Mariapolis 2025 (Lipa)
05 May, 2025
Upon the invitation of Mary Ann Tolentino from the Lipa Focolare Movement, members of the Society of Christian Doctrine (SDC) participated in the final sessions of the Mariapolis 2025 gathering, organised by the Focolare Movement for its communities in Luzon. The event was held from 1st to 4th May 2025 at the Angels Hills Retreat Centre in Tagaytay City, with the SDC members attending on Sunday, 4th May 2025.
The theme for this year’s Mariapolis was Closeness: The Style of God. This theme was explored through dialogue and a series of testimonies shared by community members. Participants came from a wide range of countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Russia, Australia, Myanmar and Uganda. The encounter was characterised by a strong spirit of fraternity and a shared commitment to peace, offering the SDC members a valuable opportunity to connect with the wider Focolare community.
The final session was also graced by the presence of His Excellency Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, who concelebrated the concluding Mass alongside several Focolare priests, including Fr Andrew Camilleri, who has been serving the Tagaytay community in recent years. Following the celebration, the SDC members briefly greeted the Nuncio, who fondly recalled his time in Albania, where he had previously collaborated with SDC members in Korçë.
We give thanks to God and to the Focolare Movement for this enriching and fraternal experience!
