jews, whose community in the capital is one of the biggest in South America); with Christians of other Churches (Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Armenians); and with people whose convictions are not religious. Indeed Uruguay is not a typical country in the region: only 55% of the population claims to be Roman Catholic. There are many agnostics.

Ciudad Nueva, the local edition of the Focolare magazine, began in 1980. From 1985 onwards it has also covered Paraguay. In 1994 construction began on the centre for formation or ‘Mariapolis Centre’, which Chiara Lubich named: The Pelican. In 2003 three members of parliament from three different parties, at the launch of a book about Igino Giordani, discovered that they shared  many of the same values. This gave rise to the Political Movement for Unity in that country. In the ‘temple of secularism’, that is the seat of government, in October 2008, in a hall filled to overflowing, Chiara Lubich was gratefully commemorated just months after her death.

Even before the creation of ‘Comunión para el Desarrollo Sociale’, a civil body that works for the poor, there were activities for those most in need. But from 2000, following a request from the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Montevideo, the Focolare took over Nueva Vida (New Life), an initiative active among the starving and poor of the capital. Thanks to the charism of unity, work is done together with the people who are served and a network has been set up with other associations that work in the same area. Today there are about 9.000 members and adherents of the Movement, and many Uruguayans are in touch with the spirituality of unity.

Nueva Vida in the Barrio Borro

Apr 15, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Uruguay, on the border between Brazil and Argentina, is one of the most developed countries in Latin America and has the most equal distribution of riches. Nevertheless, it is also possible to find areas of extreme poverty such as the Borro quarter, north of Montevideo. This neighbourhood is inhabited by some 4,000 families, nearly 26,000 people. In tourist brochures it is marked as a place to be avoided, since many of its inhabitants live by their wits on the edge of legality. And it is here that the Nueva Vida social centre was begun.

Its origins go back to 1992, thanks to the work of Sr Eva Aguilar from the Congregation of the Sisters Slaves of the Sacred Heart and the assistance of her community, until 2000 when she was given another assignment. The bishop then appealed to the Focolare Movement, which took charge of the neighbourhood’s needs and began the Nueva Vida project, a project for “new life” (nueva vida) brought about through love for the poorest and most marginalized. In 2001 the bishop officially entrusted this nascent social project to CODESO (Communion for Social Development), a civil entity founded by members of the Focolare Movement.

The primary objective of Nueva Vida is to create a positive environment for the growth and development of children, teenagers and their families, beginning with those in greatest difficulty, using an individualized and “holistic” approach. The activities are carried out in two 300 square-metre wharehouses, and are organized according to age groups. There is a kindergarten for children up to five years of age, a Children’s Club (6-12 years) and a Youth Centre (13-18 years).

Today Nueva Vida Centre is a permanent part of the quarter, with a well-constructed building for forty workers, and the recognition of local educational authorities. It regularly welcomes more than 250 children, teenagers and young people involved in extracurricular activities including psycho-motor skills for the youngest, artistic workshops, after-school programmes, languages classes, recreational, cultural and environmental activities, and professional workshops. The centre also provides a daily meal, paediatric medical care and legal assistance thanks to financial aid from Distance Support from the New Families Association.

Natural Neighbourhood Outreach

After a few years of working with children and teenagers, the directors of Nueva Vida programs saw the need of working also with their mothers. The typical family is comprised of a young mother with four to five children; and so it is the woman who is responsible for raising the children and supporting the family. Economic hardship and family instability (absenteeism among fathers at a rate of 80%) have produced negative effects and social isolation.

One answer has been the Natural Neighborhood Outreach project, which proposes the development of woman entrepreneurship, through courses on wool processing (dyeing, spinning, weaving and packaging.) The project which is fully supported by AMU, was begun in 2007. Up until the present it has involved more than twenty women, who have learnt a trade and acquired professional status which is very rare in this environment.

One of the professional course directors remarked: “Uruguay is a very secular land and culture, in which it is not common so speak of religious aspects and values. One day we met to talk about one of the main attributes of the project, that is, of the communion that we strive to live and the spirituality that nourishes us. After having listened, everyone told what they had understood about putting into practice reciprocity of this gift-giving. Perhaps their economic situation is not changing very quickly, but one thing that is certainly changing is the way of facing it and of living as a family.”

