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C O M M U N I O N A N D L I B E R A T I O N I N T E R N A T I O N A L M A G A Z I N E 5 1 0 2 7

VOL. 17 L I T T E R A E C O M M U N I O N I S

An aerial view of the Atibainha dam during the drought (São Paulo, Brazil).

THE CRY OF CREATION In his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis invites everyone to convert to an “integral ecology”: living the relationship with God and becoming protectors of His handiwork. Content072015_Layout 2 16/07/15 15.59 Pagina 2

CONTENTS July/August 2015 Vol.17 - No. 7

Communion and Liberation ENCYCLICAL

International Magazine - Vol. 17

Editorial Office: LAUDATO SI’

Via Porpora, 127 - 20131 Milano Tel. ++39(02)28174400 In his encyclical Pope Francis calls us 6 Fax ++39(02)28174401 to a new gaze at the gift of creation. E-mail: [email protected] We offer two interviews to go deeper into Internet: www.tracesonline.org the main themes of the papal document.

Editor (direttore responsabile):

Davide Perillo

Vice-editor:

Paola Bergamini Editorial Assistant: Editorial The Deeper Question 3 Anna Leonardi

From New York, NY: Stephen Sanchez Letters Edited by Paola Bergamini 4

Graphic Design: G&C, Milano

Davide Cestari, Lucia Crimi Encyclical Our Common Home by Fr. Paolo Martinelli 6 Photo: Reuters: cover;

GettyImages: 8, 10-11, 12, 18-19, 21;

Archivio Meeting: 22-23 The “Scientist” Pope who Challenges Everybody by Luca Fiore 10

Publishers (editore):

Società Coop. Edit. Nuovo Mondo London A Night Shift by Alessandra Stoppa 14 Via Porpora, 127 - 20131 Milano

Reg. Tribunale di Milano n°. 740

- 28 ottobre 1998

Iscrizione nel Registro degli Operatori Syria The Other Face of Aleppo by Luca Fiore 18

di Comunicazione n. 6.147

Meeting Seven Days of Surprises 21 © Fraternità di Comunione e Liberazione for the texts by Luigi Giussani and Julián Carrón

LUIGI GIUSSANI In American Protestant Theology, Luigi the context of spiritual life and American Giussani traces the history culture. He also displays full respect for the of the most meaningful theological religious depth from which Protestantism expressions and the cultural significance of was born and where it can reach, and American Protestantism, from its origins expresses great admiration for its most in seventeenth-century prominent thinkers and spiritual leaders, Puritanism to the 1950s. including Jonathan Edwards, Horace Bushnell, Walter Rauschenbusch, Reinhold Giussani clarifies and assesses elements of Niebuhr, and Paul Tillich. Protestantism such as the democratic approach to Church-State relations, “The Further testament to Giussani’s Great Awakening,” Calvinism and clear-minded and comprehensive

1 9 7 Trinitarianism, and liberalism. His rich knowledge of Christianity, American references and analytical descriptions Protestant Theology makes the reconstruct an overview of the development work of a master theologian available in 7 3 5 4 0 of a religion that has great importance in English for the first time. 0 : 1 -

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EDITORIAL

THE DEEPER QUESTION

t the heart of Laudato Si’, amidst the many important questions that Pope Francis raises, we find one at the foundation of all else: “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” It’s not a question that “only concerns the environment,” as the Holy Father goes on to explain, “the issue cannot be approached piecemeal. When we ask ourselves what kind of world we want to leave behind, we think in the first place of its general direction, its meaning and its values. Unless we struggle with these deeper issues, I do not believe that our concern for ecology will produce significant results.” AIf these issues “are courageously faced, we are led inexorably to ask other pointed questions: What is the purpose of our life in this world? Why are we here? What is the goal of our work and all our efforts? What need does the earth have of us? [...] We need to see that what is at stake is our own dignity. Leaving an inhabitable planet to future generations is, first and foremost, up to us. The issue is one which dramatically affects us, for it has to do with the ultimate meaning of our earthly sojourn.”

We’ve been through an intense series of weeks, and those ahead will be equally challenging. A somber cloud hangs over us, made up of problems that no one can ignore–acts of jihadist terrorism, the persecution of Christians, the Greek crisis– and that are rife with confusion concerning the very foundations of society. We see this in debates concerning the family, Europe, and the so-called “new rights.” A short time ago, these things were held to be evident, agreed upon even by those who ascribe to different worldviews. Now, however, they are increasingly being put into question. And yet, if we look carefully, there’s not a single question that doesn’t send us back to the drama Pope Francis summarized in that paragraph: “What is the goal of our work and all our efforts? How can we be a help to the world, to ourselves, to our children?”

This opens up the defining question, because, inevitably, our first reaction is to think that the answer is all a matter of what we can do: our analyses, initiatives or mobilization. Of course, all these things are needed, but they’re not enough. We need to be careful, because what we need is not just an alternative response, but rather a deeper and truer perspective. We see it well when something happens that shifts our gaze towards this new perspective. For example, over the last few weeks, many of us have watched a striking video: the interview with a 10-year-old girl who fled from Qaraqoush, Iraq, after the arrival of ISIS. Her name is Myriam, and she lives in a refugee camp. She’s lost everything: her home, school, her friends–everything. And there’s nothing she can do about it. Still, there is something in her life that changes everything. What does she say about the terrorists? “I will only ask God to forgive them.” About going home? “If God so wants, not what we want, but God, because He knows.” And suffering? “Even if we’re suffering here, [God] provides for us.” And she says it with a smile–even with a song! Perhaps, watching this young girl (the video is on YouTube), we can begin to respond to the Pope’s questions. We can ask ourselves where faith like that comes from, what generates an “I” that is so convicted (at age 10!) that she can live, smiling, and not give up hope, even when all she had was taken violently from her. Perhaps this can help us to understand the task of Christians in the world.

In this issue of Traces, you will find further examples that begin to reveal an answer. Whether they take place in Aleppo, or in a hospital, doesn’t matter so much. What matters is this: in their simplicity, each of these facts reveals the nature of Christianity and what it brings to a world that’s falling apart. In short, they show us “what need the earth has of us”: it needs us always to begin again; to be able to live.

