Let’s be witnesses of hope
‘We can all be witnesses of hope’ was the strong message at the Focolare Community day in Prosperous, Kildare.
The packed afternoon programme saw the presentation of hope-giving projects: the 100 backpack appeal for Christmas (in association with Merchants Quay Ireland), the ongoing link with a dairy school in Burkino Faso, meaningful Advent Calendars promoting the art of loving for Christmas, the Raising Hope Conference in Castelgandolfo in October, which was attended by Pope Leo XIV and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the Faiths for Climate Action march the day before (15th November).
A father told of how he and his daughter help prepare and serve meals to the homeless in Dublin city centre gaining much more than they give from their interaction with people living in homelessness.
Then in buzz groups, everyone had the chance to share their own stories of witnessing to hope – in their families, parishes, local communities and other organisations – a myriad of life affirming testimonies among the eighty or so participants.
Meanwhile in a room downstairs, a chain of young people assembled the first backpacks for the homeless which will be presented to Merchants Quay Ireland before Christmas.
The day began with a moving Annual Remembrance Mass commemorating twenty-two members, friends and relations who died during the previous year. Among these was a pioneer of the movement in Ireland, Bruno Carrera, who died in Australia in January.
by Susan Gately
Photos by Henry Battigelli – see Media Gallery here: https://focolareireland.org/community-meeting/