Latin America: the richness of cultural diversity

Apr 14, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

‘The charism of unity in dialogue with contemporary culture’ was the theme of Focolare president Maria Voce’s recent meeting in Buenos Aires on  13 April. In fifty years of the Movement’s activity in Latin America, its members’ life has touched many cultural environments. This was the context of what Maria Voce said to a hall packed with more than 300 people at the University of Buenos Aires’ Faculty of Economic Sciences.

Quoting Chiara Lubich, she recalled that ‘the powerful contradictions that mark our age need an orientating key as powerful and effective as they are. This mean a set of categories and activities capable of inspiring individuals, as well as entire peoples, with its patterns of economic, social and political life. Such a universal idea exists. It is showing itself able to meet the challenge of our times: universal fraternity.’ She went on to say that ‘the idea of fraternity is acquiring academic credibility.  It is an effective cultural category with a single source, the charism of unity, and with multiple impact as it comes to be accepted in the most varied cultural contexts, promotes a wide range of values and has various practical and social applications.’

Several of the distinguished people present took Maria Voce’s words as a starting point for their own reflections. Marta Oyhanarte, a member of the UN’s Social and Economic Council, emphasized that ‘a new social contract based on fraternity needs to be formulated, not just in the political and economic spheres, but in all fields, a 360 degree dialogue.’ Cristian Cox, Dean of the Catholic University of Chile, referred to how the idea of fraternity could influence educationally: ‘Our study programmes do not offer an education in how to establish relationships with those who are different, those who are distant culturally and socially. In all sturdy programmes fraternity ought to occupy an equivalent place to that which till now has been occupied by the idea of the nation.’ Rafeal Velazco, Rector of the Catholic University of Cordoba, referred to the development of a theology of fraternity that, to give a convincing witness of the gospel message, must take an option for the poor, for those marginalized from history. He said: ‘God does not look down from above, but from the margins, from the edges.’ He finished by asserting: ‘A theology of fraternity is born with the new commandment, which when it is lived radically generates unity and has an amazing result: Jesus himself, the Risen Lord, who comes to be present among us.’

At the end of a brief series of questions, referring to how to dialogue within plural and complex context like Latin America, Maria Voce affirmed: ‘Latin America can be a gift to humanity precisely because of its deep cultural roots. It can give an example of building a new society where diversity is not a problem but becomes a richness. I say this as a European, I ask you to give us this experience, the world needs to see this realized in a specific place and I think that these lands are suitable for this.’ Words like these have tremendous weight in a region that has always felt it suffered from discrimination, from exclusion. The enthusiastic applause that met her words expressed the desire to change history.

By Alberto Barlocci

12 May 2012 – Together for Europe

Apr 13, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

A fair economy, integration of refugees, the marginalized and families for a more humane society: these are some of the emergency situations facing today’s Europe that will be spoken about at the Together for Europe’s main event in Brussels on 12 May 2012. And the popular demonstration will be repeated on the same day in many cities across Europe. One of these activities will be that of the teenagers, which will be held contemporaneously with Together for Europe: the 2012 Run4Unity, a worldwide relay race promoted by Teens for Unity of the Focolare Movement. The basic objectives have been summarized in a series of “Yes” (to peace, to solidarity, to life and the family, to creation, and to a fair economy), which have been creatively expressed by the teenagers through mathematical signs. In many spots during the relay race the teenagers will become a flash mob that composes the word “Yes!” in several languages. Outline of the 12 May gathering at Brussels Square Meeting Centre   Following a welcome from Brussels to the 150 cities that will be involved in the single European event, Together for Europe – how it began and what it can offer today’s Europe – has been entrusted to the president of the Focolare Movement, Maria Voce. Romano Prodi, president of the European Commission, will give a presentation with reflections on the Contribution of Christian Movements and Communities to today’s Europe. Then the word will be given to European university students, followed by an overview of the emergency situations in Europe today including the defence of life and the environment, peace and citizen participation. The second part of the programme, beginning at 5.00pm local time, will be transmitted via internet and satellite, in connection with other local events.    Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio and Italian Government Minister for International Cooperation and Integration will speak, and space will also be provided for the teenagers and their creative involvement in the vision for Europe. Representatives of European institutions will be present, including Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, with a video message, and Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament. At the conclusion Thomas Römer (YMCA, Munich), will present the “Brussels 2012 Manifesto”. The event was awarded the medal representing the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, and was held under the patronage of José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Comission; Thorbjørn Jagland, General Secretary of the European Council; Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO. Official Together for Unity website Download the program

Argentina: With our Jewish Friends in South America

Apr 12, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Yesterday evening’s meeting with a large group of people from several Jewish communities in Argentina and Uruguay was the first appointment in a series of appointments which will take place over the next few days with the president of the Focolare, Maria Voce as she visits various sites of the Movement in the Cono Sud. The appointment was held in the magnificent Golden Hall of the San Martin Palace, which is the Seat of the Argentine Foreign Affairs Ministry. Here there were authorities from the Secretariat for Religious Affairs who welcomed Maria Voce. The external context could have made you think of a formal reunion, but the long friendship that has been established over the years with the Jewish community in Argentina immediately transformed the evening into a family gathering for dialogue and discussion among brothers and sisters. The under secretary, Ambassador Juan Landaburu, concluded his remarks by underscoring that Argentina has made interreligious dialogue a real and true politics of the State.  There followed a series of presentations recalling the different stages of the friendship between the Focolare with members of the different Jewish communities in these lands.  “Here are your Jewish brothers and sisters presenting themselves before you, with our faces, our stories, and our willingness,” began Rabbi Silvina Chemen. Paul Varsawsky, pointed to the need to gather around the message of the Bible and mentioned the role that the “Golden Rule” (Do not do to others what you would not want to be done to you) assumes for the three great monotheistic religions. Additional presentations underscored the importance of four Jewish-Christian symposiums that were held for twelve years at Mariapolis Lia, 250 km from Buenos Aires; as well as the figure of Lia Brunet, one of the first companions of Chiara Lubich, who gave a strong push to this dialogue of the Focolare. One event that was several times mentioned as an essential part of this friendship was Chiara Lubich’s visit, in 1998, to the B’nai B’rith during one of her visits to Argentina, where she formulated a pact of mutual love together with those who joined her as she lit the Menorah. A few questions for Maria Voce gave her the opportunity to discuss a few different topics. How will the Movement carry on without Chiara and with Maria Voce? “Chiara was the bearer of a collective and communitarian spirituality. . . you need at least two people to live it, because it requires reciprocal love, which is both given and received. I never felt alone in succeeding Chiara, because I felt that the entire Movement was with me. And all of you are also contained in this commitment, and I feel that, together, we can walk along the path that was opened by Chiara.” What can we do so that the dialogue among us is not limited to a circle of specialists? “We need to look to the neighbor beside us as a brother or a sister. In this way we will begin a never-ending chain. In this way we will be able to reach everyone, and overcome prejudices and the difficult situations that have arisen in history. Finding it possible to have trust between us, we must abolish suspicion and sincerely love one another. . . this will help us to reach all of society.” We belong to the same family because we are children of God and we must always turn to Him, but we have to arrive together.” The meeting ended. Everyone joined arms and sang: “Hine ma tov umanaim, Shevet ajim gam iajad (How sweet it is when brothers live in unity), from Psalm 133. Then it was time to say goodbye. . . as brothers and sisters often do. di Alberto Barlocci

Argentina: 360° Dialogue

Apr 9, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

With an area of 2,8000,000 square kilometres, the Republic of Argentina has a great variety of climates, from tropical heat to Antarctic cold. Between the Andes mountain chain and Atlantic shores lies an endless fertile plain: Las Pampas, that famous “breadbasket of the world”. The variety of landscapes makes them tourist destinations for many visitors.

Argentina is a nation open to the many immigrants who have made this country their home and contributed to its development. Forty million inhabitants, concentrated in large cities, who can trace their origins back to many different parts of the world, the majority Spanish and Italian.

The history of Argentina is presented as a series of conflicts that are still reflected in the present: the battle between the provinces and the central government of Buenos Aires, coups (the last dictatorship being the hardest, between 1976 and 1983), the war that was lost to England for the Falkland Islands in 1982, the 30% of the population that lives below the poverty level.

