Maria Voce in Jordan

“we believe that in spite of everything, peace is still possible”

From 28^th August to 10^th September, the Focolare president and co-president will visit Jordan in order to meet the members of the Focolare Movement in the Middle East. The meeting will focus on the theme of “peace and encounter”.

The Middle East has been the cradle of the great civilizations and the three monotheistic religions. For thousands of years these lands held a very noticeable influence on Asia Minor and the European Mediterranean. Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Hittites, Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Arabs and Turks have let an indelible mark through their culture, art and religions. Judaism, Christianity and Islam started in this region, and it was in Jerusalem that the holy city is founded.

27^th November, 1999 in Jordan was an unforgettable day for the Focolare members of this area. Founder Chiara Lubich met some one thousand members in Amman. They came from more than 20 different countries (from the Middle East and beyond), some travelling over 20 hours by bus, others in airplanes, and overcoming impossible obstacles. These thousand persons represented more than 25,000 people who belong to the Movement in these lands. On that occasion, Chiara said: “It’s wonderful to be with you. We are many peoples, but in this hall we are one.”

Two days later, on 29^th November, during the 7^th Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP), which was held in Amman, during her speech, Chiara Lubich presented the “Art of Loving” including the aspect of loving everyone without distinction, taking the initiative in loving, putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and remembering that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. She offered as an effective way of building peace among individuals and peoples.

On 28^th August, 2013, the current president and co-president of the Focolare, Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti, are expected to meet with the Focolare community in Jordan. Their visit is very important, considering the latest painful events in that region, especially in Egypt e Syria.

At the WCRP Assembly in 1999, Chiara Lubich had stated: “We are here today because we believe that in spite of everything, peace is still possible. In fact it is the only path for a future that is worthy of the highest human values.” Perhaps these words are the key or understanding the upcoming visit of the Focolare president in Jordan.