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LETTERS

FROM WHERE DOES this way can I positively contribute LMY SALVATIONE COME? TTto the education ofE my children and R Here in Dublin, the referen- to the people here. It is not a matter dum for gay marriage has un- of analyses or of finding new strate- leashed a heated debate that has gies to reach young people, but to given me cause for reflection. First recognize our fragility and our need of all, it often seems that neither only for Christ Risen and present: side has taken to heart the totality to propose Him again, as Fr. Giussani of the matter: the desire of homo- did in Italy when young people were sexual persons for love, and the total leaving the Church. confusion that lodges in everyone’s Agata, Dublin (Ireland) mind. This matter has challenged me personally because it has caused FOR THE FIRST TIME me to reflect on my marriage and ON A CL VACATION on my being in the world and in just and proper proclamations in Dear friends: I was introduced society. It has been a precious op- defense of the family, one can fight to CL just a few months ago. portunity to return to the root of against the collapse of evidences, This was my first CL vacation, and I who I am as a mother, a wife, a but... if I collapse? The phrase I had volunteered to be part of the planning Christian. Rereading “In the collapse heard distractedly at a School of team not only out of curiosity, but of evidences, the generation of a Community, and which, until that also out of a desire to experience subject,” the document suggested moment, had seemed abstract to something beautiful by being more by our community, was helpful be- me, came to mind: “In order to than a participant. Fortunately I also cause it provoked me to look at solve problems, we need to examine had the time to help, which is a what was happening without lazily more deeply the nature of the subject blessing in and of itself. The best retreating into a prepackaged idea who faces them!” How much I need way I can think of to describe my (“I am for the ‘No’ because I am to be seized and saved every moment, overall impression of the vacation is Catholic”). Through discussions and how much I need to see that that it was something like an exten- with my husband and our friends I everything that appears sliding to- sion of the Mass. Whether conscious tried to understand, and I found ward corruption and ruin has already of it or not, I believe that there were myself buried in a great confusion. been saved. We need always to begin many occasions during the weekend In the meantime, I found myself again in search of that which does where somebody was a living sacra- suffocated by the circumstances of not collapse when everything else ment to another. Similarly there were every day life. One evening, I left does. Certainly this is not us with many occasions where individuals my husband and small children to our activities. I have heard so many took the time and effort to genuinely get out of the house and breathe Christians discouraged after the vic- discover the sacrament of the person some fresh air. In that moment I tory of the “Yes,” as if all were lost. in others. My observation was that asked myself: But if, in this world Many things need to be revisited, all who attended strived to be alive that is collapsing, I am the first to of course, but from where does our and present, living the theme of run away, how can I save myself? If salvation come? In the days that doing everything for the glory of I do not know how to stay with seem to me so burdensome and God. Have you ever been with people gladness in front of the small daily empty, from where does my salvation who are concerned primarily about trials that are asked of me, what come? I believe that I need always themselves? Nobody like that showed contribution can I give to the world to deepen my faith in order to be a up at this vacation; in fact it was that is falling apart? One can make convincing sign for others. Only in quite the opposite. The whole week-

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Email: [email protected] Write to Traces editorial office, Via Porpora 127, 20131 Milan, Italy

ERS GOODBYE PARTY AT WORK MAY OUR PATHS CROSS AGAIN

ear Fr. Carrón: In February I changed Djobs, and my thought was to do, in the best possible way, the tasks that were assigned to me as a secretary. This attention to my job prompted amazement in the teachers, in my colleagues at the office, and in the custodians, to the point that one day a colleague asked, “Who are you?” On March 7th we had the meeting with the Pope, and I was struck by what he said. At work I never revealed that I’m from CL, but it was understood nonetheless. It was not a struggle for me; I simply lived those months by being myself, sharing sincerely who I am, my family, my friends, and listening to everyone. On my last day of work, they gave me an unforgettable goodbye party. My colleague from Sicily asked her husband to make cannoli, and he even took an hour off from work to bring them and to meet me. The custodians prepared the reception and each one brought something. A colleague gave me flowers with this note: “In this place in need of ‘exorcists,’ when we lost all hope, you came, the angel of God, who in such a short time brought us back to normalcy and helped us to recapture the grandeur of life. Thanks with all my heart. You have been a very special person, to say the least. We will miss you. I would really like to meet you again; I hope that our paths cross. Thanks my friend, my companion, and dear colleague.” Cristina, Crema (Italy)

end seemed like a group participation nators, horse dung and fire ant hill who welcomed, accepted and nur- towards a common good, and on sentries, slippery mud stabilizers, tured me, and in whom I had fallen numerous occasions people were rugged terrain crossing guards, and in love with in such a short time. aware of and attentive to the needs de-fusers of crying frustrated children Then, when the video was shown of others. On the hikes, children of who, understandably, just wanted to Sunday morning, nothing could have temporarily overburdened parents stop and play in the mud or throw prepared me for the overwhelming were readily cared for by other hikers rocks. At the first planning meeting, response. The outpouring of gratitude without hesitation and without being I asked Paolo and Lisi if I could pro- and appreciation from the commu- asked. Different hazards and obstacles vide a video memory of the vacation. nity left me utterly speechless, and provided many individuals the op- I just wanted to contribute something. still brings tears to my eyes even portunity to serendipitously volunteer By the time it was completed, it had today. Who knew that such a thing their previously unknown talents as become a way for me to be able to was possible by just following? expert insect swatters and extermi- express my love for this community Bernie Jacoby, Texas (USA)

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ENCYCLICAL OUR COMMON HOME Enciclica_PMartinelli 16/07/15 15.26 Pagina 7

God’s action and the work of human hands. Recovering wonder at “the gift of creation”: the only way to recover our sense of personal responsibility. Amidst the pages of Laudato Si’, FR. PAOLO MARTINELLI, Capuchin and Auxiliary Bishop of Milan, finds a call to holiness.

BY FR. PAOLO MARTINELLI

Genesis. Beginning of Creation: God divides the land from the water and creates rivers, seas, flowers, and plants. The Third Day, Byzantine mosaic (12th century–1143). Palatine Chapel, Norman Palace, Palermo, Italy.

