The second day began with a recap through the eyes of the two intrepid “anthropologists,” Dr. Livingston and Dr. Stanley. They observed the unique symbols, sayings, and practices of Mariapolis.

The day proceeded with a profound exploration of the common roots of the Abrahamanic religions. Don Mitchell facilitated a panel that included (pictured below from left to right) Emily Soloff, Mikal Ramadan, Don Mitchell, moderator, and Paul O'Hara. After explaining what “God loves you immensely” signifies in the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions, they elaborated their answers in response to a panel of young people.

In the afternoon, these ideas were brought to life through experiences of dialogue.

Imam Mikal Saahir and Anne Mc Williams shared their discovery of a long-lost connection between her slave-owning forebear and his ancestor.

Ryan Funk and David Shaheed discussed the ten year experience of dialogue at Shapiro’s Restaurant in Indianapolis

Kyohei, a member of the Rissho Kosei-Kai renewal group, used his own experience of personal loss to illustrate the Buddhist understanding of suffering.

The day concluded with a presentation by the Gen that illuminated the soon-to-be Blessed Chiara Luce Badano through words, picures and song.

Participants were introduced to the reality of Mariapolis 2010 through a pair of anthropologists, Dr. Stanley and Dr. Livingstone, who had come to explore the life of this “city,” a place with its own language, structure, customs, and laws.

As they found out, there is only one law—love-which is interpreted through a daily roll of the Cube of Love. For Saturday, the watchword was “Love your Neighbor as Yourself.”



Sharon and Steve Brantner shared the story of their first Mariapolis and set the stage for the first theme—“God loves you immensely.” Marco took everyone inside the reality of God’s personal love for each person.  As Chiara Lubich said, “I believe that God loves me, and in the name of this Love, I ask of my life and of the lives of those who walk in my Ideal, -- that choice of God – great things, worthy of those who know that they are loved by God.”



The afternoon continued with the theme, showing how seeing each person as being loved by God establishes the basis for deeper, more fruitful communication in families.




After sharing groups, the Mariapolis games brought everyone together to work in teams so as to spell out why they had gathered in this city; L-O-V-E.
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Join us for this year's Summar Mariapolis -

An experience of life inspired by the spirituality of unity of the Focolare Movement. A chance to experience what the world would be like if everyone lived the Golden Rule.

• Friday, July 9 after dinner to
• Tuesday, July 13 after lunch
• at Valparaiso University, Indiana (maps)
  

Mariapolis is a special time for the whole family to grow in loving God and your neighbor!

Read more about last year's Mariapolis...