The majority of the population claims to be Roman Catholic, with a presence of other Christian denominations. Then there are groups of Jews and Muslims, and a minority of faithful of other religions and people of no religious belief.

Cultural environments such as the arts and sport have produced world famous figures.

When Chiara Lubich visited Argentina in 1998, she had the opportunity of having different meetings in which she appreciated the cultural, religious, political and social richness and diversity of this people. When she met with 8000 Focolare members, she left them with a charge:  “Here I suggest a 360° dialogue; so love everyone… And in order to reach this 360° dialogue, you must begin from the first point of the art of loving. This is what I would ask of you, then: love everyone.”

The Focolare Movement arrived in Argentina in 1957 through a priest who had attended a Mariapolis in the Dolomite Mountains, Italy. A first community began in Santa Maria de Catamarca (in the northeast), which is rich in ancient culture.

Towards the end 1958, Lia Brunet, Marco Tecilla and Ada Ungaro arrived in South America, with an itinerary that included Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. In October 1961 and in February 1962 the first focolares were established in Buenos Aires, to animate the growing community.

The spirituality of unity appeared like a new way for this young population, and spread quickly. The Mariapolis multiplied and, in 1963 Ciudad Nueva Publishing House was opened. The next few years were fundamental for the Focolare in Argentina. Chiara Lubich visited this land three consecutive times (1964, 1965 and 1966). In 1966 she placed the first stone of the Mariapolis Center in Jose C. Paz near Buenos Aires.

Like a beacon for Argentina and its neighbors, in 1968 Mariapolis of O’Higgins was born in the province of Buenos Aires (today it is known as Mariapolis Lia). It has become an important formation center for members of the Movement, and of spreading its spreading among thousands of people who visit it every weekend. Since 1968 more than four thousand youths from around the world have spent time in this Mariapolis, trying to become true witnesses of this lifestyle in their places of origin.

In 1980 a Social Research Center was begun to explore the Social Doctrine of the Church and its implementation in the Argentine political and social setting. Then came the School for Ecumenical Training for Focolare members who are invovled in the Church’s dialogue with different Christian Churches. Many of them now belong to the Ecumenical Councils of their diocese.

The dialogue among the Movements and ecclesial communities has produced abundant fruits for the Church in Argentina.

A stable dialogue of mutual knowledge, understanding and very strong collaboration has been established with  faitful of the Great Religions – Jews, Muslims, Hindus and others.

There are also groups of people who share in the spirit of the Focolare, without holding any particulare religious faith.

Chiara’s proposal of a 360° dialogue is taking root in several social settings through people and structures of the Focolare Movement.

In 1991 the Economy of Communion was also begun inn Argentina and “Solidaridad” Industrial Park was opened in the O’Higgins Mariapolis. Fifty-six businesses and economic initiatives currently belong to the project.

Because of a deep political and economic crisis, in 2001 the Political Movement for Unity was begun, which promotes several training projects, reflections and activities. Political dialogue groups were formed and a Political and Social Training School for young people, with twelve centers in the country. As a result of this involvement in social issues, a Political Society and Fraternity Chair was established at the National University of La Plata. It was the beginning of the University Network for the Study of Fraternity (RUEF).

The Focolare Movement in Argentina has 7,000 involved members, 42,000 adherents, thousands of sympathizers, a Mariapolis town with 200 inhabitants, Ciudad Nueva Publishing House, three Mariapolis Centres for formation training, focolares in major cities, communities spread throughout the country social projects and participation in several political, social, cultural and ecclesial environments. There are many other people who have come into contact and remain connected to the Movement’s many expressions in this land.

Visit Argentina in Focolare Worldwide!

