The Synod on Synodality will start on  October 4th in the Vatican up to the end of the month. Among the special guests is Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement.

We are on the threshold of the universal stage of the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality. On Saturday, September 30th 2023, St. Peter’s Square in Rome (Italy) will gather thousands of people from various Christian Churches for the Ecumenical Vigil, “Together – Gathering of the People of God”, promoted by the Taizé Community in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, the Vicariate of Rome, the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity and the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. The protagonists of this event will be young people. At the end of this moment of prayer and celebration, the 464 participants in the synodal assembly will move to Sacrofano, near Rome, for a spiritual retreat until  October 3rd. They will return to the Vatican for the solemn opening of the Synod with the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on Wednesday, October 4th.

Immediately afterwards, the cardinals, bishops, religious and laity who will participate in the Synod will begin their work in the Paul VI Hall. For four weeks, the members will participate in plenary assemblies, minor circles, a pilgrimage and moments of prayer and liturgy until  October 29th.

The President of the Focolare Movement, Margaret Karram, who is among the 9 invited guests, sent a message to all the members of the Movement in the world, expressing what she was thinking about this historic milestone in the Catholic Church: “I cannot hide my feelings from you; above all, my happiness at being able to participate in person in this moment of grace. I am aware that I am taking with me each and every one of you from the Focolare Movement and this is also a great responsibility”.

“I am sure,” she continues, “that many of you have already participated in a stage of the synodal journey in your local churches and have already experienced some of the fruits of the journey. You will have lived them as new opportunities for a dialogue that leads to deeper and broader communion and participation.

(…) In this coming session of the Synod we are called even more to ‘walk together’ as the ‘people of God’, so that this may become a permanent and daily reality in our lives for the good of the Church and of humanity”.

“This has put in my heart,” she says, “a great desire: that we should commit ourselves – as the Focolare Movement – to improve, to go one step further, to strengthen and refine our relationships of unity, and to be builders of fraternity in every environment in which we live or work”.

And she concludes by inviting everyone to accompany “this new and promising season of the Church” with prayer: “Finally, I ask you for the most important thing: to pray! ‘Without prayer there will be no Synod, said Pope Francis, as does the Secretary General, Cardinal Grech, encouraging everyone to pray with faith and seriousness. It means listening to God with the kind of recollection that gives space to Him and allows our hearts and minds to be illuminated by His light. (…) also as part of all the people around the world who are praying and offering , so that the Synod – whose protagonist is the Holy Spirit – may bear the greatest fruit for humanity today and in the future”.

Carlos Mana
Focolare Media Office (Rome)

Source:
www.focolare.org

for ages 4-8 | for ages 9-17 | Print| Audio

‘Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’ (Mt 10:42).

The evangelist Matthew is a highly educated Christian scribe; he is thoroughly familiar with the promises of the God of Israel and for him Jesus’ words and actions are their fulfilment. Therefore, in his Gospel he presents Jesus’ teaching in the form of five great discourses, as if he is a new Moses. This Word of Life concludes the ‘missionary discourse’ which begins with the choosing of the twelve apostles and explains what their preaching will involve. Jesus also speaks of the misunderstandings and persecutions they will encounter, which will require of them both credible witness and radical choices.

But there is more: Jesus reveals that the sending of the disciples has its roots in the mission he himself received from the Father. This is a belief that was found in the Old Testament: God himself is present and engaged in his messenger. Therefore, through the witness of Jesus and those he sends, the very love of God reaches every person.

‘Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’

In addition to the specific mission of some people, namely the apostles, the pastors and the prophets, Jesus announces that every Christian can be his disciple and, at the same time, a recipient and bearer of this mission. As disciples, all of us, even if we are ‘small’ and apparently lacking special qualities or titles, can witness that God is near. It is the entire Christian community that the Father of all sends to humanity.

We have received attention, care, forgiveness and trust from God through the actions of our brothers and sisters. We can give something to others so that they can experience the Father’s tenderness, as Jesus did during his mission. This is the root of the belief that, in the Father, there is the guarantee that so-called ‘little things’ can change the world. Even if this is only a glass of cold water. ‘It doesn’t matter whether we can give much or little. What matters is how we give, how much love we put into even a small gesture that shows awareness of another person. Sometimes it is enough to offer them a glass of water, a glass of fresh water; it is a simple gesture that is great in God’s eyes if it is done in his name, that is, out of love.