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he Pontiff who, for the first time in the history of the Church, took the name of the patron of Assisi, took for the title of his second Tencyclical the words Laudato Si’, a reference to the Canticle of Brother Sun written by Saint Francis. The Holy Father offers specific points to summarize the dramatic situa- tion of the environment (“What is happening in our common home,” 17-61), which calls for a renewed responsibility among men and women (“Lines of approach and action,” 163-201); he goes into de- tail regarding the situation on a global level, and delves into issues of economics and finance; he notes the heavy influence of a globalized technocracy; and he denounces the severe and widespread inequality in the access to natural resources, especially with regards to the poor. Through all these factors he demonstrates the “human roots of the ecological crisis” (101-136). We should all be grateful to him for his evangelical frankness.

AT THE SOURCE OF THE DISORDER. It’s important that we recognize that the heart of his invitation is to a conversion with the goal of an inte- vulnerable of their brothers and sis- of what it is to be human” (11). gral ecology (137-162), which re- ters” (64). He encourages an educa- Francis of Assisi, as a witness and quires a genuine ecology of human- tion to a deeper ecological spirituality promoter of fraternity with all cre- ity–as Benedict XVI has already de- (203-246), since “the teachings of ation, is presented as the antithesis scribed–and of daily life the Gospel have direct con- of contemporary man’s extreme in- (147-155). It is in these sequences for our way of dividualism. pages that Francis invites thinking, feeling, and liv- In giving this perspective, the Holy us to action: to make ing” (216). Father responds to the unfounded courageous decisions and Through the explicit ref- accusations, made in many cultural to find new lifestyles char- erences to his life, Francis realms, that Judeo-Christian tradition acterized by sobriety, sol- of Assisi becomes an ar- is the at the root of unbridled ex- idarity, and sharing re- Fra’ Paolo Martinelli. chetype and constant re- ploitation of nature, inasmuch as it sources. minder throughout the en- gives humankind “dominion” over The source of his pro- cyclical. The saint shows creation. In reality, the Biblical nar- posal lies in the Gospel of Creation us “that an integral ecology calls for rative reminds us that “human life is (62-100), through which the light openness to categories which tran- grounded in three fundamental and of faith offers “ample motivation to scend the language of mathematics closely intertwined relationships: with care for nature and for the most and biology, and take us to the heart God, with our neighbor, and with

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into his praise” (11). Equally thought- “What is the purpose of provoking is the Pope’s reflection on the sacramental dimension of our life in this world? ecology; the connections between creation, the work of human hands, What is the goal of our and God’s action in time and space. In the Sacraments, elements of cre- work and all our efforts? ation become expressions of divinity: “The Sacraments are a privileged What need does the earth way in which nature is taken up by God to become a means of mediating supernatural life” (235). This hap- have of us? It is no longer pens in a unique way in the mystery enough, then, simply to of the Eucharist. HEALING THE RUPTURE. It’s in the state that we should be Blessed Sacrament that we see the “fruit of the earth and the work of concerned for future human hands,” and the action of God who turns bread and wine into generations. We need to the body and blood of Christ. This helps us to glimpse the sacramental see that what is at stake is dimension of the entire Christian life and its anthropological implications: reality is the place where the work of our own dignity.” human hands meets the action of (Laudato Si’, n.160) God, both ordered to the recapitula- tion of all things in Christ. This section lays the groundwork for the strikingly GAZE OF A SAINT. Giotto, Scenes from the life of Saint Francis, Sermon beautiful pages of the encyclical that to the Birds, (1295-1299). Upper Basilica of Saint Francis, Assisi, Italy. explain the Trinitarian structure of all creatures. All creation bears the mark of the Most Holy Trinity. The the earth itself” (66). God entrusts The nature of reality is always gift. At Franciscan theologian Bonaventure, creation to the care and custody of the same time, the concept of creation cited by Pope Francis, affirms that, mankind. Scripture describes “a re- demystifies nature to a certain extent. before the rupture of sin, man was lationship of mutual responsibility On this point, Francis reminds us able to contemplate the mark of the between human beings and nature. that life becomes disordered when Trinity in every creature. This is the Each community can take from the we lose our own sense of being created. gaze recovered in the eyes of a saint. bounty of the earth whatever it needs Even the compulsive consumption As the Holy Father reminds us, “It’s for subsistence, but it also has the of created things brought about by significant that the harmony which duty to protect the earth and to ensure man seems to “demand of them Saint Francis of Assisi experienced its fruitfulness for coming generations” something which they, in their small- with all creatures was seen as a healing (67). Therefore, it becomes clear that ness, cannot give us” (88). The cre- of that rupture” (66). Those who our disordered ecology is in fact the ations of the Infinite Mystery are have, by grace, recovered the rela- result of the loss of a genuinely Biblical signs. Saint Francis’s genius is precisely tionship with Christ, also recover the view of creation. in how he saw every creature within awe at the gift of creation and a sense The Pope reminds us that reality is the relationship with God: “Whenever of personal responsibility. not simply “nature,” but is created: he would gaze at the sun, the moon Ultimately, what this encyclical calls this means that nothing on earth is or the smallest of animals, he burst us to is holiness: the true ideal of hu- mere material to be manipulated. into song, drawing all other creatures manity and society.

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An American Jesuit and journalist, Fr. THOMAS REESE, reacts to Laudato Si’, commenting on Francis’s method: “Instead of principles and philosophy, he starts with the facts. He questions us ‘on the kind of earth we want to leave our children.’”

