Sep 5, 2011 | Non categorizzato
The view is breathtaking. From the fifth floor of the international headquarters of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), with a single glance one takes in the city of London’s financial district, with the Stock Exchange, the Bank of England and the distinctive “Gherkin” skyscraper. Looking from East to West, one can see the Dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, the masterpiece of architect Christopher Wren, and the “London Eye”, a giant ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames from which one can admire a spectacular panorama of the city, including the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the burial site of English monarchs, renowned for the celebration of Royal weddings. Yet it is not the view that strikes us, fascinating though it is, but the mix of ethnic cultures which composed the group of 85 young people, mostly Londoners, but also from other parts of Britain, who came together on the evening of Saturday, 3rd September, to discuss the theme “The Power of the Word” in the presence of Focolare President, Maria Voce, and co-president, Giancarlo Faletti. As the sun was setting on this warm day, its rays flooded the room lighting up the faces of the youth who, through games, songs and experiences, were able to amply discuss issues that were by no means simple or straightforward. The word referred to in the title of the meeting is the Word of God, which, Chris explains, “is capable of transforming our lives and the world itself”. The Gospel was proposed with courage and simplicity, without being watered down; the Word has generated life and light down the centuries, and it does so even today, in London, the city where riots recently erupted. The meeting exceeded all expectations, generating much interest and participation. “People seek the meaning of life and ask many questions,” says Joanna, a young English teacher, “but they don’t know where to get answers”. And Oliver adds, “It’s embarrassing at times to talk about religious matters with my friends because they’re so anti-religion.” But this is not so on the terrace of the CAFOD building. To hear these young people speak, and especially to see them so united, London can offer a hope for the future. There is depth, freshness and openness amongst this multi-ethnic group of young people who speak English in varying accents. “By reading the words of the Gospel in the morning and reciting prayers,” Ranjith says, “I am able to face my stressful job with more serenity and I’ve experienced a joy that I never knew before.” “Living the Gospel shaped my life without my even noticing it,” exclaims Carlos from Panama, “Some people criticise me because I give a lot of myself, but living the Gospel is not at all complicated. It is enough to love.” “I recently started a new job,” said Edel, a girl from Northern Ireland, “but I wasn’t happy. I started to live the art of loving, and after a few days the boss thanked me for being there.” Maria Voce freely shared some of her own experiences when as a young person she discovered that the words of the Gospel could be put into practice. It led her to change her life completely and she experienced joy, peace and freedom, even in difficult situations such as when she lived in Istanbul where the majority of the people were Muslims, and also in Lebanon during the war. “Living the Gospel,” she concluded, “not only changes your life, but sets in motion a revolution which was born 2000 years ago and which is not over yet. So many revolutions have taken place in history, but who remembers them? The Christian revolution is still alive because Jesus is alive, and his words are for everyone. We can embark on this wonderful adventure without fear or apprehension because Jesus is with us.” The young people then issued an invitation to the next Genfest to be held in Budapest on 2nd September 2012, and while sharing a pizza together on the balcony, they stuck several post it notes on the glass doors, some of which read: “I can always start again”, “Don’t be scared: you’re not alone” and “Think of the Gospel as a letter of love from God to you”. It is difficult to describe the joy, the warm atmosphere of unity amongst everyone and the desire to share with others the happiness experienced here. From our correspondent Aurelio Molè [nggallery id=63] Press section: Focolare Information Service
May 29, 2011 | Non categorizzato
“What do you expect from the Focolare community in Hungary?” a Hungarian focolarina asked Chiara Lubich in 1985. The Focolare founder answered: “42 years ago there was nothing, or perhaps only one person who had this Ideal. Now we are spread all around the world. And so what do I expect from you? That the Movement, now present among a certain number of people and with a certain development, may spread through every city and town; that it may contribute to the renewal of the Church and of the whole society with its various instruments and movements in religious and social fields; and that it may, along with Our Lady’s other inventions, render the Immaculate Heart of Mary triumphant”. Who knows what Chiara would say today on seeing the development that has taken place on Hungarian soil since 1985. “We must give thanks to God because you are doing amazing work”, the current President Maria Voce stated at a gathering of the Hungarian Focolare family in Budapest on 28th May. The meeting was a chance to share experiences about activities in every field. The event took place in a former Russian army barracks and some of the 650 participants remarked that this seemed symbolic of the force within the Charism of Unity to transform society. The programme started with an original reconstruction of Chiara’s trip to Budapest in 1961- her first visit to the then eastern bloc. She was deeply struck by the effect that the regime was having on the country and its people. Whilst this made Chiara suffer, the impression that “Our Lady was at work” was just as strong. The presentation that Hungary’s local communities gave at Saturday’s event demonstrated that this was not a mere impression. 
