February 2010

President Niwano Welcomes Leaders of Focolare Movement

Two leaders of the Focolare Movement, Dr. and Mrs. Alberto Friso, visited Rissho Kosei-kai headquarters in Tokyo on February 22 and met President Nichiko Niwano in the Great Sacred Hall. The Focolare Movement is a worldwide Catholic lay movement based in Italy. Dr. and Mrs. Friso are responsible for its New Family Movement. Dr. Friso is also a member of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family. Also present were Ms. Lilù MacDowell, a representative of the Focolare Movement in Japan, and other leaders of Rissho Kosei-kai: Rev. Kosho Niwano, president-designate; Rev. Yasutaka Watanabe, chair of the Board of Trustees; Rev. Keiji Kunitomi, deputy director of the General Affairs Bureau; and Dr. Munehiro Niwano, dean of Rissho Kosei-kai Gakurin Seminary.

The activities of the New Family Movement, launched in 1967 as part of the welfare activities of the Focolare Movement, include teaching children to read, vocational training, and education support for parents worldwide.

The topics at the meeting included the recent visit of the new Focolare president, Ms. Maria Voce, to Rissho Kosei-kai's headquarters in mid-January, and the two organizations' long-term friendship.

President Niwano expressed delight over meeting Focolare members in other countries, saying, "Focolare members always welcome me with a down-home atmosphere." Mrs. Friso replied, "I think the two organizations place a similar emphasis on family values. . . . It is necessary in today's world for religious organizations to offer a helping hand with family issues." She also stressed the importance of family harmony for raising children in a wholesome atmosphere. Dr. Friso, observing that longer workdays have lessened the time European parents spend talking to each other, said, "It is vital for parents not only to talk more with each other but also for them to discuss sincerely what is important for their family life."

[back to News Archive]