Supported by Pope Francis' invitation, this is the commitment that was shared by 480 people of different religious faiths for fraternity, justice and reconciliation at the heart of the interreligious conference promoted by the Focolare Movement. The conference began on the 31st of May at the Mariapolis Centre of Castel Gandolfo (Rome) and concluded on the 4th of June in Assisi (Italy).
 

We had the chance to have a Canadian representant of our focolare community, Mostafa El-Diwany from Laval (QC). We see him here with our President Margaret Karram

 

 

For the complete article click HERE

 

Here the whole poem of Mostafa 

From Dialogue to Unity

A call arose from folds of time forgone;

And yet, it resonates until these days.

To its spirit it hopes that we hold on

And cross sees of turmoil until safe bays.

 

Once a whispering plea, it has become

A ringing bell aloud at times of war.

It’s been pulsing with hearts whose murmurs hum:

« That they all may be one » joyful ashore.

 

We hear again this call in this moment

As it echoes through radiant halls of time.

Now while divisions rise in a torrent,

Dialogue is the ark in which to climb.

 

The way onto this vessel is silence,

To open not only your mind but hearts

Must be set open by loving patience.

This is where our unity’s tale starts.

 

Ego must be discarded for it proves

An impediment to every discourse.

It ignites fear and readily disproves.

It lies, ridicules, attacks and distorts.

 

I must at first pause my urge to respond

And let you deliver thought and meaning.

If content, we could move to steps beyond.

Dialogue’s core is thus deep listening.

 

To listen though I must first recognize

Your dignity and the worth of your view.

Respect is hence on what our bond relies

And love is the seed from which respect grew.

 

Let us then develop true compassion

And live by the golden rule at each turn.

How can I speak with you in a fashion

That would cause me pain if done in return? 

 

Because God who created “the other”

Also created you in His Image.

The divine spark laid in our first father

In us radiates, and none can damage.

 

I must in you then perceive The Divine

And I also must let Him Shine through me.

So our dialogue is none other than

A meeting for signs of God Almighty.

 

Dialogue is the tool by which one can

Turn “the other” into one’s loved brother.

No longer matter colour, creed or clan;

Sanctified are all and through one mother.

 

That call from Jesus’s ultimate prayer

Resonates till this day with sheer wisdom.

And if we are to that call witness bear:

Dialogue’s the road; unity: God’s Kingdom!

 

Search no more for hope for it must be made.

Hope is an action born from tears and love.

We must act now. Our zeal must never fade.

Our unity is peace’s flying dove.

 

We must act now for children’s gaze is tied

Over the mountain from where help will come.”

We must free our dove so it may glide

Over the horizon to rescue them.

 

Mostafa El-Diwany

Centro Mariapoli, Castel Gandolfo, Rome, 31/5/2024


 

 

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