Zapala (Neuquén)

Apr 7, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Giancarlo Faletti in Mexico

Apr 5, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

“The Mariapolis town will become more and more of a reference point for your peers if the youths of the Movement manifest their friendship with Chiara Luce Badano. She will speak to the hearts of these young people, telling of her friendship with Chiara Lubich, her relationship with the spirituality and charism of unity which led her to holiness in our own day.” These were the final remarks made by Giancarlo Faletti, co-president of the Focolare, at the conclusion of his visit to “El Diamante” Focolare town in Mexico. The Mariapolis town is located at a distance of 50km from Puebla and 170 km to the southeast of Mexico City. Fifty-five permanent residents live here and there are always many others who visit for extended periods of time. Several meetings were organized for the occasion. There was a deep dialogue between Giancarlo Faletti with some thirty priests who live the spirituality of unity. They exchanged experiences on the effects of living out the charism in their lives as priests and in building communion in the Church. In keeping with Giancarlo Faletti’s desire for inculturation, he could not go without making a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Morenita. There, on 28 March 2012 he and a few others who accompanied him were welcomed by the shrine’s Rector Msgr Enrique Glennie. The visitors were given the privilege of going into the private room where the tilma of Juan Diego can be viewed up close. The tilma is the piece of fabric on which the image of Mary was left impressed. The Rector then invited those present to page through the Album of Honour, which contains the signature of many honored guests, from John Paul II to Mother Teresa. The album also contains the signature of Chaira Lubich: “My heart remains here with La Morenita,” she wrote. It was 1997. One hundred and eighty youths from all over Mexico then joined Giancarlo Faletti at El Diamante. They brought up many of the issues in their hearts: city violence; social breakdown; among their peers, a total apathy toward great ideals; competition for success at any cost; homosexuality and conditioning by the mass media that is all in the hands of a few people. Faletti concluded: “The modern challenges give us more work to do, they call for interdisciplinary knowledge and ongoing study, but this is the life of Jesus in 2012. What remains basic is understanding together and as deeply as possible what we are living as sons and daughters of Chiara, and why.” A meeting with more than 1,200 people including some from as far away as Torrion (16 hours by bus), was interspersed with dance, song and a variety of traditional dress. Maria Voce was connected via Skype from where she was staying in Guatamala. It was the family of the Focolare in Mexico. At the conclusion Maria Voce told everyone: “I say thank you again. I hope that by witnessing to the charism of unity you may transform the environments in which you live and as a Movement contribute to renewing Mexico.”  

Colombia: Focolare co-President at Unidad Social Centre

Apr 5, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Joana is a teenager with flowing black hair. She sings a popular song, “Here is the Colombian traveler,” which describes the beauties of this country.
Giancarlo Faletti has just arrived in this land touched by two oceans. His first visit is to the site of a significant project where he is welcomed by boys and girls dressed in colorful paper costumes and are dancing in the crowded little hall filled with locals who have come to welcome the co-president.

The Los Chircales (Bricklayers) neighbourhood is located on the southern outskirts of Bogota. It is an expanse of disordered red houses, the color of the bricks for which the place is named. The surrounding landscape is rough with broken roads and walls that seem that they are ready to fall. This is where the Unidad Social Center is located.

Everything began in 1977. A group of city youths accepted Chiara Lubich’s bold challenge to “Die for one’s own people.” They went to this quarter within the parish of Father Luis and began to play with the children. Here they encountered the wounded but profound humanity of two bricklayers, Gabrielina and Macedonio, who were making bricks to be used in the attractive buildings of the grand metropolis of Bogota.

Thanks to their generous involvement, a group of social projects were begun in this neighborhood that had been forgotten by all (but not by Providence.) A doctor’s office was opened and a dental clinic, an attractive boutique that sells clothes at accessible prices, and an after-school program for the children of the quarter. The Bogota Municipality took notice of the people’s efforts to redeem themselves and provided for the installment of public electricity, a sewer system and running water.

Gabrielina and Macedonio are a witness to their hope that was transformed into reality. Now illiteracy and alcoholism are no longer their story. They are the living examples, and they have become reference points and advisers because of the human dignity they have regained.   

The Unidad Social Centre is a more than dignified place, in which educational programs are held for different age groups, and it has a fully-equipped computer room. Seventy-five students are supported by the New Families Association. Regular remedial courses are offered for seventy students and there are recreational activities that involve 120 children.

A few years ago a teacher heard about the Project and wanted to offer her professional skills to help mothers. A key role is played by this “community Mum”. Currently there are fifteen of these community Mums, who care for fourteen children in a sort of kindergarten where the children are taught early academic and social skills.

