FOCOLARE: THE PLANETARY LABORATORY

FROM 137 COUNTRIES, 494 PARTICIPANTS TO DELINEATE NEW SCENARIOS AND ELECT THE PRESIDENT. AMONG THOSE WHO WERE INVITED, CHRISTIANS FROM VARIOUS CHURCHES, MEMBERS OF OTHER RELIGIONS, PERSONS OF NON RELIGIOUS CONVICTIONS

An interview of Paolo Loriga to Maria (Emmaus) Voce

From the requests for change, what is it that struck you the most?

“There are those that ask to lighten-up the structures, in order that they may serve life better, but without turning the existing order upside-down.

However, most requests demanded a greater commitment. From this one deduces a double need: to be united amongst us and to be better formed in order to respond better, to the light of the charisma of unity, to today’s challenges”.

Will the Assembly primarily concentrate its attention to the themes or to the persons to be elected?

“Primary importance is given to the themes. After the initial three days of spiritual retreat, we programmed to have the final report of the presidency, followed by a debate.

Later, the principal themes will be dealt with in different groups followed by a discussion in a plenary session. Through dialogue, there will be a way of getting to know the persons who are more gifted and prepared to be elected.”

Is the shortlist for the Presidency candidates limited to five names?

“The five candidates are the result of a worldwide consultation process, but these indications will not condition the freedom of choice of the Assembly, who can still elect a focolarina outside this shortlist”.

You are at the top of the list according to the Focolare people. What do you think about this result?

“It is an expression of love and esteem however I see it also as a sign fear for change. Notwithstanding the desire for silence, I have the impression that for many, there is a fear that can be summarized in this way: now that we have gone ahead well, if we change what will happen?”

What would you like to share?

“I am of the opinion that, if I was able to make it as the President, anyone can also do it. It is the Holy Spirit who guided me, and the Holy Spirit will continue to guide whoever will be in this position. In the same way, the top most indication is that the will of God be manifested through the consensus of the Assembly.”

If you will not be re-elected, what will you do?

“I am ready to go to any place in the world, to love the people and to serve the Movement. Perhaps, I may be assigned to assist the focolarinas, or perhaps to simply live as a focolarina who does what is of service.”

Without any responsibilityat the Centre?

“I don’t intend to remain at the Centre. However, I won’t be surprised if I have to perform another assignment. It won’t change me much, not me, nor around me. At least that’s what I believe. At the “little town” in Montet I asked the people over there: ‘if I won’t be re-elected, will you love me less?’ I believe that the relationship will remain.”

Do you have any dream that has remained in the closet?

I would say that everything has gone ahead, including the beatification of Chiara. I would like to see those persons who belong to the various Churches and to the various Religions recognized as living parts of our Opera. We are constantly working on this, but it is not that simple.”

Recently you have confirmed that there have been many who have returned to the Movement. For what reason did they return after a certain illusion?

“I believe that the sense of family has grown among those who have remained and this has attracted those who had left. Whoever remained, pushed by this love, has maintained a relationship in faithfulness to whatever was experienced together and this, seen by the effects, has been fundamental”.

On what type of commitment should the Movement be more concentrated on in Italy?

“The Movement should concentrate on the formation of the young people. Give strong principles in a way that they may discover that it is worthwhile to live in a radical manner for greater ideals”.

Pope Francis is an evangelical reformist, mild and demanding. Have the Focolares asked themselves about this?

They admire him, like everyone else. They admire his words and his choices. However, I think there is need for further self-interrogation. The Movement needs to make an examination of conscience especially in terms of living more radically, starting from its relationships. For us, this is fundamental.

What do you mean by this?

“It is not enough to talk. Emails are not enough. The visit of Pope Bergoglio to his Evangelical Pastor friend is an example. Certainly, he didn’t want to overturn the Catholic Church’s theological principles when he went to visit him. Nevertheless, he went to see him. This is a gesture that speaks of its own on the capacity to dialogue without any interest whatsoever. In the Movement we make elaborate programmes also on dialogue, but sometimes we abandon them because we don’t see any fruits of developments. Instead it is important to remain faithful to a relationship and live it without any other reason”.

With what spirit do you await the meeting with Francis?

“It will be a private audience for 500 persons: on the 26th of September, at the Clementine hall, at 12 noon. Even to the Pope, just like what we do with the bishops, we do not want to ask, but to give. It seems to us that it would be more coherent to go to the Pope at the end of the Assembly and tell him: this is our gift and we would be happy to listen to your word. In the same way, we also suggested to our members of other Churches: to pay a visit their responsibles to update them on the results of the Assembly and the relationships with Christians of other denominations”.

What would be your wish for the new President, may it be that a novelty will be confirmed?

“To know how to listen to the Holy Spirit always and, as a consequence, build everything in unity”.