BY LUCA FIORE

he thing that struck me to be short talks or statements, or a the most is how strong- paragraph in some larger document. ly he makes the case that What’s different here is that the Pope responding to an envi- is writing at length on this issue in ronmental issue like cli- an authoritative document, in an en- m“Tate change is a moral issue. It’s not cyclical. Therefore, he’s looking at it just about economics and politics; in a much more complex way, with this is truly a moral issue. These en- much more detail, looking at all the vironmental issues have an impact economic, political, ethical, moral on people’s lives; millions of people consequences. It’s the difference be- will be affected by climate change.” tween writing a short letter to the Reading Laudato Si’ left editor and writing a book. Fr. Thomas Reese over- come with surprise. The It seems that in the past, Jesuit journalist for Na- the Church was more cau- tional Catholic Reporter, tious in supporting par- who was previously an ed- ticular scientific theories. itor for America maga- What’s changed? zine, is among the better- Fr.Thomas Reese. Well, I think a couple of known Catholic commen- things have changed: first tators in the U.S. “The sec- of all, this Pope has a sci- ond thing that struck me is his entific background himself. He was methodology,” Fr. Reese says. “In- trained as a chemist before he went stead of just talking about principles into the seminary, and actually worked and philosophy and theology, he as a chemist before he went into starts with the facts. He starts with seminary, so he’s comfortable with what we know about the impact scientific methodology and work. we’ve been having on the earth, and The second thing that I think has he accepts the scientific consensus occurred is there’s a much greater that climate change is happening. consensus now about climate change That’s where he then responds, in the scientific community than ‘what kind of earth do we want to there was in the past. It’s becoming leave our children and our grand- clearer and clearer that this may be children?’” the most important moral issue facing the 21st century... I think the Pope Francis is not the first Pope to speak felt obliged to speak out. I would say on these issues. What’s new in Fran- the third thing is that he’s from the cis’s approach? Global South. He’s already seen the Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, Pope impact of climate change in parts of Benedict XVI: all of them spoke about the world. He’s seen the environ- environmental topics, but they tended mental degradation that’s occurred »

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» in the Global South. We in the North tend to live in what Americans would call “gated communities.” We export our pollution; a lot of the pol- lution in Asia and Latin America is being done to create products for the First World. We have much better environmental laws, and we live in a much cleaner environment, because our corporations and businesses tend to do their polluting abroad and then bring us the products.

Of course, the encyclical is not just about global warming... I would emphasize that this encyclical is not just about global warming. It touches on all sorts of other envi- ronmental issues like biodiversity, clean water, various forms of pollution and desertification... His encyclical is a real challenge; he’s saying “we have to act now.” At one point he says that the “doomsayers” cannot simply be ignored anymore.

Still, it seems strange that he goes as the people of planet Earth. Also, from bishops’ conferences all over into such detail on certain issues. we have a responsibility to cherish the world. I don’t think that’s ever He does get into some specific rec- the world. He’s critical of the theo- happened before, has it? ommendations. I think it’s important logical interpretation that man is like That’s a fascinating development. In to acknowledge–and he would ac- God and has dominion over the earth, the past, Popes tended just to quote knowledge this–that he doesn’t have in the sense that he can do whatever themselves or earlier Popes. I really all the answers, and the more specific he pleases. We have to be good stewards think this Pope takes collegiality very he gets, the less authoritative he is. of the earth rather than dominate it. seriously. He also understands that For example, he talks about the use The second point is a little more so- he can learn from other people, from of carbon credits, and I actually agree phisticated: the earth is one of the bishops’ conferences who have already with what he says, but if somebody ways that God reveals himself to us. looked at these issues. This Pope could figure out a good way of using As His creation, the universe is reve- doesn’t present himself as the “answer credits, I think he would say “fine” latory; it speaks to us of God. This is man.” He’s inviting everyone into a and change his mind. These are the a traditional part of Catholic teaching: dialogue: bishops, scientists, politicians, issues that we have to look at, have a we learn about God both through environmentalists, inventors. He sees conversation about, and consult with revelation and through creation. Cre- that all of the good ideas don’t have experts on, to find the best solutions. ation has an intrinsic worth, even in- to come from Rome. dependently of humankind. It’s like Pope Francis also offers a theological an icon of God, and when we desecrate What effect will this document have approach. What is at the heart of it, it’s like a sacrilege. God has a in the environmental debate? his teaching? purpose for creation, and if we’re not I think it’s going to be extremely im- The core of his teaching starts with on board with this, then we’re working portant. People are not going to change Genesis; our core belief that God cre- against God’s plan. their lifestyles because of the polar ated the universe, God created the bears, but if there’s thing we know earth, and it’s God’s gift that we share The Pope quotes many documents through history, it’s that religion can

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issues, but that’s not going to keep us “We know that things from working together to respond to can change. The Creator these [environmental] issues.” Some would accuse the Pope of being does not abandon us; he a “liberal”... I think there’s a mythology out there never forsakes His loving that conservatives tend to support the Catholic Church, because they have plan or repents of having supported the Church on issues of abortion, gay marriage, freedom of created us. Humanity still religion, especially here in the United States. On the other hand, they have never embraced the Church’s Catholic has the ability to work Social Teaching: the teaching about justice, about concern for the poor, together in building our about the rights of workers, about is- sues of peace–about which the Church common home.” has been very vocal ever since the end of the 19th century, with Leo XIII’s (Laudato Si’, n.13) encyclical Rerum Novarum. I think these conservatives either ignore the Popes or never bothered to listen. For example: Pope Benedict, who was la- beled a “conservative,” spoke very strongly about the role of government motivate people to do extraordinary never had a good relationship. They in the regulation of the economy. He things. If the environmental movement still tend to disagree on many issues. also even spoke about the role of gov- is going to succeed, it’s going to require Today, the environmentalists are jump- ernment and the redistribution of people to make great sacrifices, and ing for joy and delighted that the wealth. Now, in the United States, not not only individuals, but also com- Pope is getting involved. I think you’re even liberal Democrats would ever munities through our political systems. right; in the past environmentalists even talk about the government and Our economic paradigm has to change, have often been in conflict with the the redistribution of wealth. according to the Pope. The environ- Church because they tended to stress mental movement needs believers that overpopulation was the cause of So what will happen? who will act because of their religious environmental degradation. I think It’s going to be fascinating to watch beliefs–their belief that the world is they recognized that that’s not a real him when he comes to the United God’s gift, that has to be preserved problem, and that that’s simply a way States in September and speaks to for future generations. The encyclical to blame the poor, the Global South Congress. When he speaks about the is an invitation to all religious leaders. for the environmental issues that are importance of taking care of the poor, We’ve already seen that with the Pa- being caused by the most developed of welcoming immigrants, of pro- triarch of Constantinople and the and the richest countries in the world. tecting the environment, the Repub- Dalai Lama; they are talking about I think they’re still going to disagree licans aren’t going to know what to environmental issues. In the United with the Church; I think they’re still do. On the other hand, if he says we States, we had 300 rabbis issue a letter going to be strongly supportive of must protect life from its very begin- before the Pope did, saying they were birth control, but they don’t want to ning, and every child deserves a mother inspired by the Pope to speak out on fight over this anymore with the and a father, the Democrats aren’t environmental issues. Catholic Church. They see now that going to know what to do. He’s not religion can be an important ally in taking sides in partisan debates. He is It’s strange, because the Church and this fight. I think they’ll take the posi- simply challenging everybody with the environmental movement have tion, “Okay, we disagree about these his teachings.

