“The atmosphere of simplicity and deep unity has made this experience a splendid one”.  Stefano and Roberta Serratore of the International Secretary of New Families write us.  Since this month they were in Melbourne they were able to attend the Mariapolis of Phillip Island, that has just concluded and that had the family as a central focus.

During the three-day meeting, in which various people and numerous children and teenagers of the Focolare community in Australia participated, “the three main subjects launched in the project of Family Highlights have been developed”: “Family, a network of relationships”, relationships between husband and wife, with the children, among generations; “Love, the instrument and the answer to the difficulties in the family”, therefore the sharing of wounds, challenges, suffering; “Family, a creative resource for the social fabric of all peoples”, that is, networks of families, solidarity and acceptance, commitment towards society.

All this through experiences of life and reflections taken from the writings of Chiara Lubich on the family.

The program included as well many recreation spaces and times to share together.  Open air games,  such as archery and canoeing, moments dedicated to ecology and music and relaxing walks along the beach.

The presence of people of other nationalities, some of the Anglican Church, a Buddhist and the family from the Baptist Church, “have made our living together multicultural and splendid”.