(…) This month’s Word of Life may help us to rediscover the value of everything we do: from work in the house or fields to dealing with office paperwork and schoolwork and responsibilities in the civil, political and religious fields. Everything can be transformed into attentive and caring service. Love will give us new eyes to sense what others need and to approach them with creativity and generosity. What will the fruits be? Gifts will circulate because love calls for love. Joy will multiply because “there is more joy in giving than in receiving.”’ (i)

‘Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’

What Jesus asks of us is very demanding: he is asking us not to stop the flow of God’s love. He asks us to reach out with open hearts to every man and woman and offer concrete service, overcoming our prejudices and judgments. He wants our active, creative and responsible cooperation for the common
good, starting from the small things of every day, but at the same time he will not fail to reward us. He will always be at our side, to take care of us and accompany us in this mission.

‘(…) I left my job in the Philippines and went to Australia to be with my family. I found a job as a cleaner at a construction site. I had to take care of the dining rooms, locker rooms, offices and canteen that were used by more than 500 workers. It was a completely different job from the one I had before as an engineer. Out of love for others, I made sure that the dining rooms were always clean and tidy. Despite the fact that there were people who did not care about cleanliness, I did not lose my patience because it was an opportunity for me to love Jesus in each person I meet. Gradually, these people began to clean up after lunch and then over time we became friends and I began to gain trust and respect from them. (…) I have seen that love is contagious and that anything that is done out of love remains.’ (ii)

Letizia Magri and the Word of Life Team

(i) Acts 20:35 as in C Lubich, Word of Life Oct 2006
(ii) Edited by S. Pellegrini, G. Salerno, M. Caporali, Famiglie in azione – Un mosaico di vita, Città Nuova 2022.

As part of United World Week activities, the collection of goods for the Dare to Care initiative was donated to the Daughters of the Sacred Heart. This religious community was founded in Malta in 1903, and is now also present in India, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Philippines, Italy and USA.

Today we met with Sister Carmelina and Sister Tessie. We had a beautiful moment where they shared their experience working in their home in Zurrieq, where they currently host six boys. They also spoke about their work with children across the island. Then we shared with them the various initiatives held during the United World Week and their main aim. We explained that this year’s events focus mainly on social and environmental ecology.

During this meeting we appreciated reciprocally the work done by both entities. It was an enriching experience. At the end of the meeting, we helped the Sisters to load their car with the goods collected during this month’s Dare to Care’s Initiative. They left Kappara with a car jam packed with goods for the children. Next time it will be our turn to visit them in Zurrieq!

Dare to Care team (Malta)

“Joy and hope – is there space for these in our life today?” – this was the theme of Mariapoli 2023, which took place at the Seabank Hotel in Mellieħa Bay, Malta, during 17-19 March.

The Focolare Movement organises Mariapolis gatherings every year all around the world. The participants are invited to experience for a few days what it’s like to live together as a community by putting the Gospel into practice.

One might say: who nowadays dares to talk about joy and hope in a world filled with so much trouble: wars, natural disasters, hunger, poverty, heartbreak, injustice…?

Talking about joy and hope today is a challenge, but it is a challenge that also translates into an opportunity, and I think that was the experience of Mariapolis 2023 for the 250 people who took part in it, which included some people from Pakistan, the Philippines and from Africa.

Since the early afternoon, Friday March 17, families with children, teenagers, adults and the elderly began to gather in the hotel foyer. People who are well acquainted with the Focolare were happy to find themselves together again for this experience, which had not been held for two years due to Covid-19, while others who came to Mariapolis for the first time, very quickly felt welcomed. There was an air of anticipation among everyone right from the start!

The Mariapolis program started with a mass, led by His Excellency Archbishop Savio Tai-Fai, the Apostolic Nuncio for Malta. His greeting in Maltese stole many hearts. Her Excellency, President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca together with her husband, were also present at the opening of this Mariapoli. After the Mass, the message that Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare, sent to Pope Francis on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his Pontificate was read out.

The program for the rest of Mariapolis was all focused on hope and joy, and offered us an opportunity to stop and reflect, to discover that which is beautiful and positive, and to be strengthened in the energy needed to believe and hope.

The words full of wisdom of Mr Joseph Bonnici, an associate member of the MUSEUM Society, who gave a very uplifting talk about hope, the beautiful and valuable experiences of people coming from various areas of life, the music and songs which imparted a message that moved our hearts, the moments of sharing, even during various workshops, the enthusiastic participation of the young people and the presence of children … all helped to create a wonderful atmosphere, an atmosphere of a family. But above all they were an opportunity to discover or rediscover that “in all the thorns of life … life emerges, in all its determinaton, never defeated, and that “Each day in our world beauty is born anew, it rises transformed through the storms of history.” (Pope Francis: Evangelii Gaudium n. 276).

