From the Editors Desk

Dear Readers,

Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to follow via Internet the impressive 50th anniversary celebration in Budapest of the “Volunteers of God,” a branch of the Focolare Movement. More than 14,000 participants, through their presence, stories and presentations, gave witness to their great love for humanity. They showed their ability to build authentic relationships of fraternity in those fields where they have lived and worked.

Yes, universal brotherhood is the way that leads to peace in our world, so marked by dramatic tensions. We’ll have more about the Budapest event in the next issue.

Dialogue is a very demanding art that requires sincerity of heart, clearness of intention and responsibility in action. Dialogue is necessary today more than ever, as we build together the world of peace and fraternity so desired by everyone.

While regrettable, misunderstandings between religions—like the one provoked by the pope’s speech in Regensburg—are ultimately opportunities to deepen interfaith relations and build upon the groundwork of dialogue already laid. The Catholic Church has long been in dialogue with others of various religious convictions and will continue long after any momentary flash of controversy. “We should not treat dialogue like an ambulance that we call only in moments of crisis,” said Msgr. Felix Machado, undersecretary of the Vatican’s Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Living City’s goal has also been to promote dialogue, covering relevant events and publishing related stories of courage and creativity. Our subjects invite everyone to take the first step and initiate dialogue.

As we look forward to Thanksgiving this month, I’m reminded of this network that we are all building to lift the world—another reason to give thanks this year.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone,

Clare Zanzucchi