Have you ever witnessed an unusual event that left a lasting impression on you, and you felt the desire to share it with others? Or, conversely, could it be that someone has shared something with you that was of vital importance to them?

This month's theme invites us to bear witness and share positive experiences capable of transforming our lives and our society.

Cezar Kurti, an Albanian writer and translator of non-religious persuasion, used to say that the words of the historical Jesus, whom he considered one of humanity's greatest martyrs, had always fascinated him. Throughout his life, with love and humility, he sought to bear witness to the value of unity and brotherhood among all men, translating for his people the Divine Comedy of Dante and the Meditations by Chiara Lubich.

The history of many communities throughout the centuries that have shared the life proposal that Jesus made to the people of his time invites us to explore the intrinsic power of his words, which still resonate strongly within us today, inviting us to fraternal communion and the construction of more supportive societies, communities founded on the intimate and profound communion of life, more attentive to the inequalities that surround us, more inclined to actions of peace.

Seeing today the experience of people of different faiths, political views, ethnicities, and cultures who love one another fraternally and seek together to improve the lives of those around them is a testimony that makes us see fraternity on a small or large scale and pushes us to the full conviction that universal brotherhood is possible. Their testimony attracts and infects us. Within ourselves and together with others, we will find the strength to bear witness to this with our lives, overcoming fears and anxieties.

The women and men who followed Jesus were transformed by hearing his messages, and we too can bear witness today that the love he offers sets us free, breaks down all barriers, and unites us all as true brothers and sisters.

Let us join our small forces, our talents, using our creativity and freedom to embark on this path of fraternity with ever greater courage, knowing that living mutual love is contagious because it responds to a vital need of every person.

Our testimony can encourage and inspire others who, seeing us, join us in working with loyalty and transparency in building that common good to which we all aspire.