Having grown up and been involved in the Focolare Movement from a young age, Tomas said joining the Gen School has been an idea for a long time. Photo: Josh Low.
Perth local Tomas Kenny-Simpson will spend the next 12 months in the Italian town of Loppiano as part of the Focolare Movement’s community, and spoke to The eRecord about his upcoming experience before departing last weekend.
Tomas explained that the Gen School program he will undertake for a year, is a year of formation within the Focolare Movement which involves both studying and living out the Catholic faith.
“Gen School is a year of formation in the Focolare Movement where one studies the ‘Youcat’ (Youth Catechism) and other aspects of the faith, including scripture and studies by founder of the Focolare Movement, Chiara Lubich.
“It involves practising a constant living out of the faith and movement while there through studies, work and living in a community, like I will be, upon being placed into the house for young men,” he explained.
“The aim is to practise an outward living of the faith in our everyday life.
“For example, being the first to love or forgive another person, practising the fundamental concepts of our Catholic faith and the Focolare Movement.”
Having grown up and been involved in the Focolare Movement from a young age, Tomas said joining the Gen School has been an idea for a long time.
He explained that he drew inspiration from his experiences in the movement to bring the idea to fruition.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve had the idea of going to Loppiano for Gen School in the back of my mind, so I’m hoping to fulfil that and experience this year of faith formation in the Focolare.
“In 2014 I went to a congress in Argentina with the movement and it was an amazing experience.
“There was such a strong sense of unity among everyone present, as if everybody present had this strength and willingness to lay down their life for their faith and the people around them.
“You could feel the whole aspect of love of neighbour in the atmosphere during the congress and that inspired me to want to look into Gen School more.
He hopes this journey will help to deepen his relationship with God even more and discover God’s Will in his life. Photo: TLE Photography.
Tomas said making the move was a bit unnerving, but takes comfort in knowing that it will be beneficial for his journey in life and the faith.
“Because I’m going to live in another country, in a whole new way of living, I’m a bit nervous as I don’t know exactly what to expect or what’s in store for me; I could even be back sooner than I’m expecting, it’s all part of the discernment process.
“I will be experiencing things I’ve never felt before, living in such close proximity and trying to practice unity.
“I’m sure there will be challenges but it is part of the experience and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“I think going to Loppiano is going to be a key factor in the discernment of my vocation.”
With the Focolare being a Marian movement, Tomas said the Virgin Mary has played an important part of his life growing up and said he is looking to follow her example.
“She gave her life to the Lord and said her ‘yes’. Remembering how Mary accepted God’s Will has inspired me to follow in her example.
“Taking that with me as I go and to try to live in a similar manner will be important on this journey I’m about to undertake.
“I’m hoping that this journey will help me to deepen my relationship with God even more and discover His Will for me,” he concluded.