From the Dolomites to Europe
The Pact
Tonadico is also known as the ‘City of the Pact’, because it was there, on 16 July 1949, that the Focolare Movement took shape. Chiara Lubich and Igino Giordani made a spiritual pact, one in which they resolved to live mutual love to the point of entrusting the future of the newly born Movement to Jesus in their midst (Mt 18:20). From that pact sprang many initiatives that have spread throughout the world, one of them being Together for Europe.
Together for Europe
It was through meeting other leading figures from European Christian communities and associations that, in 1999, Chiara Lubich was inspired to launch Together for Europe. Among these leaders was Gerhard Pross (YMCA, Esslingen, Germany), who was the moderator of the TfE network in the years that followed.
The Award
On 16 July, during the ‘Tonadico – City of the Pact’ event, Gerhard Pross was presented with an award by the same name for his invaluable and tireless work in giving witness – together with others – to unity amongst Christians in the service of the common good. The atmosphere of the event was festive, enriched by several intellectual and artistic contributions. It included an interview with Gerard, during which he looked back on some key stages of his spiritual journey and on the significant milestones of TfE.
Alberto Lo Presti, Liz Taite
You can watch the full event on the focolaritalia YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvWSaiyTbwo