The Focolare Movement, a Catholic movement founded in Italy in the 1940s, organised the meeting of the Mariapolis, i.e. 'City of Mary'. The aim was to meet and live the values of unity, love and peace, and responded to the appeal of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The theme of the meeting was 'Witnesses of Faith' and the creation of spaces for spiritual and human formation for local Christians. The meeting took place on 6 and 7 July at the Talita Qomi school in Beit Jala. Marco De Salvo Focolare Community - Holy Land The primary mission of the Focolare is to be a witness to the presence of Jesus among those who love one another. Where two or three love one another and are united in my name, I will be in their midst. That is why the objective of the Focolare is to have this presence in society as Christians. That way Jesus himself is in the midst of people who want each other and are witnesses of love and hope, especially in these difficult times that everyone is going through. Angelique Rock Bethlehem Let us meet here, in community, to live the word of the Gospel, to live the idea of unity and fraternity. The theme of our meeting this year is 'Witnesses of Faith'. How we can bear witness to Christ and live the idea of loving one another, helping us to deepen our understanding of the Word of the Gospel and the Word of God. It helps us to live according to the teachings of our Master Jesus Christ and makes our lives easier in the difficult circumstances in which we live. In its meetings, the Focolare Movement brings together hundreds and thousands of Christians from all over the world. The aim is to strengthen their awareness and belonging, and to strengthen their role as human beings, building bridges between individuals, groups and peoples, as witnesses of the love of Jesus Christ. Anton Balout Bethlehem We come here to live the gospel in our lives. We live by the commandment that Jesus Christ taught us, the greatest commandment is to love one another. The Gospel is always present among us. When I cannot find a solution to my problem and listen to the experiences of others, a solution to that problem forms in my head. We are all family, our children meet new friends, and when we arrive and leave the Mariapolis we become different people. St Paul the Apostle says: "Let it not come to me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ", and the psalmist says: "make known his works among the people". How many people need this call, at a time when death has claimed so many victims and one wonders if there will be more. Read More