"Build bridges". Resonances from the meeting of parents of LGBTQ+ people of the Focolare Movement

Article by Chiara Mascalni of None only Italy, group of parents of LGBTQ+ people from the Focolare Movement, on the second national congress of None only Italy "Building bridges" (Mariapoli of Castel Gandolfo, 27-29 October 2024)

From 27 to 29 September (2024), at the Mariapoli Center of Castel Gandolfo, the second national congress of None alone Italy, a group born two years ago inside the Focolare movement and consisting of parents of LGBTQ+people.

Build bridges It was the title of the congress, organized to respond to the strong desire of the members of the group, which is regularly found once a month via Zoom, to meet in person to get to know each other better. We had a great desire to share elbow in elbow two whole days, sure that it would have been a unique opportunity to grow together both in the knowledge of the issues concerning the world of our children, and in personal relationships, favoring greater possibilities for the exchange of impressions and experiences.

The congress also was also a precious opportunity to invite new parents who, through the spread of the posters in all areas of Italy, have become aware of the existence of None alone. Finally, some people interested in the issues in the workplace (psychologists and psychotherapists, trainers and educators) and others who wanted to approach the first time at the subject also participated.

The program of the first day included two interventions of experts followed by the dialogue with them, the sharing of stories of parents, dialogue in the room, the exchange of impressions and experiences in small groups, some moments of meditation. In addition to those present (about about seventy), about fifteen people participated via Zoom.

The first theme of great interest, How to deal with conflicts on LGBTQ themes in Catholic contexts, treated in the morning by the Chilean psychologist Pilar Escotorin Soza, Professor of Communication theory and Prosocial Leadership at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso, Chile. Among the many highlights of the intervention, surely there was the one concerning dialogue: in order not to be sterile, it is necessary that it is "symmetrical" , so that the people involved in it "feel" on the same level, have equal dignity and nobody feels lower than or above the other.

The second intervention entitled Gender identity and sexual orientation, held in the afternoon, was held by Chiara D'Urbano, psychologist and psychotherapist, consultant of the dicastery for the clergy. Despite the vastness of the topic and the limited time available to be able to reserve the right space for dialogue, Chiara d'Urbano has been able to express the most important concepts by throwing light on many realities still dark for many of us, especially for those parents just came into contact with None alone And for the people who still knew too little and confusedly the LGBTQ+reality.

However, it should be noted that, once again, the stories of the parents have produced the most important effects, involving the participants and helping them to understand their experiences more deeply, or by converting the hearts of those people still rather far from realities from We lived. And not only those prepared and exhibited in the plenary, but also the stories spontaneously emerged during the works carried out in the small groups, within which many parents have opened their soul to those present by sharing their touching experiences.

The second morning of the congress was dedicated to a very deep topic: we were asked to answer the question "What are the points of the spirituality of the unit (that is, of the Focolare Movement) who have helped me to grasp the beauty of what I am experiencing?". Reflecting on this point has allowed us to meditate on our journey more and recognize how the Word of God and his presence have always accompanied us, in joy and pain, revealing the light embroidery that illuminated our lives.

The verse «Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am among them»(Mt 18.20), cornerstone of the spirituality of the Focolare movement, it seemed fully realized during these two days spent together and this brought the light of the Holy Spirit who infused trust, hope and courage in all participants.

I finish sharing some precious resonances of the heart that have come to me:

«It was a meeting that gave me a great light. I carry in my heart the desire to build bridges, between generations, between people of other nations, and with young people in particular. We open the doors and build bridges! I love you. Thanks for everything "

«Saturday was an unexpected and profound gift for us. All of you have made us touch the great suffering lived by hand, followed by the resurrection. Your stories are and will really become the model for a new culture, a new road to society and for our dear Church. And we thank you for making us participate in your being pioneers, your courage and strength. We will be grateful if you keep us updated and make us participate in your meetings "

By a couple who do not live in his family this reality and participated in the congress to inquire about the subject: "This experience of sharing with families with LGBTQ+ children both in the diocese and in the group None alone, he really changed us as people and this we believe is the result of a real dialogue, possible dialogue first of all for the life experiences that families have given us "

«Thanks to everyone and everyone! It was an experience so encouraging and full of hope. I think of the children and parents who are in these situations and are going through dark and difficult moments that could be comforted and encouraged like us. In this chat you catch the unity that has been among all of you, I feel brought inside as in a big hug ».

«We followed part of the congress away and it was very enriching. There is still a lot to learn and we are sure that the Lord will guide us for the right path in the right times. Thank you all".

«We returned home with a heart full of joy. We felt regenerated by Jesus among us and your testimonies. You have been a special gift ».

"Sometimes I realize that it is not easy to remove the" previous "cultural skin, but, also thanks to the congress just finished, I was urged and the training received made me buy an important heritage".

«Your photos and your messages were a gift, I realized that we really wanted and we love each other. Thank you really to each for the love he has given full hands. Everyone, but everyone has made an irreplaceable contribution ».

«Thank you very much to everyone! These two days were precious. Back built by your testimonies: you are a great gift for me and I thank God who leads us to this adventure that will surely bring so many fruits in the movement and in the Church ».

Be praise and glory to God, who does new things new