From India with the Focolare for ‘One Human Family

The testimony of the Baha'i exponent A.K. Merchant who in recent days participated with a delegation of 25 people of different faiths from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi in the event promoted at Castelgandolfo on unity in spirituality, the way to peace indicated by Chiara Lubich. ‘A very timely witness in today's world’.

Castelgandolfo (AsiaNews) - From 31 May to 4 June, between Castelgandolfo and Assisi, the Focolare Movement organised a conference on ‘One Human Family’, which - starting from the spirituality of Chiara Lubich - brought together hundreds of religious and scholars of different religions from 50 countries around the world. From India the Baha'i exponent A.K. Mechant shared with AsiaNews his reflections on the importance of this event.

Often times, sweeping changes that occur in a nation or society are characterized by a range of emotions and spur of the moment behaviour. “One Human Family” which was envisaged by the Focolare Movement nearly ten years ago finally saw the light of the day.  It was an intense five-days of plenaries, workshops and testimonies all inspired and dedicated to Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement. “Unity in spirituality would lead to Peace” this is the strategy that permeated much of the plenary talks and some practical tasks that are essential for humanity, currently in the grip of deep systemic change—a planetary change the likes of which humankind has never witnessed.

In this brief article, I would like to offer my first-hand impressions of the group of some twenty-five participants from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi representing a diverse set of beliefs and practices—Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha’i Faith as well as agnostics. After a warm and joyous welcome by Madam Margaret Karram, President, and Dr. Jesus Moran, Co-President of the Focolare Movement, the distinguished Speakers who addressed the plenary sessions covered the following topics: Chiara Lubich on fraternity and peace (in two parts); Called to Weave Relationships of Peace; The impact of Artificial Intelligence on interpersonal relationships and between religions; An economy of Peace; Artistic and cultural evenings; The care of creation in Chiara Lubich; Religions and Peace with Creation; Imaging a Better World through Faith, Values, and Investments; Pilgrimage of Fraternity—Exemplary Life of St. Francis of Assisi.

The number of participants, Speakers including religious leaders and scholars coming from more than fifty countries were truly united in their endeavours to demonstrate the “human family” is “one” and was always “one”.  Straying away from the path of spirituality had resulted in enormous suffering and deaths of millions which is clearly evident even today. Knowledge and practical lessons for walking the pathway for a united world is clearly visible and there is no dearth of spiritual and pragmatic guidance. For example, frequent references were made to Agenda 2030—Sustainable Development Goals by a number of speakers. Ever since the launch of this 15-year long global project to save the planet by the United Nations wide range of activities, programs and projects were launched focusing on a number of aspects of social and economic life of the human family, such as Economy, Politics, Justice, Dialogue, Ecology, Art for a better understanding of our reality, for reflection and action, for going in to the depth of subject on hand, and for acting together.

On 3rd June a select number of 200 participants were taken to the Vatican for an audience with the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The delegation of friends representing the diversity of humankind were cordially welcomed by the Cardinals and Bishops entrusted with this segment of the Conference. In his written speech which was read in Italian Pope Francis welcomed each guest as “Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!” He appreciated the initiative of the Focolare Movement and the inspiration provided by Chiara Lubich of a journey that carries forward “the Work of Mary” for fostering unity with people of non-Christian religions who share the spirituality of unity. This is an experience animated by the Holy Spirit, rooted,” the Pope said, “in the heart of Christ, in his thirst for love, communion and fraternity.”….The foundation of this experience is the love of God expressed through mutual love, listening, trust, hospitality and getting to know one another, all the while fully respecting each other’s identities…” Pope Francis concluded his message with the following words: “Dear friends, your witness is a source of joy and consolation, especially in this time of conflict, when religion is often misused in order to fuel division. Indeed, interreligious dialogue ‘is a necessary condition for peace in the world, and so it is a duty for Christians as well as other religious communities.’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 250). I encourage you [all], then, to move forward, always open and docile to the action of the Holy Spirit… Please do not forget to pray for me.”

Next day 4th the entire gathering of Conference participants visited Assisi and there was a formal session at Domus Placis followed by a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Francis and the Basilica.

The hospitality of the Focolare brothers and sisters and the spiritual bon homie, the new friendships made and many more unique memories of the powerful demonstration of human fellowship despite the great diversity of beliefs, languages, countries and age (from youth to elderly) was so perfectly planned that there was never a moment of a jarring note or difficulty in sharing and serving each other.

Representing the Temple of Understanding India Foundation and the World Peace Summit by Moksha Trust, I had a few opportunities to address the Conference and also apprize the religious leaders of the educational projects we have launched in the northern province of Sri Lanka.  It was a great privilege to have been made a part of this historic conference.

* former member and secretary National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India

(Nirmala Carvalho collaborated)