“What’s the secret to a life spreading so quickly around the world?” Frei Hans Stapel once asked. He explained the expansion of the Focolare Movement and Fazenda da Esperança through many countries. We stand here before the Comunidade Maria Mãe da Esperança. It is deeply connected to this inspiring movement.
On March 14, a new Focolare named “Maria Mãe da Esperança” opened in Guaratinguetá. This is in the interior of São Paulo. This new house welcomes members from different regions of Brazil. They now assist in the work of Fazenda Esperança.
Gustavo Matsumoto is responsible for this new Focolare. He stated that the mission is to meet humanity’s cry through unity between two close charisms. They want to approach those who suffer and are excluded. They aim to give their lives more fully to Jesus. They want to bring the light of the resurrected Jesus to the world.
During a thanksgiving mass, Frei Hans recalled Chiara Lubich’s passing 13 years prior. He spoke about how the Focolare Movement’s charism inspired him. It became a foundation for Fazenda Esperança’s spirituality. The therapeutic community, Fazenda Esperança, has worked since 1983. It focuses on recovering people dependent on alcohol and drugs. Its welcoming method includes work as education, family living, and spirituality. This helps people find life’s meaning. There are currently hundreds of units in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The root nourishing Fazenda Esperança also nourishes the Focolare Movement. Both express the desire to practice the Gospel’s words. They especially focus on living mutual love. Margaret Karram is the new president of the Focolare Movement. She said Chiara is very happy to see this dream realized. Two church realities live together in unity. They heal many wounds especially in poor and marginalized environments. They focus especially on those suffering from chemical dependencies.
Besides those with chemical dependencies, Fazenda Esperança has also welcomed homeless people for a year. They were more vulnerable during the spread of Covid-19 in Brazil. Frei Hans said that today’s news of many deaths from Coronavirus is like the war when the Focolare Movement was founded. All this pain is a chance to be reborn into a new humanity.
Pope Francis spoke about Mary as the Mother of Hope. He said that Mary had to go through more than one dark night on her motherhood journey. As a young woman, she said “yes”. She accepted the Angel Gabriel’s proposal to be the mother of God’s Son. She knew nothing of the destiny awaiting her.
Pope Francis added that Mary resembles many mothers in our world. They are courageous when welcoming a new person’s story into their womb. She does not become depressed. She doesn’t protest against the fate that often appears hostile. Instead, she accepts life as it comes with happy days and tragedies. The Gospels only say “she was”. In the most cruel moment, she suffered with her Son. She was simply there.
After Pentecost, we find Mary as the Mother of Hope. She is among that community of fragile disciples. One had denied the Master. Many had fled. All were afraid. Mary was simply there in her normal way. It was as if it were natural. The early Church was surrounded by the light of the Resurrection. They also faced the uncertainty and fear of taking the first steps in the world.
Therefore, we all love her as Mother. We are not orphans. We all have a mother in heaven. Mary teaches us to wait. She trusts in God’s mystery even when everything seems meaningless. May Mary always support our steps in difficult times. May she always say to the heart to stand up and look ahead to the horizon. She is the Mother of Hope.
Remember this community. Remember its connection to hope, unity, and recovery. Remember the strength and love of Mary, Mother of Hope.