“A journey of family, closeness and hope“—this was the theme of Mariapolis 2025, which took place at the Qawra Palace Resort & Spa on the first weekend of March, in a year when the universal Church is celebrating the Jubilee of Hope and when the Focolare Movement is delving deeper into the theme of closeness to God and to our neighbours.
For many, the Mariapolis is an annual event, but this time, too, there were those who participated for the first time—including a family from China and some families from Pakistan who live in Malta. From the very start of Mariapolis, one could feel an atmosphere of family, where people of all ages and from all walks of life found themselves together in an environment that felt removed from daily life and closer to what the heart truly longs for.
The significant number of children and teenagers who took part in the program designed especially for them also played a valuable role in building the full experience of the Mariapolis. This simple yet profound experience strengthened the sense of family, where one could continue discovering the beauty of the art of loving and gain new strengths to look ahead with hope.
The beautiful singing, the music, the faces of the people, and the welcoming environment all contributed to transforming the Mariapolis hall into an oasis of serenity, where one could also perceive that sense of expectation that every Mariapolis brings with it.
Highlights of the Mariapolis Program
The short introduction on the first day served as a link in a chain, connecting some of the history of the Focolare Movement’s beginnings with the reality of the world we live in today. It also inspired those present not to be afraid to continue dreaming of the ideal of a united world, where we can all truly live as brothers and sisters—as one family.
Participants were invited to take part in a “Human Library” where they had the opportunity to join one of eight groups and share experiences on various aspects of life. This was, in a way, the first step on the journey of these days—one that strengthened bonds and increased hope. It was a step that led us to further discover that, throughout our lives, we can weave a story that is both human and divine at the same time.
Saturday morning was entirely dedicated to closeness with God and neighbour. The morning began with a powerful moment of reflection, enriched with thoughts, moments of silence, personal experiences, and music, all reminding us in different ways how God draws us closer to Him and to each other. A highly appreciated contribution came from David Hickey, a Focolarino from Ireland, who lived the Mariapolis experience with us. He led the second part of the morning by sharing his own experience in the light of this theme.
The Saturday afternoon program was entirely focused on the Celebration of the Jubilee of Hope. After an introductory explanation in preparation for this celebration, the participants began a pilgrimage from Qawra to the Church of St. Agatha in Rabat, where they also took part in the Holy Mass, celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr Savio Hon Tai-Fai SDB. It was a solemn moment in which the reality of a Church journeying toward Ut Omnes… – that all may be one – was deeply felt.
Following the Sunday Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Bishop J. Galea Curmi, a panel of young people and adults shared various ideas and experiences that demonstrated how a commitment to closeness can be a remedy for a world wounded by loneliness, indifference, and individualism.
“Closing our eyes before our neighbour makes us blind even before God… Love is the only light that can illuminate a dark world and give courage.” These words of Pope Francis, quoted by Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, in her reflection on “Closeness”, were also cited in the conclusion of Mariapolis, along with other key points from this theme.
When you have lived such a beautiful experience and the Mariapolis comes to an end, it is almost instinctive to ask: And now that we are leaving here, what will happen? A brief moment of reflection was enough to find the answer in what we had just experienced throughout the weekend. I felt a voice within me urging me to keep walking close to others and together with them: “Keep walking, I am with you!” And I remembered that we were created to be a gift to one another, called to be people of hope, and above all, that we have the golden opportunity to love Jesus in all those we encounter along our path!
By Vivienne Attard
English translation: Mario Falzon
Photo credit: Anthony Dimech
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