Six years after the last nationwide summer gathering in Great Britain, the Focolare Movement welcomed 350 ‘Mariapolis’ participants to Harper Adams University in Shropshire 25-28 July. Online events during the pandemic had brought new opportunities, and local Mariapolis had highlighted the beauty of local communities across the country. Nevertheless, there was an atmosphere of great joy and celebration to be ‘all together’ again.
Involving everyone from the youngest – a 4-week-old baby! – to the eldest, the theme of mission in the widest sense was explored across three days. The sessions were based on a talk by Margaret Karram and were entitled God Calls Us, God Sends Us and Together we can make a difference respectively.
Presentations featured contributions from the wider body of the Focolare Movement and reflected the diversity of cultures present in Britain today. There were moving testimonies highlighting the calls to priesthood, to marriage, to working for the good of society – all understood as calls to respond to God’s love. A tangible connection was keenly felt with those who had concluded their earthly journey in the past year, linking the Mariapolis’ of earth and Heaven.
Music and colour were intrinsic to the programme, both in guiding reflection and in celebration together. The all-age ‘Launchpad’ started each morning with a challenge to find ways to bring God’s love to those around. The children led by example, ready to put love into practice straightaway.
The drama across the world stage from recent years was reflected in the significant presence of many who had left their home countries under difficult circumstances, seeking a new life in this country.
The presence of many young families brought a new energy, while the faithful life of many established local communities provided a rich resource of wisdom and experience. There was also a parish group from the West Midlands who came for the day by coach, with one family enjoying it so much that they came back the next day.
The ecumenical nature of the Mariapolis was expressed through the presence of several different Christian denominations. There was an opportunity to attend Roman Catholic Mass, Anglican Eucharist, informal worship and a United Reformed Church Eucharist, with many participants choosing to respectfully attend the celebrations of other denominations as well as their own. Others took time to enjoy quiet time in nature or conversation with others.
The international dimension of Focolare was enhanced not only by the rich diversity of participants, but also by a short link up with the Mariapolis taking place simultaneously in Oviedo, northern Spain. A mutual commitment to walking together to make this world better, more human and more loving, was declared.
Many eyes were also on Genfest in Brazil, and a message from the group of young people who had travelled from Britain to take part in the experience opened the horizons of all those present to a worldwide dimension.
Afternoon outings gave the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside, an ice cream farm and a fantastic local park. A choice of workshops was offered, ranging from active citizenship, interfaith dialogue, living spirituality in the parish, and dementia support, to crochet, mindful colouring or learning the bagpipes! A big game involving all-age teams also took place one afternoon, blessed by glorious sunshine.
Many left the Mariapolis inspired by the experience and with their spiritual batteries re-charged:
“This was my first Mariapolis and the sense of love and community was remarkable! I take away a real sense of love and unity, and how by little actions we can truly change the world together.”
“It was deeply spiritual and yet so accessible.”
“I liked the sense of community, altogether absent from everyday life: something truly special, miraculous even.”
Word in action
