There were 850 people present – including Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians representing Focolare communities throughout South-East Asia.

Bangkok, 7 February 2010

At the end of two days spent together in Bangkok with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti, Chun and Elena express everyone’s wish – ‘Let’s build three tents … to be able to continue listening to you.’ They had both shared many things about their lives in an extensive interview on Saturday afternoon.

There were 850 people listening to them, representing the Focolare communities from over 15 countries in South East Asia, from India to Indonesia, to Cambodia. Children, young people and adults dressed in colourful traditional costumes and hats of every shape present each country through dance and song. There were Buddhists – including monks, with Luce Ardente in the front row – Muslims and Hindus. Cardinal Vlk from Prague was also there, with Bishop Thomas Dabre from India, and Bishop Rufin Anthony from Pakistan, who had arrived early for the meeting of Asian Bishop Friends of the Focolare which will be held here over the next few days.

There were about ten Hindus from India: ‘We are so grateful to have been able to participate in this Christian gathering with such a high international profile. We have really felt part of the family. The movement includes us fully.’

The average age of this group of Focolare people gathered in the centre of Bangkok was quite young. It was like a dream come through for everyone to be able to see, greet, and listen to the new president – and even to be ‘immortalised’ in a photograph with her and the co-president. The ritual is ‘celebrated’ during the interval, in a festive yet orderly manner, with a photograph taken on the stage of each group. Each time there is a volley of clicks, coming not just from a few but a whole multitude of cameras!

The pictures in the presentations show the natural and artistic beauty of the different countries, whilst the stories tell the conviction, daring and commitment of those who have embraced the charism of unity. You can see the thirst for the infinite ingrained in these peoples and their sensitivity to the sacred that transpires also in the big and small challenges of everyday life.

‘The time is more than right’ Thuy, who works as a secretary and comes from Vietnam, makes clear, ‘ to bring Jesus’ culture to our lands and no people can claim to have it already. If we live with the Teacher amongst us, he will open the way for us to assimilate the charism of unity here in Asia.’

The final afternoon is dedicated to a question and answer session with the illustrious guests – twenty questions on many different themes, from young people to inculturation. The final question plunges us all into the heart of this spiritual family. It concerns Chiara Lubich  – since her departure there is a profound and widespread sensation that heaven and earth have never been so close together. The hall listens carefully. Maria Voce’s answer sets a golden seal on the entire encounter.

‘I was very touched by Maria and Giancarlo’s message,’ Anthony Tan, an engineer with the giant computer firm HP in Singapore, explains. ‘Each one of us must become more authentically Jesus, as Chiara did, to take evangelisation ahead in our daily lives.’

On Sunday the Gospel told of Peter’s miraculous catch of fish after Jesus’ invitation to cast his nets. It is a metaphor for the people in the hall and sounds like an invitation directed to each one of us.