The time flew! “I discovered a great page of sacred history in this place,” commented Giancarlo Faletti, “I encountered the living Gospel. I’ll tell the president, Maria Voce, what a precious treasure you are for this neighbourhood and for the city.” This was followed by endless embraces, as is the custom here.

Alberto Lo Presti and Paolo Lòriga

Colombia: dialogo con la cultura

Apr 5, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Colombia: Benvenuto Giancarlo!

Apr 5, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

From a ‘non-believer’s’ point of view

Apr 5, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

‘I got to know the Focolare through some members of Youth for a United World who were in my class at school in Rome. When the time came that I felt the need to deepen my spirituality and my ideals, I asked the advice of my friend who is a gen. I liked the Movement and I really wanted to love concretely, but I was scared I would be unable to live up to the Ideal of unity, because I was far from having any religion. ‘I don’t like being called an atheist, because nowadays atheism is seen a position of aggressive opposition to the Church and to religion. But I try to respect everyone and everything. For this reason I prefer being called a ‘non-believer’. ‘I have never accepted evangelizing people; it’s always seemed to me to be about putting pressure on them. But I try to ‘shine’ as much as I can, so others may be struck by my light. Living each moment as love is what makes me feel I’m really following this ideal, that I’m a person with something extra because I love everyone and love what I do. ‘Living among a lot of people who are always ready to love has made me understand that it’s not necessary to be heroes to save the lives of others. If you love in the present moment wherever you are, people change. A small act of kindness can make someone smile and can set off a chain reaction of positive events – it creates a piece of united world. ‘One day, during a trip to the mountains, a man decided to join our party, even though his climbing boots were broken, because he was suffered from vertigo and was frightened of using the chair lift. I decided to swap boots with him, and go on with one bare foot and one foot in a broken boot. It was easy to get to the second chair lift, where he thought he could manage to use it and give me back my boots. If an action is inspired by a love that doesn’t seek to gain anything, perhaps it doesn’t change the day much for us personally, but it does for lots of others. ‘My choice of living as a person who follows this Ideal isn’t easy. Every day I live trying to do the right thing. To everyone who has doubts about faith or who thinks that being a non-believer is to be branded for life, I’d like to say that it’s not like that. Above all here, in this environment, I have always felt myself welcome as in a family. At worst… you risk having to talk about yourself on stage like I’m doing now!’ A.O. Italy Recounted at the event ‘Chiara Lubich and the New Generations’, Rome, 11 March 2012  

Messico: il piccolo Gabriel e un Paese da rinnovare

Apr 3, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Messico: Scuola Santa Maria, laboratorio di promozione

Apr 2, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Colombia: Between Two Oceans and the Andes

Apr 1, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Bathed by two oceans and crossed by the Andes, Colombia is like a garden of 1, 141, 748 square kilometres in the far northwest of South America. Beaches on the Caribbean, Amazon rainforest, modern cities, flowers, gold, oil, emeralds, energy exports, culture and the arts make it a nation overflowing with richness. But its people, tough, filled with joy and initiative, are the real treasure of this nation which took its name from Christopher Columbus.

The history of the Focolare in this land begins in Bogota, a modern and cultivated metropolis of more than 9 million inhabitants, which lies on a magnificent plateau at 2, 600 metres. During the Eucharistic Congress in 1968 Lucero – a young Boy Scout who was doing community service at the Congress – met Fr Sotelo, a Franciscan friar who gave him a book that Chiara Lubich had written for youths of the Movement entitled, “Tappe Gen” (Gen Steps). Fascinated by what what he found written there, he began with other teenagers to live the adventure that the book proposed. Soon other people were drawn by the way they lived.  

Meanwhile, in the industrialized and ever-changing city of Medellin, Salesian Father Luis Bonilla discovered in the pages of Ciudad Nueva, a Focolare magazine from Argentina, that vibrant Gospel life he had always been looking for. He began to visit the houses in the quarter where he was living, sharing the “Ideal” he had found. He began a correspondence with the publisher, and a few months later Anna Sorlini, an Italian focolarina arrived. She would then continue to visit the fledgling community on a regular basis.

Marita Sartori (centre)

The first “focolare” was opened in 1976 and a second in 1976. From these this Gospel spirit began to spread to 12 Latin American countries – from Mexico to Peru – finding an enthusiastic response. Two of the main players in this story are Marita Sartori, one of the early focolarina from Trent, Italy, who lived in Colombia from 1973 until 2002 and Carlo Casabeltrame from Piemonte, Italy.