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Lucia is a young Italian midwife who works in England. Here is the journal of one of the many days she spent at the Queen’s Hospital, where amid labor, sorrows, and “second order desires” she discovers an embrace that sustains life.

BY ALESSANDRA STOPPA

little twin, weighing less Two years ago, Lucia would not than a pound. It had died in have talked this way. From one mo- its mother’s womb, and she ment to the next, she felt she had lost had delivered it. This was everything. “I saw the two pillars of the first time that Lucia had my life collapse. I was engaged to be hAad to handle a case of endouterine married, but my fiancé left, and I also death. The twenty-six-year-old from lost my job at the hospital where I Trento, Italy, had trained to be a mid- was working.” But she did not take it wife in Brescia, Italy, and was now sitting down, and left for Brazil to working at Queen’s Hospital in work for a time with adolescent moth- Romford, on the periphery of Lon- ers in the favelas. “The experience don. This night it fell to her to send really changed me, like the time I the placenta to the laboratory and the spent in Africa working on my thesis. little one to the morgue. She had nev- They rekindled my desire to be well- er done this before, so she asked the trained, to grow professionally.” She help of a nurse. “We went together to asked herself where she should go, the operating room. He was there, so and had no doubts that the United tiny and perfect.” The nurse put the Kingdom was the place. “All the guide- baby in a small bag and closed it in a lines for maternity care come from box. “I just felt like crying.” Then Lu- here: they experiment a lot, and even cia remained there alone, because she though there are many limits and ex- had to call the staff member respon- cessive medicalization, there is a lot I sible for removing the box, as re- can learn.” quired by hospital procedure. A big black man arrived, looked at her a BY MY SIDE. Thus Lucia is part of the moment, and asked, “Have you pre- Italian brain drain, but hers is not a pared it well?” She was grateful for his form of flight. You can see this in the question, because she did not know way she does her work, far from home what it meant to prepare it, but cer- and without any job security. When tainly a bag in box could not be she arrived at the hospital, she did enough. “No, no, now I’ll prepare it.” not know anyone. In the house she She found some little sheets, fash- shares with three other young women, ioned a sort of cradle with them, and life is hard: more often than not, when took the tiny body in her hands, with she gets home from work she finds trembling care, attentive to every the doors to their rooms closed. Her inch of its body. “I gave all the love I friends in the Movement live some had in my body, because God would distance away. “When I can, I go see not have treated that little one any them, because it is a great help. But I Lucia Pederiva at the differently. I know this because it’s want to be present all the time, in the Queen’s Hospital in London. how I feel treated by Him now.” wards of Queen’s Hospital, and »

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LONDON

» in the place I share with my house- mates. And, in the apparent solitude, I am never alone. When I forget, out of fear or distraction, God puts someone by my side to remind me.” Something happens that changes her and the others, day after day. It has been this way since the very beginning, a year ago, when Lucia first arrived at the ward for her orientation shift. She was welcomed by Maria, the head nurse, who was hanging up the phone, which had been ringing incessantly all day. “God is good!” she said. The bed chart made clear the intense situation: 16 beds, 3 available, 11 women on the way. “There was a great hustle and bustle. My colleagues and I were run- the situation, the risks, the reasons with her eyes closed, bent over with ning off our feet, back and forth. In for certain choices, for the antibiotic, the contractions, was also praying. “I that total chaos, I heard Maria’s voice for the monitoring. “Did you feel the was moved by that incredible unity, by like a refrain, ‘God is good,’ and my baby move last night?” “No.” With that prayer, so united and unique.” In heart, assailed by the fear of not being her heart in her mouth, Lucia put her the meantime, in the next room, Kate up to the challenge, suddenly began hands on Aziza’s abdomen and turned was exhausted. In the past three weeks to be serene.” At the end of her shift, on the sonicaid. As soon as she set it she had been hospitalized seven times as she was straightening up some files, on the woman’s abdomen, they heard because of hemorrhaging. As the child she thought about how Maria had babum, babum, babum! “The heart- grew, the placenta stretched and bled. managed the chaos of that day. “Thank beat of that child filled the room, and When Lucia arrived to check on her, you, Maria.” “Who’s thanking me?” Aziza’s heart and mine, as if the child she asked, “Kate, I don’t remember: Is she bobbed up, lifting her head from wanted to cry out: ‘I’m here!’ That it a boy or a girl?” “I only know that her deskwork: “Me,” Lucia answered, woman’s face was totally transformed: it’s a problem. From the beginning of and hugged her. “That hug was more her child was there.” the pregnancy, it has been my problem.” a need of mine than a gift to her.” “I am continually accompanied this “No!” Lucia countered. “This is your “God is good,” Maria responded. way,” recounts Lucia, by a face that miracle. It causes you worry, granted, “You and I will be great friends.” From changes, by an encounter, by a word, but first of all it is a miracle.” Kate’s that day on, whenever Maria called by simply taking a night shift, by anyone. expression changed and from then on her in the hallway, everyone would Zarah was a Muslim woman in labor she said “my baby” and no longer “my hear “Love!” and Lucia answering, with her fourth child, the first three of trouble.” “Here I am, Maria!” whom were already teenagers. “Joking, At the first light of dawn, Lucia ran I asked her, ‘Was it a surprise?’ But in into Room 32. Ivanhi had arrived fully BABUM, BABUM, BABUM. Aziza was in my mind I was thinking the word dilated and everything was moving so her 24th week, and her child was in dif- ‘mistake.’ Her husband, with a big quickly that there had been no time to ficulty. She had been awake all night, beard and a long tunic, intervened: ‘It call her husband. “When I put her son repeatedly calling the midwife, who, was a gift,’ he said, nodding toward in her arms, she smiled at me: ‘Now before leaving, told Lucia, “I didn’t heaven. His correction changed my you are my family.’” An hour later, her listen to the heartbeat, because the heart.” Hour after hour, Zarah’s labor husband arrived breathlessly, and Ivanhi mother had fallen asleep. I’ll leave it to became more complicated, and the continued repeating to him, “She is you to see whether the baby is still child’s heartbeat gave signs of stress. my Lucy.” “I was part of that family,” alive.” Lucia entered the room fearfully. Lucia did everything she could, and in says Lucia. “There was an incredible “Why doesn’t the doctor do a caesarean the meantime prayed, “Angel of God...” unity...” When there was half an hour and save my baby?” Aziza asked. Lucia As she was tending to the IV and the remaining on her shift, Youshra, a Mus- sat on her bed and calmly explained monitoring, she realized that Zarah, lim colleague, with her veil rolled under