During a walk in the countryside on the last day of Mariapolis, we had the opportunity to not only admire the beauty of nature, with the green pastures on one side and the calm sea on the other, but also to get to know each other more. Along the way I had the chance to talk to a person I didn’t know before. She shared with me some experiences that’s she’s living and I could appreciate how much good is done in silence, and how much we can truly be witnesses of hope and joy.

The Mariapolis came to an end with a concelebrated mass led by Msgr. Joseph Galea Curmi, Auxiliary Bishop His presence among us was a blessing that continued to instill that sense of one Church which is on the journey, a journey of hope and joy, while preparing for the Jubilee 2025, for which Pope Francis chose the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”.

The air of expectation that was there at the beginning was brought to fulfilment: I breathed a strong sense of community, of hope and joy. I lived a powerful experience of God’s love which filled me with new courage and enthusiasm. I realised that we have received a treasure trove of life and love which never deceives us, and I felt more determined than ever before to persevere with others on this journey which is open to a future of hope, unity and peace. In my heart I thanked Jesus for having given to me this wonderful experience.

Anna Caruana Colombo

See also:  Joy and hope – A Maltese Mariapolis, New City Magazine (UK), July 2023 – N.579 issue

“Together – Gathering of the People of God” is the ecumenical prayer vigil to be held on 30^th September 2023 in Rome in advance of the Synodal Assembly in October. Damian, a Polish Catholic, and Masha, a Russian Orthodox, are two young people from the Focolare Movement who recently participated in the preparatory meeting for the event, which was followed by a private audience with the Pope.

Praying together gathered under the same “tent”, to discover each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. This is the idea at the heart of the ecumenical prayer vigil that will take place on 30^th September 2023 in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis announced the event during the Angelus on 15^th January 2023, to entrust to God the work of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, on the theme of Synodality, which will take place in October 2023.

It will be a genuine gathering of the People of God, which will extend an invitation, as the title given to this occasion indicates (“Together”), to walk together, which is also expressed  by the verse of Isaiah (cf. Is 54, 2) chosen for the occasion: to “widen the space of your tent”. The Taizé Community will lead the vigil, which will be attended by Pope Francis and representatives of various Christian Churches, as well as many realities and organizations. It is open to everyone, especially young people who are invited to attend from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon, and will be welcomed for a weekend of true sharing.

Damian Skłodowski, from Poland, and Masha Iasinskaia, from Russia are two young people from the Focolare Movement who are part of the team that is organizing “Together”. At the meeting held on 12^th-15^th March 2023, they had the opportunity to meet the whole team and to begin the work of preparation.

Masha, how did the meeting go for you?

This preparatory meeting was a very strong experience for me. I was pleasantly impressed to see so many people belonging to different Churches and to various confessions working together. I am Orthodox and, having been part of the Focolare Movement since I was born, I have always lived in an atmosphere in which dialogue between the Churches is normal but I was happy to be surprised on this occasion. I have discovered that many, each in their own reality, feel this need for brotherhood and work hard to achieve this goal in their communities.

Damian, how did you share out the tasks from an organizational point of view?
The “Together” weekend will be a journey made up of several parts. On the morning of 30^th September, there will be itineraries and workshops on various themes in different areas of Rome. This will be followed by a time dedicated to prayer for all the young adults in the city centre and then there will be a procession to St. Peter’s Square. This preparatory meeting was certainly a way to get to know each other, brainstorm a little on the topics and understand how to share the work between us. Masha and I will take care of preparing one of the morning workshops.

Masha, in this context what does the word “Together” say to you?
The first time I felt I was living this “together” fully was in Hungary, during the 2012 GenFest, a gathering of the young people from the Focolare which takes place every 5 years. It’s a different kind of event from the one we are organizing now but I will never forget the mandate that was given to us to be “bridges”. A bridge represents something that unites, which creates a bond between us, between our countries, our churches, our differences and the more united we are the more unshakeable this bridge will be. I think this being “together” is essential, especially for me, for my country. I am lucky because I had the joy of receiving this mandate, but we have to bear witness to it, to truly become bridges and this vigil offers a wonderful occasion.

Damian, what do you think is the starting point for establishing true relationships of communion?
The starting point is to really go to meet others, to put the person at the centre, to get to know each other and ask “how are you?” You have to build that relationship. Yes, it is true, we are different, there are differences between the various Churches, between denominations, between religions but also between people in general. Before finding solutions or giving great speeches, what is important is listening. I, a Catholic and Masha, an Orthodox, are already experiencing this in sharing this work and also during the lunches and dinners of these days of preparation. It was nice to meet the others in such social moments without too many pretensions, with great simplicity. Even when Pope Francis welcomed us in a private audience, he thanked us for our availability and repeatedly used the word “synodality”. This is the path of God’s people: we walk, we open our hearts, our ears to listen, our eyes to see and little by little, we go ahead together.