Hungarians prove to be a proud population, with a well defined identity. At the same time they are looking for a balance between nationalism and openness on a universal level between a deep desire for freedom and the ability to take on responsibility. Maria Voce’s wish for them was that they may manage to “overcome their mistrust of other populations” which often impedes reciprocity. “It is right to affirm national identity but it must create a symphony of nations”, the president underlined, “The challenge is to realise Hungary’s talents, offer them as a gift, welcome those of other populations and learn more and more how to collaborate”. Maria Voce went on to underline that every member of the Movement is called to do their part: The Volunteers, for example, have an innate vocation to transform humanity, conscious that, “doing our small part where we are, contributes to bringing ahead the Kingdom of God all around the world”. Those involved in New Humanity are called on to “bear witness to the Gospel in an often heroic way, without letting themselves be crushed by certain situations but transforming them with love. As Chiara said in a mediation, ‘What do we do when we have loved a lot? Love even more’.” The families in the Movement are called on to respond to the many difficulties that undermine solidity with “an ever greater and ever renewed love, with an openness without limits, finding the roots of this love in God”. The children asked the president where they can find God and were happy to hear that one of the places we find Him is in others. The teenagers shared that they risk marginalisation because they don’t conform to the flock and they left the meeting feeling fortified because “Jesus also felt misunderstood by everyone. Don’t worry about this, worry about what God wants. The simple fact that you manage to bring ahead your idea is an example and a provocation to others”, said Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti in encouragement.
Maria Voce's meeting with the Hungarian young people
May 17, 2011 | Focolare Worldwide
Crossing the threshold of the church of “Mary, Joy of the Infirm” is to enter directly into the heart of the Orthodox faith. The praise expressed by the hymns and prayers, from inside the doors of the temple continued for two hours, and created among the faithful a climate of deep prayer. The liturgy was solemn; the vestments were splendid and rich, all of them red because of Easter. Maria Voce, wore a veil over her head, like the one all the Russian women wore who were attending the liturgy together with the Orthodox members of the Focolare Movement. It was a time of fellowship and respect for the different churches in attendance. At the conclusion, everyone exchanged three kisses to seal a pact of mutual love, as a witness to a bond of unity that recalls the words of Saint Paul: “there is neither Jew nor Greek” which, now, in front of iconostasis could be translated: “there is no Orthodox nor Catholic, but we are all one in Christ.” The celebration was followed by a greeting to Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, who presides over the external relations department of the Patriarchate of Moscow. He was visibly pleased to see the president of the Movement and her Catholic delegation together with the Orthodox who accompanied her. Father Dimitri Sizonenko, acting head of the Secretariat for inter-Christian relations, was particularly overjoyed by the testimony of unity given by the Movement and called for a wider spreading of this spirit. T
wo more meetings remained for the afternoon of May 15, with the families and with the young people. “How are we to convey the spirit of the Movement to our children? How can we help other families to appreciate the faith? What should we do when we feel overcome by our weakness?” These were some of the questions posed by the thirty persons – most of them young couples. Some were married in the Church after having encountered the charism of Chiara Lubich, while others came to appreciate the importance of fedelity in marriage after having had quite another kind of experience. Years of atheism have left their mark on the family institution. Marriages are often unstable and the decision to get married is often more a matter of tradition than of personal conviction. There are many divorces, unmarried couples living together, and alcoholism. “The messages is given by the testimony that you offer as a family,» Maria Voce responded, “by your capacity to say you’re sorry, to go back and look at the other with love after a moment of difficuulty. This is worth more than many words,” Giancarlo Faletti continued: “No one likes to suffer. But God meets us in our suffering and he allows himself to be met so that he can tell us something and give us something, to help us go on loving.” The meeting with youths began with an informal gesture. Neckties were removed, guitars began to play, and photographs were taken. There was open discussion about the challenges of Russian society, including corruption, excessive freedom, and the difficulty of finding a place for the upcoming Genfest (Budapest, September 2012). One young man would leave his job after he had unwittingly endorsed a fraud. “You need to take a decisive step give witness. In these places you can change if there are people like you,” is the