After the International Meeting in Rome
As promised in our last issue, we publish photographs from the International Meeting held in Rome (March 19–25, 1984), which brought together delegates from Faith and Light communities in more than thirty countries.
Below are reports from communities around the world.
From Belgium
Upon returning to Belgium, Jean Evariste sent a letter full of energy to the Belgian communities. Here are some passages: "During those six days, we prayed often, hand in hand, asking the Spirit to descend upon us gathered in the same spirit whether at Mass or at the Protestant celebration. Through the conferences, the exchanges, and as always with Faith and Light, we became children again—attentive, moved by the testimonies and the graces we received. I think of you, Roland from Beirut, who came to tell us how, amid daily suffering, two communities in Lebanon manage to live in a city besieged for years by Syrian forces. And then, taking Joseph—a Syrian—into your arms and embracing him, you told us: 'But Joseph and I love each other very much.' And we were all moved when you showed us the bullet casings you had collected from the streets of Beirut, which the Faith and Light communities had filled with paper flowers. Thank you, Roland…
From Poland
I was in Poland from April 28 to May 1 for a formation session. There were about thirty of us. Poland has experienced explosive growth in recent months: in September 1983 there were 9 communities; now there are 19. Three regions have formed, with coordinators supporting the emerging communities.
We gathered in a large house in the countryside, a few kilometers from Warsaw. Most participants were young and deeply committed. We spent considerable time reflecting on the role and importance of the leadership team.
From Australia
Kathryn Ward writes: "In Tasmania, from May 9 to 11, we held our first regional meeting. Jean Vanier's presence was a true gift to us all. Participants had traveled thousands of kilometers to attend: there was Dorothy from Madras, India, whose presence gave the meeting an international dimension. All Australian states were represented, and Christine from Hong Kong was present in spirit.
I will send you a full report, but for now I want to share two things with you. I believe Faith and Light is taking root in this corner of the world. These moments of encounter, marked by such peace and unity, allow each person to take steps forward when returning home. At the same time, we all felt again the difficulties and sadness of the ecumenical dimension. It is a delicate matter that we approached with honesty; I think we made progress in understanding and welcoming one another.
From Brazil
Maria Silva writes on May 10: "Here in Brazil, we work hard. We recently held our national meeting, where we decided to hold four regional meetings next year: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, the Northeast, and Governador Valadares. During the holidays I will visit the most distant communities. We also decided how to contribute to Faith and Light's finances: we will do so during Advent and Lent by not eating chocolate, not going to the cinema, and giving up other things, donating the savings to Faith and Light.
From Lebanon
The situation in the country remains very uncertain: periods of calm alternate with terrible moments. Last week—Roland's mother told me by phone—a school was bombed in the heart of Beirut, and many children between eight and ten years old were killed. Amid these painful events, Faith and Light is a small light of hope.
Welcome, Africa
For the first time, two African countries—Nigeria and South Africa—participated in an international Faith and Light meeting. Thus the only continent that had been absent was finally represented at the gathering.
Joshua, in his characteristic costume and hat, brought a new splash of color to the meeting.
It is a shame that Faith and Light only now reaches this great continent. A shame because from what Joshua told us, the conditions in which those young people live are appalling. It is our duty to stand with them, at least in prayer, so that Faith and Light can grow and bring some peace and smiles to those countries. We hope that by the next meeting in 1986, the number of African countries present will have multiplied. Thank you, Joshua, for coming; thank you, Cecilia and Margaret, for your openness. Best wishes for good work to Teresa, coordinator of the African countries.