A Sunday of fellowship, art and spirituality

29 bishops from five continents visited Loppiano after taking part in the international meeting of bishops who are friends of the Focolare Movement.

by Fr Carlo Seno

It was a very special Sunday in Loppiano on 13 September, thanks to the presence of 29 bishops from five continents, who visited the little town after taking part in the international meeting of bishops who are friends of the Focolare Movement, entitled: “It is time for charity. Witnessing to unity to build peace” (8–11 September 2026).

The day began in the morning with a festive and fraternal gathering at the Vinea Mea Centre for Priests. The new priests who had already arrived – participants in the school due to start at the end of the month – introduced themselves, sharing the reasons that had led them to come and their initial experiences. Each continent concluded with a traditional song, which the bishops from their respective countries joined in with spontaneously.

The bishops asked many precise and practical questions, a sign of genuine interest in this formation programme. One of them, who had come to Vinea Mea as a young priest several years ago, remarked: “It has been beautifully refurbished, well suited to this spirituality.” Another, from Oceania, promised: “I will try to send a priest from the Pacific Ocean here!”

At 12.00, the Eucharistic celebration at the Theotokos shrine was enriched by the splendid performance by Gen Verdeand the participants in the choir retreat: a moment of communion and unforgettable beauty.

After lunch, an overview of the various initiatives in Loppiano was presented. Young people, families, Sophia, Polo Lionello and Theotokos, all sharing with depth and passion some of Loppiano’s significant new initiatives. This was followed by a visit to the pavilion housing Loppiano’s artists, where the bishops admired the various works on display, and an exhibition of musical instruments from around the world, which they did not hesitate to play, in an atmosphere of simplicity and family warmth.

‘We had the joy of spending a few hours with this special group, in an atmosphere of simplicity,’ commented Loppiano’s directors, Donatella Donato Di Paola and Marco Bartolomei. One of them confided to us: “Today in Loppiano I found myself amongst my supernatural family”, whilst another bishop pointed out that: “Loppiano offers great hope, because it so deeply embodies the vision of the Second Vatican Council, which sought to promote a vision of the Church in the modern world, not only in religious terms, but also in terms of its cultural and social impact”. It is certainly not the first time that a group of bishops has visited the Mariapolis, but for the two leaders it was once again a very significant day. “Seeing Loppiano through their eyes and with their perspective was a confirmation of the purpose that this little town can fulfil.”

After dinner, they returned to their accommodation, before travelling on to Rome the following day. It had been an intense day, filled with a kaleidoscope of emotions that left them feeling grateful and happy.