Pope Francis visits Nomadelfia and Loppiano communities

Source: Vatican Media/Focolare

On Thursday morning, Pope Francis made pastoral visit to the Nomadelfia Community, and then travelled to Loppiano where he visited the Focolare Movement.

On arrival in Nomadelfia, the Holy Father visited the tomb of Father Zeno Saltini, who founded the community in 1947.

In the Nomadelfia Community, all goods are shared and there is no private property. Inspired by the first Christians in the Acts of the Apostles, the families and lay unmarried people of the community adopt a lifestyle of brotherhood.

During his visit Pope Francis met a family group, and a number of young members, before giving an address in which he praised the warmth of their community life and particularly noted the way they cared for the elderly,

Next, Pope Francis flew to Loppiano, arriving punctually at 10am. He was welcomed by Maria Voce, President of the Movement, Jesús Morán, Co-President and the bishop of Fiesole, Bishop Mario Meini. After a brief prayer in the Maria Theotokos Sanctuary, he met the 850 inhabitants of Loppiano coming from 65 countries and other thousands from all of Italy, most of whom are members of the Focolare Movement. .

This was the first time a pontiff has ever visited this "tiny town" - which, as Maria Voce defined in her welcome speech - wants to be a "workshop of human coexistence, a piece of united world and testimonial of how society could be if based on the reciprocal love of the Gospel." An open and straight-forward dialogue ensued, interrupted by some questions posed by a group of Loppiano citizens. The questions focused, from various perspectives, on the theme of the challenges of Christians in face of modernity. The Holy Father encouraged all not to "hide behind a quiet-life, respectability or even subtle hypocrisy ..… but live as disciples, sincere and brave in charity and truth" and to face the hardships "with tenacity, serenity, positive energy… and also a pinch of humour."

And upon referring to the mission of an original project like Loppiano in the current social context, the Pope invited all to raise their gaze with him "to look with trustful fidelity and generous creativity to the future which has already begun today."

After imparting his blessing to all present, 37 Loppiano citizens of diverse origins, religions, age and walks of life greeted Pope Francis personally.

In response to the Holy Father's words, Jesús Morán gave him a symbolic gift: a 'pact' signed by all the inhabitants, with the commitment to live in such a way as to make Loppiano become more and more, a place of brotherhood and reciprocity.

LINKS

Focolare: www.focolare.org/en/

Nomadelfia: www.nomadelfia.it/eng/what-is-nomadelfia.html