The Mariapolis Centre “La Sorgente” is located in Ain Aar, in a mountainous area, 20 kilometres north of Beirut. As it was in 2006, the year of the 34-day military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, also these days people fleeing the bombs that are devastating the South of the country, arrive here, in this region with a Christian majority, and ask for hospitality. “It is normal to knock on the door of the Mariapolis Centre and find the doors wide open,” says R. of the Lebanese Focolare community.
“How could we not welcome them? What would have happened to the ideal of fraternity that we nourish ourselves with and that should be our characteristic?”
A similar experience was lived in 2006. Lebanon was crossed by large movements of families, and even then, the Focolare welcomed more than a hundred friends, families with husband and wife, grandparents, young people and children to its Mariapolis Centre. “That’s how we met, and a relationship of brothers and sisters was born between us that made us share joys and sorrows, hopes and difficulties, needs and prayers. In a simple and sincere relationship, woven into everyday life, a true experience of fraternity was born and grew, without filters or prejudices”.
No one expected the situation to deteriorate so suddenly. “The Lebanese were preparing to return to school with a look of hope towards this new year,” says R. “And yet an unexpected storm broke out, relentless, threatening, deadly,” with “terrible consequences on a population thirsty for peace, justice, and avenues of dialogue.”
In just a few days, or rather hours, warfare hit popular neighbourhoods and the people sank into “a real nightmare.”
UNICEF reports that according to the Ministry of Public Health, as of September 25, nearly 600 people have been killed in Lebanon, including more than 50 children and 94 women, and about 1,700 others have been injured since 23rd September. Mass displacement continues, reaching about 201,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Since then, the Mariapolis Centre “La Sorgente” has also been crowded with guests “who arrived with their fears, the trauma experienced in their villages or targeted neighbourhoods.” They have travelled 120 kilometres by car, taking 5 to 8 hours. The roads are crowded with cars fleeing from the South. They leave the villages before reaching the big cities of Tyre and Sidon. Around them, they see the destruction of the recent bombings. There are currently 128 people staying at the Mariapolis Centre in Ain Aar. Some come from the South, others from the popular suburbs of Beirut hit by the latest attacks. It is not easy: “Their presence raises questions in the Christian community of the region,” the Focolare Movement members say. “But the sense of solidarity is stronger than suspicion.” R. adds: “Where could they ask for asylum this time too? Where could they go, knowing they would be welcomed without reservations?”
For the Focolare community, a new adventure begins. The reception is done in coordination with local, religious and civil authorities.
A “race” of solidarity is starting – as is happening all over the country these days. From the parish priest, to the parishioners, to the volunteers. There are those who take care of the children by organizing activities and soccer games for them. Those who take care of the necessary aid for the reception. “People arrive shocked, worried about their future, with the apocalyptic spectacle of destroyed homes, burned fields in their eyes, but also news of acquaintances, relatives, neighbours, friends or students who were killed in the attacks and will never be seen again. Together we come together, immersing ourselves in living in the present moment, with the faith that has allowed us to overcome adversity for centuries”.
The “La Sorgente” Centre aims to be, together with many places scattered throughout the country, true “oases of peace”. “The hope, the deepest wish is that we can soon return home. So much blood shed must make the desert of hearts bloom. We hope that this ordeal we are experiencing, opens a breach in the conscience of the powerful and of everyone on the evidence that war is a defeat for everyone, as Pope Francis repeats. But above all we believe and hope that from this crucible of pain a message of possible fraternity for the entire Region can emerge from Lebanon.”
Maria Chiara Biagioni
Source: AgenSir
Photos: Focolari Lebanon
The Focolare Movement acknowledges that all the communities in the Middle East have suffered loss and deprivation due to the recent conflict. If you would like to contribute financially towards the relief effort, you can send money via the Focolare Trust:
The Focolare Trust
NatWest Bank
Sort code: 08-92-99
Account number: 6725 2286
The money will be used to support individuals and families of the Focolare community affected by the conflict. The Focolare community comprises people of different faiths and backgrounds, and is committed to building peace through dialogue and reconciliation.
