Jan 11, 2024 | Non categorizzato
Father Adolfo Raggio, 95 years old, is a priest who is a “citizen of the world”. He says that when he met the spirituality of unity, which he likes to call “the Ideal,” his life changed. From a parish in a small town in Liguria, northern Italy, the roads of God led him to different countries, where in each place he gave life to people and communities who live the spirit of the Focolare Movement., In this video, he shares his journey, which still today keeps him active in serving his brothers. Watch the video (activate English subtitles) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N66bxl2KoU
Interview: Carlos Mana Voice: Giuseppe Vetri Filming and editing: Javier García
Jan 3, 2024 | Centro internazionale, Non categorizzato, Tutela minori
The Prefecture of Nanterre (France) issued an appeal for witnesses On Tuesday, 2 January, the Police Prefecture of Nanterre (France) issued an appeal for witnesses following the accusation of sexual abuse within the Focolare Movement in France by former focolarino Jean-Michel Merlin. The document states that the Prefecture is looking for ‘anyone who can provide information relevant to the investigation or who wishes to denounce facts of which he may have been a victim’. Jean-Michel Merlin,” the appeal explains, “has been accused of sexual abuse of children and adults committed over a number of years within the Focolare Movement. Many of the victims have come forward and denounced the acts committed against them. The Focolare expresses its complete availability to facilitate the work of the judicial authorities and to make this appeal known. They offer their support to the victims and their commitment to continue implementing measures to protect and safeguard children and individuals, so that the Movement can increasingly be a safe place for everyone. Anyone with information of interest to the investigation or who wishes to report incidents of which they have been a victim, in France or elsewhere, is invited to contact the French judicial authorities via the following address: appelatemoin-btpf92@interieur.gouv.fr
Jan 1, 2024 | Non categorizzato
Today, January 1st, we celebrate the World Day of Peace. On this occasion, we offer a writing of Igino Giordani (1894-1980) where he recalls how living in peace can make every day Christmas. Since Christmas is considered by most as one of the grand feasts, more sumptuous than sacred, it would be important to reflect on some of the theme aspects of this event, due to which the history of the world was cut into two sections, pre- and post-. (…)
There is an abysmal contrast between the birth of a powerful figure, as the ancient world dreamt of and the obscure birth of Jesus, ignored by many; it is a contrast which in itself characterises the infinite originality of a Christ-king born of a poor woman in a stable. (…)
The start of his revolution does not foresee arrogance, but humility, to draw the sons of God to heaven, starting from those who ate and slept on the ground: the slaves, the jobless, the foreigners, and the scum.
Liberty and love were born with that infant: his liberty is liberty of love. This is the immense discovery. Universal love that he taught aims to disperse a system of coexistence made up mostly of political power, abuse of authority, idle usury, despise for work, degradation of woman, and corrosive envy. (…)
Life, in peace, would allow us to make every day, Christmas. And this is the revolution of Christ: to make us be reborn continually against the curse of death. And so the utmost commandment is to love man, which is like loving God. Love the other to the point of giving one’s life for him.
(Igino Giordani, Christmas as a revolution, New City, Rome 1974, n.24, p.18)
Dec 29, 2023 | Non categorizzato
Following Pope Francis’ Encyclicals on care of our common home, Laudato Sì and Laudate Deum, a community in in Formia (Italy), has promoting greater energy efficiency and developed renewable forms of energy. “In some places, cooperatives are being developed to exploit renewable sources of energy which ensure local self-sufficiency and even the sale of surplus energy. This simple example shows that, while the existing world order proves powerless to assume its responsibilities, local individuals and groups can make a real difference.” (179). These are the words of Pope Francis in the encyclical Laudato Sì on caring for our common home, published in 2015. After the publication of this letter and in the light of the new apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum (4th October 2023), many communities around the world felt inspired to do something concrete for the care of the environment, to change their lifestyles and to take action against climate change. The Focolare community in Formia felt this responsibility and decided to instigate a positive change in the care of people and of the environment. At the beginning of 2023, after a short organisational process, with a varied group of entities, they started a Renewable Energy Community around a Parish in their Municipality. The purpose was to produce, consume, sell and share electricity. Their inspiration was the desire to implement what Pope Francis proposed in Laudato Sì. Referring to local communities, the Pope affirmed that they can make a real difference, “as they are able to instil, a greater sense of responsibility, a strong sense of community, a readiness to protect others, a spirit of creativity and a deep love for the land. They are also concerned about what they will eventually leave to their children and grandchildren” (179). Hence the idea of developing renewable and low-polluting forms of energy by promoting greater energy efficiency. And even more: on one hand there is a desire to give more attention to solving the environmental crisis while on the other, an effort is being made to address the difficulties that some citizens have in paying energy bills. The energy community involves a variety of partners: from the parish to families, from educational institutions to commercial activities. Bringing different entities together risks the occurrence of misunderstandings or different visions. This is why, from the outset, efforts were made to involve everyone and explain the objectives of the project so that everyone was aware of the path to be followed. For this reason there have been several meetings to understand the motivations, overcome doubts and difficulties. The local community then participated in a public tender for funds. The subsidies were specifically intended for Renewable Energy Communities. The contributions they received allowed them to launch the project.
Lorenzo Russo
Dec 24, 2023 | Non categorizzato
A Christmas that speaks of strength, courage and warmth, in a “family” which is as big as the world
All one! A goal to be reached.
One day heaven opened up, because the Word became flesh. Then He grew, taught, performed miracles, brought together His disciples, founded the Church and, before dying on the Cross, said to the Father: “May they all be one.”
He did not address His words to human beings: perhaps they would not have understood. He turned to the Father, because God is the bond of this unity, and he obtained this grace that enabled us all to be completely one.
We know that we are brothers and sisters, we know that a link binds us, but we do not act as brothers and sisters. We pass by each other without looking at one another, without loving each other. If that is the case, in what does our fraternity consist?
God (…) wants us to open our eyes and look at one another and help one another and love one another.
The fault is ours; we have forgotten what is essential. Our vision is clouded by material goods, activities, affections, personal ideas and egoism. We don’t let go of anything so as to give priority to God. God exists; yes, God does exist, but he is one of the many things in our lives. We think of him only in those moments when we need him.
As Christians, we should live in a different way. We must put God in His rightful place in our lives and put aside everything else.
And He will teach us how we should live, and He will repeat his words to us: “Love one another.”
Then many things will change. My family will become the whole of humanity, as Jesus said: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the Word of God.” And passing through the streets of this world, we will realize that people are not just people, but they are children of God. All one!! Let’s make the world become a single family, where the rule of every rule will be Love.
Chiara Lubich (from Città Nuova – no.24 – 25 December1972)
Dec 21, 2023 | Non categorizzato
A dream of peace and fraternity to be realised for all the people on earth is in the words of Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, her wish of hope for this Christmas and the New Year about to begin.
