The Mariapolis is the Focolare summer gathering where people of all ages, backgrounds and faiths meet to take timeout together. It is like a retreat but different because it is lived together with each day having talks, workshops, outings and fun, moments of reflection and discussion.
Focolare takes its inspiration from Jesus’ prayer: “May they all be one” (Jn 17:21) and includes Christians of various denominations, followers of the major world religions and people with other beliefs.
A “little city” where the only law is love.
Many summer Mariapolises are held in a variety of settings, with different programs, yet each of these temporary “Cities of Mary” (hence the name Mariapolis) is a portion of society renewed by evangelical love. Cultural, racial, religious and generational differences disappear in this mosaic of humanity made one family by a common desire to live out the Golden Rule “Do to others as you would want done to you”.
Mariapolis is an occasion to gather with many and, in a dialogue of true openness, learn to be a gift for one another.
Large Irish contingent travel to joint Ireland / UK hosted summer gathering of Focolare in Liverpool. “Here we are almost at the 100th anniversary of 1916, signing up with England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales in a moment of unity, of reconciliation, of prayer. It is a poignant moment,” remarks Bishop Brendan Leahy.
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Are you looking for a different kind of experience this summer, something that is not simply a holiday or a retreat? Then the Mariapolis might be just for you!
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This video was produced by the young people of the Focolare in Northern Ireland. Conleth – one of the makers writes: “sometimes our words are not enough – after all a picture says a thousand words!” The video tries to explain what a Mariapolis (the summer gathering of the Focolare) is. The video records what happened at previous Mariapolises -most recently in Dungarvan in 2013. Have a look and share with your friends!
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