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LONDON

Lucia during a it happened that in one room there stage in Africa where was a woman whose child had died, she woked on and in the next room, one who had her thesis. chosen her child’s death, because it had a lung abnormality. “I looked after both of them, but I looked at them differently. I couldn’t help it.” The more she struggled, the more she became aware of the African couple whose child had died. “They were so united. They supported each other, loved each other. The husband of the other woman was sleeping and she continued to come out into the cor- ridor to talk with me. She couldn’t stand to be alone. She was broken in half. That night I understood her dra- her operating room cap, ran after her. look at them.” The labors, the delivery matic situation.” “Lucy, you lost your cross!” Lucia room, and her colleagues were the ter- checked, but her cross was on its chain, rain for this openness. “Every day on A CARESS IN A FIST. In the history of as usual. “Excuse me, I saw that lost the ward I deal with the emptiness and most of the patients she meets, there cross and thought of you.” “When the infinite entreaty I have within. is an abortion. “It is tragic, but it is she said that to me,” Lucia recounts, “I When my fiancé left me, I was full of an objective fact, because it is the saw with tenderness just how much desire to be a wife and mother, and I only option given; no other proposal that cross was me, and how it is the still am, but in that pain I found within is offered. Many times there is simply origin of the incredible unity with myself a love that I cannot keep for no desire to engage oneself, to get in- these women.” myself, nor for some Mr. X in the volved, to explain, to accompany. I When she was being interviewed for future. I need to give it do it because I gain this position, she had been asked, “Who now.” When she began everything. The familiar are you?” “When they do this, they do giving it to the women relationship I have with not go by selective tests, or even by re- entrusted to her care, “In my work, them reflects the way sume,” she recounts. “When they asked everything changed. “I God comes to God treats me, and me ‘Who are you?’ I jumped in and used to think that my me, enabling me amazes me.” This was told them, because my passion and desires were not listened so even when, for the my being a midwife cannot be separated to. But at the end of this to learn the first time, a patient re- from all that has happened to me in year–or rather, as the fruit things like fused her. “She didn’t my life.” She will never forget her flight of the journey of this patience and want me. She didn’t let home after the interview, with her con- year–I know that my de- waiting.” herself be touched. It was tract in hand. “I was convinced that in sire is looked at seriously very difficult, because in my life there were ‘first order’ and ‘sec- every day, and answered.” making me understand ond order’ desires, and my boyfriend Down to the smallest de- that I wasn’t right for and job belonged to the first order. At tail. “In my work, God comes to me, her as a midwife, she made it clear that moment of my life, one of the enabling me to learn the things that that I wasn’t right for her as a person. two was satisfied, and yet my heart are most difficult for me, like patience This hurt. But I received a caress in a was so restless. So I said to myself, ‘It is and waiting. Labor. He makes me work, fist,” in the true embrace of her col- something else! Something that goes and trains me for life.” leagues as they saw her sadness, and beyond how I imagine happiness for Delivery rooms 10 and 11 are where in that question that invaded her me.’ That was the beautiful discovery. abortions are performed. Lucia is a heart: Who are you? “Am I defined The blinders fell from my eyes: up to conscientious objector, but it can happen by my performance? I am a relation- that moment, all the other things were that she is assigned to care for those ship with an Other who treats me second order, did not exist; I did not who have had an abortion. One night with love, even if I fail.”

No 7 2015 17 fr_Ibrahim 16/07/15 15.32 Pagina 18

SYRIA

THE OTHER FACE OF ALEPPO Bombs fall and Christians flee, but the city that symbolizes the Syrian drama is not struck by missiles alone. Fr. IBRAHIM ALSABAGH, parish priest of the Latin Rite Catholic community, recounts the challenges of those who remain, and explains why he keeps the books by Fr. Giussani on his nightstand.

BY LUCA FIORE fr_Ibrahim 16/07/15 15.32 Pagina 19

r. Ibrahim Alsabagh is the parish priest of the Latin Rite Catholic community of Alep- po. Originally from Damas- cus, the 43-year-old has worn Fthe Franciscan habit for the last 10 years, serving the Church though his work in vocations, as the vice-prin- cipal of a Catholic school in Jordan, and as a parish priest in Jericho. Last year he earned his degree in Dogmat- ic Theology in Rome. Since Novem- ber he has been living in the city that symbolizes the Syrian Calvary. In these months living alongside his faithful, sharing the cold, the fear, and the bereavements, “Every day has its story. Every morning we get up and we don’t know whether we will be bombed or not. The situation of elec- tricity has improved: on average we have it three hours a day.” He talks about the anger of those who leave, but also of those who stay and want to raise their children as Christians in Syria. Fr. Ibrahim thinks about the future, and about his most recent journey to Italy. He brought back Ibrahim some of Fr. Giussani’s Alsabagh books translated into Ara- was born bic, for the future, certain- in Damascus ly, but also for the present. in 1971. Since November he has been the How do the Christians in parish priest of the city live? the Latin Rite Today the great drama is Catholic Church emigration. There are of Saint Francis groups that are organizing in Aleppo. this flight without dialogu- ing with the leaders of the community. The exodus of the Chris- tians makes the situation of those who remain even graver, because our pres- ence bears even less weight. What sad- dens me even more is that those who leave do so without telling anyone. Once they get their visa, they leave, and only later advise their family »

