This past Saturday at Mariapolis Luminosa more than 250 persons of all ages came together for a brief moment to share news, experiences and their common desire to put the Gospel into practice in their lives. Held in Hyde Park at the Focolare’s small, permanent little city, the splendid fall foliage, rolling hills and winding pathways provided the perfect backdrop for the day.

While children of various ages met together for their own activities, it was also a time for many other members of the Movement to stop for a moment to, share and look ahead to the various projects and initiatives that this new year hopes to bring in the lives of each one and those around them. Marigen Lohla and Antonio Vallejo opened the day with an overview of recent regional meetings held in Rome during the month of October, and also offered the point of the Focolare spirituality that would serve this year as the common theme that would be lived throughout the world: it is the ‘Word of God lived’ in the lives of all who believe.

In synchrony with the Year of Faith announced by Pope Benedict, special focus is being placed upon the Gospel words practiced in daily life, particularly those Words that refer to love of neighbor and to unity, which is the Focolare’s charism.

In fact, following the initial news update, as is customary from the beginning of its spirituality, there followed, much like in a family, a deep sharing of simple, and often very concrete, experiences of persons trying to put the Gospel into practice in their everyday lives. Several young people spoke, as well, and gave news of recent youth activities and plans for upcoming events that will take place both regionally and nationally.