During those years Bishop Libardo Ramirez attended one of the first gatherings of Bishop Friends of the Focolare and brought the spirituality of unity to his diocese in Armenia, Colombia. With the arrival of Fr Agostino Abate, a focolare of diocesan priests was begun. Men and women religious spread the spirituality and gave life to Focolare communities as they transferred from place to place in the Huila Valley, Santander, Narino, Atlantico, Choco, Antioquia and Cundinamarca. A Columbian edition of Ciudad Nueva magazine was also published.

From a socio-political and economic point of view the situation of the country becomes more and more difficult. Besides the poverty of more than 48% of the population that has generated armed struggle and guerrilla warfare, there is also the problem of drug trafficking violence and forced migration.

The Focolare communities find themselves continually called upon by these situations. In response to this, in 2002 Chiara Lubich suggested that the Focolare in Colombia work particularly at developing the new law and politics that emerge from a spirituality of unity. And this was an important development for the Movement in this land.

Currently the headquarters of the Movement are located at the “Gioia Mariapolis Centre” in Tocancipa (50 km from Bogota). It is a centre of formation in the spirituality of unity and of its spreading in the region. There are two “focolares” in Bogota and two more in Medellin. Several social projects have begun, such as “Unity Social Center” in the south of the capital, “Rising Sun School” in Tocancipa, solidarity-at-a-distance programs in Medellin and Bogota and some academic and development projects grounded in fraternity in politics.

It is estimated that there are 6,500 Focolare adherents in Colombia.

Messico: il copresidente Faletti per la prima volta nel Paese

Apr 1, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

“Sole nascente”, scuola di speranza

Apr 1, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Bogotà: “Social Unidad” Centre

Apr 1, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

“We’re closer to Heaven here!” exclaims eight year-old L.M. who lives in La Merced (Bogotà) and regularly visits Focolare-run “Social Unidad” Centre. Her family came to the humble neighborhood in the mountains south of the capital to escape the violence. Their situation was the same as many others who can be seen in this place, where they find a group of solid people who have welcomed in these families in search of a secure future. In the beginning the situation was quite desperate. To stay alive working meant digging into the hard earth of that region in order to make cement blocks. It is a tiring process, demanding physical strength and strong lungs that can support the gas pouring from the enormous ovens. It also means forgetting one’s dreams, because this work takes up every minute of one’s time. Even children of five years have to put aside their toys or invent new ones as they share in the work of making cement blocks. And it is normal to see them with their faces blackened by smoke, but happy to be helping their parents. Thirty years ago, inspired by Chiara Lubich’s invitation to “give our lives for our own people”, thirty members of the Focolare Movement, together with Fr Luis Dies and a group of pioneers got involved. The local inhabitants were very indifferent at first, due to previous negative experiences. “But how could we not open our doors,” asks P.T., “to people who had come only to help us?” The shared in our pain of finding ourselves so needy; they also shared moments of relaxation with us; they never judged us; they really loved us and, right from the start, they were engaged in improving the quality of our life. They brought a doctor, a dentist. . . they made us feel that we were people who are loved by a Father who is Love!” Today there is a social centre. In the midst of many difficulties this community is working to become a model of coexistence in which the practice of human and Christian values ​​is the basis of each day’s work. At present, “Centro Unidad” offers scholarship aid to thirty-five children and teenagers, between the ages of six and seventeen. They are assisted by local youths and by others who work in the centre in cooperation with the social projects they are involved in. There is an instructional programme for twenty-four mothers who care for pregnant women and children between the ages of newborn and five years-old. There is a library service, cooking classes, health assistance with a medical doctor and dentist and computer training. . . One original idea was the “boutique” that offers home furnishings, home utensils, school materials, and whatever else is useful. There are also dance, theatre, and art workshops. The Centre is supported by the New Families’ “Distance Support” project, which benefits seventy-eight children and teenagers from the local families. This is one beautiful story, one which is still being written amid sorrows and joys. The doors of the Centre are always open for anyone in need, and also for those who wish to give. It is a small slice of humanity, which is committed and struggling to belong to a more just society, inspired by Gospel values.