encouragement of Maria Voce “You’re in an environment that needs to be Christianised,” Giancarlo Faletti affirms, “and Jesus is using you to convey a message. Inside a ruthless economist, there is always a man with a soul. We cannot give up, we must bear witness.” “Free choice is an opportunity that God gives us to exercise our freedom,” the president replied to Liza who could not find a sense of direction for his life. Considering your actions with your brothers can help to amplify what God is asking you and help you to give a firm response.” There was seriousness and fresh commitment during the two hours of discussions, concluding with Maria Voce’s words of trust: “I leave you to do, I trust in Jesus in you and among you. The Genfest will be a surprise and will be most beautiful because you will do it.” By our correspondent Maddalena Maltese [nggallery id=40]
May 9, 2011 | Non categorizzato
And yet it was much more than a simple series of events around the globe: the thousands of young people from the most varied of cultures and traditions who took part in the week’s activities and projects were a visible demonstration of that united world that YPUW World (Young People for a United) live for. Even though taking an overview of each of the week’s events would be like going on a fascinating trip around the world, it would be too long to fit into one article! For now we’ll just take a quick glace at some of the activities. We’ll start from the Middle-East, a zone that’s experiencing a historical moment of change initiated by young people. The video that the YPUW from Egypt prepared (using the same title as the Meeting in Rome that kick started United World Week) was full of meaning: “Make visible change”. (link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYr664g4b6g&feature=player_embedded#at=63) 
The YPUW from Lebanon held an ‘interreligious movie night’, a sports day, an ecological project and a social development day. The social arena was also a focus point in Latin America. In Cuba, for example, the YPUW visited children who live in a shantytown in Havana that sprouted up under one of the city’s bridges. 
In Guatemala, a series of events coloured each day of World Unity Week in a different shade: Giving, Being the first to love, Dying for your People, Forgiveness, Ecology, Weaving Relationships were the various titles of the 6 days of events. Our last stop in Latin America brings us to Rosario, Argentina where two groups of 25 young people did a variety of mimes- on the footpaths at traffic lights- about building a united world! In various countries events were held for Japan in the light of the country’s natural disaster last month. In Los Angels a “Hike a thon” was held to raise funds for the population of Fukushima. In Florence there was a dance marathon and the main square of Frascati (Rome) was livened up by an open workshop on Japanese culture. 
In Goa, India, a day was dedicated to Chiara Luce Badano. The local YPUW presented the life of this young member of the Focolare- who was beatified on 25th September last- through songs, choreographies, traditional Indian dance, experiences and videos. In Chiara Luce’s home town of Sassello, with 1200 young people present and others following via internet, United World Week had its official closure. A musical called ‘Living the dream’ was preformed by a group of young people from Genoa: fruit of an exciting workshop with Gen Rosso. The musical was inspired by the life of two boys from Genoa who are also on the road to beatification: Alberto Michelotti and Carlo Grisolia. Then there was a special tour of the Badano house with Chiara Luce’s parents Ruggero and Maria Teresa. The replay of the event is available on: http://media.dev.focolare.org/ClSMU2011.wmv. To top the day off there was an exciting announcement: Genfest 2012 will take place on 1st and 2nd of September in Budapest. Watch this space for further news on this! Detailed articles on World Unity Week can be found in Italian and Spanish on the blog: www.mondounito.net.
Mar 28, 2011 | Non categorizzato
The annual meeting of the Youth for a United World (Y4UW) is eagerly awaited. Some days ago, a group of Y4UW met in Loppiano, 
International Movement Little City, near Florence, to prepare the program jointly.
It is a process that began in December 2010, and has been carried on with the Y4UW of various parts of the world via email or messages on social networks in a lively exchange of proposals so that this meeting would be the result of a communion of life and of different views.
Make visible change: after having explored “many ways for a United World” discussed last year, this time the main topic will unfold in three central themes: “today’s protagonists of a culture of brotherhood and peace,” “looking for authentic relationships,” “building bridges …”.
On April 29, the 14th edition of the “United World Week” will be open with a live video streaming (via Internet) where in the Genfest 2012 will be launched together with a range of initiatives to concretize daily the youth’s commitment for brotherhood. An inflamed message of Chiara Lubich will unite in one heart young people from all latitudes.
The Meeting will end on May 1st with the participation of the Youth for a United World in the beatification of John Paul II.
For info and reservations: sgmu@dev.focolare.org
