Promoting the Family and Cultivating Hope
International Secretariats of the New Families of the Focolare Movement meeting in Mariapolis Piero, Nairobi, 23rd to 25th October 2025
The Centre for Inculturation in Mariapolis Piero, Kenya, is following the seminar of the International Secretariat of the New Families of the Focolare Movement, the first time in Africa. The gathering brings together members of the International, National, and Continental Secretariats of the New Families from across the world, under the theme “Promote the Family and Cultivate Hope”.
This theme resonates deeply with the mission of promoting dialogue between faith and culture, in family and community life. The 11th periodic School for Inculturation in 2017 dedicated its research to experiences within families. The Centre for Inculturation eventually published these experiences in the Research and Documentation series, "The Family in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar". The seminar continues to explore how families can live the Gospel in their specific cultural realities, highlighting the family as both a place of faith and a promoter of values, thus cultivating hope for society.
Day One Highlights
The first day of the seminar opened with a spirit of joy and shared purpose. Bringing together delegates from different continents, the meeting invited reflection on the theme "Promote the Family and Cultivate Hope".
Morning Session: Rediscovering the Family’s Vocation
The morning sessions set the tone for the meeting, focusing on the family's vocation as a place of encounter with God and others. Speakers emphasised that family life is not without challenges, but it becomes a space where faith is lived concretely through love, forgiveness, and daily service.
While giving a theological exposition on Chiara Lubich's mystical experience described as "Paradise '49", and exploring the birth of the charism of Unity and its deep connection to family life, Antonio Baggio explained how God’s plan for the family involves not only caring for one another but also contributing to the broader human family. The meditation reminded the participants that to love one’s spouse, partner, or child is to participate in God’s own creative love. He noted that mistakes are inevitable, but love grows stronger when rooted in freedom, respect, and mutual understanding.
Sharing Experiences
Participants from different countries shared their lived experiences, illuminating the day's reflections. Couples spoke of the joys and challenges of family life, from communication and forgiveness to the pressures of modern society. Testimonies highlighted how mutual support within family groups helps couples face difficulties together and rediscover God's presence in everyday situations. Others emphasised the importance of accompanying newly married couples in their first years and creating spaces where young people can speak freely about their hopes and struggles. Through these encounters, the concrete message of love in the family came to life in the diversity of cultures and personal stories shared.
Rediscovering the Family as a Gift
In the afternoon session, Fr. Crispin Guimarães from Brazil offered a reflection that set the tone: “The problem is not the family, but the failure to live God’s love; a love that embraces others and ourselves.” He reminded the participants that the family is not an isolated reality but part of a larger mission, to care for the world and witness God’s love within it.
Formation and Accompaniment
Discussions emphasised the importance of a personal, practical, and inculturated formation. As cultural shifts and the digital age reshape the experience of love and community, speakers highlighted the need for personalised catechesis and ongoing accompaniment for couples and young people. Listening, dialogue, and patience are essential to helping families and individuals grow in faith.
The Challenges of Young People
Another session focused on the realities facing young people today. Maria Josè Milani, a psychologist and therapist from Argentina, noted that those aged 18 to 30 often experience instability and confusion, with social media and modern culture shaping their understanding of love and commitment. Many young people, even within the Focolare Movement, struggle to reconcile faith and daily life.
She urged the participants to take note that adults must act as credible individuals, open, coherent, and welcoming. Additionally, creating small, trusting spaces for dialogue helps young people find authenticity and see that love, lived with faith, is truly possible.
Conclusion
Day One of the International Secretariats of the New Families of the Focolare Movement opened a space of deep listening, dialogue, and shared hope. The discussions, from the challenges of family formation to the cultural and generational shifts affecting young people, resonate strongly with the Centre for Inculturation's mission and its ongoing commitment to accompany families in living faith within their social and cultural realities. As the meeting continues, we remain attentive to how these reflections may inspire future research and formation initiatives, sowing seeds that nurture both families and communities in the spirit of Unity and care.
By Irene Kirung'e
Communication and Multimedia Specialist
Centre for Inculturation
Mariapolis Piero,
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