Making Dialogue a Lifestyle, Atma Jaya Catholic University's Spirit Aligns with Focolare Movement

Jakarta, 22 May 2023 - As part of the series of 63rd Anniversary events, the Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia collaborated with Focolare Movement to hold an event with the theme "Dialogue as a Lifestyle".

With more than 2 million members from 182 countries, the Focolare Movement is a spiritual and social renewal movement that aims to spread the message of unity around the world.

Dr Agustinus Prasetyantoko as the Rector of Atma Jaya Catholic University (Unika Atma Jaya) warmly welcomed the presence of the President of Focolare Movement, Margaret Karram, along with the Co-President, Father Jesus Moran, and also the members of Focolare Movement South East Asia - Pakistan (SEAP) who were present at the international meeting which was held hybridly in Yustinus Building lt. 15, Campus I Semanggi and also via zoom on Saturday (20/05).

"We are very proud and honoured to be able to host this meeting, especially because Unika Atma Jaya also faces similar challenges as a Catholic community in Indonesia with its cultural diversity," said Dr. Agustinus Prasetyantoko.

Through the involvement of its members in various forms of dialogue, Focolare Movement is committed to building brotherhood between individuals in all walks of life.

Furthermore, in his remarks, the Rector of Unika Atma Jaya said that with a similar spirit and view, Unika Atma Jaya believes that this meeting with the Focolare Movement SEAP will further strengthen brotherhood while realising dialogue activities as a good lifestyle, especially in the conditions of environmental diversity that exist.

During the meeting, representative members from each country in Southeast Asia and Pakistan, including from Indonesia, shared their experiences and life processes regarding the beginning of their respective involvement in the Focolare Movement.

"This meeting is a sign for all of us to make dialogue a way of life in our daily lives, so that we can transcend our differences," said President of Focolare Movement, Margaret Karram.

Differences are not a barrier to growing and dynamising together. Through dialogue activities, it is hoped that each individual can understand, understand and accept these differences so that they can become a unifying element.

This meeting was a special moment for all participants because they were able to experience God's love through others despite their diversity, especially through dialogue with others.

In addition to dialogue about the experience of love, each country present also showed a sense of kinship and cohesiveness by performing various performances that brought joy and joy to other participants.

One of the series of events was also a Eucharistic Celebration led by Msgr Piero Pioppo, Ambassador of the Holy See to Indonesia, with concelebrants Father Jesus Moran from Focolare Movement and Fr. Stevanus Harry Yudanto, Pr as Head of Atma Jaya Priest.

Ethnic and religious diversity within Unika Atma Jaya is also upheld through tolerance without discrimination. By instilling values that are in line with the commitment of the Focolare Movement, Unika Atma Jaya fully supports all activities that can unite differences, especially making dialogue a lifestyle.