Syrian refugees at the Turkish frontier. No 7 2015 19 fr_Ibrahim 16/07/15 15.32 Pagina 20

to the land. We do not feel we have the right to uproot the tree that the Lord planted here two thousand years ago and that has been watered for centuries with the blood of the martyrs. We do not want to think of a future for Syria without Christians. This is why I am interested in what Fr. Giussani says. SUMMER ACTIVITY CENTER. In Aleppo more than 120 kids are involved in Parish activities. In what sense? » and friends. Once a man told me, because people were afraid to send Here we have a third type of bom- “Father, the missile attacks come and their children. Then the parents saw bardment: that of the mentality. There go, but another type of bombardment that it was possible and were persuaded is also a cultural offensive underway, has begun: one that causes the division to sign them up. Today there are 120 which is the same which, for better or within our families.” kids and we continue to receive requests: worse, you in the West are subject to we keep having to extend the registra- as well. As a priest, as a sentinel, I feel What does that mean? tion deadline because more want to the need to strengthen the roots of Families become divided between those sign up. In the meantime the younger our faith within today’s culture. This who want to go and those who want siblings have begun crying out of jeal- is as much a part of my responsibility to stay. The arguments add tension to ousy, so we have also had to open to as is humanitarian aid. In Italy I met an already tense situation. The other 25 nursery school age children. We some members of Communion and day I heard from a sick woman who is help them have fun, and we give them Liberation and I began to desire that not self-sufficient, whose children have milk and chocolates. If we see some some of your ideas could find space abandoned her to the care of strangers. are poorly dressed, we try to find new among us, too, because this thought A parishioner asked me, “Will we be clothes for them. I am finding that helps young people become true wit- abandoned, too?” The people are tired; this initiative is not only good for the nesses in the world. they are forced to stay in their houses children, but that this climate of joy all day. They have no kind of distraction. also helps the adults. Seeing their own What would you like your young peo- They tell me, “The only time we can children play cheers them up. ple to read by the priest from Brianza? take a walk is when we go to Mass. Well, I would begin with the three The only diversion is to say the Rosary.” Does faith help you resist the new books of the PerCorso, which are the Many people are angry and this tension “bombardment” of which you spoke? foundations of his thought. Then all influences their relationships. Yes, it helps to think in a different way, the rest. But not just the books: we to look in a new way. With the eyes of need true witnesses, to know those What helps you to carry on? faith you see that reality is positive for who nourish their own lives with those We believe in the power of the Eu- us, too. It is a realistic attitude, which words. I would like some people to charist, which has become our only enables us to continuing living. come, but the time is not yet ripe. In nourishment, and also our great repose. the work with the Custodian of the It is the moment of great consolation. Where do you see this new gaze? Holy Land I have met several members Communion with the Lord “brings In many young families, fathers and of the Memores Domini and families in fresh air,” and enables us to breathe mothers with small children, who have of the Movement. I am certain that more easily. Then, as a parish priest, I seen their own houses bombed, and their presence here could contribute try to create opportunities to get the have lost many family members. They to the faith in our young people. It people involved, in things from hu- tell me, “We are staying here. We want could strengthen a simple, beautiful, manitarian help to courses for engaged to continue this journey.” Even seven and deep reality that at the same time couples. A few day ago we opened a of the eight couples who are preparing is active in reality. The alternative is for summer activity center at the parish for marriage want to stay. Many friends life to be emptied of everything. We for elementary school children. who love us ask us why we are still need to fill it with the signs of the here, why we have not left yet. It is not Lord. So then, we must find all the How many do you have? because of a particular ideology, some means possible for beginning. Today. There were only about 50 registrations, political idea or misguided attachment We cannot wait until tomorrow.

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RIMINI MEETING 2015

SEVEN DAYS OF SURPRISES This year’s edition comes to terms with the challenging theme of “lack.” It is something present in everyone’s life and often becomes the opportunity for the experience of fullness. Here we offer the PROGRAM for the Rimini gathering with old friends and new faces.

BY STEFANO FILIPPI

his year’s Meeting (August There will be surprising presences even greater tensions. The inaugural 20th - 26th) will be full of sur- at this Meeting of lack: the philosopher encounter (“Religions are part of the prises, including the dates, Noam Chomsky, Cardinal Pell and solution, not the problem”) will feature with the choice to open in the Bishop Galantino, Abbot Lepori a dialogue between Christianity, Ju- middle of the week, as well as (who on August 21st will speak on daism and Islam, with Cardinal Jean- tThe addition of a big closing celebra- the theme of the Meeting) and the Louis Tauran, Imam Azzedine Gaci tion, and a new design for the spaces. astronaut Roberto Vittori, Fr. Julián and the great rabbi from Paris, Haïm The theme is also surprising and it is Carrón and Professor Joseph H. H. Korsia, three Frenchmen from the inspired from a verse of a poem by Weiler, protagonists of a dialogue country wounded by the massacres Mario Luzi:“What is this lack a lack not to be missed. In many fields of of January and June. of, oh heart, of which all of a sudden life, the Meeting will document how Fr. Douglas Bazi, a parish priest you are full?” With that strange that irreducible quest, that desire for in Erbil, will testify to the tragedy of word, “lack,” it is a courageous chal- fulfilment, sparks newness. the new Christian martyrs, but at lenge: is lack a problem or a re- A year ago, the Meeting opened the Meeting there will also be a clear source? Can the reduction of the “I,” with Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Cus- indication of a road for overcoming the collapse of evidences, and the todian of the Holy Land, who invited religious fundamentalism: economic changes in society generate new fig- listeners to use “the power of the development. This will be document- ures of consequence? Do subjects heart” to support Christians in the ed by the Lebanese entrepreneur like this already exist? face of fanaticism. Today there are Fouad Makhzoumi, President of »

