On a beautiful sunny day in May, it seemed appropriate that Mary, Mother of God, was the theme for the Community Day at the Focolare Centre in Prosperous on 18th May 2025.
For Catholics, the month of May is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, as a way of honouring her unique role in the life of Jesus and her example of faith, love, and compassion, hence the significance of including “Bring flowers of the rarest” as the final hymn of the Mass celebrated just before the programme swung into action. It began with an icebreaker game, which challenged participants, from all over Ireland, to recall their own thoughts on Mary. Standing in a circle, as music played, a rag doll was passed, or thrown, from person to person. When the music stopped (like in musical chairs), the participant left holding the doll, shared briefly what Mary meant to them. Amidst much laughter as the rag doll was passed like a hot coal, we were all moved by the simple and deep insights of each person. A young Italian living in Galway, said he thought of how Mary set off to help Elizabeth immediately after the annunciation and this reminded him that to be like Mary means going out to love others.
As is customary, the focus of the morning was on the Word of Life – ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” ( John 21:17), with a deep sharing of stories in break out groups on trust in God, forgiveness, prayer and relationships with those who suffer. Outside young people aged from 4 to 24, enjoyed games of all kinds—rounders, soccer, and even a fun version of bowling.
After lunch, for the adults, the focus sharpened on the theme of the day: The Way of Mary with a presentation of four stages in the life of Mary – the Annunciation, the Visitation, Mary at the foot of the cross and Pentecost. Stories from life illustrated the theme.
Recalling the passing of Pope Francis, we watched a moving video showing the various interactions of Pope Francis with the Focolare Movement over the years – like his visit to the Focolare town of Loppiano, his meeting with business people involved in the Economy of Communion, and with Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims attending a Focolare inter-religious conference. It was a joy for all to hear his words of wisdom, encouragement and warning – a precious patrimony to be lived into the future. (see Con gratitudine | Papa Francesco e il Movimento dei Focolari The Holy Father’s words are in Italian. For the full text of what Pope Francis has said to the movement in English see: Remembering What Pope Francis Said to the Focolare | Focolare Media )
For the young people, the afternoon was dedicated to workshops, including rock painting and colouring the children’s Word of Life. A highlight for many was making their own delicious fruit shakes! The older youth truly shone as leaders, guiding and supporting the younger ones with lots of care and love. “It was a day full of fun, creativity, and community spirit—enjoyed by all,” said Genny.