L’incontro con la Morenita

Mar 31, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Slovenia: A society that says ‘yes’ to the family

Mar 30, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

‘We want to share with you our joy at how the recent referendum turned out,’ write Anča and Vine Povirk from Domzale in Slovenia, members of the Focolare’s New Families Movement. ‘It was the result of a great deal of cooperation between various civil and religious movements, and numerous families, all united in a peaceful battle in favour of the family.’ The vast majority of the media and of influential politicians were in favour of the new law that sought, among other things, greater liberalization for same sex couples – for example, with regard to third-party adoptions, by allowing a same sex couple to adopt the biological child of one of the partners, as well as a whole raft of measures regarding unmarried couples. The ‘yes’ campaign had huge financial resources (more than 2 million euros), while the ‘no’ campaign was entirely self-supporting. It was in no sense an equal battle. The initiative, promoted at first only by Catholics, soon drew in other Christians, members of other religions and many who, without professing any specific faith, uphold human values. Together they managed to collect the 40,000 signatures necessary to call for a referendum. It was held on 25 March with a turnout of 30% and, contrary to expectations, the ‘no’ vote was 55%. ‘For two and a half years we worked beyond our capabilities and our strength to defend basic family values,’ Marjana and Pavel from Ljubljana  – Delegates of the New Humanity Movement in Slovenia – tell us. ‘We spoke in Parliament, held public events before the vote, organized a Family Day, collected signatures… we wrote to MPs, to the Constitutional Court, speaking many, many times on discussion programmes on television, national and local radio… and in this way we built up numerous friendships with the members of other ecclesial movements, with important people in the sphere of civil life and politicians of various parties… Now, however, we are beginning the most important phase: working to give our contribution to a new law for family life framed around the values we strongly believe to be basic to society and which have their roots in the Gospel.’ A comment put out by Mgr Anton Stres, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ljubljana and president of the Slovenian Episcopal Conference, thanked ‘all those who were committed to achieve this aim and to make the electorate aware of the irreplaceable role of the family in our life.’ Nonetheless, the comment continues, ‘with the outcome of the referendum, family values are not assured; indeed, it is necessary to live them every day in our relationships with one another.’

Antioquia

Mar 28, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

Please note: The geolocalisation feature on this website – which displays cities and towns where Focolare centres are present – is only meant to be a guide. The markers on the map do not necessarily point to a specific address and they must not be relied on for navigational purposes.

Lebanon: Moving Toward the Genfest – Let’s Bridge!

Mar 28, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide

“Hi to all! We want to let you know how special this year is for the young people of our country. We are sharing wonderful moments in preparation for our long-awaited Genfest. Last September we agreed to set our sights on a unity that would gradually envelope all of us, our friends and also our great Focolare family. And we see it happening. To raise funds for the journey – which is very costly – and also to have opportunities to spend some time living together and starting already to build some “local bridges” (in accordance with the title of this year’s Genfest), we’ve come up with a schedule of many activities, some of which have already taken place and others that are still being prepared. “Unight”: An evening with a hundred youths at a pub in Beirut, including a presentation on the Genfest event. “Unight Your Talents Show”: A talent show with songs, dances, musical numbers, theatre, storytelling and creative performances. There were 550 of us on March 3, 2012 for a two hour show in a large hall at the university. Fundraising: We began a taxi service for accompanying people to the airport and other places. We also began a babysitting service. We set up a refreshment stand at the Mariapolis Centre. We make and sell jewelry and special occasion cards. These are not only opportunities to raise funds for the trip to Budapest, but also occasions to know one another better and to “build bridges.” “Unite in Depth“: March 23-March 25. Three days of preparing for the Genfest through deepening and strengthening our faith. Eighty young people have already signed up, including 20 from Syria.» We have encountered many difficulties along the way: The young people from Lebanon are in suspense becuase the airline from whom they purchased tickets for their flights to Budapest has gone out of business. Together with them we continue to believe that with the help of everyone and with the help of God, a way will be found to overcome even this obstacle.

“Lo spettacolo della vita!”: il Gen Rosso nella penisola Iberica

Mar 27, 2012 | Focolare Worldwide