“Costruire Ponti”. Risonanze dall’incontro dei genitori di persone LGBTQ+ del movimento dei Focolari

Articolo di Chiara Mascellani di Nessuno Solo Italia, gruppo di genitori di persone LGBTQ+ del movimento dei Focolari, sul secondo Congresso Nazionale di Nessuno Solo Italia “Costruire Ponti” (Mariapoli di Castel Gandolfo, 27-29 ottobre 2024)

Dal 27 al 29 settembre (2024), presso il Centro Mariapoli di Castel Gandolfo, si è svolto il secondo Congresso Nazionale di None alone Italia, un gruppo nato due anni fa all’interno del Movimento dei Focolari e costituito da genitori di persone LGBTQ+.

Costruire Ponti It was the title of the congress, organized to respond to the strong desire of the members of the group, which is regularly found once a month via Zoom, to meet in person to get to know each other better. We had a great desire to share elbow in elbow two whole days, sure that it would have been a unique opportunity to grow together both in the knowledge of the issues concerning the world of our children, and in personal relationships, favoring greater possibilities for the exchange of impressions and experiences.

The congress also was also a precious opportunity to invite new parents who, through the spread of the posters in all areas of Italy, have become aware of the existence of None alone. Finally, some people interested in the issues in the workplace (psychologists and psychotherapists, trainers and educators) and others who wanted to approach the first time at the subject also participated.

The program of the first day included two interventions of experts followed by the dialogue with them, the sharing of stories of parents, dialogue in the room, the exchange of impressions and experiences in small groups, some moments of meditation. In addition to those present (about about seventy), about fifteen people participated via Zoom.

The first theme of great interest, How to deal with conflicts on LGBTQ themes in Catholic contexts, treated in the morning by the Chilean psychologist Pilar Escotorin Soza, Professor of Communication theory and Prosocial Leadership at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso, Chile. Among the many highlights of the intervention, surely there was the one concerning dialogue: in order not to be sterile, it is necessary that it is "symmetrical" , so that the people involved in it "feel" on the same level, have equal dignity and nobody feels lower than or above the other.

The second intervention entitled Gender identity and sexual orientation, held in the afternoon, was held by Chiara D'Urbano, psychologist and psychotherapist, consultant of the dicastery for the clergy. Despite the vastness of the topic and the limited time available to be able to reserve the right space for dialogue, Chiara d'Urbano has been able to express the most important concepts by throwing light on many realities still dark for many of us, especially for those parents just came into contact with None alone And for the people who still knew too little and confusedly the LGBTQ+reality.

Occorre constatare però come, ancora una volta, siano state le storie dei genitori ad aver prodotto i più importanti effetti, coinvolgendo i partecipanti e aiutandoli a comprendere più profondamente anche le loro esperienze, oppure convertendo i cuori di quelle persone ancora piuttosto lontane dalle realtà da noi vissute. E non solo quelle preparate ed esposte in plenaria, ma anche le storie spontaneamente emerse durante i lavori svolti nei piccoli gruppi, all’interno dei quali tanti genitori hanno aperto la loro anima ai presenti condividendo i loro toccanti vissuti.

La seconda mattinata del Congresso è stata dedicata a un argomento molto profondo: ci è stato chiesto di rispondere alla domanda “Quali sono i punti della spiritualità dell’unità (e cioè del Movimento dei Focolari) che mi hanno aiutato a cogliere la bellezza di quello che sto vivendo?”.  Riflettere su questo punto ci ha permesso di meditare maggiormente sul nostro cammino e riconoscere come la Parola di Dio e la Sua presenza ci hanno accompagnato sempre, nella gioia e nel dolore, svelandoci i ricami di Luce che illuminavano le nostre vite.

Il versetto «Dove due o tre sono riuniti nel mio nome, io sono in mezzo a loro» (Mt 18,20), cardine della spiritualità del Movimento dei Focolari, è sembrato realizzarsi pienamente durante questi due giorni passati insieme e questo ha portato la Luce dello Spirito Santo che ha infuso fiducia, speranza e coraggio in tutti i partecipanti.

I finish sharing some precious resonances of the heart that have come to me:

«It was a meeting that gave me a great light. I carry in my heart the desire to build bridges, between generations, between people of other nations, and with young people in particular. We open the doors and build bridges! I love you. Thanks for everything "

«Saturday was an unexpected and profound gift for us. All of you have made us touch the great suffering lived by hand, followed by the resurrection. Your stories are and will really become the model for a new culture, a new road to society and for our dear Church. And we thank you for making us participate in your being pioneers, your courage and strength. We will be grateful if you keep us updated and make us participate in your meetings "

By a couple who do not live in his family this reality and participated in the congress to inquire about the subject: "This experience of sharing with families with LGBTQ+ children both in the diocese and in the group None alone, he really changed us as people and this we believe is the result of a real dialogue, possible dialogue first of all for the life experiences that families have given us "

«Thanks to everyone and everyone! It was an experience so encouraging and full of hope. I think of the children and parents who are in these situations and are going through dark and difficult moments that could be comforted and encouraged like us. In this chat you catch the unity that has been among all of you, I feel brought inside as in a big hug ».

«We followed part of the congress away and it was very enriching. There is still a lot to learn and we are sure that the Lord will guide us for the right path in the right times. Thank you all".

«We returned home with a heart full of joy. We felt regenerated by Jesus among us and your testimonies. You have been a special gift ».

"Sometimes I realize that it is not easy to remove the" previous "cultural skin, but, also thanks to the congress just finished, I was urged and the training received made me buy an important heritage".

«Your photos and your messages were a gift, I realized that we really wanted and we love each other. Thank you really to each for the love he has given full hands. Everyone, but everyone has made an irreplaceable contribution ».

«Thank you very much to everyone! These two days were precious. Back built by your testimonies: you are a great gift for me and I thank God who leads us to this adventure that will surely bring so many fruits in the movement and in the Church ».

Be praise and glory to God, who does new things new