Maria Grazia Berretta

On the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate, Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare, has sent the Pope a message on behalf of the whole Focolare Movement which is published below.

Your holiness, dear Pope Francis,

I am united with all the prayers that are being offered, in so many parts of the world, to thank God for these ten years in which you have embraced the Church and humanity being the bearer of Christ’s love.

Thank you, Holy Father, for this time of light, courage and unwavering faith. Thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit, with whom you continuously call us to “go out” from our homes and communities, to journey on the roads of the world and to share joys and sorrows with the women and men of our time.

I still have in my heart the joy and gratitude I felt at our last meeting, on 24 February, when together with some of the moderators of Ecclesial Movements and New Communities, you invited us to meet you. Once again we witnessed your far-sighted wisdom and evangelical realism, and I want to tell you that your words guide and encourage me every day in my service to the Church and to fraternity among all people.

The topics we discussed with you, Your Holiness, will be the subject of reflection and sharing. In particular, your recommendation to be coherent witnesses and to be docile to the new ideas given by the Spirit, so that the Marian dimension of the Church can be seen, together with the rich contribution that women can make to ecclesial life, also through the contribution made by the Movements.

Know that, wherever we are in the world, we are with you to build the Church and to give our lives so that peace may return wherever it is lacking, and bear fruit in justice and reconciliation among peoples.

Together with our daily prayer, I send you, also on behalf of the Focolare Movement, my warmest wishes for all that you desire and for your health. May Mary, Most Holy, be at your side with her motherly love and care.

With filial affection,

Margaret Karram

What is this flurry of activity at the Focolare Centre in Kappara? There is a new excitement and a sense of expectation after the silent period of Covid-19 quarantine. It is due to the preparations for this year’s Mariapolis!

What is the Mariapolis?

The Mariapolis is an experience of community comprising persons of all ages, from all walks of life who are invited to come together for a weekend and to share an experience of true Christian living.

The theme for this year’s Mariapolis is: “Joy and Hope – is there space for them in our life today?” A series of talks, workshops and activities, all dedicated to this theme, form part of the weekend’s program.

The Mariapolis will be held at the Seabank Resort and Spa, Mellieħa Bay Bay, Mellieħa Bay, from Friday 17th March, from 6pm, until Sunday 19th March, up to 1pm.

God makes all things new. May this Mariapolis renew us all in preparation for Easter.

Anna Caruana Colombo

Enquiries: focolare.malta@outlook.com

See Press Release

Rocca di Papa, 3 March 2023

These were Pope Francis’ concluding words after the days spent together in a spirit of communion by leaders of movements and new ecclesial communities. On the preceding days they had met with the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.

“It all began following the 3rd World Conference of Movements and New Communities in November 2014 and continued in meetings in the following years. We discussed topics of common interest: consecrated life in Ecclesial Movements and New Communities, fellowship and mercy, the charism and institutions, identity. We could say it is a synodal path, characterised by a growing mutual esteem, and an affective and effective friendship”.

In this way, Margaret Karram, president of the Focolare Movement, explained the background to the gathering of moderators, presidents, and collaborators of five Movements and New Communities held from 22nd to 24th February.

As well as the president and co-president, Jesús Morán, of the Focolare Movement, the meeting was attended by Michel Bernard De Vregille of the Emmanuel Community, Frei Hans Stapel, Nelson Giovanelli and Fr Jose Luiz Menezes of the Famiglia della Speranza, Moyses Louro de Azevedo Filho of the Catholic Community Shalom, and Chiara Amirante of Nuovi Orizzonti. The first day was spent preparing for the meetings that took place on the following days.

The first was at the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, where the group was welcomed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell and his collaborators. Encouraged by the Cardinal’s desire to listen, and to know more about their experiences, especially in the fields of vocation, formation and mission, a lively discussion took place. It was an experience synodality in action, based on trust, freedom and fraternity. Many points were considered, but above all the emphasis was on evangelisation, as an expression of God’s love and of communion-fellowship in the Church.

Cardinal Farrell noted that our present times call for a proclamation based on the witness of men and women who journey with everyone, in the various spheres of daily life, but who have the ‘beatitudes in their hearts’ and are capable of tenderness, sharing, and giving.

