In 300 -representing the Focolare community- from all over the Country met with the President of the Movement.They arrived to Lahore -one of the historic cities of Pakistan- from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Faisalabad and Hyderabad and from other smaller cities. They even arrived from the far south, Karachi -20 hours away by train.

The three hundred representatives of the community of the Movement of Pakistan had never met all together before.

This exception was due to an appointment they had been waiting for a long time: Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti’s visit. It was the first time a President and a co-president of the Focolare Movement visited Pakistan.  Chiara Lubich had to go in the year 2002 while in an Asian tour. However, after the Twin Towers attack the visit had been cancelled.  Since then, the community of the Movement -which arrived to Pakistan in 1965-  kept dreaming this day. Dream that, finally, now has come true.

The president and co-president were welcomed with a garland of flowers, dances, songs and loving hearts.  Hugs here are a way to express warm-hearted greetings. Many were the hugs given and the pictures taken. Also the Catholic Church welcomed them warmly through the bishop Lawrence Saldanha, his auxiliary and the bishops of Islamabad-Rawalpindi and of Faisalaba. Later that day, they celebrated Mass.

The highest moment of  those two days together was the dialog with the two guests. The questions asked mirrored the reality of the country and highlighted the crucial issues they have to tackle.  Much importance was given to the condition of women, to the meaning of pain amid tensions and the security that only faith in God-Love can give to a country lacking of security.

The nice pictures taken with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti will witness the emotions of those days and tell future generations that even though it was a long wait it was worthwhile.

Paolo Lòriga