“As well as the opportunity to get to know Ballycastle and the sites of Cross and Passion College and the Corrymeela community (where most of the events will be taking place next year)  it was a chance to relax in beautiful surroundings,”  remarked Irene Jovaras.

The team checked out accommodation possibilities at hotels, hostels, B and B’s and camping in the surrounding area.

Members of the  Corrymeela community of all ages, warmly welcomed the Focolare group, sharing with them some stories and experiences of peace and reconciliation which is at the heart of their work. The young people of the Focolare met together to share and prepare the youth programme.

“It was all a mutual enrichment!  Simply coming together and sharing across the generations and cultures of different parts of Ireland was a “Mariapolis” experience,” said Irene.

Mariapolis 2014 in Ballycastle will mark the 40th anniversary of the Mariapolis in Ireland and 10 years of the Focolare house in Belfast.

“We hope it can be an opportunity to give a witness already of how mutual love lived out is the key to building ever stronger bridges within and across communities,” added Irene.

Early booking is strongly recommended!