There are moments in our life when we yearn for a new takeoff. We have been doing the same work for a long time, the situation in our family does not change, we fail to meet new friends.

I was 25 years old when I received my first invitation to attend a Mariapoli. The name stands for city of Mary. The first Mariapoli was held in the late 40s in the hamlet of Tonadico in the Dolomites, in Italy, where Chiara Lubich and her companions had retired to rest. The Mariapoli can be temporary or permanent.

That first invitation changed my life, and gave me a new takeoff, something to live for. I realised that God loves me very much, and, with the help of my friends, I could reciprocate that love. It was the turning point; I began to see my work, my family with new eyes. It opened up many new deep friendships.

The temporary Mariapoli is being held in Malta by the Focolare Movement at the Ramla Bay Resort, Marfa, from 31 March to 3 April. The theme is: “Follow your ray... the way towards love”.

Everyone is invited. It may be for you that turning point, a new takeoff. Further information can be obtained from the Focolare centres on 2138 5801 or 2148 6112; on [email protected]; [email protected]; or from www.mariapolimalta.info.

Anna Caruana Colombo

The Focolare Movement