August-September 2006

Pope Benedict XVI welcomes church movements to Rome at Pentecost, encouraging them to be “light in a bewildered world.”

In 1986, Pope John Paul II called for religious leaders to convene in Assisi, Italy, to pray for peace. Since then, each year the Community of Sant’Egidio, a Rome-based lay movement, has sponsored a similar peace-building event.

When the time comes to make choices, even small ones, oftentimes people don’t know what to do; they’re not sure what’s best and are prone to think that whatever is chosen wouldn’t change anything anyway.

Recently, I received a story from Gabriela Tognetti of Argentina about how she is able to live out the Gospel concretely even in the complicated and demanding world of the entertainment industry.

Known in the world as a hotbed of violence, East Timor, on the grounds of Don Bosco School, became the site of jubilation and excitement for thousands of people who have sought refuge from the upheavals.

Based in Montreal, Canada, Spiritours offers travelers an opportunity to focus on the spiritual dimension of life, a chance to stop, reflect and refresh themselves on their journey through encounters with other cultures.

The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”

In an effort to understand the foundation of apostolic activities, we continue our series of articles on the first followers of Christ. Who were the Twelve whom Jesus himself chose as his main collaborators?

It’s the little things in life that loom up before us as great problems and cause the most dissension. This is true in a religious community, as well. But the Gospel is always the guide in these situations.

On the Vigil of Pentecost, June 3, 2006, Pope Benedict met with Catholic movements. Read the profound and heartfelt thank you written by Chiara Lubich and given on behalf of all the ecclesial movements and new communities represented in St Peter's square.