For this reason, the hundred Focolare members who have been in the Focolare for five years chose Loppiano to hold (18–29 August) their gathering to reflect on and renew their commitment to their vocation and mission.
By Paolo Lòriga
When we say: ‘To have a clear sense of purpose’, it is always a pleasure to see this in a person. To observe this in around a hundred men and women from various cultures and different backgrounds is surprising. And this is precisely what happened with the Focolare men and women, who gathered from 36 countries in Loppiano from 18 to 29 August for the so-called ‘Fifth Year School’ – that is, for those who have been part of the Focolare communities for five years following their period of formation in Loppiano. These are people – mostly aged between 35 and 40 – who have responded to the call to consecrate themselves to God within the Focolare.
Everyone wanted to take part in the School and had made their expectations clear: it had to be held in Loppiano; men and women of the Focolare had to take part together; and married members had to be present as well. Furthermore, rather than a course providing useful information, it was to be a workshop, characterised by the experience of seeking answers to questions together, in constant communion amongst all. And so the wealth of proposals was welcomed by the international centres of the Focolare men and women as a significant innovation.
On the afternoon of 18 August, 100 people arrived, plus around thirty people from the two respective international centres and the technical team responsible for production and the ten translations. The first part of the programme had a more personal, intimate feel, with time set aside for moments of reflection, silence and Eucharistic adoration. ‘Thanks also to the experts, I have taken a fresh look at my life to come to terms with the wounds and the blessings I have received,’ commented one Focolare member. The second part focused on the demanding life of community, on relationships within the Focolare, and on living with older brothers and sisters. Of particular significance was the pilgrimage to Monte Senario, just beyond Florence, where, in 1245, seven Florentines founded the community of the Servants of Mary; they were all canonised together and are known as ‘the seven founding saints’. This is undoubtedly a point of reference for the Focolare members, inspired by the communal spirituality of Chiara Lubich’s charism. ‘It is together that we manage to remain faithful to His call’.
The concluding session focused on the ‘mission’. The many challenges were reflected upon in the light of ‘walking together’. ‘It was an opportunity to fall in love with God all over again and to live the life of unity with greater enthusiasm’, some Focolare women confided. With regard to the fields of mission, it was decided to draw on Pope Leo XIV’s address delivered at the General Assembly of the Focolare Movement last March. The Pope had, in fact, thanked the Focolare members for their commitment to young people, families and the Church.
The approach adopted was to set out three perspectives from which to view reality: the present, with all its questions and the risk of stagnation; the vision dreamt of at a personal and community level to transform reality; and that which can be realised by uniting dreams and reality.
After a week-long programme, the married couples set off, whilst the Focolare members living in community remained for a further four days. For both groups, the setting of the Loppiano played a precious and unique role. They had chosen Loppiano because it is felt to be the ‘Galilee’ of their own existence. Yes, just like the Galilee of the early days of Jesus’ life, where he called fishermen to become his apostles. In his homily for the Easter Vigil in 2014, Pope Francis suggested ‘returning to Galilee, where our love story with Jesus began, where we experienced his new and luminous gaze upon ourselves, upon reality, and upon the mystery of life’. And indeed, that is exactly what happened. “Loppiano represents a special time in my life,” was the common view, just as the conclusion at the end was unanimous: “Loppiano is our home and it always speaks to us”.
As they set off on their return journey, everyone carried with them an overflowing sense of gratitude and a deepened awareness. “We felt a greater shared responsibility to live for unity in an authentic way,” was one of the conclusions. “Such openness, such freedom, such authenticity, such transparency in everything!” “The themes of affection, sexuality and emotions in relationships have strengthened our chastity and fidelity.” “It was an experience of communal discernment and profound communion unlike anything we had ever experienced before.” Finally, the rediscovery of a mandate: “We set out with a renewed heart for our vocation and a fresh perspective on the mission that awaits us. And also with great courage.”
Some photos from the School