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RIMINI MEETING

» the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, Brian J. Grim, the Vice President of the European Commu- nity Parliament, Antonio Tajani, and Michele Valensise, the Secretary Gen- eral of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A lack of freedom: Venezuelan banker German García Velutini will talk about his 11 months of imprisonment as a kidnapping victim and his for- giveness of the kidnappers, such a starkly different position from what is normally found in one of the most violent coun- tries in the world. Lack of health: illness is not the final word. It is also the sphere of research, a terrain where relationships grow and rebirth is possible. We will hear about new life after drugs–and other addic- tions–from the founder of the PARS community, José Berdini, and sociol- ogist Salvatore Abbruzzese. Speaking about care for the infirm from the first the challenges of the economic crisis They represent the winning bet of to the last moment of life will be Elvira in Europe and the new forms of those who wager on the talents of Parravicini, a neonatologist from Co- poverty will be among the themes human capital as the engine for lumbia University, and Professor Brad of the Meeting. Among the speakers growth. There will also be contri- Stuart, director of the Sutter Care hos- are the Frenchman Edmond Al- butions about food, sustainable pice in California for the terminally ill. phandéry and the German Hans- development, biodiversity, and the Grégoire Ahongbonon and Sister Si- Werner Sinn, who lead two think world of not-for-profits. mona Villa will share their stories tanks for political analysis in their We will gain insight on the chess- about mental illness; meanwhile, the countries; others include the econ- board of crisis situations in the missionary Maria Angela Bertelli and omist Domenico Lombardi, the for- world and the role of international Tim Shriver, President of Special mer commissioner of the Italian organizations through the partic- Olympics, will speak about disabilities. Spending Review, Carlo Cottarelli, ipation of the Foreign Ministers How we can accompany people in their who has now resumed working for of Italy, Tunisia and Egypt, Paolo illnesses will be addressed by, among the International Monetary Fund, Gentiloni, Taieb Baccouche and others, Mario Melazzini and Silvia Italian Minister of Economy and Sameh Shoukry, as well as Nunzio Spagnoli, whose husband, Ugo Rossi, Finances Padoan, and Cardinal Silvano Maria Tomasi, Acting Head suffers from Lou Gehrig’s disease. All George Pell, prefect of the Secretariat of the United Nations Office in of these people offer examples of how for the Economy, who will speak Geneva, Michael Möller, and Pro- the limitation we bear is not a limit for about the Church and money. fessor Paolo Carozza. the heart. Finally, in one of the most A reflection on economics will The expert in Constitutional Law, eagerly awaited encounters, Nunzio be accompanied by an experience Tania Groppi, together with Middle Galantino, Secretary General of the from the world of business offered Eastern judges and professors, will Italian Episcopal Conference, will speak by Roberto Snaidero (Federleg- explore the theme of democracy about “the person and the meaning of noarredo), Nerio Alessandri (Techn- in Islamic countries. Returning limitation.” ogym), Andrea Zappia (Sky Italia), from the villas miseria of Buenos Mauro Moretti (Finmeccanica), and Aires, Fr. Charly Olivero will be THE CHURCH AND MONEY. Greece, the many others, as well as a significant accompanied by a group of young Eurozone, and the Mediterranean: group of Chinese businesspeople. people brought up under the pa-

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THE EXHIBITS THE METHOD OF GOD, THE AUDACITY OF TODAY The exhibits of this year’s Meeting range from the nostalgia of Abraham to the “fire” of contemporary art, the mystery of water and that “sign” of Florence.

braham, the the exhibit Water is Mys- Birth of the terious, seeks to respond A “I” is one of to this question in terms the exhibits of this of science and history, but year’s Meeting. The not only. It does so by fol- figure of the patriarch lowing the steps that great stands out in history as the first sign civilizations have taken in order to that God has not left the human per- meet this permanent need, and it son alone. Abraham “understands asks about the origins of water on for whom this longing of his is,” earth, but above all enquires into the says Ignacio Carbajosa, curator of experience of thirst as the emblem the exhibit, drawing upon the title of of the expectation and the urgent the Meeting. We will be able to see need for what is essential for the life Abraham in a journey that starts out of the human person, a boundless from Mesopotamia in the second and endless desire that awaits Some- ternal gaze of Archbishop Jorge millennium before Christ, and fol- one who can say: “Those who drink Bergoglio. lows the Bible story, showing how of the water that I will give them will Education has been another lack pertinent God’s method is for the never thirst again.” challenges of our time. “The Cathedral Square in Florence in these years. We will have contri- Of our time, too, is the art that is the sign of what fulfills the lack of butions from Eddo Rigotti and we will discover in which the heart is full,” Carlo Wolfsgruber, Luigi Berlinguer Keep the Flame Alive, says Mariella Carlotti, cu- and Susanna Mantovani, the neu- a journey that presents rator of the exhibit Opus ro-lingual scientist Andrea Moro the experiences of Florentinum. The Cathe- world-famous artists dral Square of Florence: and Noam Chomsky, at 86 years living today. Often, con- Faith, History and Art.This old, one of the “great old men” of temporary art is an ex- is how poet Mario Luzi de- world culture. Philosophers Eugenio ercise in nihilism, and yet this is scribed it in 2000, in a poem that pro- Mazzarella, Carlo Sini and Costan- not always the case: “There are vides a unifying theme for the Meeting: tino Esposito will reflect on the veins of gold that are worth fol- “Here we are in the great embrace / human person as a “being of lack.” lowing. They express an unforeseen of our Mother Church, / one and uni- and fierce move of emotion for the versal. / All our quarrels and differences Astrophysicist Marco Bersanelli will human that can blow you away, / are erased here, / the doubts and lead us to discover the stars with with forms that are very different uncertainties of our solitude dissolve.” astronaut Roberto Vittori (the only from those to which tradition has How can so much beauty be contained Italian astronaut to fly on both the accustomed us,” says Giuseppe in an exhibit? “It’s impossible,” says American shuttle and the Russian Frangi, one of the curators. This is Carlotti. “We will try to introduce the not an exhibit that looks for “con- public to an overall reading of the Soyuz) and Duccio Macchetto, sensus,” but one that “arouses cu- Square through the meaning of the emeritus astronomer at the Space riosity, putting viewers in front of three buildings - the baptistery, Cathe- Telescope Science Institute. an audacity of languages and ap- dral, and bell tower–and the reading The final roundtable discussion proaches that it is fascinating to of the sculpture cycles. Then there of the Meeting will focus on the deal with.” will be a virtual visit in 3D of the new family, with Anna Garriga, Chiara Its molecule is one of the simplest museum of the Work of the Cathedral possible atomic combinations, but that will re-open this fall, on the oc- Giaccardi and Orlando Carter Snead, in how many and what kind of ways casion of the Ecclesial Convention in preparation for the Synod this does our life physically depend on that will be held in Florence. October. water? The Euresis Association, with Paola Ronconi

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