The concreteness of love heals wounds and accompanies people in the ups and downs of daily life; and that is what changes people. In this field, the Movements and New Communities play a very important role as laity in the Catholic world. They have been given life by the Holy Spirit to respond to the needs of the times and to proclaim the Gospel to all, especially to young people.

Many experiences were shared by those present: stories of commitment, deep involvement in local, cultural and social realities in the different contexts in which they live; commitments carried out according to their specific charism and also together. Significantly, Cardinal Farrell repeatedly referred to the experience of the “Centro de Espiritualidade Uirapuru” in Fortaleza, Brazil, where some twenty Movements and Communities collaborate. In an atmosphere of true joy, the Cardinal encouraged everyone to continue their dialogue with frequent meetings and always to maintain a living communion-fellowship among all.

On the following day, a private audience with Pope Francis took place in the Vatican Library. They spent 40 minutes in spontaneous, joyful, profound and ‘timely’ dialogue on the most topical questions and challenges of people today and of the ecclesial movements themselves. The Pope gave valuable insights, which can be a guide for all Movements and New Communities. Since it was a private audience, no recordings or texts are available, but here are some of the topics discussed. He told those present that the movements have a specific characteristic, that of being a ‘movement’; therefore, they must be careful not to give in to ideologies, not to let themselves be held back by schedules or plans that are too rigid, but to look to the future, being open to the surprises that the Holy Spirit suggests, and be courageous. He went on to say that they must know how to take risks, but with prudence and discernment. Other subjects spoken about were evangelisation, the poor and young people; on each subject the Pope gave “pearls of wisdom” that opened their hearts to the measure of a love that is concrete and truly close to people.

The Marian principle of the Church was strongly emphasised, on which work still needs to be done, because it is essential to the life of the Church. The Pope affirmed that Petrine theology has been highly developed, but Marian theology less so. The Church is built on both, and Marian theology is fundamental. As if to confirm what had been said, when the Pope saw the gift he had been brought, a statue of Our Lady of Welcome from Centro Ave in Loppiano, he exclaimed that this truly expresses the Church.

Stefania Tanesini, Chiara Cuneo, Marc St-Hilaire

Photo: © Vatican Media

The donation of funds, coordinated by the NGOs “Azione per un Mondo Unito” (AMU) and “Azione per Famiglie Nuove (AFN), will be used to provide basic necessities to the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, also in collaboration with the local Churches.

The donations will be jointly managed by AMU and AFN to bring basic necessities for food, medical care, housing, heating and shelter to the people affected by the earthquake of the 6^th  February 2023 in various cities in the two countries, also in cooperation with the local churches.

You can donate online at:

AMU: www.amu-it.eu/dona-online-3/
AFN: www.afnonlus.org/dona/

See more information on the Focolare Movement’s international website

Synodality may not be a word that trips easily off the tongue of many Christians. Nonetheless the Catholic Church’s synodal process is proving timely for people of many different traditions. On 26 January this year, Anglican theologian and ecumenist, Rev Prof Nicholas Sagovsky, spoke inspiringly about synodality at the Focolare’s annual meeting for Church Leaders from a wide variety of traditions. His topic was: Living as synodal Christians: a fresh approach to Ecumenism.

Nicholas Sagovsky’s thought-provoking talk was scripturally and historically based. It did not shy away from the challenges all Christians face and put into relief how to be in a place of ‘unknowing’ is the right place for the ‘synodal’ Christian. Examples of response to the difficult challenges of synodal living were given by the Brussels-based Catherine Burke and Andreas Amann, the Focolare’s delegates for the zone of Western Europe. They told of the light that can be generated through listening and walking, one step at a time, together on the way.

For the first time since the pandemic, about thirty participants met in person – at the Focolare Centre for Unity Welwyn Garden City, – as well as online. Those online included Nicola Brady, the General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, joining from Belfast, and Bishop Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell, online from Scotland.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Scotland, Ireland, and England and Wales were represented online and in person, alongside representatives from the Church of England and the Church of Ireland as well as from the Lutheran, United Reformed and Moravian Churches. This ecumenical mix was enriched by the presence of two officers from the Salvation Army. Bishop Robin Smith, formerly the Bishop of Hertford and a long-standing member of the Focolare’s International Secretariat for Ecumenism, guided everyone through the day. Afterwards he said: “Once again the good Lord surprised us by his presence. It truly was a very special time. Nicholas our speaker was superb; and it was evident, both from the moving contributions and in the discussions outside the formal sessions, that everyone was engaged at a very profound level.”

Source: www.focolare.org/gb