World Children’s Day_2024


"BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW" (Rev 21:5)

This was the central theme of the first World Children’s Day, sponsored by Pope Francis, which took place on May 25 and 26, 2024. There were two main events: the dialogue with the Pope at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday afternoon, and the Mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday morning.

A huge crowd of children and young people, together with their chaperones (over 50,000 people), “colored” the stands of the Olympic Stadium, kicking off the program with a parade of over one hundred delegations in their traditional costumes. Upon his arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the organizers of the event, accompanied by five children, one from each continent, who greeted him in their native languages.

Pope Francis began his dialogue with the children by saying, "Here we are! We made it! This is the start of the great adventure of World Children's Day!"

When we received the news of this event convoked by the Holy Father, we knew that we had to take advantage of this opportunity to allow as many children as possible from our Movement to participate in it. We extended the invitation to children all over the world, and there was a great response. Notwithstanding the many difficulties they encountered, we had the joy of seeing children arrive from various Eastern European countries (Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Macedonia), from Portugal, Spain and Belgium, and also from Nigeria, Brazil, Burundi, and even, to our immense joy, from Bethlehem and Haifa – and, logically, from all over Italy.

Among the questions the children asked the Pope, here is that of Lia Marise, one of our Gen 4 from Burundi, together with the Holy Father's answer:

"Dear Pope Francis, I am Lia Marise and I am from Burundi. What do you think we children can do to make this world better?"

"The question is ‘what can I do to make the world better?’ Now all you children have to answer the questions that I will ask you. Pay attention now! What can I do to make the world better? Fight? [The children answer: "No!"] I can't hear you! Fight? [The children respond louder: "No!"] Talk to each other with love? [The children respond: "Yes!"] Play together? [The children respond: "Yes!"] Help others? [The children respond: "Yes!"] Good! By doing these things, the world will be a better place to live. Keep going ahead and be courageous! You are wonderful! May the Lord bless you."

One by one questions were asked, followed by a simple and spontaneous dialogue with Pope Francis. At the end of the meeting, the Pope concluded, saying, "You children can make a real revolution! I can see it from your questions and keen desires! Go ahead with courage!"[1]

As a Movement, we were also present at the Children's Village (just outside the Olympic Stadium where many groups passed by). We had a booth there, which was set up thanks to the generosity of the Focolare community of Rome, and we were also able to present some artistic numbers on the stage set up in that area.

For our Gen 3 and Gen 4, this world event was also enriched by two other very special moments.

On Friday, May 24, they had a beautiful and very full day at the Focolare International Center in Rocca di Papa with 190 participants (including adults and children), who spoke 7 different languages. They all became “guardians of the diamond,” which they discovered and want to guard always and give to everyone: the presence and love of Jesus in our midst.

It was a day for them to encounter the charism of Chiara. They enjoyed everything – the program in the hall, the Gen 4 experiences and videos, the visit to the “castle,” as they called Chiara’s house. "It was good to get to know the home of Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, and to realize how many things came to life there.... And also to see many of the diplomas, awards and gifts that she received from all over the world." The father of one of the Gen said, "It was really powerful for me to enter into the very heart of the Focolare Movement."

We believe that the Gen really “met” Chiara and now have a personal relationship with her. In her chapel they offered many spontaneous prayers to God, or entrusted them to Chiara to take to Jesus.

There were so many "sacred" moments, culminating in the visit of Margaret [Karram] and Jesús [Moran], who answered their questions as they listened attentively, and in the final prayer Margaret proposed to them, which entered their deep into their hearts in a solemn way. The final hymn in Slovenian and the lighting of many candles swaying throughout the dimly lit hall were a symbol of the joy and light they had in their hearts and wanted to bring to everyone in the following days in Rome.

Then after the event at the Vatican, a smaller but representative group of Gen 3 and Gen 4 from Bethlehem, Nigeria and Brazil visited Loppiano.

The citizens of Loppiano welcomed the Gen with much love. They explained to them the Golden Rule which is lived by everyone who lives there and which they then experienced as they toured the city. They had special meetings with Gen Rosso and Gen Verde, the workshop of Ciro Cipollone [“where waste becomes art”], the Lionello Center of Economy of Communion businesses, and of course, the playground! Then there was a special Mass at the Church dedicated to the Theotokos [The Mother of God]. They were all really happy as they left Loppiano, after being deeply touched by all they love they had received.

And now ahead for the next World Children’s Day! It’s already scheduled for September 2026!!!

[1] The whole text of the answers of Pope Francis canb be found at: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/may/documents/20240525-giornata-mondiale-bambini.html

 

 


World Children’s Day_2024
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