Meeting with Patience (Saturday evening) + Maria Ghislandi

Maria (with her arm in plaster!)

Patience wanted to have supper with us, but as we are staying in Sassone, and there are over 1000 volunteers here, we haven't had a chance for a meeting. We grabbed her on stage this evening after our contribution to a lovely musical end to the day, which was a joint rendition of Bethany's song, We Believe in Love. She took the time to greet us warmly, and would love to come to UK - we need to invite her! She urged us not to be afraid to make mistakes, its better to try things than be too timid, and to feel able to contact the Volunteers at the Centre about anything. It is clear that she wants us to go ahead together, not just look to her or anyone else to take the initiative. During the last session Patience told us her story - very powerful, and answered some questions. She wants the Volunteers to be enthusiastic - if we are living our vocation it will be attractive to the Gen - and to help the focolarine. She is a powerful woman, very centred in God, and approachable. We are fortunate to have her as our delegate, a real sister for each of us. We also had the joy of seeing Maria Ghislandi who came back from Milan to say hello. She had her arm in plaster, having fallen before Christmas, which she spent in hospital instead of with her family in Milan as planned. She told us that is was a chance to have some time out, as it also came after the reality of moving from her position as delegate for many years. She had to take the step to make a new choice of God - 'Every "Yes" is a new incarnation'. She and Gian Franco have found a tiny flat in Milan and will move back there when they can sell their house in Grotta Ferrata. She will come again on Sunday to introduce the meditation.

Patience urged us to write to her if we have anything we want to say, or ask, or share:
 centrovolontarie@focolare.org