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The General Council in the Holy Land

Feb 26, 2011

From 21st- 28th February, the Focolare Movement’s directors walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Their itinerary includes a three-day spiritual retreat and a pilgrimage through the local religious sites.

Last Sunday the members of Focolare Movement’s General Council arrived in Israel to start their scheduled pilgrimage with Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement, and co-President, Giancarlo Faletti, who had just concluded their official visit to the Focolare Movement’s local community present in the Holy Land.

On their arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, the members of the Council were met by representatives of the Movement’s local community who gave them a traditionally warm welcome. From there the Council members left for Domus Galilaeae on Lake Tiberias, where they spent the first days of their stay in the Holy Land. The venue was built by the Neocatechumenal Way at the turn of the millennium and was blessed by John Paul II during his historical visit to the Holy Land in 2000 when, in the valley beneath the Mountain of the Beatitudes, he celebrated Mass for thousands of pilgrims. Blessing the new facility the Pope said: “The Lord was waiting for you on this Mount”. Meaningful words that are now written at the entrance of the facility, welcoming all visitors to Domus Galilaeae.

The meeting between Maria Voce, the General Council and the Neocatechumenal Way was characterized by a warm atmosphere and the exchange of experiences. On 22nd February, feast day of the Chair of St Peter, the two communities celebrated Mass together.

Meanwhile the Focolare Movement’s Council started their retreat which lasted three and a half days. There were moments of meditation and sharing of experiences as well as the possibility to work on the challenges and prospects facing the Focolare Movement worldwide in the various ecclesiastical and social areas where it works.

The Movement’s mission of unity and communion handed on by Chiara Lubich herself was the focus of these days.

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