Focolare Movement

Montreal: Chiara Lubich’s New Humanity Movement at the 2016 World Social Forum

Sep 8, 2016

“Another world is necessary. Together it becomes possible!” is the theme of the program presented to 25,000 people from 125 countries who work in the fields of human rights, armed conflicts and migrations, protection of the environment, economy and citizenship. The Focolare presents a best practices workshops.

World Social Forum -02Courtesy Week at Yvonne’s school in Toronto, Canada, received a surprise visit from a Minister of the Canadian government who wanted to know more about how the students had used the Cube of Love to change the atmosphere in their classrooms, increase service and attention to others and alleviate bullying. That Peace Project received an award as one of the most exemplary practices in the school district and was adopted by other schools with the encouragement of the Minister of Education. In North Riverside, Illinois, USA, Carol began a social project called “The Art of Caring for Each Other”, which was adopted by the public administration and transformed foreigners and suspicious neighbours into a community marked by welcome and sharing. World Social Forum -04These are just a few of the best practices that the Focolare’s New Humanity Movement presented at the World Social Forum in Montreal, Canada during the second week of August. Projects, studies, social action and artistic performances helped to imagine that “Another world is necessary, together it becomes possible!”. It was the title chosen for this 12th edition of the worldwide workshop which originated in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 2001, as a response to the economic forum that was held by world economic leaders in Davos, Switzerland. The Social Forum provides an independent space to diverse expressions in civil society that are trying to bring change in the areas of human rights, economy, renewable energy and democracy. The Humanity Movement’s three public workshops at McGill University of Montreal and Quebec were an expo of best practices from the social, economic and political fields that have been influenced by Chiara Lubich’s charism of unity. Jean Charles Bitorirobe from Burundi, now a Canadian citizen, wanted to help heal the wound of ethnic conflict that still divides Hutu and Tutsi in his country and also in Quebec. “Our centre is meant as a cultural centre for all Burundians regardless of their ethnic roots. In February we gathered more than 420 people to share experiences, our sad baggage from the past and traditional customs that should no longer continue to divide our people. Our inspiration is the charism of unity.” Jean Claude also began a soccer team, a Kirundi language and dance class, a fundraiser for 150 mentally disable children from Burundi and a supper of typical dishes and traditional music. “Some people immediately thought we were thinking of starting a political party, but we only want to work for unity, and the ambassador expressed acknowledgement and appreciation of our work.” Cameroon politician and point of reference for the thousands of women Volunteers of the Focolare Movement, Patience Lobè, brought the workshop to a close. She had received death threats and was the target of several assassination attempts for having denounced corruption in the Public Works system in her country. “I felt I had to fight for justice. I don’t know if this is because it is part of my nature, but I do think that God uses us as his instruments.” As a civil engineer she earned a good salary, but the poverty all around her would not let her rest, and so this courageous woman created professional development centres that have led to jobs and cooperatives like the organic chicken farm that is now showpiece of the industrial edifice of the country. “Hunger and poverty are first of all a problem of values, but if we put ourselves together we can create the change and be people that do something new.” And that is totally in tune with the job description of the Social Forum.

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