Members and friends of Perth’s Focolare Movement gathered at Muresk Institute in Northam from 9 to 11 October for its annual Mariapolis retreat, with the theme “A light for the world”, marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Focolare founder Chiara Lubich.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting many parts of the nation, the Perth-based group of about 60 attendees were grateful for the opportunity to physically congregate, tuning in with their counterparts interstate for a Mass in Melbourne on the opening day, connecting via Zoom with more than 350 other participants from Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands.
One of the evenings, attendees were entertained with a special live-streamed performance by Italy-based group Gen Rosso.
Participants were also blessed with visits from Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton and Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation Father Vincent Glynn, who took turns to celebrate the daily Masses with those present.
In conversing with participants, both Mass celebrants agreed that the latest encyclical of Pope Francis – Fratelli Tutti – embodies the message of what Mariapolis (City of Mary) represents as a good example of “fraternity and social friendship”.
Mariapolis organising team members Joe and Susi O’Brien said the programme included prayer, presentations, sharing of real-life stories, musical and cultural contributions, interactive workshops, relaxation and entertainment – and included a pilgrimage walk giving the participants of all ages a chance to reflect and enjoy nature.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Focolare Movement founder Chiara Lubich, the group explained they have been actively focussing on the impact that Chiara and the organisation has had on the world, and how the group can use that as an inspiration to continue forward.
“Every day there were various sessions from a pilgrimage around the grounds of Muresk meditating on Gospel phrases and how to love as Jesus taught, to inspiring talks and examples of living the spirituality of unity,” Mr O’Brien told The eRecord.
“We organised a separate programme for the children, art and craft workshops, sharing groups, discussions on important topics like racism and social inequality. It was also nice to see the kids participate in recreational activities like boat racing, a barbeque session and storytelling around the ‘virtual’ campfire.
“Every experience was another opportunity to love and build up the family of God, and to experience Jesus living among us,” he added.
Mrs O’Brien said the retreat was a place where all the participants “try to live the Gospel by creating a temporary city”.
“Renewed by the love of the Gospel people from all walks of life – students, nurses, pharmacists, pastoral workers, engineers, teachers and even young people alike, have come to experience a time to recharge,” she said.
“During the Mariapolis, one is invited to make small acts of kindness or love, which are in the end big acts of love.
“As the Mariapolis is a collective experience, something that is built together – each action in the present moment performed becomes “divine” and are all precious contributions to building the City of Mary,” Mrs O’Brien added.
Chiara Lubich was moved by Jesus’ prayers that humanity would be as one, responding with God’s love in the face of the violence and atrocities of World War II, as she ran between air raid shelters in Trent, Northern Italy, 1943.
The Focolare Movement that she started is now a worldwide organisation with a mission to contribute to full communion with Christians of different denominations; to work towards realising the universal brother and sisterhood of all peoples, regardless of religious beliefs.
For more information, visit: www.focolare.org/en