Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, spoke at Genfest 2024 in Aparecida (Brazil) on the theme of peace. Her speech was part of a moment dedicated to this theme and to the commitment of young people to build it everywhere on earth.
We have just heard stories of peace expressed in the most varied nuances: songs, prayers, experiences, concrete projects. All of this strengthens in us the confidence and hope that It is possible to be peace buildersPope Francis says we must be “artisans of peace” every day. This requires perseverance and patience, allowing us to look with love upon all the brothers and sisters we encounter along our path.
From this Genfest we have learned that peace begins with me, with small gestures of care for people, for our communities, and for creation.
Where to start then?
We have said it several times in recent days: breaking down all the barriers that divide us, to live for brotherhood. And this we can do:
- Discovering that our common humanity is more important than all our differences.
- Then, by being willing to forgive and making gestures of reconciliation. Because forgiveness means telling the other person: "You are worth much more than your actions."
And as we did in the first phase of Genfest, let us continue, even when we return home, being artisans of peace in our relations, taking the first step toward others. It will be love that inspires us what to do, who to turn to. Let us forgive without waiting for the other to apologize.
May this Genfest be the moment of our YES TO PEACE.
We must never feel alone again: in these days we have seen and certainly experienced the power of “together.” Let us join all those who live and work for peace.The communities we will build in Phase Three are already a possible path.
I conclude with a very beautiful poem entitled “Peace is built”:
Open your eyes to visions of peace!
Speak a language of peace!
Make gestures of peace!
Because the practice of peace leads to peace.
Peace is revealed and offered to those who realize,
day after day,
all forms of peace of which they are capable.[1]
Margaret Karram
[1] Poetry by John Paul II
