From December 7 to 10, 2023, Loppiano offers the Focolare Movement’s most characteristic event: the Mariapolis.
THE MARIAPOLIS: WHAT IS IT?
Literally it means “city of Mary.” And it is an experience that saw the light of day in the summer of 1949, in the mountains of Trent, when Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, began to spend periods of rest together with the young community that had blossomed from her charism, also attracting up there an increasing number of young people, families, workers, professionals, politicians. Everyone was invited to live the law of evangelical love – “[…] That you love one another; as I have loved you.” (Jn. 15:12-13) -, The participants experienced its revolutionary power. In that difficult postwar period, while the wounds inflicted by World War II were still open, South Tyroleans and Italians, French and Germans met at the Mariapolis and witnessed how hatred and grudges melted away.
“Truck drivers, students and doctors, pharmacists and politicians, arrived at the Mariapolis where we are already equal. If we are brothers and sisters here, why should professions count more?” goes an old song which was in vogue in the first Mariapolis, and which well expresses the sense of fraternity that was in the air, capable of infecting and attracting so many. As early as 1959, more than 10,000 people came to Fiera di Primero, region of Trent, from 27 countries, including Taiwan and Brazil. Today, this original workshop of communion, knowledge and fraternity among different cultures and peoples involves about 180 countries around the world.
THE MARIAPOLIS “GROWING THE FRATERNITY”
It was on this model that the so-called “permanent Mariapolis,” the citadels of the Movement, arose. The first one born is precisely Loppiano, in 1964.. And it is here that, from December 7 to 10, a “Mariapolis in a Mariapolis,” will take place. It is entitled “Building Fraternity.”
Through workshops, seminars, artistic performances, debates, good deeds, moments of play, prayer or the simple sharing of time and experiences, each participant will be able to discover his or her irreplaceable vocation to build a more fraternal and united world. This will also enable us to creatively put ourselves on line and engage together in building bridges of dialogue, mutual knowledge and welcome as we return to our cities.
COSTS
Period: December 7-10, 2023
Arrival on 7/12 by 10:00 p.m. (dinner excluded from package) – Departure on 10/12 after lunch
Costs (tick the package chosen):
❑ Housing option in CITTADELLA.
Double/multiple room with shared bathroom (only some with en-suite bathroom)
Euro 230.00 per person full board
❑ Accommodation option c/o Inhabitants of LOPPIANO (limited places)
Euro 180.00 per person full board
❑ Room option in HOTELS or ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES in the area.
Euro 290.00 per person full board – single room with en-suite bathroom
Euro 250.00 per person full board – double room with en-suite bathroom
❑ YOUTH package – dormitory accommodation
Euro 150.00 per person full board
Included in the price:
- participation fee
- Room and board from the night of arrival to Sunday lunch
- shuttle service throughout the period
(for arrivals and departures please advise the time in advance).
NB: Participants are advised to come by car to facilitate travel.
PLEASE NOTE
- For those who wish, other accommodation options adaptable according to needs are also provided.
- FAMILY PACKAGE (4 people or +) – 10% discount on the total based on the package chosen
- In the double room option we ask you to indicate the person with whom you wish to share the room. The organizing secretariat will not make pairings between non-cohabiting participants.
- You are requested to report any DIET or INTOLERANCE.
Reservations must be received by 11/30/23.
For all other information contact:
Welcoming Service
